Martinsville School District celebrates math bowl success and highlights new elementary plans

The MSD of Martinsville School Board convened on April 17, 2025, to discuss various topics concerning the district's educational initiatives and policies. The meeting began with acknowledgments of contributions from staff and students, particularly highlighting the recent success of the district's math bowl competition. Ryan Cox, the district's tie ability coordinator, was commended for organizing the event, which saw Green Township's math bowl team finish in the top 20 in Indiana.

The board also addressed kindergarten and pre-kindergarten enrollment for the 2025-2026 school year, encouraging families to enroll their children at all Martinsville elementary schools. Pre-kindergarten enrollment is currently open for children who will be four years old by August 1, 2025, with opportunities for free tuition scholarships available.

In old business, the board discussed the ongoing process of finalizing designs for a new elementary school, which will include STEAM corridors and a focus on integrating the arts into the curriculum. The board expressed excitement about the potential for improved educational opportunities and resource efficiency.

The meeting proceeded to action items, where the board approved ten policies in a single motion. Subsequent handbooks for John R. Wooden Middle School, Bell Intermediate Academy, and the elementary schools were also approved without opposition.

The board then reviewed the Robert D. Blue Endowment Distribution, which supports various student achievement initiatives, including the SASH program aimed at enhancing employability skills among students. The distribution of $20,000 was approved.

Additionally, a significant grant of $15,000 from Eli Lilly for the Project Lead the Way STEM program was recommended and subsequently approved, aimed at funding pre-kindergarten classes.

The meeting concluded with a reminder of the importance of clear communication regarding district initiatives, particularly in light of past misunderstandings on social media. Overall, the board's discussions reflected a commitment to fostering a supportive educational environment and enhancing student opportunities within the Martinsville community.