DCSC School Board discusses future of elementary schools
By Kevin Schnepp Staff writer

When Delphi Community School Corporation Superintendent Ralph Walker came to Delphi last fall, he said one of his first orders of business was to look into why the corporation struggled financially each year. He stated community involvement would be welcomed when looking for solutions.

At the Delphi Community School Corporation Board of Trustees meeting Monday night, many community members took advantage of the invitation to share views concerning possible changes at the elementary schools. The meeting was held in the middle school cafeteria.

"I'm glad so many came to discuss this," began board president Robert Resler. "I would like to see this many people at all our board meetings."

Walker presented four options concerning possible changes at the schools for the board and community to consider:

+ Make no changes;

+ House all kindergarten and first graders at Camden and grades two through five at Hillcrest;

+ Place one section per grade at Camden and re-district the rest back to Hillcrest; or

+ Make Hillcrest a K-3 and house grades four and five at Camden.

"A large amount of redundancy exists between Camden and Hillcrest elementary schools," Walker said, citing technology, teaching staff and school libraries as examples.

"A considerable amount of taxpayer money could be re-appropriated once changes are made to the setup of the schools," Walker explained. "Our priority is to utilize tax money to do what is best for students."

Walker said redistricting would free up room and resources at both schools to create better learning environments. Citing poor academic results such as falling test scores and lower retention rates, he said change is needed.

"Are poor academic results acceptable to the community?" Walker posed. "If not, we need to make some changes."

He listed more than 20 positive effects re-alignment would have on students and the DCSC community.

"Providing safe, nurturing and stimulating education for all students is essential," he explained. "Through this process, we can achieve that goal."

Walker said gifted and talented student programs, which were cut in recent years, could return once changes were made. That pleased Camden resident Michael Freeman, who said he was concerned about downward scoring trends in ISTEP testing.

"When the gifted and talented programs disappeared, that was a crime," Freeman said to the board. He said the lack of the programs made him consider paying tuition to educate his child out-of-county.

Camden Town Board President Pete Wagoner said he felt he spoke for most whose children attend Camden when he voiced opposition to changes at the schools.

"We have always supported the corporation on all levels," Wagoner stated. "We were blessed with great leadership until this year."

Wagoner explained Camden is a unique school and the board should not interfere with its chemistry.

"If their goals are true, the only sensible course is to improve Camden by leaving it alone."

Flora resident Sandy M. Roth said a rivalry between Camden and Hillcrest, started many years ago, was not true for everyone.

"I'm excited," Roth stated after expressing thanks to Walker, along with a request to keep all teachers if re-alignment occurs.

Liberty Township resident Curtis Brown said he had concerns but felt the board was doing a good job of seeking solutions and input.

"I think several of Mr. Walker's ideas could work," Brown offered.

Resler encouraged all patrons to write their thoughts and send them to: Delphi Community School Corporation, c/o Robert Resler, 501 Armory Rd., Delphi, IN, 46923, or e-mail him directly at rrresler@ffni.com.

Walker said discussion would continue at the next regular board meeting April 9 in the middle school cafeteria. He said if a special meeting was called concerning the re-alignment before then, it would be announced publicly.

Maryann Barkey, who resides east of Camden in what she termed "God's country," said the board gave her a lot to think about.

"Kind of like cows, we have a lot of cud to chew," she said.