New grad rules requiring tough course decisions

Although 2029 seems far away, Centerville-Abington Community Schools leaders are starting work on new course and internship opportunities to meet changing graduation requirements.

Tammy Chavis, director of student learning, and Superintendent Mike McCoy described Indiana’s different types of diplomas going into effect for the Class of 2029 at the board’s Jan. 8 meeting.

McCoy said many tough decisions will need to be made regarding course offerings.

For instance, some students will need fewer credits in social studies and physical education but will need one credit each of personal finance and computer science. Two science credit requirements will be more flexible, counting technology, engineering or other kinds of math to help prepare students for different fields and interests.

Students choosing apprenticeships won’t have to complete 12 elective credits, such as world languages and performing or visual arts.

Those pursuing an enlistment seal with honors, which is expected to be a small group, will need an introduction to public service course that CACS doesn’t yet offer.

Because summer school requirements are changing, sophomores needing to repeat English likely would be blended with freshmen.

Board members asked several internship-related questions, especially about Wayne County’s unknown internship availability, whether companies would let students get the state’s required hands-on experience if businesses have liability concerns, and how students will fit relevant internships into their pathways.

Some students interested in work-based learning will need 75 hours related to their desired career, while others need 150 hours. Another option is 650 hours of work-based learning.

Determining career interests/abilities will be necessary at earlier ages because students need to choose a path in seventh grade.

While there are still many unknowns, Chavis said a potential positive is that students graduating with employment honors will have a skill at graduation.

Chavis met with each high school department, and McCoy met with Centerville Education Association members to discuss how teachers could be affected.

“Communication and letting teachers be part of the process is going to help, but it’s not going to make it easy,” McCoy said.

Board organization

• Reelected board members Andy Wandersee and Renee Westover were sworn in.
• The three 2024 officers, President Todd Duke, Vice President Brad Lambright and Secretary Westover, will return in those positions for the general board and Board of Finance. The Board of Finance will meet at 6:45 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 22, at the administration building, 115 W. South St., before the 7 p.m. board meeting.
• Lambright returns as the board’s legislative liaison to monitor Indiana General Assembly discussions during the current session.
• Members agreed to keep their compensation at 2024 rates. They receive $2,000 per year plus $100/regular meeting and $62/special meeting.

In other business

• Michele Robinson was appointed treasurer and Debbie Blevins as deputy treasurer. Corporation Treasurer Tyna Stover is retiring effective Jan. 30.
• Kyle Turner of Turner & Shepherd Insurance in Centerville presented corporation insurance proposals. He noted this year’s substantial increase is mostly because of industry trends. The premium of $302,029 will include workers’ compensation and cyber liability coverage.
• CACS is loaning $100,000 from its rainy day fund to the cafeteria because of delayed reimbursements.
• The board approved stipends from the annual Early Literacy Grant for staff working with pre-K through third grade to improve literacy.
• Assistant Superintendent Sean Stevenson thanked employees for pulling an all-nighter to get snow cleared. A roof leak was found and repaired at Centerville-Abington Elementary.
• Approved CSHS donations: Golden Engineering, $1,500 for French Club; Belden, $1,000 for Drama Club; Next Step Dance Studio, $150 for band.

Personnel

• Pending hire: Brynna Cheek, substitute teacher for third through 12th grade
• Departure: Katie Wilson, CAE daytime custodian