Indian Lake Board of Education members got a brief facilities update, honored excellent athletes, approved the district’s armed response team and raised substitute pay rates for support staff during their regular August meeting Monday night.
The meeting began with formal recognition of the 2023 Division III State Runner Up Lady Lakers Softball Team. Head Coach John Stahl and members of the team received special certificates and praise from Superintendent Dr. Rob Underwood and members of the board. The Lady Lakers had a spectacular spring season, winning the Mad River CBC crown, a district title, a regional title and earning runner-up at the state finals in Akron. Junior pitcher Madison Brentlinger also received special recognition for being named First Team All Ohio.
Dr. Underwood then gave board members an update on the summer projects throughout campus, including the near completion of the HVAC and lighting project at ILHS.
“I just can’t say enough about how hard our staff worked all summer to pull together a lot of loose ends. We’re ready and excited for the kids to come back.”
The $1.4 million dollar Indian Lake High School HVAC project was mostly paid for by district Covid funds. The extensive ILHS HVAC project is the reason that Indian Lake Schools are starting a few weeks later this year. The high school will be put back together completely in time for District Open House Night on August 28th and the first day of school on August 30th. The actual chiller that will provide air conditioning was delayed by manufacturers, but is expected to be installed in November.
The board also voted to approve pay increases of $1-2 dollars an hour for substitute staff like bus drivers, food service workers and custodians.
“It’s really out of recognizing that our substitutes are so vital to the work we do here. Last year we gave a bump to substitute teachers and this year we saw the need to do the same for our support staff,” Underwood explained.
Board members also approved the confidential list of members on the district’s armed response team. Finally, after a brief executive session, the IL Board tabled a decision on an ILEA grievance due to a settlement agreement that will be finalized before the next board meeting, with the grievance timelines being abated.
The next Board of Education meeting will be the regular meeting on September 18, 2023 at 6:30 p.m.