SYRACUSE — Checking grades for student-athletes had been done every 12 weeks, or once each trimester. But it was determined that system may not be fair to some athletes, so a review was done.

During the regular monthly meeting of the Wawasee school board Tuesday evening, Jan. 12, in Syracuse the board heard a presentation from Steve Wiktorowski, athletic director at Wawasee High School. He noted the athletic code of conduct concerning academic eligibility was reviewed and appeared not to be fair. Athletes declared academically ineligible had to sit out of their sport for 12 weeks, in many cases longer than an entire season.

“That’s a very long time to sit out, to have to miss all 12 weeks,” Wiktorowski said.

He proposed to the board to instead do grade checks twice each trimester (once every six weeks) or a total of six times each school year for athletes. The athletic department would take care of the checks, relieving the guidance department of any added burdens. This would mean athletes declared ineligible due to academics would now only have to miss six weeks.

“We feel this would still hold kids accountable for academics and that is really what is more important,” he said. “And this gives kids a chance to improve.”

It was noted, though, not very many students would likely be affected by the change in policy. The board gave approval to the changes.

In other business, Joy Goshert, director of instruction and curriculum, said spring 2015 ISTEP+ results, released publicly Jan. 6, are still being reviewed and compared to state standards. She noted it appears testing results from the Northwest Evaluation Association, which Wawasee prefers to use instead of ISTEP+, should be compared from fall to fall instead of spring to spring. “By spring time, the kids are probably tired of testing,” she said. “Things are fresher in their minds in the fall.”

Goshert added there are bills pending in the current legislative session administrators are keeping an eye on. Concerning holding teachers accountable for test results, one bill would allow for the better of either the 2013-14 or 2014-15 ISTEP+ results to be used and the same for the school accountability letter grades.

Also on the agenda, the board approved purchasing electronic devices for teachers to use in the 1:1 technology initiative. Seventy-five percent of teachers requested, and will receive, MacBooks and the other 25 percent will receive some version of a Chromebook as they requested. The devices will be purchased within a week or two and received in time for teachers to begin getting familiar with them during the third trimester. By the start of the 2016-17 school year, the plan is for all teachers and students to have devices.

In other business, sisters Josalyn and Samantha Kolberg, students at Milford School and ages 10 and 13 respectively, were recognized, though neither was able to attend the meeting due to other commitments. They are the daughters of Eric and Heidi Kolberg.

The sisters are already running their own nonprofit organization, Jo-Jo’s Crafts. It began three years ago after their cousin went on a mission trip.

Since starting their organization, thousands of dollars have been raised for different causes through homemade blankets, bracelets, hair bows, hot pads and bookmarks.