Williams Characterizing his new position as a "professional opportunity too good to be true," Delphi Community School Corporation Superintendent John Williams read his letter of resignation at the Monday night board of trustees' meeting.

The resignation, effective June 30, 2006, was accepted unanimously by board members. Williams said his official start date with the Rushville Consolidated School Corporation is July 1.

According to the Rushville Republican, Williams was offered the position of superintendent of public schools.

Board member Pat George called Williams' work ethic "tenacious" and his leadership "decisive" during his tenure at DCSC.

"Thank you for the impact you've made on our community," said board member Jerry Sparks.

"Thank you for your help and guidance," said board president Robert Resler near the end of the meeting.

Drivers' Education

Williams recommended drivers' education not be offered this summer due to cost, low participation numbers and a possible legal conflict concerning how fees are applied for services.

"There are other alternatives (for those wanting to take drivers' education)," he said.

George, noting the course has already been offered, suggested it be "canceled" due to lack of enrollment numbers.

Instructor Donald Brothers urged board members to delay making a final decision. He said he would modify his contract salary to accommodate the number of students taught.

High school principal Keith Brakel said the established deadline for enrollment is May 15.

The matter was tabled until May 15 when a special meeting was set to address the issue.

Other news

Members of the Academic Super Bowl Team were introduced and presented with certificates of appreciation by Resler. The team of 15 finished as one of the top six schools in the state competition.

Science teacher Patricia Mason provided a science facilities report for board members to consider as they begin discussions about renovating the department.

"Some of the facilities are adequate," she said. "And some are not."

Mason said the lab is "severely under-powered" with a "lack of physical space." She provided resource information for consideration.

Brakel recommended board members investigate architectural firms for design work "soon."

"This is a long-range project," Williams said. He said it would be prudent to begin discussions about what is needed and how to accomplish the task in the near future.

Lorenze, Williams and Clinton were approved as architects for the athletic track project. Their fee will be five to six percent of the final costs, according to Williams.

Williams announced the state reduced funding levels for summer school. The corporation

may be required to pay an additional $28,000 for the classes already planned for this summer.

Williams was given permission to apply for Title I funds and advertise for cafeteria bids.

F&G Engineering was approved to correct low water pressure in the middle and high schools.

An agreement for $14,987 with Cisco Support for phone systems, routers and hubs was approved.

Boys' basketball, girls' basketball, volleyball, football, swimming, tennis, and cheerleading were approved as summer sports camps and programs.

Calvary Chapel Church will use the middle school gym from June through Aug. 4.

Twin Lakes Area Aquatics will use the high school pool from July 10 to Aug. 29.

The eighth-grade choir and band will travel to Kings Island May 13.

Resignations for high school athletic secretary, corporation office assistant treasurer, and corporation superintendent were accepted.

Employment approved: Judy Smith, nine-month sweeper at Hillcrest; Dave Schneider, varsity girls' basketball coach; Stacy McCabe, varsity swim coach; Michael McCabe, assistant varsity swim coach; William Maynard, volunteer assistant football coach; Sarah Hoss, varsity cheerleading coach; and Scott Gear, assistant boys'/girls' tennis coach.

Transfers included Charlotte Crowder, Hillcrest nine-month sweeper to nine-month custodian; and Debbie Farrell, high school principal's secretary to assistant treasurer.

AMay 10 executive session to be held at 6:30 p.m. was announced. A special board meeting was scheduled for May 15 at 7 p.m. to decide about driver's education and a new hire.

The next regular board meeting will be May 22 at 7 p.m. Principal Reports:

High school Brakel announced students and staff donated 127 units of blood during last week's blood drive. Seniors will take finals at the National Guard Armory again this year.

Middle School Principal JoAnn Allard reported 21 students were inducted into the National Junior Honor Society last week. Handbook revisions were completed and will be presented in the near future.

Camden Elementary Principal Debby Williams announced students garnered 46,983 points in the Reading Counts program. Top readers will be announced May 12 and will be rewarded by attending an Indianapolis Indians game with Williams May 15. Students have collected one million poptop tabs for Ronald McDonald House. A corporate representative will visit the school Wednesday for a recognition celebration.

Hillcrest Elementary Principal Bill Shidler announced first-grader Billy Bennett was selected as "Principal for a Day" for his fundraising efforts. Bennett will be principal May 19 and said he has numerous issues he plans to work on during his time in office. More than 1,600 books have been distributed to students to own through the Reading is Fundamental Program. The school will observe "Drop Everything and Read" at 2:40 p.m. that day.