Elementary school teachers recognized for IREAD scores
By SYDNEY KENT
Southern Wells Community School teachers may receive the opportunity to create classroom “wish lists” with the help of a global solar energy developer, Lightsource BP.
Darrin Jacobs, the development manager at Lightsource BP, spoke to the board about potential methods to assist the district with funding for teachers on Tuesday evening.
“We’re developing a solar project in Wells County,” Jacobs began. “Anytime we go into a community, we look for ways to partner with the people. Long term, we want to have a good conversation with this board about larger opportunities to help in the future.”
In the short term, Jacobs explained that Lightsource BP is seeking to partner with the district to help teachers succeed. Jacobs said this works with the help of a website called Donors Choose, an online crowd-funding platform for classrooms.
“Teachers make a wish list of items they want,” Jacobs explained. “This could be books, calculators, maybe a course they wouldn’t usually do like robotics. We have several thousand dollars set aside we would like to use to help the community. We’re asking specifically to help Southern Wells, if your teachers are interested in this.”
Jacobs also emphasized if this was not the preferred method to partner with the district, the company is open to ongoing conversations surrounding support. The board thanked him for his presentation.
Later, Kristen Wall, Southern Wells Elementary School Principal, recognized her third grade team, as well as fourth grade teacher Susan Oswalt, for achieving outstanding IREAD scores this year.
“It is truly impressive they continually achieve the highest scores in the area,” Wall told the board. “I am extremely proud to acknowledge them.”
Todd Thieme, who was present at the meeting, was approved as the new Jr./Sr. High School Assistant Principal and Athletic Director in an unanimous vote. Brooke Zigler was approved as the Instructional Assistant position in the Elementary school.
The board also:
• Approved the budget for 2024.
• Approved a request to formally add co-ed golf as a sport to the SW Junior-High school for the Spring of 2024.
• Accepted a resignation from Jeff Sprunger as a mentor teacher, with Tricia Tucker approved as a mentor teacher.
• Accepted a resignation from Mark Gates as Junior High Basketball Coach, with Caleb Sleppy approved in the position.
• Gave kudos to the classes and teachers for excellent work.
The next regular meeting of the board will be at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 21 at the high school.
sydney@news-banner.com
