[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6074104,"mediaKeyId","2987803-2a66928f9ff6d85067a622db4ee5c2ea","parentId",2987803,"title","Athletics director outlines participation gains; board approves MOU with astronomy group and advances contracts for trainers and tennis courts","audioSeconds",674,"startMs",3733000,"endMs",4407000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2987803-2a66928f9ff6d85067a622db4ee5c2ea&start=3733&end=4407","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2987803-2a66928f9ff6d85067a622db4ee5c2ea/thumbnail_3733000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6074104/Indiana/Athletics-director-outlines-participation-gains-board-approves-MOU-with-astronomy-group-and-advances-contracts-for-trainers-and-tennis-courts","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6074104-e49b004ea4be966339d97ef7e78a0c95/orig.mp4?Expires=1771132435&Signature=LmrI5D6EA5efB0-hkkjWcO4L869nTuD~jQSlAauiP0HN2UpsR1Xsa4qvO97Nxg6XyV9iY2mS~RSH~j-W30d3m~Ebrmgzl~G7G9SRkPvLJcfdn4MMbPYvNOUOBw0Yujo0NyOGvYPb4pjcyTLWIY1nChgz57OfQrV0W4i3wbfp2s1v7cAgpsW1yXkBTCxL91spq5-Q1fUFFF6SIN3FkViePFJm-iwKNNqzQDLQjy8qWiTq4Zv~Ao874nKKungkYQM5buQauBcobmrTendB3kravZZ1SI6T-7BmGzd7jDuEdj6FiVOWIPd1inGuq8dgmo6eUbGHtmRIJdE4H~wG7--RTg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","West Lafayette Com School Corp","date","2025-04-01T12:10:06Z","article","West Lafayette’s athletic department presented participation data and facility needs to the board on April 14, and the board approved an MOU with a local astronomy group and advanced contracts for athletic training coverage and tennis‑court replacement.

Athletic director Joel Strode told the board the district supports a broad program: “We’ve got 22 varsity sports … over 100 coaches,” and he said roughly 55% of students in grades 7–12 participate in athletics. Strode highlighted multi‑sport participation — 288 multi‑sport athletes this school year — and said the high participation rate strengthens program viability.

Why it matters: Participation and facilities drive staffing, scheduling and capital priorities. Board members and athletic leaders cited an existing plan to improve facilities and a specific request to replace the tennis courts and upgrade lights and scoreboards at the athletic complex.

Wabash Valley Astronomical Society MOU
The board approved a memorandum of understanding with the Wabash Valley Astronomical Society to formalize the group’s ongoing relationship with the district and the observatory that the society uses. David moved to approve the agreement; the board recorded the vote as unanimous: 7‑0.

Contracts: trainers and tennis courts
The board considered and authorized work to secure athletic trainer services and to award a public works contract for tennis court replacement. Administration described a new three‑year athletic trainer proposal from a local health system that reduces projected annual costs by roughly $48,000 compared with the outgoing vendor; the superintendent and athletic director noted the contract keeps coverage levels consistent with current practice.

On the tennis courts, the district ran a public notice and opened bids; PCC Sports submitted the lowest complete bid. The board discussed a site modification to re‑locate a court stripe that will allow one court to be double‑striped for pickleball use while retaining ten single‑striped tennis courts overall. Work is planned to begin in May and be completed by August.

Board action and next steps
- Wabash Valley Astronomical Society memorandum of understanding — motion by David; outcome: approved, vote recorded 7‑0. Evidence in packet: the signed MOU was placed in board materials.
- Athletic trainer contract (IU Health) — motion to approve by Lawrence, seconded by Rachel; board voted to approve the administration’s contract recommendation (tally not specified in the transcript). Administration said the new contract will cover the same teams as the district’s current coverage and includes a 3% annual increase.
- Tennis court contract (PCC Sports) — motion to award and approve moved and seconded; board initiated the vote during the meeting and approved the contract (tally not specified in the transcript). Construction is scheduled to begin in May and finish in August.

Quotes and implementation
Strode said the district’s high multi‑sport participation is a competitive asset: “We’ve got 288 multi sport athletes this school year,” and he asked the board to support planned facility improvements including a new track and lighting upgrades. The administration described a two‑year warranty on post‑tension concrete and a 10‑year warranty on sport lighting in the tennis court contract paperwork.

