Southwest Dubois Schools Showcase Educator Excellence and Transportation Goals

The December meeting of the Southwest Dubois School Board recognized a Southridge teacher’s statewide award and reported major transportation cost savings. 

In December’s Highlight of the Month, a local educator was applauded. In high schools across the state, there are over 1500 dual credit teachers. Each year, one of these educators is selected for the Dual Credit Excellence in Instruction Award. This year, one of Southridge’s own claims that honor. Congratulations were given to guidance counselor and psychology instructor Erin Rauscher, who was recognized for her impact on students with the prestigious award. 

Transportation director Larry Fuesler gave a presentation on the department's activities and accomplishments. He said that their goal is to transport students to school safely and on time, and to continuously improve the system for efficiency and cost reduction. Routes have been optimized, reducing the number of buses needed. Adjustments like this have resulted in serious savings. The department offset the cost of 2 bus purchases, the maintenance on those buses, reduction of miles driven, and reduced payroll, for a net savings of over $375,000. Fuesler also credited drivers for their input, saying, “without their suggestions, 75% of that doesn’t happen.” 
 
Congratulations were given to BPA (Business Professionals of America) students, many of whom will be advancing from regional competitions to the state level. The Spell Bowl team at Huntingburg Elementary recently went to competition, finishing in the top three. Students at Holland also competed at the Noetic Learning Math Contest (NLMC) with great success. Students were congratulated and thanked “for representing us in such a positive way at the elementary and secondary level.” 

The board approved the minutes, claims, and payroll as presented. Field trip requests were authorized as listed. The League Stadium facility use agreement was approved. Personnel changes were also accepted as presented. The board also stopped to recognize Lannie Butler, who is retiring after more than 30 years as a music teacher, with “quite a career and quite a legacy.” 

In the public comments, one speaker addressed new laws for required drug and alcohol testing for bus drivers. While stressing that he supports testing, he objected to the process outlined by the new requirements. Saying that the expenses were not properly communicated or accounted for, and that they should be added to the contract. Another speaker echoed similar concerns, requesting that the next contract make provisions for the increased costs. 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