Residents invited to provide input for building projects
By Kevin Schnepp

Walker

Delphi Community Board of School Trustees announced at their Monday night meeting, public input will be sought about facility needs in the coming months.

Superintendent Ralph Walker said public input will be invited by the corporation to determine plans for building upgrades.

“We want as much input as possible,” said Walker. “I want taxpayers to have input and see what we’re doing because it’s their money being spent.”

Projects such as upgrading labs, general electrical upgrades to better handle technological advances and improved lighting in classrooms are some items Walker listed for discussion.

Walker set a January deadline for each building administrator to submit 100 names of area residents to take part in the process.

He said flyers are being sent out encouraging residents to attend meetings. Walker said he hopes residents will share with neighbors who may not receive a flyer that they are welcome to attend.

“I hope we get a nice turnout from all types of taxpayers,” Walker commented. “I’d like to see participation from parents, nonparents, as well as business folks and so on.”

“What I’d really love to have is the entire community show up,” he continued. “Anyone who has an interest in improving public education.”

Walker plans to have a public meeting in each building early next year with discussions and tours. The public will then be given the option of completing a survey where they can offer additional input regarding recommended changes.

Walker concluded saying that after the board has the report, the corporation will more than likely continue hosting meetings throughout the year, particularly when it begins to apply costs to the projects.

Full-day kindergarten

The board members approved full-day kindergarten for the spring semester. Elementary principals Bill Shidler and Carol Coon made the presentation.

The self-sustaining program will cost families approximately $190 per month, according to Walker. He said assistance could be available for those at a financial disadvantage.

Shidler listed many program benefits including less transition in a young child’s day.

“According to studies, it does either good or no harm,” Shidler stated. “It’s certainly not detrimental.”

There is room for 18 to 24 students between the two schools, enough to support one teacher and an aide. A waiting list will be established if necessary.

“Teachers are excited waiting for the opportunity to implement the program,” Shidler exclaimed. “There are many benefits to fullday kindergarten, most of all for the child’s learning,” he concluded.

“I feel like we should offer it because it is successful,” board president Robert Resler added.

Corporation policy changes

New mission and vision statements for the corporation were approved unanimously.

“I feel the statements are very accurate,” said Walker. “I believe they represent the schools very well.”

The board unanimously accepted a facility usage policy update. Those requesting to use school facilities will have the reason for their request matched against criteria in the policy. The policy is designed to streamline decisions concerning user classifications and other factors including cost.

Literacy and math pilot programs were approved. The literacy program will cost approximately $275,500 and will bring 68 new computers to kindergarten through third grade classrooms. Accelerated math will take place in fourth and fifth grade classes at both schools.

Maintenance report

Maintenance supervisor John Eller gave a research summary concerning portable restrooms. The board unanimously approved the rental of two handicap accessible portable restrooms for the softball and baseball fields.

Eller said the finish recently applied on the high school gym floor is failing. He stated he is looking at alternatives for repairing the problem, including checking to see if the installer had insurance that can cover the repair costs.

“The worst-case scenario,” Eller reported, “is that we might have to re-sand the floor.” Eller said the floor’s problem is not a safety hazard to student athletes.

Principal reports

Coon reported teachers are writing a grant to the Laura Bush Foundation to receive assistance in updating the library at Camden Elementary. About 48 percent of non-fiction books in the library were published before 1994.

In other library news, Coon announced an online order was sent for 500 books. The only cost for the books is shipping, which she said will be approximately $300.

“It’s a healthy environment at Camden,” Coon stated.

Shidler announced the Hillcrest fifth grade Christmas Program dress rehearsal is Dec. 13, with the actual performance Dec. 14 at 7 p.m.

Shidler commented students raised nearly $6,000 during the fitness fun walk on Nov. 8.

“One of the benefits of this type of fundraiser,” commented Shidler, “is that all money raised benefits the students.”

He said past fundraisers costs would take a huge cut of the earnings. “This way, we don’t sell anything but what we have to offer,” Shidler concluded.

Middle school principal Robert DeLaRosa said the P.A.C.E. group will host its first annual movie night in the Little Theatre Dec. 15 from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. For $2 each, movie-goers can enjoy a healthy drink, popcorn and the film, “Pirates of the Caribbean.”

High school principal Barry Stone said block scheduling will be voted on by the teachers association Dec. 13. A presentation and vote could be slated for the next board meeting, as Stone is hopeful to be able to implement block in the fall of 2007.

Personnel

The resignation of high school English teacher Stella Shafer, effective at the end of the school year, was accepted.

Other business

Contracts with NEOLA were approved for administrative guidelines and online services totaling $11,100.

A new IKON copier was approved to be leased by the high school.

Claims and payroll in the amount of $1,048,911.31 were approved.

The next meeting is scheduled for Jan. 8 at 7 p.m.