DCSC interim Supt. leaves early
By Kevin Schnepp Staff writer

Delphi Community School Corporation Board of Trustees has continued to steer the corporation without its leader, superintendent Ralph Walker, but is ready for his January return.

Interim superintendent Steve Sailor was absent from the board's Monday night meeting. No explanation of the reason for his absence was provided during the meeting. DCSC Board President Robert Resler commented that state law allows the board president to carry on business as usual.

"In the absence of a superintendent, I am authorized to sign or choose a designee to sign important documents," Resler explained.

The board authorized corporation treasurer Sherry Handlin to pay claims and perform year-end internal transfers so no fund would show a negative balance.

High school principal Barry Stone was given authority to sign important documents.

Stone said Tuesday the high school will receive a $50,000 tech prep majors grant from the Indiana Department of Workforce Development and required paperwork had to be signed by him or Walker by the end of the year.

Potential change in insurance

The board approved Stone's request to switch health coverage for teachers and all but one administrator from Arnett to ISTA as long as teachers and administrators would retain control of their parts of the insurance pool. Sparks voted against the motion.

Stone explained ISTA's premiums would be higher but the increase would be less than he expected the current plan's premiums to rise.

Patron Shawn Ashby asked if the board had looked into private health coverage plans. Garrison replied they had not.

"If this doesn't work, we will," Garrison said.

Teachers' contract finalized

Addendums were approved to finalize the teachers' contract. Adjustments included summer school lists and timeframes, state rules changes regarding professional salary credits, disability pay and amendments to language concerning extracurricular and teachers' salaries.

Involvement encouraged

Patrons and the board shared concerns about lack of public involvement in the school renovation process. Resident Shawn Ashby said he believed many simply wait until a tax hearing to voice their opinions. Resler suggested the public get involved earlier and work with the board to form a suitable plan.

"Come to work sessions," Resler requested. "Listen, study and absorb, then call or talk with us when you have questions or suggestions."

Gym scheduling issues

MOP Squad member Sharon Milburn requested sharing of space and event scheduling at the elementary school could be better organized. She explained late practices for young athletes and lack of space due to storage of extra equipment from other schools should be addressed.

"It just needs set up right to share," she stated.

Principal Bill Shidler said the schools were dealing with "change pains" due to increased use of the elmentary school gym by the other schools. Garrison told Shidler the elementary school should get first priority when it comes to use and scheduling of the facility. Shidler said progress was being made to rectify scheduling problems despite earlier communication issues.

November meeting minutes were approved unanimously after omissions were added. Sparks had requested cell phone usage and billing information which was not noted in the records. Having received and reviewed the information before the meeting, he asked that Walker be given permission in January to review the corporation's cell phone plans.

Future dates

The board will meet in work session Dec. 19 at 6 p.m. in the middle school cafeteria. Envoy will present detailed options and costs associated with facility renovations.

Board member Paul Brown was granted authority to contact Lowell schools. The board will tour those facilities in the near future.

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