The administration held two parent meetings to discuss the reconfiguration proposal.

CHURUBUSCO, Ind. (Sun. Dec. 6) — Recently, a proposal to reconfigure Smith-Green Community Schools into a kindergarten through sixth grade elementary and a junior-senior high school has been blazing its way towards becoming reality. How soon may we expect to see the plan come to fruition? Perhaps, sooner than we think.

The plan suggests moving the sixth graders to the elementary school in hopes of assisting a struggling 20 percent of students. According to comments made at a recent parent meeting by Churubusco High School Principal Austin Couch, “that 20 percent does poorly upon entering the sixth grade as well as leaving it.”

The administration has held two community meetings in order to gather parent input and answer questions regarding the proposal. The majority of parents voicing their opinion have spoken out against the plan.

Despite parents being told at the recent public meeting that school officials were unsure when the plan would come before the school board for a vote, it will happen at Monday’s meeting, Dec. 7, according to the agenda released Thursday by the school (see below.)

Those planning to speak on the issue during the community portion of the school board meeting should contact school board members prior to the meeting if they want to ensure that the board takes what they have to say into consideration.

School board members include:

• Tanya Young – Young.Tanya@sgcs.k12.in.us or 260-693-2969;
• Nick Eucker – Uecker.Nick@sgcs.k12.in.us or 260-693-2357;
• Kathy Petrie – Petrie.Cathy@sgcs.k12.in.us or 260-636-3522;
• Rick Trump – Trump.Rick@sgcs.k12.in.us or 260-693-9877;
• Mike Sturgis – Sturgis.Michael@sgcs.k12.in.us or 260-693-0015.

Executive Session, 6:00 p.m., Churubusco Middle School office/conference room

The Board of School Trustees will meet for the following purpose(s) in accordance with IC5-14-1.5-6(b):

• To discuss a job performance evaluation of individual employees. This subdivision does not apply to a discussion of the salary, compensation, or benefits of employees during a budget process.

Regular school board meeting, CHS/CMS Media Center at 7 p.m.
1. Call to Order and Welcome of Visitors – Mrs. Young
2. Pledge of Allegiance & Spotlight on Success – Mr. Couch & Zane Sade
3. Moment of Meditation – Mrs. Young
4. Teacher of the Month – Mr. Couch & Mr. Folland
5. Action on Consent Agenda – Mrs. Young
A. Minutes, Executive Session & Regular Meeting – November 16, 2009
B. Claims
6. Comments from Visitors
A. Community
B. Administrators
C. Board
D. Correspondence to the Board
7. Personnel
A. Resignations/Retirements (Ms. Borg)
B. Terminations
C. Reclassification
D. Leave Requests
E. New Hires (Approval of Winter Lay Coaches)
8. Business
A. Action: Approval of Professional Leaves
B. Action: Acceptance of Celebrating Diversity Grant
C. Action: Approval of Temporary Loans
D. Action: Approval of New CHS Courses
E. Action: Approval of K-6, 7-12 Restructuring
F. Report: Alternative Programs
G. Report: Maintenance, Grounds & Buildings
H. Report: Exit Interviews
I. Report: Memorial Garden Planning
J. Other
9. Future Agenda Items or Meetings
A. Approval of Extracurricular Fund Listing by Board – January 4
B. Appointment of Members to School-Based Committees – January 4
C. Board Organizational Meeting and Appointments – January 4
D. 2010 Budget Report – January 4
E. Board/Administrator Retreat – January 21
F. Future Agenda Requests – Board Members
10. NEOLA Work Session: Update of Selected Policies (8640, 6320, 7434, Exit Interview)
11. Adjournment – Mrs. Young
Next Regular Board Meeting – Monday, January 4, 2010, at 7:00 p.m. in the HS/MS Media Center, 1 Eagle Drive, Churubusco IN 46723