WARSAW — Personnel and math curriculum were major topics of discussion during the Warsaw Community School Board monthly work session Tuesday evening, April 12.

Director of Human Resources Jeanine Corson presented a problem to the board pertaining to recruiting and retaining paraprofessionals. HR, she said, is looking at the issue closely to see what factors may need to change. Erratic hours, she said, may be a contributor, with some paras working more than 20 hours a week and others working around eight.

The department is also in contact with other school corporations to find out what they are paying their paras.

“Ultimately, these kids are missing out if we don’t have these paras,” Corson said.

Corson also introduced Betty O’Hara, new to human resources but not to WCS. O’hara has worked for the school system seven years in various capacities. She interned with HR during the fall and in her new role she will focus on analytical work, licensing and best practices, among other roles.

“We need to move forward as a corporation and not stay stagnant,” she said.

Math teachers Rashelle Lofgren, Leesburg Elementary School, Sam Wysong, Edgewood Middle School, and Taylor Bean, Claypool Elementary School, presented the chosen math curriculum for next year. WCS math teachers began the process in December of picking a new math text. After narrowing it to three to five options, they chose enVisionmath 2.0 by Pearson.

Some of the features that caught their attention included a focus on problem-based learning and flexibility to allow for either independent or guided practice. The new text is iPad friendly and includes a downloadable book and a consumable textbook that students can write in.

WCS Superintendent Dr. David Hoffert noted Warsaw Community High School received a $10,000 anonymous donation to put toward its choral program. Some items the choral department plans to use it for include new formal wear for the choirs and music for the newest advanced ensemble.

Hoffert also noticed the school received its annual donation from Teachers Credit Union to provide working lunches for teachers.

The board also heard an update on the design build project at Lincoln Elementary, Washington Elementary and Edgewood Middle School. Despite recent cold, wet weather, the projects are all progressing. Most of the work has been “below grade,” however passersby will soon see framework going up for new additions to Edgewood and Washington and for the new Lincoln building.

Target completion dates vary for each building, with Lincoln being the most flexible.

Other news:

Cases for the new round if iPads will total $115,647.72. Chief Technology Officer Brad Hagg pointed out this cost covers cases for 3,000 iPads. The cases are rubberized and have a screen cover in anticipation of heavy use by students. He suggested splitting payment into two installments of $58,563.56. The cases, he added, will cut down on repair costs.

Financially, March was reported as “uneventful,” though expenditures did exceed income due to March having three pay periods. This is not expected to affect things overall.