Beth Rumsey
Staff Writer

The Jac-Cen-Del Elementary is preparing for the ISTEP testing, reported Travis Rohrig, sixth grade instructor, at the regular board meeting on Wednesday, February 17. Rohrig said students and staff are ready to go “over the top” to improve their testing scores.

Tutoring is being offered to students in two different formats. One is Supplemental Educational Services (SES) and remediation. Due to expenses being low with the first round of tutoring, the elementary has been able to offer additional tutoring to prepare for ISTEP.

“Our goal is to have students who are on the cusp to push themselves into different categories of passing,” said Rohrig.

Rohrig also explained a new system that measures the growth of an individual student. He said the state’s expectation is to have the student achieve one year of growth regardless of which level they are currently performing. More information on the growth model will be released periodically through the year. More information can be found by visiting www.doe.in.gov/growthmodel.

Students participating in the Rube Goldberg contest placed fourth in the national competition, building a machine to dispense hand sanitizer.

Good Friday will be used as a snow make up day, with the school year extended one day after Memorial Day. Graduation will continue on the day scheduled.

The annual performance report highlighted the total cost per student has increased to $9300. This is due to the decrease in attendance. Also highlighted, the drop out rate and graduation rate has increased as well as ISTEP scores improving.

In other business:

• Out of district tuition was approved at $600 for those students transferring after the state count day as per state regulations.

• The resignation of Tammy Shaw as varsity softball coach was approved with a vote of 3-1 with Deanna Young voting against.

• The “I Caught You” award was presented to Superintendent Bill Narwold for the hard work and dedication in preparing for the remodeling projects at the schools.

• The board approved the resignation of Lynaya Hess as Osgood Public Library Board member. Those living in Center or Delaware townships who are interested in becoming a board member can contact Superintendent Narwold.

All board members were in attendance with the exception of Bill Roberts. The next meeting will be held on Wednesday, March 17 beginning at 6 p.m. at the high school cafeteria.