Compiled by Pete Smith
What happened: The school board approved a joint resolution that urges school-funding reform.
What it means: Supt. Nicholas Wahl urged the board to sign a resolution that other Hamilton County government entities are currently considering. Its main provision is: “The recently enacted Senate Bill 517 … adversely impacts local government entities, including school corporations, throughout the state. One of its immediate impacts in Hamilton County will cause Westfield-Washington Schools to eliminate transportation. Unless it is repealed, it could have the same impact on all Hamilton County school corporations.” This is in reference to the so-called Circuit Breaker law and how it would force revenue shortfalls due to property tax caps being absorbed in budget cuts to a school district’s transportation and capital projects funds when it takes effect in 2015.
What’s next: Wahl will conduct a follow-up meeting with other signatories when they approve the resolution and together they will have a joint release to the legislature.
What happened: The school district received several gifts.
What it means: The Gen YOUth Foundation donated $3,500 to Carmel Elementary, an anonymous donor gave $1,000 to the Carmel Education Foundation, author Sue Baer donated 10 copies of “The Grumbly, Rumbly Thunder” to Forest Dale Elementary and Orchard Park Elementary and Veggie U donated $10,575 worth of educational kits to the district.
What’s next: No further action is needed.
What happened: The school board approved transfers for the 2014 budget.
What it means: Asst. Supt. Roger McMichael had previously been authorized to make budget transfers as part of the year-end closing process. The board simply reviewed his actions.
What’s next: No further action is needed.
What happened: The school board approved new rules for public comments and participation at its meetings.
What it means: A person wishing to place an item on the agenda must now notify the superintendent in writing 14 days prior to the meeting it should be scheduled for. The board will issue a determination on the item in writing no later than five days after receiving it. Public comments will now be limited to five minutes for each presentation.
What’s next: No further action is needed.
What happened: Wahl presented an update on the implementation of his new district goals.
What it means: Wahl said the district is currently reviewing the student growth model, exploring opportunities to integrate technology into daily instruction, establishing a student advisory group to give students a voice, working to help develop high-performing schools legislation and reviewing the current delivery model at the district’s two middle schools – although no changes or redistricting are likely in the 2014-15 school year.
What’s next: The implementation of the student-centered goals is an ongoing process.
In other news: The school board recognized first responders Todd Arnold, Robert Czarkowski, Maura Flynn, Brittani Ritter and Steve Schofield of St.Vincent Sports Performance for their efforts that saved the life of referee Joe Calderazzo during his collapse at last year’s semi-state football game. “You have no idea how thankful I am,” Calderazzo said. “Thank you so much for saving my life.”
In other news: The school board recognized the Spell Bowl team from Prairie View Elementary School for winning the state championship. Its members are Ali Alhaddad, Akash Bhowmik, Suraj Chandramouli, Megan Lee, Tanuj Mangalam, Dhillon Parkshak, Claire Qu, Emily Shu, Mansi Singh, Carol You and Michelle Zhao.