Ending: The board approved the observatory MOU and moved forward with the trainer and tennis contracts; administration will finalize vendor contracts, publish a construction schedule and coordinate communications with neighbors and user groups.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","WLCSC - Work Session & Regular Board Meeting April 14, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","West Lafayette’s athletic department presented participation data and facility needs to the board on April 14, and the board approved an MOU with the Wabash Valley Astronomical Society and advanced contracts for athletic training coverage and tennis‑court replacement.","taxTitle","West Lafayette Com School Corp, School Boards, Indiana","taxId",76369,"location","Indiana","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6074106,"West Lafayette board work session focuses strategic plan on concise mission, broader definitions of excellence and student well‑being",2861,84000,2945000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2987803-2a66928f9ff6d85067a622db4ee5c2ea&start=84&end=2945","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2987803-2a66928f9ff6d85067a622db4ee5c2ea/thumbnail_84000.jpg","/articles/6074106/Indiana/West-Lafayette-board-work-session-focuses-strategic-plan-on-concise-mission-broader-definitions-of-excellence-and-student-wellbeing","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6074106-fa53474bd599c9080415a04692a34c88/orig.mp4?Expires=1771132435&Signature=JA3JuTdrZmuyddNrX8oXHtI8OeTtT-JtluOKpNCT0drx1jvyeKs7ooWgPBPrnB06yrKTSgfSYYF3I4hD4pAz3nWQawI7b3gRHKno4PML6iGVu1W3Z-MEdD630bQ7JbJNo9vwtSGroiR3cdTukEO1CwzuU-UXMHYcPCKkpYkDYjDoxbOe4a7hcsY91ZMNgySTCuYfdk0xR3-DsvaT7rPyJpmmD4JwnMB2Eavhzeah3G9Efq75MwUEu4NbS3dwsAOZPf0zKj0XEogXNT2xY1dBqB8O391kgRISsfWbzOaZ8VO0R0wLqY0j1RMTbb8lufao95hfaB7lPy7ZujOY0walVA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","West Lafayette Community School Corporation trustees and district staff spent a March work session reviewing a draft strategic plan and a refreshed mission and values document, with discussion focused on shorter wording for the mission, how to define “academic excellence,” supports for diverse learners and student well‑being.

The consultant leading the session, Adam, read the district’s current mission for the group: “Our mission is to engage students in a world class educational experience that prepares them to be well rounded, ethical, innovative, creative, productive, and adaptive citizens who shape our global society,” and then asked the board and attendees for reactions to language and length.

The consultant said the group had met with 13 educator leaders and several community members in advance and invited the board to consider shorter mission options. “If we could shorten it, that would be,” Adam said as he sought the group’s preference on keeping phrases such as “world class” or “global society.”

Why it matters: trustees said the mission and beliefs should guide decisions about spending and priorities and be short enough for the community to recall. Board members and staff emphasized that the strategic plan’s actionable goals — the measurable objectives and strategies that follow from the mission and beliefs — will determine whether the document affects day‑to‑day school choices.

Board discussion ranged across several recurring themes from the district’s public input: how to balance an emphasis on high academic outcomes with broader definitions of success; how to increase supports for students who arrive multiple grades behind or who have an IEP or are multilingual; and how to reduce academic pressure for high school students.

On “academic excellence,” some educators pressed to broaden the phrase so the plan would recognize arts, athletics and non‑college career outcomes. One board member proposed language such as “students achieve their maximum potential” or “excellent education for all” to capture academic and nonacademic successes. A community participant asked the body to retain language highlighting academic quality because some families move into West Lafayette specifically for that reason.

Board members and staff discussed supports for diverse learners and special education. A parent‑board member urged clearer communications to families about program options and eligibility: “Families are overwhelmed. They don’t know what the difference is between an IEP and a 504 plan,” she said, and asked for parent training on services and eligibility.

Student well‑being emerged as a consistent priority: trustees and staff cited post‑COVID stress and peer‑driven academic pressure at the high school. One participant described students joining clubs primarily to “build their resume” and said that pressure can be self‑amplifying. Staff suggested strategies that could appear in the plan such as revising homework and testing schedules, increasing counseling access and training staff and guidance counselors to spot and address the harms of excessive competition.

Enrollment and transfers also drew sustained attention. Trustees heard that some families living in the district choose not to enroll their children in district schools or request transfers; board members asked district staff to analyze who is leaving and why and suggested exploring an outside landscape audit if patterns emerge. Board members also noted an existing “grandfather clause” referenced during the meeting that allows seniors to remain when transfers occur, and asked administration to publish clearer transfer guidance for families.

