Board approves 2020–21 calendar, updates bus-driver field-trip rates and accepts Tri-Kappa donation

The MSD of New Durham Township School Board on Feb. 12, 2020 approved the 2020–21 school calendar, updated non-athletic field-trip pay rates for bus drivers, accepted a $350 donation from Tri-Kappa to the Science Olympiad team and approved professional leave requests for staff to attend training events.

The calendar was developed with other LaPorte County districts and a teacher/staff committee and aligns main breaks across the county; it also includes eLearning days intended for staff professional development. Mr. Mark Parkman moved to approve the calendar; Mrs. Lynn Wilson seconded and the motion carried.

Transportation pay: Superintendent Sandra Wood and Mr. Eubank reported that field-trip pay rates for bus drivers were last updated in 2014. Mr. Eubank recommended additions and changes to the pay schedule; the board approved the non-athletic bus trip pay proposal following a motion by Mrs. Vickie Hannon and a second from Mrs. Wilson.

Donations and professional development: The board accepted a $350 donation from Tri-Kappa earmarked for the Science Olympiad team. The board also approved professional leave requests, including staff attending C.L.A.S.S. Brain Web Day and the Indiana School Counselor and Administrator Collaborative Institute; board members asked that future professional-leave approvals include explicit funding-source detail (PTO, grant, or district funds).

Why it matters: the calendar sets the district’s instructional schedule and coordinated breaks for 2020–21; updated bus pay rates affect driver compensation for extracurricular and trip work; the donation provides direct support to the Science Olympiad program and approved professional leave supports staff development.

Next steps: Performance Services is scheduled to present a solar update at the March board meeting; the district will circulate calendar materials to families and finalize pay-rate implementation details.