The Salem High School Presentation Room was packed at Monday’s regular school board meeting for two reasons.

One was to see the board present Lions Awards and ROAR Awards to about 80 students and teachers at their regular meeting Monday night in the Salem High School Presentation Room.

Over half of that group left, only two from the remaining group spoke against and one for the $12.6 million projects. 

Deidra Gottbrath, president of the Washington County division of Indiana Farm Bureau said she had spent a lot of time on the phones talking with members and farmers about the proposed project and its affect on property taxes. 

She said she lives in a different school district and didn’t pay any attention to what was going on with Salem Schools.  

“And I know your-alls opinions and vote did not come without thought,” said Gottbrath. “But to a community member, it seems very fast paced and almost shooting from the hip. I feel like we may have deserved a few more answers to some questions. I feel like we’re kind of missing the boat on where the evidence shows, or the quotes of projects show that it’s economically feasible by clumping them all together. This all or none mentality has really done quite a defeat on people’s opinion of this project. I think everyone in the community can see that the school system is in need of some improvements.”

Although Gottbrath said the group deserved more answers, she posed no questions to the board. 

“I support the kids in this community. Maybe by not supporting this exact vote at this time. I’m not against the projects. All the other members are not against these projects, but they’re against the way it was approached. We support kids in this community by saying, we need to have farmers who can afford to continue to farm. With taxes going up, crop prices not going up to match that, we’re struggling to make a black line right now. Other community members are in the same boat. If they’re struggling to pay their bills already, i’m not sure how we’re supporting our kids by putting them in a bigger financial struggle with that as well. I encourage you to put a lot more attention to decisions like this.”

Todd Baker, a SHS graduate, spoke to the group and compared the combined package of projects to eating an elephant all at once. 

“It feels like we’re trying to eat the whole elephant at once. I can eat an elephant one bite at a time. It looks like a rushed process,” said Baker. “I don’t think there is any need to rush these things.  Looking at what this is going to do to my tax bill, It’s a little bit concerning. I think that’s why a lot of folks are here. In the future, I think that’s something we need to look at. Anytime an elected official is looking at things, that’s where you have to separate personal feelings from ‘hey, what do my constituents want?’ ‘What are the constituents telling me?’ These people here are the employers. The elected officials work for us. If the majority of people are saying they’re not for this, then that’s where we have to be able to separate personal opinion. We need to take a deeper look and view each project on its own merits.”

Scott Hebard spoke in support for the projects.

“I actually want to thank the board for making such a bold decision. I know a lot of people are up and arms about how this was pushed through,” said Heberd. “And a lot of this is going on about the money. I understand this is a very hot button topic. But honestly the biggest issue is against this music program and this music suite that’s being built. Time and time again, music has shown to improve our cognitive abilities. And it’s proven over and over again, study after study, that a good music program within a school increases the schools testing scores. Which in again will increase our funding through the federal gov. With that in mind, i want to thank the board for looking out and making such a bold declaration to take care of our music program not only for right now but in the foreseeable future.”

The only other mention of the projects, was when board member Ron Haendiges pushed a few sheets of paper across the table.

In public session, he did not address what they were or who had delivered them to the meeting during its executive session.

Board President Rebecca White acknowledged that one petition was to put the project on the Nov. 6 ballot for a public vote and the second petition was to object to the project in general. 

BOARD BUSINESS

ROAR AWARDS

The board presented ROAR awards to Kylie Crockett for her compassion to SMS math teach Gary Myszak, whose sister had passed away from a long battle with cancer. Bubba Abbott said although she had never had Mr. Myszak in class, she took the time to write him a letter expression her sorrow for his loss. 

Dr. Lynn Reed presented Erin Moore with the second ROAR award for being named 2018 Conservation Teacher of the Year. 