The work session closed with an agreement to keep refining mission phrasing and to focus the strategic plan on measurable priorities and strategies that the board and administration can use to guide budgeting and staffing decisions. Adam invited further written comments; he had included his phone number in materials and asked participants to follow up with suggested language.

Ending: District leaders said a shorter, clearer mission plus a limited set of prioritized strategic objectives will be presented again after additional drafting and public feedback.","District consultants and board members spent a work session reviewing the draft mission, belief statements and five strategic themes; discussion centered on shortening the mission, defining “excellence,” supporting diverse learners and addressing student well‑being and transfers.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6074097,"Board approves partnership agreement with Wabash Valley Astronomical Society for district observatory",15,6404000,6419000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2987803-2a66928f9ff6d85067a622db4ee5c2ea&start=6404&end=6419","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2987803-2a66928f9ff6d85067a622db4ee5c2ea/thumbnail_6404000.jpg","/articles/6074097/Indiana/Board-approves-partnership-agreement-with-Wabash-Valley-Astronomical-Society-for-district-observatory","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6074097-2a5c17f0152e179f7b7ffea830a1dc4b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771132435&Signature=NUIFAHY0ODjjh4Q0nrAaVjxiOFfG-lJ~2FWnHZMUuuvpqrYRrhOP8UsUJbFsVNQISkoD9lQp3ua67mdoXnv2OYzz8Ee5X~pf-8py6n8ZYJjv9nAEhJUowF~aTIs7hr7hGkUwmr7OmftiHP3PhAShM~JKCi9hFzK0xmrCgjaYXdoq~dW3LeVXrVFU7HjRmMNsfhoq8a-0PXMKjssxOzMyEFqg3MBRVo2FGC4s4eDKKCHncMuIayszz2jscEbFHUaX8RiZ471rr1A5yTc2mMBBD-hEsf5tlZeFd2oArkyBRCU0GhR6ralK299JuMJ0kY2vJdIfk-4g7ngK6l3QcMYr0Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The West Lafayette Community School Corporation board unanimously approved a memorandum of understanding with the Wabash Valley Astronomical Society that formalizes the society’s ongoing use of the district observatory and collaboration on educational events.

Superintendent Greiner told the board the MOU clarifies the partnership and was included in Friday notes and the board packet. David moved to approve the agreement; the vote recorded in the meeting was 7‑0 in favor.

Why it matters: The MOU documents an existing community partnership and creates a predictable framework for use of school facilities for astronomy education and monthly meetings. Administration said the society already works with building principals and can provide outreach materials and events to schools.

Implementation: The agreement will be filed in district records and administration will follow up with the society to coordinate outreach to teachers and principals for school visits and public events. The board asked the society to provide flyers for distribution to families.

Ending: With the MOU approved, the society and administration will coordinate outreach and scheduling through school staff and the district’s facilities office.","The board unanimously approved a memorandum of understanding with the Wabash Valley Astronomical Society to formalize the group’s long‑standing use of the district observatory and community outreach.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6074100,"Board debates how to record public comments in minutes after member requests topic summaries",206,8217000,8423000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2987803-2a66928f9ff6d85067a622db4ee5c2ea&start=8217&end=8423","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2987803-2a66928f9ff6d85067a622db4ee5c2ea/thumbnail_8217000.jpg","/articles/6074100/Indiana/Board-debates-how-to-record-public-comments-in-minutes-after-member-requests-topic-summaries","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6074100-8507905af8807932031256e0991c48e3/orig.mp4?Expires=1771132435&Signature=Ltiry4nDJ6YunKGflfKYfgwIOjm9apy4O3UiG0YuYoQWqpoRV2hajEnUGuRCFYKiw6UwcPIP~pL~4fDPCpu9Ie2x4eILv2lU5g6Uny32Vl9yS~dDId-svyiXpUBvKpmmmEiNv3n9Zz7ElVCYHOFVztlSeoBlBVP0eI5xE8PpUT91MlTHLCGMQ1Q3wCPNtKPN4TTiHzC2cLVmshSYl03Pe1aCtdqDa~NWggMFNQhtqqhFjncn~AkrPi2vgJ-2hfxnyvc5PGQhDV4DEkjhQHIPL-ejUxW4PvLEGLkpvm1vwyWVF73Oai-j0L0ni5ZArh059ajA1TKcYWA2NfB2WpbQTA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Trustees spent an extended portion of the April meeting debating how the board should record public comment in meeting minutes, including whether the minutes should summarize speaker content, list a short topical label or simply provide a time stamp and link to the video.

