Pictured, from left, are Board President Carrie Hoffman and Whitko School Corporation Superintendent Dr. Brandon Penrod.

LARWILL — The Whitko School Board discussed the hiring and interviewing processes for each school’s vacant job positions during its meeting on Monday, June 17.

Whitko Jr./Sr. High School Principal John Snyder said the school is currently in the process of hiring teachers. In total, WJSH had 11 teacher openings at the end of the 2018-19 school year. The large number is due to nine teachers with the school retiring. However, six of the positions have already been filled.

“We are definitely still looking for teachers and encourage anyone who’s interested to apply,” said Snyder.

South Whitley Elementary School had two job openings at the end of the school year, while Pierceton Elementary School is in the process of filling three positions.

“I am very excited about the candidates that we’ve been receiving and I think we’ve had some really strong hires in the past 10 days,” said Curriculum Director Ward Lamon. “This shows me a number of things, but I think the most important thing is that the word is out…Whitko is a great place to be.”

The school corporation will also host summer academy sessions on June 24 and July 24 for all staff members who work with children.

“They will have the opportunity to learn techniques for dealing with trauma in the classroom, as well as teaching effective literacy and how to identify drug paraphernalia,” said Lamon. “We’re really hoping that all of our staff will participate.”

In other business, Pierceton Elementary School received a new mascot uniform from the school’s Parent Teacher Organization. Feed the Children also donated approximately $450 worth of children’s books and school supplies to the corporation.

The school board also approved the usage of a school bus for members of the South Whitley AmVets Post #2919 to travel to a Fort Wayne Tincaps game on Thursday, June 27.

The board’s next meeting will take place at 6:30 p.m. Monday, July 15, at the Whitko administration office.