LION AWARDS

Band and Solo Ensemble Medal Winners:

• Carolyn Casey – Trumpet/Gold
• Brooklyn Davisson – Flute/Gold
• Morgan Gilstrap – Clarinet/Gold
• Elaine Houchin – Trumpet/Gold
• Jude Kritzer – Clarinet/Gold
• Evan Smedley – Snare/Gold
• Ellie Spaulding – Clarinet/Gold
• Isabel Tunney – Clarinet/Gold
• Lucas Bower – Barritone/Gold
• Sarah Call – Alto Sax/Gold
• Chase Coleman – Alto Sax/Gold
• Patience Gumaelius – Flute/Gold
• Rebekah Paul – Flute/Gold
• Holden Kidd – Tenor Sax/Gold
• Gina Ries – Clarinet/Gold
• Parker Blackwell – Tuba/Silver
• Tyler Zink – Trombone/Gold
• Ethan Bower – Alto Sax/Gold
• Leah Scott – French Horn/Gold
• Julia Casey, Emily Morgan, Rebecca McKinley – Flute Trio/Gold

Math Counts

• Julia Casey
• Zion Dunaway
• Matthew Johnson
• Sebastian Miller
• Tennille Sorrels
• Lucas Bower
• Chase Coleman
• Madeline Galvin
• Taylor Garvin
• Patience Gumaelius
• Madalyn Irwin
• Jacob Rose 

SHS Vocal Soloists

• Autumn Harley
• Cora Saunders
• Justice Brown
• Zec Morris
• Nathan Smith
• Isaiah Weill
• Andrew Hoskins
• Kaden Hebard

Wrestlers

• Dylan Carpenter
• Evan Raye
• Aaron Hollen
• Isabelle Foster
• Woodlan Brown
• Jalen Stephens
• Austin Hollen

Lady Lions Basketball Team

• Callie Backherms
• Jamie Taylor
• Mackenzie Underwood
• Ashton Thompson
• Hope Tomlinson
• Lexi Garloch
• Karly Sweeney
• Leah Miller
• Kylie Brown
• Lettie Nice
• Brooklyn Brown
• Katie Ezzell
• Allison Cauble
• Bailey Hypes
• Charity McFelea
• Lydia Minton
• Olivia Weber

SMS Math Bowl Team

• Brady Briscoe
• Jackson Brough
• Noah Deaton
• Adam Mull
• Nick Ingram
• Gaven Mancine
• Kayla Houchin
• Kaden Glass
• Japeth Webb
• Leanna Springer
• Audrey Bower
• Chloe Zink
• Brandon Cornwell
• Hunter Trainor
• Rachel McKinley
• Cayden Smith

The Board made the following personnel recommendations

RESIGNATIONS

• Joseph Bortka – resignation as SMS Wrestling Coach
• Kayla Shouse – resignation as SMS Track Coach
• Josh Lewis – resignation as SMS Boys Assistant Track Coach
• Megan Napier – resignation as SMS Boys Assistant Track Coach
• Cecil Evans – resignation as Girls Assistant Track Coach

Extra Curricular Activities Hires

• Cecil Evans – SMS Boys Track Co-Coach
• Josh Lewis – SMS Boys Track Co-Coach
• Jennifer Martin – SMS Golf Coach
• Megan Napier – Girls Varsity Assistant Track Coach
• Chris Mahuron – SMS Girls Assistant Track Coach
• Joe Philpott – Volunteer Assistant Varsity Boys Golf
• Alaina Davidson – Volunteer Assistant Softball Coach 

OTHER PERSONNEL

• Marion Mauck – Temporary Attendance Clerk
• Jill McKinley – Grade 4 Maternity Leave
• Marla Mead – Grade 4 Maternity Leave
• Kellie Stewart – Grade 1 Medical Leave

DONATIONS

The following donations were approved to Salem Schools

• Donation to SHS Junior Class Concessions for $1,000 from an anonymous donor
• Donation to SHS Clay Target Club for $500 from Lineal Contracting, Inc.
• Donation to SHS SADD for $1500 from Washington County Substance Abuse Council
• Donation to SHS Golf Team for $250 from Joe Stout
• Donation to BSE of $50 from Mercedes Roll to be placed in the Kindergarten ECA account
• Donation to SHS Clay Target Club for $1030 from National Wildlife Turkey Federation
• Donation to SHS BPA from Businesss/Individuals to be used for state competition in March
• Donations from local businesses pertaining to the Community Dinner on March 6

TRIPS

• Board approved an overnight field trip to Tunnel Mill Camp for the Science Club for April 27-29. 
• Board approved an out of state field trip to the US Air Force Museum in Dayton, OH for Mr. Mullins “Tie Guys” on April 7. 

