DCSC athletics receive boost
By Kevin Schnepp Staff writer

All it takes is a nod of approval from the right people to revive a floundering project.

It has been two years since Delphi has been able to host a track meet at its home facility. An unsafe track surface, inadequate lane markings and outdated equipment have hampered Delphi Community School Corporation efforts to build up the track program. The high school track program has dwindled from 50 to 20 athletes since the track closed two years ago.

The Delphi Community School Corporation Board of Trustees gave the nod at the Monday night meeting when it approved a track renovation project totaling $773,200.

Interim high school athletic director Vince Burpo told the board he was excited about the project's approval. He said the project should be done correctly and immediately.

"Sports is an educational tool," Burpo explained to the board and public. "Our kids want to participate. We will be gone someday, but the kids will keep coming. A good facility is vital for them."

The board approved the base bid plus three options. The track will have eight lanes, new light poles around the facility and a section of asphalt on the home side will be extended. F&K Construction of Flora will do the work.

The board also approved the addition of telescopic bleachers and safety features at the high school gymnasium totaling $30,460. High school principal Barry Stone will advertise to host sectional and regional basketball competitions at the gym.

Fence replacement and painting at the high school baseball field was approved for $12,907.54.

Reductions in force

Each year the school must prepare for possible staff cutbacks based on the budget. Teachers Tonya Small, Tana Lehr, Danielle Dunbar and Hannah Larson were given pink slips in preparation for possible reductions in force.

Superintendent Ralph Walker said the teachers are not necessarily out of a job.

"This is simply financial," Walker explained. "It is not a reflection of their teaching abilities. These teachers, if they do lose their positions, will remain on the recall list for two years. If other options present themselves, and they choose to return, we will ask them to do so."

Public field trip

A field trip to Clinton Prairie to tour the school's science labs and field house will be March 19. Members of the public who wish to participate should be at the corporation office by 6:30 p.m. The bus will leave promptly at 6:35.

New music elective course

A Music Technology course for grades six to 12 and $6,000 for equipment were approved. Computer workstations, a live recording studio station, a disc jockey station and music software will be available for the upcoming school year.

New positions approved

The board approved Walker's recommendation to add four new staff positions. Vocational Business and Family and Consumer Science teachers would be hired with vocational funds. A dance instructor for poms would be paid from the general fund. A technology specialist for the middle school would be compensated from capital funds.

Other business

Claims and payroll for $3,058,613.43 were approved.

Noting an abstention by board member Jerry Sparks, resignations approved were Connie Schlueter, high school science teacher, Shonda Isaacs, middle school student council co-sponsor, Sarah Hoss, head high school cheer coach and Molly Young, corporation bus driver.

Employment approved included Deborah Lucas, special needs bus aide, Aaron Anderson, volunteer high school baseball coach and Ross Striebeck, track coach.

Workplace uniform provider Cintas will furnish shirts to fulltime custodial staff in the amount of $2,493.40.

Fall student registration will be Aug. 6 from noon to 7 p.m. and Aug. 7 from 8 a.m. to noon in the high school commons. Food, health, athletics and transportation representatives will be available to answer questions. One check may be written to cover registration for students at all levels.

The next regular meeting will be April 9 at 7 p.m. in the middle school cafeteria.