REGULAR SCHOOL BOARD MEETING FOR GREATER JASPER CONSOLIDATED SCHOOLS

Monday night, the Greater Jasper Consolidated Schools convened its first meeting of the new year. Mayor Dean Vonderheide led off the docket, requesting board discussion on a piece of property related to the Regional Wellness Center that is currently owned by the school corporation.

Afterward, Dana Kunz presented the Wildcat Spotlight, highlighting K-12 career strategies that are intended to help students with their vocational and educational goals. She discussed the four core pillars that the program is built on, ascending from elementary through high school with a focus on awareness, exploration, preparedness, and career training. Great Jasper students will benefit from a myriad of profession-oriented resources, culminating at the 11 th and 12 th grade job fair, where 1200 students will interact with 100 employers. In support of these comprehensive programs, the board gave considerable time and discussion to the science of reading and how literacy is being positively affected by recent legislative decisions. Dr. Lorey praised both the legislation and educators for their foresight and commitment to students.

In other news, the board approved a bus driver compensation package, keeping Greater Jasper schools highly competitive when compared to neighboring districts. Building and maintenance needs were also discussed, including advertising for bids on a roof replacement to be completed in summer of 2024 for Jasper Middle and Jasper High and updating contracts to provide preventative maintenance for machines at the schools, including HVAC equipment.

For more information on these and other updates, visit gjcs.k12.in.us. - By Drew Hasselbring