CANCEL CHECKS

The board gave Assistant Superintendent Kim Thurston permission to cancel checks according to state guidelines. 

“We will follow Indiana code following procedure of cancelled checks,” said Thurston. “These will be cancelled and receipted to general fund.”

Steve Motsinger made a motion. Mark Abbott seconded. The motion Passed 7-0

GRADUATION DATE

The board set the upcoming High School Graduation date as Saturday, May 26 at 2p.

Abbott made a motion. Monica Spaulding seconded the motion. The motion passed 7-0

ADOPT BUDGET CALENDAR FOR 2019

In order to prepare for budget season, the board needed to adopt a 2019 budget process.

“The proposed calendar follows corresponding dates utilized in the 2018 budget process,” said Thurston. “We should keep in mind that 2019 will be a completely new process for developing and adopting the school budget. Given that, We should keep in mind that this calendar is fluid and subject to change as we receive information from the Indiana Department of Local Government Finance.”

Dr. Tricia Wheeler made a motion to approve. Erica Garloch seconded the motion. It passed 7-0

ADVERTISE FOR ADDITIONAL APPROPRIATIONS

Thurston said additional appropriations were needed for the rainy day fund and transportation fund for remainder of 2018. He said they were tracking close to last year.

“We would seek an additional appropriation of $60,000 in rainy day fund and $100,000 for transportation. Both funds show sufficient cash balances,” he said.

Thurston said advertisement will appear twice in March, followed by a hearing in April.

He said paperwork would then be sent to state for approval.

Motsinger made a motion to approve. Spaulding seconded the motion. The vote passed 7-0

ASSIGN A BROKER FOR PROPERTY CASUALTY INSURANCE COVERAGE

Garloch, Haendiges, Dr. Reed, Dr. Thurston and Kelly Kitchel, Salem’s Loss Prevention/Risk Management Consultant met on March 8 to interview prospective brokers/agents for the property casualty insurance renewal for 2018/19.

The three interviewed were: 

• Kyle Browning from Witkemper Insurance Group
• Jason Bukoswki with Moore-Shepherd Insurance
• Kevin Kreckler and Debbie Hurst from Assured Partners

Thurston recommened hiring Moore-Shepherd Insurance.

Haendiges made a motion. Abbott seconded the motion. The motion passed 7-0. 

APPROVED AFFIDAVIT FOR PAYMENT

The Indiana State Board of Accounts recommended the board approve affidavits for payments prior to submission to US Bank in Louisville. This affidavit for payment will be taken from the 2016 Construction Funds and are for the final payment request for the remodel of the Bradie Shrum office and computer lab. 

Motsinger made a motion. Wheeler seconded the motion. The motion passed 7-0.

APPROVAL OF STIPENDS

Dr. Reed asked the board to approve a stipend of $250 for Kean Garvin and Mark Coombs for additional bus work during the frigid weather. 

Reed said the board had agreed last fall that all future stipends would be merit-based. 

Abbott made a motion to approve. Garloch seconded the motion. The motion passed 7-0

APPROVAL OF NEW PROGRAM FOR FRESHMAN

Salem High School Principal Troy Albert spoke to the board about a new opportunity for our high school freshman.

“We would like to ask permission to speak to freshman and their parents about a trip to Pigeon Key, Florida in March 2019 for any of next years’ sophomores,” said Albert. “It is through World Strides and called Splash Into Science. STEM activity for science and possiblity of getting an elective college credit. Unique opportunity will allow students to experience marine biology and to learn of all the careers that are there. We’ve worked with them for 4 years.”

Albert’s wife, Karen, said she is a retired science teacher and recommends the trips. “It creates such enthusiasm with the kids. It’s 5 days in March – from the 20th to 24th. We fly out early and fly in late. They hit the road as soon as they land and start making stops.”

