Karen Reynolds
Contributing Writer

At the regular meeting of the South Ripley School Board of Trustees it was announced that graduation would be held May 30. Superintendent Ted Ahaus informed the board that the weather wavier request submitted to the state was approved, making the last student day at South Ripley Schools May 29.

According to Assistant Superintendent Dr. John Mehrle, the elementary school has met adequate yearly progress (AYP), but the high school did not. He noted that efforts to meet corporation goals will continue.

Teachers who make up the PL221 Steering Committee were in attendance at the meeting and gave a demonstration of many projects going on at the elementary school, including curriculum, alignment and mapping. This also includes acuity testing, response to intervention (RTI), wireless generation products, and differentiated instruction programs (DIP).

Presenting teachers were David Brawner, Meganmarie Dennis, Marlene Downey, Lisa Gilpin, Ryan Lauber, Lease Nay, Jeanne Shivers, Kristin Stone, Amber Wenning, and Janice Wilson. Principals Mark Collier and Amy Linkel attended and gave input at the meeting.

Ryan Lauber shared the way a small electronic chalkboard is making a difference in the 3-4-5 grade classrooms. The elementary school has purchased one of these chalkboards and 30 clicker responders at the approximate cost of $1500. Those attending the meeting were given the opportunity to use the chalkboard.

Two elementary students were recognized at the South Ripley School Board regular meeting on April 20 - Michael Bradley, Spelling Bee winner and Sarah Boyken Geography Bee winner. Both students were presented with a certificate of recognition, a pin, a Raider sticker and an umbrella.

Unanimous approval was given for the upcoming 2009 Jump Start Summer School program and teachers to work this program as presented by Principal Mark Collier. Unanimous approval was also given for the use of two instructors for the 2009 Summer Driver Education program as requested by Principal Bob Meyer. Board member Jim Miller questioned the impact of this program due to lower participation and asked how low the participation could go before the program would cease. Ahaus stated that the corporation only has two instructors, and two cars for 2009 and 30 students need to sign up to keep the program going.

Unanimous approval was given to approve MacMillan/McGraw-Hill as the vendor for the elementary school social studies books.

Ahaus presented the first reading on the elementary and high school student handbooks for the 2009-2010 school year. Approval of such will be sought at the May meeting.

Kelly Sparks was given unanimous approval to take eight of her junior journalism students to the 86th Annual Scholastic Journalism Convention held at Columbia University in New York on March 17-19, 2010. Students who attend will raise their own money for the trip. This request included granting Sparks some professional days for the trip.

Personnel changes unanimously approved included:

• Resignation of Sam Durham as boys varsity cross-country coach, effective immediately.

• Resignation of Tony Lloyd as 8th grade boys basketball coach, effective immediately.

• Creation of a new third shift custodial position for the high school as of July 1, 2009. This position is needed due to the increase in square footage at the high school.

• Employment of Chelsea Durham to serve as summer receptionist at the elementary school for the summer of 2009.

• Family medical intermittent leave for Tammy Hartman retroactive to April 1, 2009.

• Extension of Sandy Howard’s workday to eight hours per day during Hartman’s FMLA leave.

• Formation of the 2009 Summer Work Crew at the high school as submitted by Principal Bob Meyer and Danny Ketchum, maintenance supervisor.

• Formation of the 2009 Summer Work Crew at the elementary school as submitted by Principal Mark Collier and Charlie Thomas, maintenance supervisor.

Under Financial News:

• Business Manager Lana Miller informed the board that the Department of Local Government Finance has begun work on the 2009 budgets. Board member Jim Miller questioned Miller and Ahaus about stimulus monies designated for South Ripley. Ahaus stated that he and Miller had been to several meetings and are waiting for clarification of uses for IDEA Part B monies. Once that clarification is received, a budget can be developed. Title One Coordinator Amy Linkel will develop a budget for the Title One Stimulus monies. Unanimous approval was given.

• The monthly claims submitted to MainSource Bank for the building project were $753,684.00.
Superintendent Ahaus said that the building project “continues to move along on schedule.” Board members enjoyed the PL221 presentation. Board member, Robert Garcia offered to share pictures of what schools look like in Iraq. He said it was great to be home after serving recently in Iraq.

Board members in attendance were Robert Garcia, Gil Landwehr, Randy McIntosh, Jim Miller, Ralph Miller, and Tim Taylor. Superintendent Ted Ahaus, Assistant Superintendent John Mehrle, along with attorney Merritt Alcorn, were also in attendance. The next school board meeting will be held May 18 at 6:30 p.m.