Camden Elementary to be Early Childhood Center
Hillcrest to house grades 1-5
By Kevin Schnepp Staff writer

Delphi Community School Corporation Board of Trustees approved realignment of Camden and Hillcrest elementary schools in a 5-2 vote during their regular meeting Monday night. The decision came five days after the board held a public work session to pare down options concerning realignment.

Camden will be designated an Early Childhood Center (ECC) and Hillcrest will house grades one through five. The ECC will be comprised of half and full-day kindergarten, special education, readiness, head start and pre-school.

Board member Melinda Rossetter made the motion to approve the option. The motion was seconded by member Dr. Paul Brown. Board members Mike Shoemaker and Jerry Sparks voted against the option.

President Robert Resler said the change would improve transportation rates between the elementary schools, equalize special education, help "capture" low achievers, provide better use of resources, improve curriculum, equalize class sizes and make room for personal learning communities and other special programs.

Patrons who spoke at the meeting said transportation times, class sizes and facilities' needs such as restrooms and classroom space were areas of concern. It was requested the board act quickly so the community and school corporation could proceed with plans for next year.

"This has been tough on staff and children," Camden kindergarten teacher Pam Minier said. "Make a decision and put our children's minds at ease," she pleaded.

Liberty Township resident Mark Justice voiced concern for his daughter's future educational well-being. He said he understood the fairness of equal class sizes, but had to speak his mind to defend smaller class sizes currently available at Camden.

"I said what I had to say to try and protect my daughter," Justice explained.

Resident Everett Snowberger suggested Camden ECC could be a county-wide facility that would involve students from Carroll Consolidated School Corporation. Walker said some programs already are shared with that corporation and the suggestion would be kept in mind. Technology to help reconfigure bus routes

The board unanimously approved the purchase of bus transportation software totaling $3,995. Walker said the program would aid users in the design of new bus routes based on time parameters and other factors.

Maintenance items approved

Resler announced the corporation maintenance supervisor position would be eliminated and building staff would be utilized to accomplish projects.

Noise from rain prompted the board to approve a roofing project for Hillcrest in the amount of $14,500. Materials will be placed over existing roof material to dampen sounds.

The board approved the purchase of waterless urinals and automatic water faucets to be installed in restrooms near the high school gymnasium at a cost not to exceed $12,000.

Also approved were new shower fixtures and a water softener for Monroe St. gym in the amount of $7,120.23.

Consulting firm hired

Power Consulting Inc. was hired to provide professional development resources and guest speakers for 12 months for $8,500.

Other business

Resignations approved included middle school teachers Larry Owens and Joe Bowyer, middle school custodian Yolanda Ballard, middle school yearbook advisor Jennifer Landis, high school academic superbowl coach Joe Seurynck and high school assistant track coach Scott Kittrell.

Ken LaFontaine was approved as a corporation bus driver and Karen Hanni as middle school girls' track coach.

The high school French club will travel to Paris from O'Hare Airport in Chicago from July 16 to 26.

High school art class will visit a Chicago museum and Navy Pier April 24 from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Sixth-graders will spend a night at Camp Tecumseh May 7.

Elementary schools and middle school summer sessions will be Aug. 6-10 from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. High school sessions will be June 4 -29. Session I will be from 7:30 to 11:15 a.m. with session II to follow from 11:15 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.

The next regular meeting will be May 14 at 7 p.m. in the corporation office conference room.