Karen said students are taken to the turtle hospital so they can see things that are happening in the ocean that are affecting the turtles.

“This is a very science oriented program. Would really enhance the biology that they’re finishing up as freshman. Swim with the dolphins. Learn about anatomy. Snorkle in coral reef. Identify different kinds of fish, reefs…so they know what they see when they go out there,” she said. 

The cost is $2000 per student, which is all-inclusive. 

White said she had heard of the program from other schools. “It’s such a success. Such a great opportunity. We live in a landlocked state. I’ve had two daughters who wanted to be marine biologists. I’ve heard so many great success stories from other schools.”

Troy said he had investigated the costs to do the same program on their own. “I tried to see if we could do this on our own….it would cost $3800. There is a significant savings by going through this company.”

He said the program would tie in some of the career and college readiness and also provide college credit for the students. 

The board approved the project to go forward

SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT

E-LEARNING DAYS

Dr. Reed told the board the school has received permission from the state to have the e-learning date of Thursday, March 22.

“We will be sending home letters and have a link online if the child needs transportation,” Reed said.

“We’re going to run buses from normal start time until about 11a. If any child needs transportation we will make that available through our bus routes. We are asking that children sign up by Monday at noon so we can coordinate the routes. Just for Thursday. If you have internet at home, they don’t have to come in. The transportation is for children who don’t have internet access at home. We will have all buildings open. Staff will be in the computer rooms. Next year, we’ll probably open one building. They can come into one building.”

Reed also reminded the board and the public of the SHS Choir Concert Tuesday night and the band concert on Thursday night. 

SCHOOL SAFETY

Reed also noted plans were moving ahead with Salem Schools as a pilot program with Net Talon, the safety company behind the Safest School in America – which is in Shelbyville, IN. 

She said the middle school will likely be chosen since it has the fewest students. 

White noted the next regular meeting will be April 9. 

Wheeler made a motion to dismiss. Motsinger seconded the motion. 

It is well documented that active shooter attacks are quick and violent in nature, relying on both surprise and shock to aid in the shooter’s effectiveness.

Due to these factors, calls from a school to 911 often do not begin until well after the incident has even begun.

The national average for a call to go out to 911 hovers around the two minute mark. Once those calls are made there is still a large amount of missing information and misreported intel.

The alert to law enforcement that a situation is underway rests solely on the shoulders of those trapped within an incident. This means of communication combined with the lack of usable information coming from the caller/s, serves only to prolong an efficient response from law enforcement.

Salem Schools has been addressing safety for almost 10 years – spending money every year to make improvements.

Each of the schools has networked cameras, locking doors and specially secured entrances to all three buildings. Bullet-proof glass has also been installed. 

Superintendent DL Reed told the board at its regular meeting Monday night that she has continued talks with Net Talon, the security company responsible for the “Safest School in America” – better known as Southwestern High School in Shelbyville, IN – and has signed up the the Salem Middle School to be a pilot school. 

Reed told board members last Friday at a special meeting that she had been discussing options with Net Talon’s Donald Jones. 

“I have been on the phone with Net Talon, the group that installed the pilot program at Southwestern School in Shelbyville. I talked to the owner, Don Jones.  I sent him and email and he just called me. They are looking for more pilot schools. They are going to do 8-10 this year with the Indiana Sheriff’s Association. I signed us up. I hope I wasn’t premature. They will choose one of our schools. If that’s successful, we can do that with the other two schools.”

Reed said there would be some costs involved, but the board recently approved setting aside $1 million for security updates in all three schools. 

Twice in as many weeks, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department made an arrest for dealing methamphetamine in Jackson County.

On March 11, Christopher Bell, 29, of Seymour was arrested for dealing methamphetamine, a Level 5 Felony following a high-speed chase through Jackson County.

Bell failed to stop for a traffic violation for Reserve Deputy Scott Davis on County Road 1240 East, South of Seymour when the pursuit began. Bell fled North from Davis on US Highway 31 at speeds reaching 100 mph.

Bell then turned onto County Road 275 North but failed to make a turn onto County Road 1000 East. Bell drove his vehicle into a field and ran from the vehicle. Bell was caught by Davis after a foot pursuit through a field and into a wooded area West of County Road 1000 East.

