Centerville-Abington Community Schools leaders will attend a community eclipse planning meeting to learn more about what other Wayne County school districts, businesses and organizations are doing.
The meeting, coordinated by the county’s eclipse task force and tourism bureau, was to start at 9 a.m. July 19 at Indiana University East.
Knowledge of additional happenings on April 8, 2024, might influence CACS’ plans for that day, when the county could have excellent viewing of the total solar eclipse and draw as many as 100,000 visitors.
Currently, CACS only would have in-person instruction that day if a weather makeup day is needed.
If school is in session, Superintendent Mike McCoy told CACS’ board at its July 12 meeting that he favors an early release day. He wants to avoid students heading home during the eclipse, which would happen under their normal schedule. Heavy traffic is expected, and viewing a solar eclipse without safety glasses can cause eye damage.
Main Street Centerville inquired about using school parking areas that day for eclipse crowds, but McCoy said they would be needed if classes are conducted.
Lunch fee update
Students’ lunches will cost 10 cents more this fall.
Food Service Director Tami Scalzo used United States Department of Agriculture’s Paid Lunch Equity tool to assess the district’s expenses and revenue. Students didn’t pay more for meals last year.
However, a small increase now is necessary to comply with reimbursement requirements.
Lunch will cost $2.70 for junior high/high school students and $2.45 for both elementaries.
Student breakfast and adult meal prices won’t change.
Building projects
Areas of Rose Hamilton Elementary affected by December’s water pipe leaks have been repainted.
Newly installed windows make Centerville-Abington Elementary classrooms brighter. A couple plastic owls placed in the student entrance’s awning have scared away nearly all birds nesting in the openings.
The high school’s outside bleachers were power washed and the football field was aerated and reseeded. Gym floors were sealed and recoated.
Centerville Junior High’s cooling tower should be finished by the end of July and running before the first teacher day.
Transportation center construction is progressing; several projects take place in the next two weeks.
Donations
Approved gifts: Centerville Alumni Association’s $100 to CSHS cheer and Michelle Myers/The Next Step Dance Studio’s $350 to CSHS Band/Music Department. CSHS Drama Club received $100 from Jennifer Tinkle and $500 each from Aaron/Emily Jarvis and Craig/Amber Parker.
Personnel updates
- Resignations: Brooke Richardson, CSHS science teacher; Tara Kinder, eighth grade math teacher; Michael Hawkins, JV basketball coach; Don Tincher, CJH Bulldog Connection Lab; Michelle Miles, special ed aide; Jodie Rusznak, safety patrol
- Transfer: Blake Babcock, part-time special education teacher/behavioral specialist to full-time CJH special ed teacher; Amanda Chiddester, CJH volleyball coach to CSHS JV volleyball coach; Dana Lewis from CAE cafeteria to Rose Hamilton cashier
- Hires: Emily Sherrow, CSHS English teacher, Mary Lainhart, CJH special education aide
- Pending hires: Bonnie Young, CJH assistant head cook; Ashley Reece, CSHS snack bar cashier
- Rehire: Amanda Holliday and Denise Scalzo, cafeteria subs
A version of this article appeared in the July 19 2023 print edition of the Western Wayne News.