By Desiree Williams
During its Dec. 10 meeting, the Zionsville school board celebrated the retirement of long-time members Shari Richey and Jim Longest. It was their last meeting.
Richey was elected in 2010 but began her work with the board three years prior when she led the superintendent’s Cost-Cutting Advisory Committee. Board President Jane Burgess said Richey applied her professional experience as a CPA to manage the community.
“(Richey) has been a tireless advocate for ZCS and has assisted mightily in helping ensure tax neutrality,” Burgess said.
Longest served ZCS for 12 years. Burgess said he brought engineering skills and data-driven leadership to his role and was connected to Zionsville and Whitestown .
“He’s just been a great person to work with during my board career,” she said.
Both members received a plaque recognizing their dedication and impact. Longest was not in attendance due to family commitments.
Other highlights:
- Chief Academic Officer Kris Devereaux presented the 2017-18 Teacher Evaluation Outcomes report. ZCS received an A rating from the state. The district had 30.2 percent of teachers rated as effective and 69.5 percent of teachers rated as highly effective, with only 0. 3 percent needing improvement.
- The board authorized the approval of bids for the demolition of the old Union Elementary and the construction of the Employee & Student Services Center. August 2019 is the projected completion date for both projects.
- Supt. Scott Robison presented results from the community survey regarding school calendars for 2020-23, which received nearly 5,000 responses from ZCS employees, parents and students. Calendar B received 41.4 percent of the vote, with Calendar A following closely with 39.6 percent. Both calendars are similar to this year’s with a start date prior to Labor Day and an end date prior to Memorial Day, but Calendar B includes one week off of school in February. Robison said the open week allows for travel abroad, educational camps or activities, internships and more. The board approved Calendar B.