Bell was found to be in possession of a bag that contained Methamphetamine, a digital scale, and two cell phones. Conflicting information at the scene about the ownership of the vehicle Bell was driving led to him being arrested for theft as well.

Davis arrested Bell for possession and dealing methamphetamine, both Level 5 Felonies. He was also arrested for Auto Theft, Maintaining a Common Nuisance, and Resisting Arrest With a Vehicle, all Level 6 Felonies, and on Misdemeanor charges of Criminal Recklessness, Reckless Driving, Resisting Arrest, Criminal Trespassing, Criminal Mischief, and Driving While Suspended with a Prior Conviction.

Bell is being held without bond in the Jackson County Jail. Davis was assisted by Crothersville Police Officer J.L. McElfresh, County Officers Ben Rudolph and Tyler Goodpaster, Seymour Police Officers Brian Proffet and Sgt. Jack Swindell.

A five-month investigation conducted by Deputy Jeff Walters and Detective Ben Rudolph led to the arrest of Robert England, 64, of Medora. 

England has been charged with 2 Counts of Dealing Methamphetamine, a Level 2 Felony, and Dealing Methamphetamine, Level 4 Felony.

England was arrested on March 6, 2018 during an undercover operation.  During the arrest, England was found to be in possession of Methamphetamine and Scheduled II Controlled Substances.  Also, during the arrest England was found to be in possession of a firearm and drug paraphernalia.

Detective Rudolph secured a search warrant for England’s residence which yielded an additional 95 grams of Methamphetamine and $8,770 in cash.  Detectives also found Marijuana, and Marijuana growing in the garage.  After the search warrant, England will be remanded on additional charges of Dealing Methamphetamine, Level 2 Felony, Maintaining a Common Nuisance, possession of Marijuana, and Possession of Paraphernalia.

England is currently incarcerated in the Jackson County Jail.  A Level 2 Felony has a punishable range of 10-30 years in prison.

Assisting with the execution of the search warrant were Lt. Andy Wayman and Detectives Bob Lucas and Tom Barker.

A $1.51 billion settlement has been reached in the nationwide class action lawsuit filed in Kansas federal court over Syngenta’s genetically modified corn seed. 

It is believed to be the largest agricultural litigation settlement in U.S. history.  The settlement covers all U.S. corn producers – farmers and crop share landlords – as well as grain handling facilities and ethanol plants nationwide who sold corn priced after September 15, 2013.

A motion for preliminary approval has been filed. The settlement must be approved by the Honorable John W. Lungstrum, a United States District Judge for the District of Kansas.

The litigation has been led by four lawyers who were appointed Co-Lead and Class Counsel by the Court – Scott Powell of Hare, Wynn, Newell and Newton; LLP, William Chaney of Gray Reed & McGraw LLP, Patrick Stueve of Stueve Siegel Hanson LLP, Don Downing of Gray, Ritter & Graham, P.C.

The four co-lead counsel issued a statement: “We are very pleased with this outcome. America’s corn farmers and related businesses were hurt economically and this settlement will provide fair compensation for their damages. It is an equitable result for all involved.”

Who is Covered Under this Syngenta Corn Class Action Settlement?

All corn growers, grain handling facilities and ethanol plants across the country – as defined in the settlement and who choose to stay in the settlement – are covered by this settlement, including any U.S. farmers who opted out of previous Syngenta litigation.

However, all class members must submit a claim form to receive settlement funds. 

Next Steps

If preliminarily approved, the settlement terms and claims process information will be set forth in notices mailed to class members and published in various media outlets across the country, as well as in a settlement website.

Members of the class then will have a period of time to submit a claim form, opt out of the settlement, or object to the terms of the agreement.

Judge Lungstrum then will decide on whether to finally approve the $1.51 billion settlement.  If the settlement is ultimately approved, it is anticipated that funds could be distributed to class members in the first half of 2019.

The Syngenta Genetically Modified Corn Seed Litigation

Judge Lungstrum certified the nationwide class action lawsuit in September 2016. 

