After staff at the Camden Early Childhood Center heard where four new unisex restrooms are to be located as part of the upcoming renovation project, they decided the plan is not going to work for them or the students. According to Delphi Community School Corporation Superintendent Ralph Walker, the staff decided the installation will "consume too much instructional space." Walker reported the concern to the board of school trustees at the special Thursday night meeting.

Board members heard the deletion of the restrooms component of the plan will "free up" approximately $100,000 of money targeted for the project. Walker recommended the board make the change. A unanimous vote made it so.

Walker said he is unsure whether the design architects will be paid for the design of the restrooms now that they are no longer in the plan. He said he will report to the board after researching the matter.

The school corporation will not be spending less on the project due to the early change. Elementary school principal Bill Shidler's request to use those funds, plus roughly $24,761 more, for state-of-the-art electronic equipment was approved. He said 39 classrooms, 33 in the elementary school and six at Camden, will be equipped with ceiling or wall-mounted LCD projectors, digital input devices - computers, DVDs, etc., sound integration speakers, personal wireless electronic amplification systems for teachers, and Gomo pads.

"Because these funds are available, I think this would pay big dividends," Shidler said.

Walker said the installation will not be negatively impacted by the construction of the renovation project at either building.

Textbook adoption

CECC director Carol Coon reported the Indiana State Department of Education is encouraging schools to find alternative and additional resources to enable fourth and fifth-grade students to master the Indiana Academic Standards in Social Studies. Suggestions include the use of computers, other data devices, instructional software, Internet resources, interactive media and other "systematically organized material."

Although Coon presented a list of social studies books, which was approved unanimously, she noted teachers could choose to purchase the books and/or other instructional devices.

Board president Robert Resler clarified to board members that the approval is to grant teachers the authority to purchase books on the list, but it does not require a purchase.

Coon said teaching methods will not be limited to electronic devices but will likely include a mix of print reading material, projects and interactive media. She likened the broadening of the teaching methods to the time in Camden Elementary history when students learned about a historical figure, dressed in period clothing and gave an ongoing performance at the Camden cabin, built by students in 1979, as if the student were that person. She said students are more likely to retain information using interactive educational methods than simply reading a story and taking a test about the content.

Student handbook changes

Approved changes to the elementary student handbook include changes made in language about attendance and discipline about the possession of unacceptable cell phone images. Changes to the middle school handbook are about attendance and the tardy policy, which will be more in line with the high school policies. The high school student handbook remains "99 percent" the same according to high school assistant principal Al Brannan.

School calendars approved The 2009/2010, 2010/2011school calendars were changed to reflect a new ruling that dictates students, including seniors, attend 180 days of school each year.

NEOLA policies changed

Four changes to the corporation NEOLA policies, plus another concerning the definition of "quorum" were approved. A copy of the document is on file at the corporation office for review.

Other business

Nickles' Bakery and Prairie Farms will supply the corporation with bakery and dairy items for the 2009/2010 school year.

Using roughly $92,000 of federal economic stimulus money expected to reach the corporation, a part-time math coach for elementary and middle school teachers will be hired for two years. Walker said the funding will be for salary and benefits and he is recruiting a current teacher for the position who will retire after two years.

Board member Jim Garrison read a prepared statement that criticized the Comet for its coverage of corporation matters, in particular the upcoming referendum.

Bill Trueblood requested corporation job openings be posted on the Web site.

Nick Cronk requested the board consider allowing sponsorship signage in corporation sports arenas.

The next meeting will be June 8 at 7 p.m. in the corporation office.

Sixth grade awards and auction, fifth-grade awards and senior awards night will be May 29. Seventh grade and CECC awards will be June 1. Eighth grade awards will be June 2. Summer school begins June 8.

Graduation will be May 30 at 10:30 a.m. in the high school gymnasium.