SCHOLASTICS New Buffalo school board approves hiring of elementary school principal

BY FRANCESCA SAGALA

The New Buffalo Area Schools Board of Education approved the hiring of Michael Megyesi as principal of New Buffalo Elementary School at their Monday, June 12, meeting.

Megyesi received his undergraduate degree from Indiana State University and his master’s degree from Ball State University. He has 19 years’ experience in the education field, with 15 of those being in administration, from dean of students to athletic director to middle school principal. Previously, he was the elementary school principal in the Merriville Community School Corporation for three years.

“I was just looking for a home to finish out my career and New Buffalo is the best place I could’ve been given the opportunity to serve,” he said.

Board members also employed Heather Caid in the position of high school English teacher and Sarah Clark in the position of high school Social Studies teacher.

Board members accepted the resignation of Molly Sell, elementary art teacher, effective July 1 and approved the resignation (for retirement purposes) of Randy Mast, effective Sept. 1.

Board members granted tenure status to Nathan Jones.

Board members adopted Policy 5207: Anti Bullying, with an effective date of July 1.

The policy states that “all types of bullying, including cyber bullying, without regard to subject matter” are prohibited.

It also states that “bullying is a written verbal or physical act or electronic communication that is intended to or that a reasonable person would know is likely to harm one or more students directly or indirectly by doing the following: substantially interfering with a student’s educational opportunities, benefits or programs; adversely affecting a student’s ability to participate and/or benefit from the district’s educational programs or activities by placing a student in reasonable fear of physical harm or by causing substantial emotional distress; having an actual and substantial detrimental effect on a student’s physical or mental health; or causing a substantial disruption in or substantial interference with the district’s orderly operations.”

If a student, staff member or someone else suspects bullying, they must promptly report it to the building principal or designee or to the responsible school officials.

The district is to implement a system for anonymous reports. All bullying complaints will be promptly investigated by the building principal or designee unless the principal is the subject of the investigation.

It’s recommended the superintendent be the responsible school official for this policy, Dr. Michel Lindley, interim superintendent, said.

The board is given the option to create a prevention task force.

Lindley noted that the definitions section states that “school” includes “any conduct using a telecommunications access device or telecommunications service provider that occurs off school premises if the device or provider is owned by or under the control of the district.”

Board members retained current policies not contained in Thrun policies. Lindley said the policies ranged from being about recess to programs for the district’s graduates for scholarships that are “very specific to us.”

In two weeks, the board will rescind all policies currently under adoption that are not on the list and adopt new policies, with an effective date of July 1.

Board members did a first reading of revised board policy 5331. Lindley said they’re getting more students who have food allergies and need to make accommodations; however, the state only recognizes four different doctors that can prescribe alterations in the district’s food service program.

“We thought some clarification in the policy to make sure we’re meeting the state’s guidelines would be prudent,” he said.

Board members did a second reading of policy 3408: Firearms and Weapons.

Board members approved adding “Student Leadership” as a one-trimester elective for the 2023-24 school year and authorizing Hilary Cunningham to submit a $25,000 Pokagon Grant application for the Mental Wellness Health Initiative.

Board members approved employing Lindley as a consultant for the 20232024 school year.

Board members employed Melissa Ashdown in the position of elementary paraprofessional.

Board members approved Co-Alliance Cooperative Inc. supplying fuel products for 20232024.

Board members accepted the bid of $507,279.00 from BER Refrigeration, Heating, Cooling & Plumbing for the RTU replacement at New Buffalo Elementary.

The Operation Agreement for Participants Involved in the La Porte County Career and Technical Education Area Vocational District #6 was approved.

Board members approved the following openings for School of Choice for the start of 2023-2024: Kindergarten, five; first grade, three and second grade, three.

Board members set the following tuition rates for 2023-2024: Currently enrolled $3,000 annually/additional child $1,500 and new enrollment $5,000 annually/additional child $2,500.

Board president Lisa Werner read from the synopsis of the board evaluation of Lindley, which states that the board finds him “highly effective” in all areas of evaluation (Government and Board Relations, Community Relations, Staff Relations, Business and Finances and Instructional Leadership).

The synopsis states that, through Lindley’s leadership, the district was able to update contracts with the teaching and support staff; complete capital projects such as the Clay Street complex (the STEAM building, basketball court and skateboard park); and make the transition of board policies from NEOLA to Thrun law firm, which will “align the policies with the district’s law firm.”

“In conclusion, the board is appreciative of the leadership of Dr. Lindley and will continue to call on his expertise as needed for mentoring and development for the district’s property on Lubke Road,” the synopsis concludes.