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November 29, 2012

Handbook amended at Milan School Board mtg.

Cindy Ward
Staff Writer

The Board of School Trustees met in regular session at 7 p.m., Monday, November 19, in the school administration building. Attending were board members Linda Baker, Edward Amberger, and Timothy Tuttle, board president. Also attending was Superintendent Dr. Thomas Reale and Larry Eaton, school attorney. Gregory Lewis and Randy Kirk were absent.

Tuttle presided over the meeting, which opened with the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by the approval of the minutes from the regular meeting held Monday, October 22.

The employee handbook was the first item of discussion. During the October meeting, approval of the newly revised handbook was tabled, because concern was raised over Line 8, which stated that Southeastern Career Center bus drivers must accept substitute bus driver assignments if that is the only route they have.

Career Center bus drivers, Linda Hyde and Debra Hackman, addressed the board at the October meeting, saying they felt singled out for harassment due to the wording of Line 8 and requested to be grandfathered as exempt from this one line of the description. Both have been with the corporation in excess of 10 years.

"This was on your agenda last month and you tabled it for further consideration and asked for one revision that has been made.(Line 8 was removed) So, I make the same recommendation as last month that we approve this employee handbook," said Dr. Reale.

Baker made a motion, which was seconded by Amberger to approve the employee handbook with the revisions made. The motion carried 3-0.

Next, Dr. Reale instructed board members to refer to their copy of the proposed student email use policy that he and principals recently put together.

"As you know, we have made our buildings wireless as part of our 21st Century learning initiative. All students have been issued email accounts," said Dr. Reale. "The principals felt that it would be advisable if we had a board policy dictating the dos and don'ts of the student use of their school-issued email accounts."

Tuttle asked if the school's firewall is sufficient to guard students from visiting inappropriate websites. Dr. Reale told him that they had just upgraded to a different company two weeks prior and that he feels the appropriate safeguards are in place. He then asked board members to think it over and bring any questions or concerns that they have to the next meeting.

The next item discussed was the school calendar for 2013.

"Of course, we don't have a calendar adopted for the next school year yet. And, I don't have a proposal for you tonight, but I wanted to begin that discussion," said Dr. Reale. He told about meeting with other superintendents and their summarization of how their year has been so far.

"I've discussed the calendar with the principals and I've discussed it with the Teacher's Association. I can have something for you next month as a point of discussion," Dr. Reale said.

Next on the agenda was the corporation car. Dr. Reale informed board members that the car is in need of major transmission repairs, as well as routine maintenance, to make it road-worthy. He said that he has gotten repair estimates together and the cost to repair it will be $1,300.

Following some discussion, it was agreed upon to get an estimate on the value of the vehicle and then vote next month on whether or not $1,300 is a reasonable investment.

Other items voted on and unanimously approved were:

• Three fundraising requests for the middle and high school.

• To hire a co-sponsor for the middle school cheerleading squad. Dr. Reale said that this would not cost the corporation any money, as the co-sponsor would split the stipend with the sponsor due to this being a single-stipend position.

• The claims and financial report.

The meeting ended with Dr. Reale and other board members wishing all in attendance a safe and happy Thanksgiving.

The next meeting of the Milan Board of School Trustees will be at 7 p.m., Monday, December 17 at the school administration building.

Versailles man says he'll never give up his dream of writing

Wanda English Burnet
Editor

Most days Greg Landwehr, Versailles, can be found at the CashSaver Market, where he is employed as an associate in the frozen/dairy department.

Landwehr also has other passions - Nascar and writing - and he has combined the two.

A book entitled "A Tribute to NASCAR" published by Westbow Press was written by Landwehr. Photography in the book is provided by Getty Images. Soon the book will be published ten years and Landwehr still hasn't had Nascar officials take a serious look at his talent. "If they would just realize what an impact my book would have on the sport, they would embrace it," Landwehr told The Versailles Republican.

"A Tribute to NASCAR", is a 30-page colorful, softback book designed to allow fans to obtain autographs. But, it has much more. Landwehr put a lot of thought in connecting music and Nascar, combined with photos of favorite drivers, cars and races, designed in a way even a rookie could follow.

A Nascar fan since 1994, Landwehr has followed the sport with a fervency that shows in the publication he has written. Truly a tribute to the sport, the book reflects not only his personal passion, but is a keepsake for every Nascar fan. Each page is titled at the top with words to a song written by Landwehr that reflect the sport.

Landwehr said he intended his book to be sold as an autograph book at each Nascar event; however, that hasn't happened yet. And, it's not because the author hasn't tried. He has a running history of calling every lead, every agent, everyone's next of kin if he has to, to try to get somewhere with the publication. Time after time he's been rejected.

Not one to give up easily, Landwehr really started his writing career in 1992 with his first work, entitled "Dreams Do Come True". He says he believes strongly in those four words.

Early attempts at writing for the South Ripley High School graduate ran the gamut from story lines for Star Trek/The Next Generation, a poliltical thriller to He Stood Alone, which were story lines for a Christian film. Many other stories were sent to Hollywood through a signatory agent, but Landwehr didn't sell any of those.

Landwehr said when he was about to give up altogether on his writing, and just enjoy Nascar races, he heard Josh Turner, who is famously known for his deep voice in "Long Black Train". He said the inspiration from words from his songs made him pick up his pen and start all over, writing again.

At the age of 55, Landwehr continues his dream of combining two passions into one to offer Nascar fans something they can be proud of along with him.

Landwehr says sometimes it seems like he's in a valley as far as his writing career goes. He said he worked as a union floor layer for 25 years, driving long distances and experiencing long hard days at work. But, at night, the real fun would begin when he would write.

"God gave me the ability to write and He just doesn't send us on a wild goose chase. I will succeed," Landwehr told The Versailles Republican.

His book can be purchased directly through the publisher at www.westbowpress.com.

Landwehr says he's not a quitter and will continue to tell anyone who will listen about his book.

WANDA ENGLISH BURNETT PHOTO

Greg Landwehr always has a smile on his face as he goes about his job as an associate in the frozen/dairy department of the CashSaver Market in Versailles. Just ask him about Nascar and he'll be glad to tell you about his book and the sport he loves.

To read these and more articles pick up a copy of The Versailles Republican at your local store or subscribe by clicking on the link above or by calling 812-689-6364.

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