No deal has been reached yet, but the Knox School Board has voted to move ahead with hiring a school resource officer. Superintendent Dr. William Reichhart told board members Tuesday that he needed their approval, so a memorandum of understanding could be signed, once it’s ready.
Knox School Board to Discuss Proposed School Resource Officer Position, School Signage
The Knox School Board will resume its discussion about hiring a school resource officer tonight. School officials have been working with the City of Knox on a potential funding agreement. Continue reading
Knox School Board to Get Update on Planning Process for Potential Building Improvements Tonight
Discussions continue at Knox Community Schools over a potential building project. Back in September, the school board hired architectural firm Schmidt Associates to develop plans for future construction, after the firm had previously completed a facilities study for the corporation. Representatives will give an update to the school board, during a work session tonight at 6:00 at the Knox Schools Administrative Office.
Local Schools Looking to Implement Graduation Pathways for Students Struggling to Pass ISTEP
Local school administrators are looking toward the state’s new Graduation Pathways as a way to help current students struggling to pass the ISTEP. Knox High School Principal Dr. Elizabeth Ratliff told the school board last week that the initiative provides more options to students planning careers in various skilled trades.
Knox Middle School Principal Claims Success with Saturday School Remediation Program
The threat of Saturday school was apparently successful in helping Knox Middle School students improve failing grades. The number of students with at least one failing grade dropped by nearly three-quarters in a one-week period thanks to the program, according to Principal Jake Skelly.
Finalized 2019 Knox Schools Budget to Include Slight Tax Increase
The Knox Community School Corporation’s 2019 budget has been approved by the state with no big surprises, according to Treasurer Dawn Bailey. She told the school board last week that the Department of Local Government Finance cut the budget a little bit, and that the district’s property tax rate is set to go up by a little more than two cents.
Knox School Board Appoints Transportation Director, Maintenance Director, Deputy Treasurer
A longtime bus driver for Knox Community Schools has been chosen to take over as transportation director. Tara Pitts was officially appointed to the position by the school board last week, at the recommendation of Superintendent Dr. William Reichhart. “For those of you who haven’t met Tara, she’s been a bus driver with us for . . . 20 years,” he said. “And so she has lots of experience with us and now moving into the transportation director’s seat, and she’s up and running.”
2019-2020 School Calendar Approved by Knox School Board
The Knox School Board approved the corporation’s 2019-2020 school calendar last week. Students’ first day of class will be August 6, 2019, with the last day on May 22, 2020, unless make-up days need to be used. Students will once again get two weeks off for both Christmas break and spring break, as well as one week for fall break.
Knox School Board Approves 2.5-Percent Pay Raise for Additional Employees
Knox school employees are getting a pay raise. Earlier this month, the school board approved a base salary increase for teachers. Last week, board members did the same for the rest of the staff.
2019-2020 School Calendar, Employee Pay Raise to Be Discussed by Knox School Board Tonight
The Knox School Board will consider the 2019-2020 school calendar tonight.
Pay Raise, Sick Day Buyout Included in 2018-2019 Knox Teacher Contracts
Knox teachers will get a pay raise and a sick day buyout, under the master teacher contract ratified by the school board Tuesday. “Each of our teachers in Knox Community Schools will receive a base increase on their salary of $1,168,” Superintendent Dr. William Reichhart explains.
Knox Schools Transportation Director to Retire Next Month
The Knox Community School Corporation’s transportation director is retiring. Mark Jensen is stepping down, effective December 14.
More Than 40 Knox Middle Students Getting Math, Language Arts Help, With New Tutoring Program
Knox Middle School is reporting success with its new after-school tutoring program. Principal Jake Skelly told the school board last week that between Math and English/Language Arts, about 44 students have been taking part. If you are one of many needing help with languages, view this post to get help translating entire documents
Knox School Board Approves Agreement for Medicaid Reimbursement Services
The Knox Community School Corporation has joined several area school districts in renewing its agreement with Go Solutions Group.
Donations Highlighted at Knox School Board Meeting
Donations for school safety training and an elementary school field trip were formally accepted by the Knox School Board last week. The school corporation received $834 from the Starke County Community Foundation’s Go for School Safety Fund. That helped with the cost of last month’s active shooter tabletop exercise for Starke County school officials and first responders. The school board also accepted a donation from the Bennett family, to help pay for the third grade field trip to Fair Oaks Farms.
Knox School Board Updates Field Trip Approval Policy
The Knox School Board has streamlined the approval process for field trips. Under a policy update approved last week, only out-of-state and overnight field trips will have to go to the board for approval. The rest can be approved by the superintendent.
Knox School Board Agrees to Move Some of its Cash Reserves into Certificate of Deposit
The Knox Community School Corporation stands to bring in an extra $23,000 a year, after the school board agreed to place some of the corporation’s cash reserves in a certificate of deposit. Last week, board members authorized school officials to move up to $2 million into a one-year CD at 1st Source Bank.
Knox Elementary School Mourns Death of Student
Knox Elementary School is mourning the loss of one of its students. Nine-year-old Lilyan Coddington passed away last weekend.
Knox School Board Adopts 2019 Budget, Prepares for New Funding Structure
The Knox Community School Corporation’s 2019 budget was officially adopted by the school board Tuesday. The total budget adds up to more than $20.1 million.
Knox Community School Corporation Gets More than $58,000 in Energy Efficiency Rebates
Energy savings upgrades at Knox Community Schools have led to over $58,000 in NIPSCO rebates. Kirby Dipert with Lockheed Martin Energy, which administers NIPSCO’s energy efficiency programs, presented a check during Tuesday’s school board meeting.
