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Superintendent: Muncie schools earn literacy recognition, $81,000 school safety grant; GEAR UP partnership continues
Summary
Superintendent Doctor Reynolds reported Grissom Elementary and Heidi White received an early literacy award, the district received an $81,000 secured school safety grant, Purdue’s federal GEAR UP award will extend regional supports, and administrators discussed staffing, attendance and homecoming plans.
Doctor Reynolds reported several operational updates and grants during the board meeting.
He said Grissom Elementary and staff member Heidi White were recognized at an education event for early literacy work, including adoption of the science of reading and efforts to improve attendance. Reynolds also announced that the district had been awarded an Indiana Department of Homeland Security secured school safety grant totaling $81,000; he said that money will be dedicated toward school safety officers. When asked, Reynolds clarified the grant is for one year and that the district had applied for a larger amount but the awarded funds were reduced because the program received more applications than usual.
Reynolds reported that Purdue University received a substantial federal GEAR UP grant; he said the local GEAR UP program is in the final year of a seven-year grant and the new award will provide a regional coordinator and resources to support tutoring, after-school services and college- and career-readiness work.
Board members asked about school mood, attendance and staffing. Reynolds said elementary attendance looks strong during building walkthroughs though there have been a few recent illness patches; he described some late resignations the district is filling and credited principals and teachers for creative coverage while hires are finalized. On class size, Reynolds said K–5 averages are roughly 18–21 students.
On extracurriculars, the superintendent said homecoming is scheduled for Oct. 1 with a parade and an evening football game at 7:00 p.m. The board discussed student charges for athletic events, and Reynolds said most middle-school athletics are paid from ECA (extra-curricular activity) funds rather than general district funds. To reduce misuse of paper passes, Reynolds suggested issuing or scanning a QR code per student — noting new ID cards are not yet available for all students.
The superintendent closed by noting staff will follow up on outstanding items and by thanking the board for support.
