PAW PAW – The Paw Paw School Board met in regular session on Aug. 20.

David Braun, the school’s attorney, gave an update of Title IX changes, and what they entail for the district. The district is in compliance with the regulations.

The PTO Back-to-School BASH was a great success. There was a bounce house, and many big rig equipment “Touch a Truck” for the kids to climb on and learn about. A raffle was held, and one student won a “Take a fire truck to school” ride.

The students were able to enjoy Matt Wilhelm's BMX Show and listen to his powerful message about anti-bullying.

Superintendent DuBois reported the school year was off to a good start with staff, coaches and students. Current enrollment is 43 Paw Paw high school students attending Indian Creek High School, and 130 K-8 students in Paw Paw Elementary.

On the first day of classes, Junior High students buddied with elementary students in kindergarten-fourth grade to give them a tour of the school and explain some of the school rules.

Reading and Math assessment testing is currently underway.

A review with TRANE regarding solar initiatives was discussed and Superintendent DuBois will follow up with the district architect.

The new ramp on the south side of the school has been installed, allowing for easy access with wheeled conveyances.

There will be four four-year school board member positions open in the April 1, 2025 election. Election packets are available at the Lee County Elections Office. The applications must be turned in to the Elections Office in Dixon between Nov. 12-18.

Jolene Miller, Indian Creek District Director of Curriculum and Instruction was present to respond to any curriculum questions from the Board.

Long-range planning school improvement for year-one will include new boilers and updated plumbing. Contracts are being negotiated and bidding will begin this fall for the summer 2025 project.

A Community Forum will be held on Sept. 24 at 7 p.m. and the School Board has invited the Village of Paw Paw Board of Trustees to join the forum. An invitation has also been sent to Sheriff Whelan from the Lee County Sheriff’s Office in hopes of having a law enforcement conversation with both groups and any interested community members.

The FFA national convention trip to Indianapolis Oct. 24-25 will be attended by FFA members and their chaperones.

A discussion was held regarding the safety of children getting to school who must cross busy streets. The School Board transportation committee, along with bus drivers, will meet to discuss possible additional bus stops.

The tentative budget for the 2024-25 Fiscal Year was approved and is on file in the district office.

The Threat-Assessment Plan was approved.

The Revised School Improvement Plan was approved.

Teresa Cardot was approved as the Eighth Grade Class Advisor.

Amy Wormley was approved as the Young Authors advisor for the 2024-25 school year.

A decision to employ REVVER digitalizing services for storing the District’s old documents was approved.