Dr. Mark Bazzell, superintendent of Pike County Schools, informed the Pike County Board of Education Monday that enrollment in the county school system is up 79 students.

“That’s good for our school system and we always welcome new students,” Bazzell said. “But it could mean back to the drawing board in certain instances and at certain schools.”

Bazzell said the 2019-2020 school year is off to a smooth start.

“We are in good shape thanks to good planning and energetic teachers,” he said.

Bazzell welcomed the members of the Pike County School Leadership Academy to the board meeting and thanked them for participating in the program and for giving of their time outside the classroom.

“The purpose of the program is for our teachers to better understand how the school system works and to be advocates for our school system,” he said. “Thank you for your willingness to donate your time to this leadership program.”

The board also conducted new business that included the approval of the local textbook committee to purchase supplemental programs that included Creating Collaborative Classrooms: Inside the Writer Workshop, K-7writing program. And also, approved immediate housekeeping recommendation from Dr. Mark Bazzell, superintendent of Pike County Schools.   

In personnel action, the board

• Accepted the resignation of Shannon Barron, math teacher at Goshen High School. •Accepted the resignation of Mitzy Distel, bookkeeper at the county office.

•Approved the request to employ Elton Russ, special education teacher at Goshen High School.

•Approve the request to employ Alyce Calvin, math teacher at Goshen High School.

•Approved the request to employ Jessica Johnson, child nutrition program worker.

Approved the request to transfer Natalie Knox to interim child nutrition program assistant manager at Pike County Elementary School.

•Approved volunteer status for Justin Sanders, baseball at Goshen High School.   

•Approve coaching supplements at Goshen High School.

•Approve coaching supplements, PCHS.