SOUTHWEST DUBOIS SCHOOL BOARD MEETING

On Thursday night, the Southwest Dubois School Board celebrated the high school’s academic opportunities and achievements while also advancing plans for its new middle school construction project.

The presentation of the month was facilitated by Southridge High School principal Greg Gogel, who brought some of his students along to talk a little about what makes Southridge special. Among the experiences that they found most influential were chances for community involvement, diversity in the faculty and staff, expansive curriculum offered for multiple pathways, and activities for a broad array of interests. Gogel discussed the various certifications and other opportunities open to students, through Patoka Valley programming and many programs available in-house.

The high school is in its second year as a mentor school (one of only five in the state) for other schools trying to reach Early College status. 98% of Southridge High School students found their federal aid eligibility for college, exceeding the state goal of 60%, and coming in at number one among public schools in Indiana. Last year’s class earned a combined total of $1.9 in scholarships and additionally saved over $1.1 million in tuition costs saved through ICC (Indiana College Core).

Superintendent Chip Mehaffey took a moment to highlight an exciting opportunity for the student body. Local businesses and private donors have partnered with the high school to financial support a new initiative. As a result, every K-12 Southwest Dubois student will be able to attend all home athletic events this year at no cost.

The board discussed the funding of the school corporation’s newest construction project, which will utilize lease financing. In a first step, the board approved a resolution to form a lease agreement. School Board President Jon Menke explained, “At closing, the building corporation will purchase a portion of the Southridge Middle School building for at least its appraised value. The building corporation will then lease the real estate back to the school corporation. The lease rental due to the building corporation will be paid for by property taxes. The lease rental will be sufficient to pay the principle and the interest due to the bond holders.”

Southwest Dubois County School Corporation regular board meetings are open to the public and are held on the third Thursday of the month from 5:30-6:30. The SWDCS board room is located at 105 W Sunset Dr., Huntingburg IN.

For more information on these and other updates, visit www.swdubois.k12.in.us/school-board

- By Drew Hasselbring