A question raised by a member of the Delphi Community School Corporation Board of Trustees during its regular meeting Monday night also raised some board members' concerns their authority may have been usurped. Who was responsible for going against a previous board decision and what should be done about it remain unknown.

During public comments DCSC board member Jim Garrison asked high school Agriculture Department head Ross Striebeck whose decision it was to take over most of six acres of farm ground adjacent to the track and field facility to house discus and shot-put areas when the board had authorized only a portion be used. He also questioned who directed him to sow the remaining .66 acres with grass seed instead of leaving it as tillable ground.

Striebeck responded additional track and field equipment installed in the area took up more room than they anticipated due to the amount of distance required by the Indiana High School Athletic Association for throwing events. He added the remainder was sown in grass perhaps because the local farmer who cash-rented the land would not consider it worth his while to till such a small remaining plot.

Board member Jerry Sparks told Streibeck that the decision to grass the entire field was contrary to an earlier decision of the board to use only a part of the field for athletics. He asked Striebeck if he chose to sow the grass or if he was told to do so.

Striebeck replied he did not recall how the decision came about because it had been some time since it was discussed. He said he would take full responsibility for the mistake.

Sparks questioned whether high school principal Barry Stone or athletic director Vince Burpo might have been involved in the decision. The matter was left unresolved. Board members requested more information regarding the issue be brought before them.

Capital projects funds

The board approved a new cell phone plan that will cost approximately $3,000 more per year than the current contract. The corporation will no longer own cell phones and instead will reimburse staff who use personal phones for official school business. Of the eight staff who will carry phones under the new plan, six who will use data-ready phones will be reimbursed $80 per month and two with text-able devices will receive $65 monthly. Users will be paid a one-time reimbursement to purchase new phones.

It was also noted the current cell phone plan, due to expire in June, was illegal according to state statute. Board president Robert Resler explained that according to Indiana Code school corporations cannot enter into yearly agreements with cell phone providers. Month-to-month plans are called for instead, a rule to which the new plan will adhere.

Electric bleachers were purchased for the middle school gymnasium for $38,680. Of the three bids received, Interkal was awarded the contract though its bid was second-lowest. Resler said the board was authorized to accept a bid other than the lowest if it felt there was adequate justification. He said there were questionable aspects to the low bid, submitted by Educational Furniture, specifically concerning electrical work.

Garrison questioned whether electrically-operated bleachers were necessary, let alone the extra cost of running service to them.

High ability academy

Camden Early Childhood Center (CECC) Principal Carol Coon provided results of a high ability survey sent to parents of elementary-age children. The survey inquired of parents which of three "models" they would prefer for students with high abilities. Coon reported a large majority of those surveyed called for a separate facility, or high ability academy, for students.

"Best practice is to get these kids in a self-contained classroom," Coon stated. "I am amazed at how many we have that are high ability. It's exciting (how many there are)."

Financial outlook provided

Superintendent Ralph Walker stated DCSC taxpayers would pay about 41 percent less in property taxes to the school corporation next year as part of recent property tax reform. He cautioned board members to keep an eye on how the state will handle taking over schools' general funds. He explained he was not sure if the state planned to take the cash balance in the fund, so he advised moving that balance to the rainy day fund to protect it.

Board denies curriculums

The board supported a request by a CECC reading committee to write a waiver to request the school be allowed to continue its guided reading program instead of adopting a book based on the state's curriculum. Coon said the committee, which was comprised of parents along with staff, felt children were learning better and faster in small groups. Walker agreed.

"Basically it is whole group learning instead of individualized reading," he said. "I heartily recommend we don't use the traditional (method)."

Walker warned he would ask for perhaps as much as $50,000 to $100,000 at the next meeting to support the comprehensive literacy program, of which guided reading is a part.

Other business

A revised middle school athletic handbook was approved. Changes include a shorter waiting period before evaluation for student athletes on academic probation.

The high school athletic handbook was approved with no changes.

The board discussed the possible purchase of laptop computers. Walker suggested students could be issued a laptop computer they could use their entire high school career. He said he had seen evidence that the idea increased production and proficiency.

Linda Draper, a Title I aide at the elementary school, will retire effective May 29.

Maternity leave was approved for Jessica Berger beginning May 2.

Lisa Hollingsworth was approved as high school Spanish teacher.

Dan Garner was approved to be substitute special education bus aide.

The next meeting will be May 12 at 7 p.m. in the corporation office.