A special message from Superintendent Jim DuBois:
February 24, 2010 Dear Parents: I would like to take a moment to keep you updated about current changes evolving within Baugo Community Schools. I am sure that many of you have seen articles in the paper, watched the local news, and possibly heard all sorts of rumors. Don't get caught up in rumors! I would like to take this opportunity to let you know exactly what has transpired since our board meeting on Monday February 22. Please trust that the decisions that have been made are in the best interest of ALL the children that attend our schools. Through these changes we want to maintain a small school feel while providing a world class education. By now you should be well aware of the funding shortfalls in the State of Indiana. With this budget crisis Baugo Schools is facing between $711,000 and $725,000 dollars in cuts. To meet this budget shortfall we have had to make some VERY tough decisions. This past Monday evening, acting upon my recommendation, our School Board voted to idle Jimtown North Elementary School. I would like to communicate some very important points about what this will mean: 1. The education at Baugo Community Schools will not suffer. We must continue to get better as we consolidate some instructional resources and strategies. 2. With a combination of retirements and other factors there is a very high probability that none of the certified staff will be laid off. 3. New grade configurations (see below) will allow us to have an even better student to principal ratio than we have had in the past. Two principals are needed at the Intermediate site as the enrollment there will grow to around 600 students. 4. We have plenty of classrooms in our new configuration. In fact there is still room to grow. Class sizes will NOT be increased. Smaller class sizes are something we feel is very important to maintain. 5. Bus transportation will still be provided. Routes and drivers may have to be reconfigured. The transportation piece is being worked on right now. We will communicate these changes to you at a later date this spring or summer. At the meeting this past Monday night, the school board also approved the new grade configuration for our primary and intermediate grades. My recommendation was based on the goal of the LEAST amount of disruption for students and families, given the situation. For next year our grade levels will be configured as follows: Jimtown Primary Center: (Formerly Jimtown South) Grades K-2---Principal, Carol Deak Jimtown Intermediate: Grades 3-4---Principal, Scott Kovatch Jimtown Intermediate: Grades 5-6---Principal, Mike Stout Jimtown Junior High: Grades 7-8—Principal, Mitch Mawhorter Jimtown High School: Grades 9-12---Principal, Nathan Dean Associate Principal, Jeff Ziegler Additional information will be released over the next several months as it becomes available. We have a lot to do to prepare for the beginning of next school year and beyond. We are very excited about the excellent opportunities this change will bring to Jimtown Schools. If you have further questions or concerns feel free to contact the principal or myself at the Educational Services Center at 574-293-8583. Finally, thank you again for your patience, your input and your prayers through this time. Jim DuBois, Superintendent Baugo Community Schools |
Baugo Community Schools
Central Office (E.S.C.) 29125 County Road 22 West Elkhart, IN 46517 Phone: 574-293-8583 Fax 574-294-2171 |
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