Compiled by Pete Smith
What happened: The school board approved extending school days to make up for snow days
What it means: Effective March 6, the new school day for Carmel High School will be from 7:45 a.m. to 3:20 p.m.; middle schools’ days will be from 7:40 a.m. to 3:20 p.m.; and elementary schools’ days will be from 8:03 a.m. to 2:50 p.m. Individual class periods will be lengthened to make the accommodation. New bus stop times will be available at myCCS. In the event of additional closure days, make-up days will be added after the regularly scheduled end of the school year on May 29.
What’s next: No further action needed.
What happened: Asst. Supt. Roger McMichael presented the district’s financial update.
What it means: McMichael reported that state funding will increase by $4 million for 2014-15. But next year’s total budget will be reduced by about $800,000 from the 2013-14 total because of the expiration of a federal grant, an increase in electricity costs and an increase of about $150,000 in fees for legal services.
What’s next: No further action needed.
What happened: Twenty looms were donated to the Indianapolis Arts Center.
What it means: The large weaving looms are being stored at the high school because the fiber arts courses no longer have a need for them. They haven’t been used for several years, and they have no value to the art department.
What’s next: The donated looms will be used for weaving courses for the general public.
What happened: The school board approved a stormwater-related change order
What it means: Gibraltar Construction was paid $77,303 to reroute storm sewers to improve drainage around the Carmel High School Fitness Center Addition.
What’s next: No further action needed.
In other news: The school board recognized Woodbrook Elementary School teacher Jay Vahle for receiving the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching; Creekside Middle School director of bands Wendy Higdon for receiving the 50 Directors Who Make a Difference designation; Clay Middle School teacher Jeff Frizzi for receiving the Indiana String Teacher Association’s Middle School Orchestra Teacher of the Year Award; and Carmel High School teacher Maggie Hite for receiving the Indiana String Teacher Association’s New Teacher of the Year Award. Carmel Elementary School teacher Carolyn Johnson also received $500 as part of a United Student Aid Funds employee philanthropy program.
