A school climate audit is a systematic process for identifying the prevailing attitudes, opinions and beliefs shared by those in, and associated with, the building who have a vested interest in the environmental emotional health. Delphi Community School Corporation elementary school buildings submitted to such an audit last month.

A group from the Twin Lakes School Corporation visited all buildings to perform the audit. They interviewed small groups of like individuals, such as parents, faculty and classified staff. The results were presented to the DCSC Board of School trustees at the Monday night meeting.

All groups were surveyed about many subjects including what information sources they relied upon and what things their school did well. They were also asked what issues concerned them about their school.

The audit group prepared a written report listing all questions. A consensus of most answers were recorded under each question, however some individual concerns were also noted in an effort for those voices to be heard.

Board members Bill Trueblood and Melinda Rossetter both registered a concern about answers given in front of even a small group of peers.

“I would find it hard to answer questions candidly in a small group,” Trueblood said.

“There is no anonymity when you are in a small group,” added Rossetter.

Superintendent Ralph Walker advised that it is the responsibility of each building principal to address issues raised in the audit. DCSC elementary principal Joe Brown said he has begun conducting meetings with involved parties in his building to address issues raised in the evaluation.

Climate audits results for each building can be viewed at the corporation office on Armory Rd.

Renovation projects

Conceptual renovation plans for the high and middle schools were unanimously approved as presented by the financial and architectural team. Each project will cost no more than $2 million, which will keep the annual corporation debt payment at no more than $408,000.

The length of the bonding will be no more than 21 years, however is expected to be closer to 13 years. Jim Garrison explained that the board’s goal is to keep the debt service tax rate steady at 53 cents or less while watching the potential for higher interest rates due to expected economic inflation.

In general, Phase 1A includes five new science classrooms in the high/middle school complex while Phase 1B includes new air handlers, boilers, chillers and associated equipment for the complex.

The Projects IA and B hearing will be held April 12 at 7 p.m. for public input. Board members agreed that plans can be altered at that time. A copy of the proposed renovations can be viewed at the corporation office on Armory Rd.

Cancellation/delay policy

Walker explained the process by which a determination to delay the beginning of or cancel school for the day due to weather concerns is made. He said after roads are driven, law enforcement, the county highway department and other school superintendents are consulted. A final decision must be made by 8:30 a.m. Walker said that there are times when one area of the county is experiencing no weather issues while another area is experiencing the opposite.

The superintendent said having the option of a three-hour morning delay with one hour make-up at the end of the day could make the difference between closing school for the day, or not.

“It would certainly be handy to have that in our back pocket,” Walker said.

He emphasized that “regardless of his final decision, parents have the right to keep their child home on any day that they feel is unsafe without fear of penalty from the school.”

Phase II computer purchase

Laptop computers at a cost of $131,391.60 will be purchased for the third, sixth and ninth grades. Additional equipment costs for items needed after the initial purchase, such as chargers and carts, was not known. All computers, including those purchased in the first phase, are expected to be ready for student use in August.

Other business

Ross Striebeck, Chris Nipple and Brad Burton were appointed to the common construction wage committee.

The wrestling team spent the night in Merrillville Feb. 12 for the semi-state and at Indianapolis Feb. 19 for the state finals.

The next meeting will be April 12 at 7 p.m.

Personnel

Resignations and retirements include: Laura Turner, Camden ESL aide; Judy Marks, high school in-school suspension monitor; Charlotte Crowder, elementary custodian; and Kelsey Daubenmier, elementary instructional assistant.

Employment

Rachel Robinson was hired as Camden ESL aide.