Eight state class action lawsuits were also certified in the multi-district litigation. The four co-lead plaintiff’s counsel in the nationwide class action lawsuit also represented more than 7,000 Kansas farmers in the first and only state class action lawsuit to be tried to a verdict. In June 2017, a Kansas jury returned a $217.7 million verdict in favor of the Kansas grown growers.

These farmers, as well as all corn farmers nationwide, will be covered under this class action settlement and must submit a claim form to receive compensation.

For more information, visit www.syngentacornlitigation.com

On March 7, 2018, school leaders from across the nation traveled to Beaumont, Texas, to share their recovery experiences with educational leaders whose districts were impacted by Hurricane Harvey.

Troy Albert, Salem High School Principal and Dr. John Reed, West Clark Superintendent joined other volunteer mentors to share experiences and discuss important recovery related topics. Both were involved in the recovery efforts and rebuilding project after the destruction of Henryville’s High School by a tornado. 

Among issues discussed were current mental and behavioral health challenges, how school district leadership can best support educators and students through recovery, effective communication strategies and other topics pertinent to school districts in the Region 5 Education Service Center in Beaumont, Texas.

Volunteer mentors worked with local school leaders to problem solve current and potential future challenges and in the development of action plans to guide recovery efforts going forward.

In addition to a number of collaborative activities, Troy Albert Salem High School Principal and Dr. John Reed, West Clark Superintendent, participated on an expert panel to share lessons learned from their personal recovery experiences to provide valuable insight on issues Harvey-impacted leaders may encounter post disaster.

In discussing what did the panel learn after six months after a tragedy, “The greatest
lesson learned was the people matter and their feelings and emotional well-being is vital.The teachers lost items and the need for more outside support was really the greatest item that need a to change. Listen to the needs of the teachers and support staff.” said Albert.

The seminar was part of an ongoing effort to strengthen local resiliency and build system-wide capacity in areas across the Hurricane Harvey impacted region.

The Indiana State Police were called to investigate a double homicide on Friday that occurred in Pulaski County.

Friday, March 9, 2018, evening detectives with the Indiana State Police were called to a residence in the 3900 block West County Road 200 North in Pulaski County. 

A family member had went to this residence for a well-being check as the relative living there had not been heard from in approximately two days. The family member found two people dead in the house.  Pulaski County Sheriff’s Department were notified and responded.

Pulaski County Sheriff Department secured the scene and called for ISP detectives and ISP Crime Scene Investigation personnel.  The two deceased have been identified as Loss Stacy, 59 (resident) and Mary Kurek (Loss Stacy girlfriend), 56 of Gary, Indiana.  The manner of death and cause of death are pending the results of an autopsy and toxicology.  Family has been notified.

Evidence from the investigation has lead to the arrest early Saturday, March 10, 2018, of Ross Stacy, 32 of Winamac.  Ross Stacy is being held in the Pulaski County Jail and has been formally charged with Murder.

All criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

On Friday, March 9, 2018, at approximately 7:50 pm, the Indiana State Police responded to a report of a pedestrian being struck by a vehicle on State Road 56 at Lincoln Street in Rising Sun.

The initial investigation by Trp. Kyle Stovall indicated that a blue 2012 Chevrolet Cruze being driven by Gary Turner, age 77, Rising Sun, Indiana was traveling eastbound on State Road 56 at Lincoln Street. 

Turner’s vehicle struck a pedestrian, identified as Onlie Gulley, age 83, Morrow, Ohio who was in the roadway.  Further investigation revealed that Gulley was walking southbound across State Road 56 when he was struck.      

Gulley was transported to the Dearborn County Hospital where he died as a result of the injuries he sustained in the crash.  Turner was not injured in the collision.

Alcohol and drugs are not believed to be factors in the crash.  However, toxicology results on Turner are pending at this time.

The crash continues to be under investigation by the Indiana State Police-Versailles Crash Reconstruction Team.  The Indiana State Police was assisted by the Rising Sun Police Department, Ohio County Sheriff’s Department, Ohio County EMS, and the Ohio County Coroner’s Office.