Flat Rock‑Hawcreek board approves personnel moves, curricular adoption and new contracts

The Flat Rock‑Hawcreek School Corporation board on Monday approved a series of personnel actions, program contracts and policy updates as it wrapped regular business for the school year.

Coach Worth was welcomed as the district’s new high‑school coach following an extended search; he said he and his family were “ready to get to work.” The board accepted the resignation of administrative assistant Joyce Garrison, effective at the end of the 2025‑26 school year, and noted a retirees’ recognition breakfast scheduled for 8 a.m. next Tuesday.

Principal Chris Fortune recommended hiring Kelly Wright, currently a science teacher at Hope Elementary, for the open science position at Hower High School; the board approved Wright’s hire. The board also approved posting a full‑time specials teacher position at Hope Elementary (preference for candidates with science experience) and approved a long list of coaching appointments presented by Kyle Ship, plus additional coaching postings for several boys’ and junior‑high positions.

Allison Old, the district’s director of technology, asked to hire Sherry Hamilton and Brandy Conrad as part‑time summer technology assistants (no more than 29.79 hours per week and a combined maximum of 20 days) to support iPad rollover and installation of outdoor security cameras; the hires were approved.

The board approved several upcoming fundraisers and camps — a junior‑high softball camp on May 20–21, a varsity softball golf scramble on Aug. 22 and a cheer clinic July 22 — and approved both the Hope Elementary and Hower High School handbooks after brief discussion about random drug‑testing and pending cell‑phone policy updates.

On programs and contracts, the board voted to continue the district’s after‑school latch‑key arrangement with Foundation for Youth. Administration described the Foundation’s fee structure as a $30 one‑time school‑year membership and weekly fees based on household income ranging from about $17.50 to $50; staff‑child ratios were given as 1:15 and staff receive TBRI‑focused professional development.

The board approved overnight travel for FFA students to the Indiana FFA state convention at Purdue University (June 15–18) and an officer retreat in Henryville (July 27–31).

Administrators recommended adopting Amplify ELA for grades seven and eight, saying the program is aligned with the state’s guidance on the science of reading and is listed by the Indiana Department of Education as a high‑quality curriculum; the board approved the adoption.

Trustees approved a proposed administrative retreat with a budget not to exceed $6,000 to cover lodging, meeting space, presenters and meals for roughly 10 administrators (occasional spouses/guests may be invited to some meals).

The board approved a roughly $68,000 audiovisual upgrade in the district auditorium with Sharp Electronics to replace projectors, sound, lighting and control systems; administration cited prior facility rentals and broader community use in recommending the upgrade. The board also approved moving district hosting and messaging to Aptagy, including that vendor’s “Thrillshare” messaging suite that can push social, text and automated phone notifications.

Finally, the board approved a shared occupational‑therapy agreement with Triton Central Schools under which the district’s share of the position’s cost will not exceed $65,000; administration estimated the total cost for the OT role at a little more than $100,000 and said the contract will include an automatic rollover clause with negotiation options if the Flat Rock share exceeds the cap.

The meeting closed with an alumni banquet update (organizers said about 250–300 attendees and roughly $83,000 in endowment scholarships distributed) and reminders about graduation and the final teacher‑day events. The board adjourned without further action.