With the new school year in full swing, two newly hired teachers and one new board member are settling into the routine at Culver Community Schools.
David Cooper will be replacing Gene Baker on the Culver School Board. Cooper is a Culver local, having grown up and graduated in Culver. Cooper is currently employed as maintenance supervisor for Plymouth’s Park and Recreations Department, and has been serving as a member of the Culver Fire Department for several years.
“I think it’s just a new adventure. I’ve done a tour on the Culver Town Council, served four years, and like I said, the Fire Department I’ve been on for twenty three,” said Cooper.
On the classroom side, Eric Thomas will be taking the reins of the Industrial Technology program at Culver. Thomas, a graduate of Ohio State University, looks forward to having full control over the I.T. program.
“I’m really excited about the program because I get a little bit of a freedom to develop how I want it. I can update the program as I see fit and try to use as much new technology as possible in the classrooms,” said Thomas.
Ashley Trumble from LaPorte will be teaching middle school students the subject of science. A graduate of the University of Evansville, Trumble has been teaching for over five years and taught previously in Michigan City. Trumble says she’s excited about her role and doesn’t plan to rely solely on textbooks.
“I’m probably the most excited about technology and doing projects and making videos and having them research science more so than just getting in their books,” said Trumble.
Unfortunately, the new hires were unable to sign a contract due to legal issues between the state Board of Education and the teachers’ union, and were hired in by word. They will be given the same salaries as were used last year, but Superintendent Brad Schuldt feels a solution to this issue should be coming at any time.