One trustee objected to including a content summary of public comments in minutes, saying it could mischaracterize speakers and create a chilling effect. Another trustee said a short topical tag would help readers find the relevant section of the video. After discussion the board agreed to use a neutral topic label for a previously proposed addition to the February minutes and then moved on to consider the March minutes.

The March 10 regular meeting minutes generated the most discussion; several board members asked for edits to the voting record and public comment language. After attempts to amend the packet during the meeting and a brief recess, trustees returned and agreed to resolve outstanding format and content questions offline with administration and the board secretary. The board recorded at least one motion to table and later returned with a motion to approve minutes with limited amendments; discussion in the meeting reflected concern about producing lengthy minutes that parse multiple interim votes in real time.

Why it matters: Minutes are the official record of board decisions. Board members expressed two opposing concerns: protecting speakers by providing direct access to full audio/video and ensuring the minutes accurately reflect actions without inserting the board’s interpretation of what a public speaker meant. The board asked staff to standardize minutes practice so future meeting packets are clearer and consistent.

Ending: Administration and the board secretary will work with interested trustees to produce a standard minutes format, including how public comment topics are recorded, and present a consistent approach for future packets.","Trustees debated whether meeting minutes should summarize public comment topics. After extended discussion the board amended one set of minutes to record only a generic topic label for public comment and voted to adopt minutes with the amended wording.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6074102,"Board approves new science and Spanish curricular materials recommended by teachers",23,6493000,6516000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2987803-2a66928f9ff6d85067a622db4ee5c2ea&start=6493&end=6516","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2987803-2a66928f9ff6d85067a622db4ee5c2ea/thumbnail_6493000.jpg","/articles/6074102/Indiana/Board-approves-new-science-and-Spanish-curricular-materials-recommended-by-teachers","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6074102-70a8a16c26b517c1c14a4cda70955bb5/orig.mp4?Expires=1771132435&Signature=TkXAmOkw4t2TpcVHMq6r75rireBBh4mL0o29kT916VZL6rGWRjPY2glLkB0eNu4WO31zYaySjCWnnDRhok0I0fbpkkj~4Eo8UKykBn5No~sshYrrxuRy~W838hP9XPKL4SwA08exzFDAITkxcPdV~RoyHcPckabz1ybHQxXhu-Z7m4ZxvfUZlMUvxVxGBZhua7lyxzQcm0O4vV5h~nD6voO6YN1-WRAae3Qrk2f8TrG6suNV9ZQoiQYxY1lCaGuLzW3kIMHdIgh~X8Z29bMCMuWGfTrCboCCKLkPpd3sviIQMOQX23TUPVy7TsvyUnXpyDUAFBdaClm0v7ddtsqZSg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The board approved curricular adoptions for science and Spanish after a teacher review and a short public review period. Administration presented materials drawn from the Indiana Department of Education’s STEM‑approved list and described the committee’s process of narrowing options.

Why it matters: Instructional materials drive classroom learning, align to state standards and affect textbook budgets and adoption cycles. The materials the committee recommended are on the IDOE STEM list for science; Spanish materials were selected from publishers that hold distribution rights.

Motion and vote: The board voted to adopt the recommended materials and to authorize the purchases. Lawrence moved approval and Rachel seconded. The packet included vendor quotes and the administration noted this is the standard textbook adoption process: the state’s approved list constrains choices and the district purchases from the publisher that holds the rights to the adopted titles.

Implementation: Administration will place orders with the recommended vendors and schedule distribution to schools. The board packet contains pricing and purchase schedules for vendors referenced in the adoption. Trustees asked for public access to the materials for those who wished to review them in person; administration said the materials were available for inspection during the review period.

Ending: The adoptions will be implemented for the coming school year; administration will track and report on distribution and any follow‑up teacher training needs.","Following teacher review and a public review period, the board approved recommended science and Spanish instructional materials and authorized purchases included in the board packet.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Athletics director outlines participation gains; board approves MOU with astronomy group and advances contracts for trainers and tennis courts

West Lafayette board work session focuses strategic plan on concise mission, broader definitions of excellence and student well‑being

Board approves partnership agreement with Wabash Valley Astronomical Society for district observatory

Board debates how to record public comments in minutes after member requests topic summaries

Board approves new science and Spanish curricular materials recommended by teachers