DCSC to offer drivers' ed with outside vendor
By Debbie Lowe

Drivers' education classes are not currently offered at the Delphi Community School Corporation due to the high cost to students which likely produced a lack of enrollment in the school-run course.

However, there will be a course offered in the spring if the Indiana All Star Driving School's plans reach fruition. With the recommendations of corporation superintendent Ralph Walker and high school principal Barry Stone, a two-year contract, with a noncompete clause, was unanimously approved by the board. The measure gives the green light to the driving school to begin preparations for the course.

The program will be offered continuously throughout the year. The cost per student will be a constant $350 for the duration of the contract.

Although the course will be housed at Delphi, All Star representative Kyle Meek suggested it could be offered to neighboring school corporations, such as Carroll Consolidated.

Camden principal

Carol Coon was named principal at Camden Elementary School, replacing Debby Williams. Williams' resignation was formally accepted by unanimous vote at the meeting. Coon will begin Nov. 13.

Board member Nick Cronk called Coon "highly qualified" for the position.

Athletic track

Board members voted unanimously to reject all bids for the athletic track renovation project. Walker was granted permission to re-bid the project in January 2007 or before, with the intention of receiving lower bids than the first round. He said the project would possibly be completed by the middle of June.

Facilities' security

Maintenance supervisor John Eller reviewed past accomplishments and current projects in a maintenance report. He referenced several items on the renovation priority list as in progress or completed.

Eller said he is researching the cost and feasibility of security cameras for all corporation buildings.

"It's for the safety of our students," he emphasized.

Calling school safety measures a "top priority," Walker agreed with Eller.

"Our children have to feel safe in our buildings," he said.

"We are attempting to get a handle on security as dollars permit," board president Robert Resler added.

Board member Melinda Rossetter suggested the board solicit input about the success of other corporations' efforts to increase building security.

New board member

Dr. Paul Brown from Rock Creek was unanimously approved as a new board member, replacing Jeff Brown who resigned. Carroll Circuit Court Judge Donald Currie performed the swearingin ceremony.

"I'm glad to be here," Brown said. "I'm looking forward to it."

Other business

Walker reported the new property tax legislation called a "circuit breaker"

may result in the loss of between $150,000 and $250,000 for the school corporation.

"The loss will be sizeable," he said.

The legislation dictates that no property owner will pay more than two percent of the assessed value of their property in property tax for taxing year 2007, payable in 2008.

Walker said in all likelihood, the corporation would have to borrow money in excess of the usual amount borrowed to pay bills.

Walker presented a funding formula for the 2007-2008 school year based on estimated property tax revenues. He said the corporation could suffer an approximate $10,499 loss to the general fund. He noted the standard guaranteed two percent increase in revenue has also gone away.

Walker was given permission to advertise for a $100,000 additional appropriation to be able to pay corporation bills until the end of the year.

Rose, the high school library dog, was introduced. According to the dog's owner, Rose visits the library Tuesdays and Thursdays and helps create a homey atmosphere for students there.

The program "Reading with Rose" encourages students to slow down, alleviate stress and enjoy the library environment while reading to the dog.

Rose was required to prove she could obey certain commands and be able to walk among groups of students and adults before being allowed to continue with the program.

Claims and payroll for $1,558,673.27 were approved.

Personnel Resignations approved:

+ Debby Williams - Camden elementary principal;

+ Jim Walker - Hillcrest fifth grade basketball coach;

+ Stacy McCabe - High school swim coach; and

+ Michael McCabe - High school assistant swim coach. Employment approved:

+ Joe Brown - Sixth grade boys' basketball coach;

+ Charlie Harris - Eighth grade volunteer boys' basketball coach;

+ Larry Owens - Seventh grade boys' basketball coach;

+ Tim Kingery - Eighth grade girls' basketball coach;

+ Dan LePage - Eighth grade boys' basketball coach;

+ Tim Alwine - Hillcrest basketball coach:

+ Rob Roth - High school assistant boys' basketball coach and varsity boys' golf coach;

+ Chris Myers - Ninth grade boys' basketball coach;

+ Derrick Hazelwood - High school volunteer assistant boys' basketball coach;

+ Diane Erskin - Middle school night custodian;

+ Al Brannan - High school boys' and girls swim coach; and

+ Carol Coon - Camden elementary principal.

Principal reports

Stone reported the PRIDE program is underway and after the first nine weeks, levels of students were determined.

To achieve any level, a student must have no discipline reports, less than four absences and earn no Ds or Fs.

Fifty-five students had a GPA of 6.0, achieving the bronze level, 101 students scored a GPA above 9.0 for the silver level and 108 students achieved a GPA above 11.0 for the gold level.

Ten teachers and administrators will attend the National Tech Prep Conference in Dallas, Texas. Four additional staff will attend the Career Academy Showcase in West Palm Beach, Fla.

Middle school principal Robert DeLaRosa reported the parent group, PACE, is reorganizing. They recently held a pep rally to recognize fall sports participants. DeLaRosa said there had been no rally held at the school in recent years. The activity was welcomed by staff and students.

During the observance of Red Ribbon Week, students held a penny war which resulted in the collection of approximately $2,000. The money will be distributed between local charities and the Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) group who hosted the competition.

The purchase and installation of a utility shed for football equipment was approved. DeLaRosa said the shed was manufactured locally.

Elementary principals were unavailable for reports due to parent-teacher conferences.

The next meeting will be Nov. 13 at 7 p.m.