Board approves personnel changes, adds bus-driver longevity and OKs $15,000 summer appearance project

The North Newton School Corporation board on June 3 approved routine personnel actions, adopted an adjustment to employment longevity rules that adds qualifying bus drivers, accepted multiple community donations, and approved a summer appearance project at the junior/senior high.

Superintendent Dr. Mike Raiser acknowledged the retirement of Annie Rowland after 33 years and listed summer school hires. The board approved the personnel report; a roll-call-style tally was recorded by the chair as 6–1 with board member Tyson Poe casting the lone dissenting vote.

On compensation, the board adopted longevity adjustments that explicitly include bus drivers who meet a minimum of two routes per day (one morning and one evening) over a 181-day schedule, aligning those positions with the longevity criteria used for other employee categories. Superintendent Raiser and trustees said the change will take effect in July and be implemented as a stipend this year, with recalculation to follow later if needed.

The board also approved donations totaling about $9,121.63 from multiple trustees and community groups for scholarships, yearbooks, athletics and other student needs. Treasurer Patty Wright read the donation list into the record.

In facilities and culture, the board approved a summer school appearance improvement project at North Newton Junior Senior High, authorizing up to $15,000 from operations to repaint, declutter and repurpose underused areas (the board discussed a “Crescendo Room” and refreshed concession/front-porch spaces); some work will use donated materials and volunteer time and stipends for a few staff.

The board approved these items by voice or recorded vote as noted.