Enrollment is down at Knox Community Schools. An official count of 1,793.37 students was recorded during last month’s count day.
Budget Adoption, Enrollment Update Planned for Tonight’s Knox School Board Meeting
The Knox School Board is expected to adopt the school corporation’s 2019 budget tonight. It calls for a total budget of more than $20.1 million.
Knox School Board to Consider Moving Some Cash Reserves into Certificate of Deposit
The Knox Community School Corporation is looking to maximize its cash reserves. Superintendent Dr. William Reichhart told the school board Tuesday that the school corporation has a total of about $7 million in its various funds. That money is currently earning an interest rate of about 1.75 percent.
Knox School Board Reviews Changes to School Funding Structure during Budget Hearing
Knox school officials are preparing for the upcoming change in the school funding structure. Starting January 1, each school corporation’s General Fund will be replaced by an Education Fund, while the Capital Projects, Transportation, and Bus Replacement Funds will be combined into an Operations Fund.
Knox School Board to Hold Budget Hearing Tonight
The Knox School Board will hold a public hearing on its 2019 budget proposal tonight.
Knox School Board Gets Update on New After-School Tutoring Initiative at Middle, High Schools
Another way to help students who have fallen behind is being put in place at Knox Middle and High schools.
Knox School Superintendent Gives Update on Project Finances
The Knox School Board got a financial update on the school corporation’s facility improvements last week. “We have about $60,000 left in our $5 million bond project that is not encumbered as of yet,” Superintendent Dr. William Reichhart explained. “We still have projects left to do.”
$25,000 Worth of Equipment Donated to Knox High School Graphic Arts Department
Knox High School’s Graphic Arts Department is getting a major equipment upgrade, thanks to a recent donation. Compliance Signs gave the school two Roland wide body printers, valued at $12,500 each. On top of that, CutCardStock of Valparaiso has donated $450 worth of paper. The donations were officially accepted by the school board last week.
Knox Elementary School Reports Success with New Pickup Procedure
A new student pickup procedure is proving to be successful for Knox Elementary School. Principal Michelle Tarnow told the school board last week that the new system is working “beautifully.” She said that on a typical day, the school is able to handle about 100 cars in roughly 14 minutes.
Starke County School Officials, Emergency Personnel Take Part in Active Shooter Tabletop Exercise
Starke County’s educators and first responders recently tested how they’d react to an active shooter situation. Knox Elementary School Principal Michelle Tarnow reviewed this month’s tabletop exercise with the school board last week.
Knox School Board Finalizes Policy Updates, Considers Changes to Field Trip Approval Process
The Knox School Board has finalized its latest round of policy updates. On Tuesday, board members approved a list of 18 policy revisions recommended by policy consultant NEOLA.
Knox School Corporation to Apply for State-Issued Hand-Held Metal Detectors
Hand-held metal detectors may soon be coming to Knox Schools. The school board voted Tuesday to accept the state’s offer to provide metal detectors free of charge to Indiana schools.
Knox School Board Hires Architect to Develop Plans for Future Facility Upgrades
The Knox Community School Corporation is moving ahead with exploring possible facility improvements. On Tuesday, the school board voted to hire architectural firm Schmidt Associates to develop plans for future construction. The firm recently completed a facilities study for the corporation, and board members felt it made sense to stick with the same company.
Knox School Corporation Looking to Partner with City to Add School Resource Officer
The Knox Community School Corporation is still looking for ways to add a school resource officer, even after the Starke County Sheriff’s Department was unable to secure funding. During Tuesday’s school board meeting, Superintendent Dr. William Reichhart said he and other school officials are now exploring whether the City of Knox could step in. Continue reading
Knox School Board to Discuss School Resource Officer, School Safety
The Knox School Board will continue discussing a potential school resource officer position tonight.
Another Round of Policy Updates Presented to Knox School Board
Groups using Knox school facilities would officially be banned from holding events with alcohol or betting, under a policy proposal presented to the school board last month. Superintendent Dr. William Reichhart said that would mean that outside organizations wouldn’t be allowed to hold bingo events at school facilities, but raffles held by school groups could continue, since they wouldn’t fall under this policy. It’s one of several policy updates recommended by policy consultant NEOLA.
Knox School Board Gets Update on High School’s Former Pit Area
Knox High School’s pit area may be gone, but it continues to be a topic of discussion during school board meetings. Principal Dr. Elizabeth Ratliff told board members last month that the area where the pit used to be has gotten some new furniture. “The nice part is the kids love it,” she said. “So we’re seeing anywhere from 25 to 30 kids sitting in there every day. By being able to spread out the chairs, they’re really enjoying it, taking good care of it. So that’s been a very positive addition, also.”
Knox Schools Continue Adjusting Student Drop-Off, Pickup Procedures
Knox Elementary School is rolling out a new student pickup procedure. Principal Michelle Tarnow recently told the school board that the goal is to make the process more efficient and convenient, but above all, safer.
Knox School Board Accepts More Than $1,000 in Donations for Student Lunches
Knox School Board to Research Financial Options for Potential Facility Improvements
The Knox Community School Corporation is planning its next steps, in response to a recent facilities study.
