Centerville schools increase food service wages

Centerville-Abington Community Schools is gearing up for the solar eclipse and has raised wages for food service staff.  

Wages 

After examining wages for food service employees with 10 other area school districts that don’t contract out that service, CACS realized pay is on the lower end of the scale. Workers will receive a 4% increase, and the food service director’s salary will increase. Even after equipment purchases, state officials want CACS to spend down its cafeteria fund.  

Solar eclipse

CACS will rent parking spaces for $20 at 11 a.m. Monday, April 8, in four lots at 509 Willow Grove Road. Guests are encouraged to bring chairs and blankets and take advantage of open fields.  

Entrances will be blocked before then. School-affiliated merchandise booths, concession stands and restrooms will be open. 

McCoy is optimistic that spaces will fill quickly with visitors and families. 

If so, revenue would cover half CACS’ annual costs for Communities in Schools site coordinators who connect kids with resources. 

Both school resource officers will be on site, and no pets, alcohol or tobacco are allowed. 

Regardless of whether they come to the school that day, all students and staff are receiving a free pair of eclipse glasses for safety. 

In other business

• Principals’ summer school proposals were approved. No changes were made except for an increase in wages because of raises given this year. The estimate will be submitted to Indiana Department of Education.  
  CACS officials are uncertain whether the state will reimburse schools starting next year when more students might need summer instruction. Indiana General Assembly passed legislation that could affect the numbers of students who are retained.
  Brad Lambright provided school-related legislative updates for bills that headed to the governor for his signature.  
• The calendar, positions and wages were approved for the annual Summer CARES child care program at Centerville-Abington Elementary. Wages include the 4% raise that was given to non-certified employees in January. Dates remain close to last year’s. 
• CACS approved a proposal for the deaf and hard of hearing teacher contract. East Central Educational Service Center based in Connersville likely will help with staffing. 
• The board conducted a first reading of new policies on homework, withdrawal from school, drug-free workplace, fitness for duty leaves and examinations, Family and Medical Leave Act, employee benefits, resignations, programs for high-ability students and students’ promotion, placement and retention. Members will vote at the next public meeting, 7 p.m. April 10 at the administration building.
• Construction work has stalled at the transportation center, which has delayed CACS employees from completing their projects. The district’s architect contacted the contractor, who said they’re overbooked and understaffed. 
• Meijer donated $400 toward ID kits for students that CACS and Centerville Police Department are creating. 
• Winter athletes from wrestling, boys basketball and cheerleading were recognized. Coaches reflected on their accomplishments and strong senior leadership. 

Personnel updates

• Departures: Greg Chamness, bus driver; Christopher Stephens, evening custodian; John Lickfelt, varsity assistant girls basketball coach
• Pending hire: Veronica Martin, long-term sub 
• Volunteers: Eli McCoy and John Oberle, Drama Club