Beth Rumsey
Staff Writer

Jac-Cen-Del Elementary School Principal Leanne Phillippe updated the school board on the spring ISTEP+ scores at the regular board meeting on Wednesday, August 18.

According to Phillippe, all grades saw an overall improvement in their scores from the previous year.

Phillippe explained that the greatest gains are in the special education classes where there is an increase in inclusion and higher expectations of the students. According to Phillippe, these scores are competitive with the area schools.

Jason Hughes updated the board on the summer recreation program. According to Hughes, the program saw an increase of 26 more students than last year for a total of 271 students participating. He explained that this increase was due to encouraging more students to get involved.

In other business:

• The JCD board was recognized as an outstanding school board by the Indiana School Board Association.

• The transfer of $23,197.70 from the Rainy Day fund for severance and retirement was approved.

• The re-hiring of Amy Burton as an instructional aide was unanimously approved.

• The master contract for 2009-2010; 2010-2011; 2011-2012; and 2012-2013 was unanimously approved.

• The PL 221 improvement plans for the high school and the elementary were approved.

• Lisa Bradshaw was unanimously approved to replace Ruth Westerman as board member on the Osgood Public Library Board.

• The recommendation to deny a request to hold a benefit athletic event was approved with a vote of 4-1 with Deanna Young voting against.

• The September and October meetings will be held at the high school cafeteria.

All board members were in attendance. The next meeting will be held on Wednesday, September 15 beginning at 6:30 p.m. at the high school cafeteria.