October meeting

Our October 20 regular meeting was not broadcast on Channel 19 as it usually is. Not sure why that is, but I'll hit some highlights here.

• After a year of hearing from different architects about the needed renovations at LHS and Central, we voted to contract with Schmidt Associates school architects to work on facility assessment and survey, conceptual project design, community input and communication, and the 1028 and referendum processes. The work is to be performed for a total fee of $42,000. I'll be writing more about these projects as we move ahead. This is LCSC's first building project since the new law requiring a ballot referendum for any projects over $20 million. There's plenty to do, and plenty to learn. The board is committed to getting community input and answering questions. In all likelihood there will be a referendum on the Nov 2010 ballot.
• The board presented Indiana's 2009 Teacher of the Year, Mr. Byron Ernest, a plaque in recognition of his award. He's working on his portfolio to submit for the national contest, and will travel to Washington, D.C. in the spring for that event.
• Mrs. Jackie McNutt, LHS medical technician, clinic staff, and all around great team player, was recognized as the corporation's classified Employee of the Month.
• 1.5 teaching positions were approved for Harney elementary. A full-time Title I English Impact Teacher, Bailey Collins will help at all grade levels with literacy, and a half-time teacher Kyle Endres will help the two large 4th-grade classes at Harney.
• Mr. Will Pullins presented LCSC's ISTEP+ results from the Spring 2009 testing. Because this was a new test results were a little different, but LCSC is ahead of state averages in every grade level and building.
• Mr. Bob Ross reported that absenteeism due to flu and other illnesses is running higher than usual, but not at alarming rates. Absenteeism varies widely from building to building and week to week, and was 7.5% last week for the corporation (it's usually around 3-4%). We're all hopeful that next week's break will allow for thorough cleaning, and a break in the cycle of contagion!
• The board approved the 2011-12 calendar, which has students starting school on Aug. 12, graduation is June 1, and the traditional breaks are preserved.

If you're an LCSC parent, I hope you got a chance to attend parent-teacher conferences this week! I hope students and families have a great fall break. (I love fall break!)