Superintendent Pat O’Donnell told board members during their regular April meeting that since last month’s announcement of Honda Transmission Manufacturing’s large donation to purchase door barricades for the middle and high school, many local businesses and individuals have contributed to cover the cost of finishing the project at the elementary school as well.
O’Donnell thanked the community and named all the donors during the meeting, “We started getting donations the very next day after the March board meeting. Sometimes people would just walk into the office with a check. We are so grateful for this support.”
O’Donnell said actual costs for the purchase and installation of the devices across the three buildings were below initial estimates. As a result, he believes the barricade systems will be installed this summer on all classrooms and appropriate student areas, with no cost to the district.
ILMS teacher Jana Core and her husband, Washington Township Police Chief Rick Core, initiated the campaign to purchase the barricades after the January shooting incident at West Liberty-Salem Schools. The locks are meant to help shield students and staff in case of an active shooter or other emergency. Honda Transmission Manufacturing immediately committed to donating $9,825, kicking off the effort.
Also at the board meeting, High School Principal Rob Underwood gave members an update on graduation and requirements for next year’s graduating class. Indian Lake's Commencement ceremonies will be held Sunday, May 21st starting at 2 pm. Curriculum Director Kyle Wagner also offered an update on state-mandated testing being conducted over the next few weeks. The board approved several staff and coaching contracts for the 2017-18 school year as well and the 2017-18 school calendar.
The Indian Lake Board of Education meets again Tuesday, May 16th at 6:30 pm in the board office.
Donors include: Honda Transmission Manufacturing, Logan Labs, RJB Sales & Service, the Landing Tavern, Choice Properties, Spend-A-Day Marina, Fraternal Order of Eagles, Cranberry Resort, Padrone’s Pizza, Edward Jones Investments, Frank and Jeannie Dietz, Christ United Methodist Church, Duff Quarry and Brentlinger Auto Sales.