At the Nov. 4 Carroll School Board meeting, Carroll Elementary principal Carolyn O'Connell explained the new Indiana Code pertaining to planning for graduation.

She said this year, for the first time, students are to begin planning in sixth grade. Before this year, preparation began in seventh grade. Superintendent John Sayers said he can remember when graduation planning didn't start until eighth grade.

Sixth graders have a checklist to stay on track for high school graduation and for post-secondary education and beyond.

O'Connell said sixth graders and their parents learn about the three types of diplomas (Core 40, Academic Honors, Technical Honors), about credits, electives, GPA's, and ISTEP testing. They also start thinking about preparing for college, exploring careers, and can fill out a Twenty-first Century Scholars application for college tuition scholarships. Sixth grade students and their parents are asked to sign a "Graduation Promise."

Each student's Graduation Plan packet will be kept at school and will be revisited every year. The elementary guidance counselor and teachers help with the planning.

The board approved advertising for bonds to pay for the piping/air conditioning project which will begin this coming spring or summer. Sayers said total cost of the project is estimated at $1,967,000, to be paid through the debt service fund. He said the debt will be paid off in two years.

Ladd Kitchel, Wrestling Club coach, brought a concern to the board's attention. The wrestlers have their practices in the cafeteria, which he said is "not the cleanest or safest place." He said the chairs have to be picked up and then put back down. He added that if something else is being held in the cafeteria, and the auxiliary gym is not available, then wrestling practice has to be cancelled. Another conflict is when there is a home basketball game and concessions are in the cafeteria. Kitchel asked if there is any other unused space in the corporation to hold practices.

Sayers asked O'Connell to look into the possibility of the club practicing at the elementary school. Maintenance supervisor Tom Allbaugh also suggested the possibility of using the YMCA gym. Board president Sam Zook said existing space would have to be considered because there is no athletic facility planning in Capital Projects for at least the next three years.

High school principal Charles Huckstep announced the fall GPA ranking as follows: High school: First place, girls cross country, 3.476; second, girls golf, 3.461; third, boys cross country, 3.347. Junior high: First place, eighth grade volleyball, 3.648 (five of 15 players had a 4.0); second, junior high boys and girls cross country, combined-3.49; third, seventh grade volleyball, 3.488.

The board is asking for the public's input on two matters - school appointment to the Area Plan Commission and the proposed 2009-2010 school calendar.

School attorney Miriam Robeson explained that Carroll, Delphi, Rossville, and Twin Lakes school corporations get together and appoint one representative to the APC from the schools. The current representative is Bob Mc- Cain. His current term expires at the end of December. Sayers said they are opening up the position to the public. The board has already received the name of one person who is interested, and will consider others.

The proposed calendar for 2009-2010 has been posted to the corporation website. The public is invited to look it over and offer suggestions. The first semester will end before Christmas, and spring break is about the same time as it will be this year. Sayers said the starting date may be subject to change. Input is also being sought from teachers and students.

In personnel matters, Larry Henning resigned as assistant track coach.

Huckstep submitted a request for a student fundraiser for the board's approval. The Cougarette Dance Team and sponsor Elizabeth Rose wanted to substitute a new fundraiser for two earlier ones that had been approved, but never held. According to policy, student fundraising requests are to be submitted by May 1, to cover the period from July through the following June. Additional requests may be considered by the board, but such requests are to be made 30 days before the event. Huckstep said the Cougarette's event was planned for the next Tuesday, Nov. 11.

Sayers recommended approving the request, and a motion for approval was passed 4 to 1, with board member Dave Lambert opposed.

Three facility requests were approved. Carroll County Youth Soccer League will use the main/auxiliary gym for skill development. A girls basketball league comprised of fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth graders from Carroll schools will use the gym for practice through the week, under the umbrella of corporation liability. Daisy Girl Scouts will have their meetings at Carroll Elementary School every other Tuesday after school.

O'Connell announced that Nathan Berkshire was nominated by teacher Andrea O'Brien to attend the Junior National Young Leaders Conference in Washington, D.C., over spring break.

O'Connell also reported that 1,100 meals were served for Grandparents Day, that elementary students took part in an online national mock presidential election, and that students conducted a Student Council election.

Nine conference requests were approved.

The next board meeting will be Nov. 18 at 7:30 p.m. at the Administration Building.