Wanda English Burnett
Editor

According to Dr. John Mehrle, superintendent of South Ripley schools, the schools have made significant strides in academic improvement.

Under the PL221 state accountability system, there are five rankings: Exemplary Progress, Commendable Progress, Academic Progress and Academic Probation and Academic Probation.

The South Ripley School Corporation has an overall rating of Commendable Progress. The elementary school moved up two levels and is now rated Exemplary Progress. This is the highest rating possible. The high school moved up one level to Academic Progress. Dr. Mehrle informed the board that 70% of high schools in the state of Indiana at this time are on Academic Watch. He believes that in addition to the junior high ISTEP scores, which were second highest in the state relative to growth, these ratings demonstrate that the hard work of the staff is beginning to show results. He stated that he is “proud of the staff, they have done a good job.”

Unanimous decisions were made for the following personnel issues at the October regular meeting of the board of trustees:

• The transportation supervisor position will be aligned with the hourly rate of the elementary and high school maintenance directors.

• Employment of Dan Goris to fill the position of transportation supervisor effective November 15, 2010. Robert Garcia, board member, abstained so the vote was 5-0.

• FMLA approved for Rodney Hite, effective October 11, 2010 to October 24, 2010.

• FMLA approved for Pauline Doan from December 17, 2010 to January 31, 2011.

• Retirement approved for Barbara Shadday, corporation bus driver, effective October 31, 2010. Lana Miller read a short statement from Shadday, thanking the school for her many years of employment. The board members all wished her well.

• Approved the following extra-curricular coaching assignments for the 2010-2011 school year: Shannon Schmaltz, 7th grade girls basketball; Thom Conover and Kevin Mack, girls basketball volunteer coaches; Travis Wrightsman, varsity boys baseball, Curtis Stephen, assistant baseball volunteer coach.

• Approved the resignation of Lindsay Theetge from her position of junior high soccer co-coach, effective immediately.

• Approved the resignation of Max Howard from the position of junior high soccer co-coach, effective immediately.

Under financial news:

• Approved the adoption of the 2011 general, transportation, debt service, capital projects, bus replacement and rainy day fund budget, levies and rates.

• Approved the adoption of the 12-year bus replacement plan. The 2011-2015 bus route bid night was announced for November 1.

Under other information:

• Bids were received and reviewed on October 15, for additional parking spaces at the high school. Approval was given unanimously to accept the bid from Dave O’Mara in the amount of $93,195.00.

• Approval was given for a 8th grade field trip to the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center in Cincinnati, Ohio, on November 16.

Those present at the regular meeting were Robert Garcia, Gil Landwehr, Keith Mathews, Randy McIntosh, Ralph Miller, and Tim Taylor. In addition, Dr. John Mehrle, superintendent of schools was present along with corporation attorney Merritt Alcorn and business manager Lana Miller.

Board members accept resignation of teacher

A special business meeting was held on October 25 with all board members in attendance along with Dr. John Mehrle, superintendent and attorney Merritt Alcorn.
Members made a unanimous decision to accept the resignation of Ed Newman as teacher at the high school effective November 15, 2010.

At the meeting, the board also approved the revised 2011-2015 bus route descriptions and regulations. Insurance requirements caused them to have to change the bid process to a sealed bid.

The next regular meeting will be held November 15 at the school administration office.