The Rossville Consolidated School District Board of Education convened in the school’s library for its regularly scheduled meeting on March 4.
The Board spotlighted the outstanding wrestling season, recognizing the team’s athletic and academic accomplishments. Accolades were given to the athletes for their dedication and achievements throughout the season.
Board members approved the minutes from the Feb. 4 regular and executive sessions and reviewed claims and payroll reports, which had been provided in advance. Fund and bank reports were also presented, and members were encouraged to contact Superintendent Dr. Jim Hanna with any questions.
The Board reviewed and approved several personnel matters. Mrs. Haley Souerdike, an elementary teacher, submitted her resignation, effective at the end of the 2024-2025 school year. Mrs. Leila Kempinski requested FMLA leave from September 2 through Dec. 19 with plans to return on Jan. 5, 2026. To fill her temporary absence, Mr. Dennison recommended Mrs. Kathy Jackson, who will be compensated at a daily rate of $239.25. Additionally, Mr. Gorbett proposed adding a temporary summer assistance position to help with school preparations. The position will run from June 2 through July 25 with an hourly wage of $14 and a maximum of 25 hours per week.
As part of its commitment to maintaining current policies, the Board reviewed updates in collaboration with the Indiana School Boards Association (ISBA). New policies under first read included Section 3210 – Use of Equipment and a review of Section 4401 – Student Searches. Policies under the second read included revisions to Section 3220 – Professional Development Conferences and Section 5510 – Educationally Related Activities.
Financial matters were also addressed. The Board received a draft audit report from Crowe LLP, covering the period from July 2022 to June 2024. Once finalized, the report will be posted online. The Board also reviewed a proposal to close inactive funds, including transferring a $0.16 balance to the Operations Fund. In addition, The Farmers Bank donated $150 to Academic Honors.
The Board approved Mr. Hammons’s request for six $500 Moore Scholarships and five $1,000 Luella V. Davis and Everett D. Davis Trust Scholarships for members of the 2025 senior class. The Scholarship Committee will select the Recipients.
Several student and staff travel requests were considered. The Board retroactively approved an overnight trip for the Rossville Wrestling Team to compete in the IHSAA Wrestling State Championship at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Feb. 21 through Feb. 22 where three athletes qualified. The Junior Varsity and Varsity Cheer teams received approval to attend an overnight camp at Anderson University from July 22 through July 25. Dr. Hanna was approved for travel and lodging to attend the Transfinder Annual Client Summit in Nashville, Tennessee, from March 30 through April 2, having been awarded a scholarship covering the $1,275 registration fee. Additionally, Chief of Police Tommy Dillingham requested, and the Board approved, Officer Mitchell Cottrell’s attendance at the Basic School Resource Officer Training in Michigan City, Indiana, from June 16 through June 20, a mandatory training for officers working in school settings.
The next Rossville Consolidated School District Board of Education meeting is scheduled for April 8 at 7 p.m. in the Rossville Schools Library.
