Northeastern school board eager for new reading texts

Inspired by a presentation by two Northeastern Wayne educators, school board members enthusiastically expanded the purchase of new reading textbooks to an additional grade level.

During the board’s Jan. 22 meeting, Tierney Stevenson, elementary principal, and Teresa Ervin, literacy coach, requested a purchase of textbooks for kindergarten through second grades for next fall and expanding the purchase in future years to older grades as funds allow.

Superintendent Matthew Hicks said district officials were being cautious about large expenditures heading into a bargaining year for teacher compensation.

However, board members noted the importance of literacy in third grade and supported expanding the purchase of Wit & Wisdom materials to immediately include third graders as well. Indiana students take the IREAD-3 test to measure foundational reading skills.

Stevenson and Ervin noted positives in elementary students’ growth and skills in areas such as phonemic awareness, phonics and high-frequency words, but see weaknesses in comprehension and vocabulary.

The district’s curriculum isn’t yet fully using the science of reading materials that have been prioritized by state officials. Stevenson and Ervin say teachers are using a menagerie of materials, but it would be important to have consistent texts throughout grade levels so they know students have seen similar information.

Including third grade, the materials cost about $45,000, but Northeastern staff expressed interest in picking them up, saving about $4,500 in shipping and handling costs.

Recent business

• At its Jan. 22 meeting, the board unanimously approved a paid administrative leave for Kelly Plank effective Jan. 13 as part of several personnel decisions. Plank’s role has been director of curriculum and instruction. No comments were made as part of the vote.
• Northeastern’s Early Learning Center received zero citations during state licensing, which is a major milestone, Hicks said. Inspectors had previously found small citations in previous years ranging from water to the way backpacks were hung.
• John Markward, high school principal, said a new senior showcase is being planned for the final day of school. Every family can see their student highlighted for how they’ve grown and contributed through the years, featuring teacher memories. A separate breakfast will take place to recognize scholarship winners.
• An executive session took place after the Jan. 22 meeting to discuss and receive legal advice about an employee’s possible termination, performance and/or alleged misconduct.
• Some Northeastern classrooms aren’t staying warm during the winter. Occasionally, problems can be fixed simply, but other times, classes move to other spaces, such as the library, while repairs are being made.
• Maria Tinkle started Jan. 6 as high school assistant principal. The Richmond High School graduate previously taught at Nettle Creek Schools.
• The board approved buying cameras and security equipment from the $393,638 U.S. Department of Justice’s Community Oriented Policing Services grant. Northeastern was one of five Indiana districts to receive a grant; Western Wayne Schools received $219,653.
• Angie Smith was sworn in as a new board member to represent New Garden Township. Departing member Keith Webster was thanked for his service.
• The board reappointed President Shawntel Baker, Vice President Kim Claypoole and Secretary Daniel VanDuyne; Trisha Thomas, district treasurer; and A.J. Sickmann as attorney. Baker, VanDuyne and Thomas will serve in the same roles for NWS’ finance board.
• Approved donations: $1,000, Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance, boys basketball; $3,000, Astral Industries, Knights of the Round Table Extra Curricular Activities Fund; $1,500, anonymous; $500, Richmond Association of Realtors, choir; $1,250, Buffalo Wings and Rings, girls basketball and sponsor of girls holiday tournament.

Personnel

• New hires/contracted: Dave Baker, lunchtime supervisor NMS/NHS; Samantha Bane, full-time food services; Makayla Wagers, ISS TA permanent sub; Lisa Stucky and Jonna Porter- NES instructional aides; Jonna Porter, substitute nurse; Johnathon Sum, permanent sub; Madison Johnson, NELC substitute; Grace Summers and Jamie Worden, NELC aides; Kayla Bloomfield, food services
• Additional role: Kristi Johnting, NES Latchkey
• Departures: Miranda Straley, Nick Pruitt, Caitlin Gilland, Madison Wolf, Megan Schrier, Hannah Haler, Taygen Dalbey, Angie Goble, Chloe Gumm
• Transfers: Brooklyn Harris from NELC to NES; Spencer Benner from permanent sub to applied skills instructional aide; Kaelynn Dillard to NES library assistant
• Extra-curricular activities: Arden Davis, Spell Bowl Sponsor; Rachel Bales, resignation from sophomore class sponsor for the 24-25 school year; Kraig Rose, yearbook sponsor; Brianna Jay, winter guard; Carrie Mitchell, Mark Bevins, Meg Moreland and Elly Cofield, mentor teachers; Cody Becker, volunteer wrestling coach