Crawfordsville Community School District administrators are pleased with the start of the new school year.
Superintendent Dr. Rex Ryker told school board trustees Thursday during their regular meeting that enrollment numbers are stable in the district’s brick and mortar buildings. The newly launched Athens Virtual Academy also is doing well. Ryker reported that 119 students are currently enrolled in the online school that offers course work for students in grades 7-12.
He credited Mark Melton, AVA principal, and Sarah Newton, AVA counselor, for the school’s success. He said the duo has been making connections with home-school groups and parents as well as with probation departments across the state to offer and support another pathway to academic success.
“There’s truly a need for this type of program,” he said.
The board learned that the corporation was approved for a loan from the state’s School Technology Advancement Account to purchase Chromebooks and software for AVA students.
Assistant Superintendent Brent Bokhart also shared that the start of the school year has gone smoothly, including the busing of approximately 1,700 of the nearly 2,500 students enrolled across the district. He added that officials are working through adjustments with the community preschool expansion and the addition of childcare at Willson. The Crawfordsville Police Department has been assisting with early traffic congestion and helping create an improved traffic flow at the site.
In personnel matters, the board accepted a contract with Andrew Nicodemus, corporation business manager.
The board accepted the resignations of Christina Gossman; Audrey Brierly, Hoover teachers assistant; and Kelsea Wolf, Willson childcare aide.
The board approved the employment of Jennifer Shadle, Nicholson second grade teacher; Jennifer Sayler, Hose first grade teacher; Kylee Mefford, Nicholson media center assistant; Molly Barnes, Hoover essential skills; Lisa Fisher, Hoover receptionist; Brett Abramczyk, CTE construction trade; Ashley Fisher, CHS special education assistant; and Renee Berg, CMS essential skills assistant.
The board also learned of the change of position for Newton, who will now be a full-time Athens Virtual Academy school counselor due to enrollment numbers; Mary Scheidler will become a CHS school counselor; and Sheridan Pool will take over as Nicholson school counselor.
In other business, the board:
• Approved a CTE joint services agreement with North Montgomery, Southmont and Western Boone school districts to share personnel as well as purchase supplies, equipment and facilities to provide programs and services for career and technical education. Furthermore, the board approved a not-for-profit lease agreement with the Crawfordsville Redevelopment Commission for classroom and office space at 2255 Phil Ward Blvd. for the CTE program.
• Approved the purchase of a corporation transit van from D Patrick Ford, Lebanon.
• Awarded a bid to The Blakley Corp. for limestone repairs at the entrance to Hoover and awarded a bid to J&D Turf for drainage repair and maintenance at the high school baseball field. Bids are still being received for fencing at the Willson playground. The board gave administrators pre-approval to award a contract to the company with the lowest bid (not to exceed $15,000).
• Learned there will be a dedication of the Hoover Veterans Memorial at 12:45 p.m. Aug. 20. Board members and the public are invited to the ceremony.
• Approved a revision to board meeting locations. The board will continue to meet monthly at different locations within the district until March 2025, when meetings will move to the new administration building. Meetings will continue to begin at 5:30 p.m.
