Summer project near completion, armed response team approved
Indian Lake Board of Education members got a brief facilities update, honored excellent athletes, approved the district’s armed response team and raised substitute pay rates for support staff during their regular August meeting Monday night, Aug. 21.
The meeting began with formal recognition of the 2023 Division III State Runner Up Lady Lakers Softball Team. Head Coach John Stahl and members of the team received special certificates and praise from Superintendent Dr. Rob Underwood and members of the board. The Lady Lakers had a spectacular spring season, winning the Mad River CBC crown, a district title, a regional title and earning runner-up at the state finals in Akron. Junior pitcher Madison Brentlinger also received special recognition for being named First Team All Ohio.
Dr. Underwood then gave board members an update on the summer projects throughout campus, including the near completion of the HVAC and lighting project at Indian Lake High School.
“I just can’t say enough about how hard our staff worked all summer to pull together a lot of loose ends. We’re ready and excited for the kids to come back.”
The $1.4 million dollar Indian Lake High School HVAC project was mostly paid for by district Covid funds. The extensive ILHS HVAC project is the reason that Indian Lake Schools are starting a few weeks later this year.
The high school will be put back together completely in time for District Open House Night on Aug. 28, and the first day of school on Aug. 30. The actual chiller that will provide air conditioning was delayed by manufacturers, but is expected to be installed in November.
The board also voted to approve pay increases of $1-2 dollars an hour for substitute staff like bus drivers, food service workers and custodians.
“It’s really out of recognizing that our substitutes are so vital to the work we do here. Last year we gave a bump to substitute teachers and this year we saw the need to do the same for our support staff,” Underwood explained.
Board members also approved the confidential list of members on the district’s armed response team, which the superintendent and/or authorized training provider will submit to the Ohio School Safety Center.
Finally, after a brief executive session, the board tabled a decision on an Indian Lake Education Association grievance due to a settlement agreement that will be finalized before the next board meeting, with the grievance timelines being abated.
In other action, the board:
• approved the estimated resource and appropriation modifications;
• accepted the following donations: $278 from the Women of the Moose for school lunches; and $50 from Ron and Cindee Kratzenberg to the Music and Athletic Department in memory of Dennis Kaser;
• approved the following staff for advancement on the salary schedule: Amber Barnett to master’s plus 15; Alex Jacobs to bachelor’s plus 165;
• approved the out-of-state overnight eighth-grade Washington DC trip, slated for June 3-6, 2024;
• approved the 2023-24 bus stops as presented and authorize the transportation director to adjust as needed; and
• approve to join the 2023-24 META Solutions purchasing to advertise and receive bids for one or more 83-passenger conventional school bus(es), which does not obligate the district to purchase the buses.
The next meeting is 6:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 18, at the board office, 6210 N. State Route 235, Lewistown.
The 2023 Division III State Runner Up Lady Lakers Softball Team are, from the left, first row: Kenzie Dixon, Porscha Davis, Abigail Elliott, Katie Roby, Geona Spires and Kayleigh Zedlitz; and second row: Head Coach John Stahl, Assistant Coach Paula Newland, Carmyn Weiner, Addison Stinemetz, Haylee Edwards, Annie Rapp, Adeline Robinson, Halle Roby and Madison Brentlinger. (Indian Lake Schools Photo)
Crews continue to install bright, new LED lighting in all the hallways. Earlier this summer, all the drop ceilings were taken down to add duct work for the new HVAC system coming this fall. The upgrade will bring air conditioning and improved air quality to all of Indian Lake High School. (Indian Lake Schools Photo)