Indian Lake Schools Treasurer Coleen Reprogle provided at the Monday evening board of education meeting an update to the district’s five-year forecast, which reflects recent cuts from the state and projected reductions in the upcoming months and years stemming from the current health crisis.
She reports that the state cut more than $361,700, or 8.8 percent, from the Indian Lake Schools budget.
She said during this time of school facilities shutdown, some cost savings have been realized in the form of reduced fuel, overtime, extra trips, substitute teachers and spring supplementals.
However, some costs for maintenance, technology, unemployment and food service have increased, along with the need for additional cleaning supplies and social distancing measures.
The treasurer continues to work on the forecast to give board members and the public a better understanding of the district’s financial standing.
Indian Lake High School Principal Kyle Wager offered an end-of-the year update, including a reflection on Sunday’s graduation ceremonies.
All agreed the commencement was a success, with 123 ILHS seniors receiving their diplomas in a socially distanced outdoor ceremony.
In his report, Superintendent Rob Underwood recapped the Equestrian Therapy program that Indian Lake students involved in the cross-categorial special needs classrooms took part in this year at Discovery Riders. He noted that students showed improvements in behaviors, attention span, understanding of vocabulary and speech.
Finally, Superintendent Underwood discussed two important retirements within the district.
ILHS custodian Barb Martin is retiring after 32 years at Indian Lake.
“As the (former) high school principal, Barb and I spent a lot of late nights, early mornings and weekends together and I just can’t thank her enough for what she’s given to Indian Lake Schools,” he said.
Vocal Music teacher Joyce King is also retiring after 30 years at Indian Lake and a total of 33 years in education.
“I think ‘legendary’ is a pretty good word for Mrs. King. She’s definitely been extremely impactful on our music program. I just want to thank her for all that she’s done,” the superintendent said.
The next meeting is 6:30 p.m. Monday, June 15. The meeting is tentatively scheduled to take place in the board office.