The Mail-Journal, Volume 28, Number 48, Milford, Kosciusko County, 10 January 1990 — Page 1

Milford 658-4111 & Syracuse 457-3666

VOLUME 28

Parents faced with middle school choice

By MARK HUFFMAN Staff Writer

Described as an “academic and curricular decision that will affect your child for years to come," middle school parents were apprised of the choices facing them at a special meeting last Thursday, Jan. 4, at Wawasee High School. Preparing to choose between Milford Middle School and the new Wawasee Middle School, approximately 120 parents with children entering the sixth grade attended the session designed to outline the 1990-91 programs at both schools. "It's imperative that parents receive the information first-hand,’’ current Syracuse Middle School assistant principal Tom Jones said during opening remarks. Meetings are scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 11, and January 16, for parents of children entering grades seven and eight. Larry DeWeese and CindyKaiser. principals for the new

Milford to form support group A special meeting is being called for 7 p.m. next .Monday, Jan. 15, in room 209 of the Milford Junior High School for all parents interested in beginning a support group for the Milford School. Those interested in supporting the Milford school and those with questions are welcome to attend the meeting.

IU study results given to school board

By DEB PATTERSON Staff Writer

Eventual abandonment of the North Webster School and razing the Syracuse Middle School were among the suggestions given by Dr. Harmon A. Baldwin and Dr. Dean F. Berkley in a comprehensive study for the Wawasee Community School Corporation during last night’s meeting of the WCSC Board of School Trustees. 0 Other suggestions included the addition of 24 rooms to Wawasee High School, upgrading of classrooms in Syracuse Elementary and Milford Elementary and an additional 3.000 square-foot addition to the administrative building. The comprehensive study for the school district reviews' the enrollment projections, facility needs, construction options, and resultant fiscal impact for the corporation Dr. Baldwin and Dr. Berkley, both professors at In diana University, have been involved in such studies before. The estimated total cost of the recommendations would be $5,779,050. Most of the funds would come from the cumulative capital improvement funds as provided by law and the selling of

Zoning request denied at Syracuse

| By .STACEY LESCH Staff Writer

Calling it "prime agricultural ground,” the Kosciusko County Area Plan Commission denied a petition to rezone a tract of land in Syracuse which would have allowed for residential developments. Because all -properties surrounding the tract are now zoned agricultural, APC members Jerry Grady and Bob Rassi agreed that spot zoning would not be compatible. "The time just isn t right," Grady added. Located on'CR 1100 N, west of

f ,40 in f asasaK I a . s

middle school and Milford school, respectively, for next year, gave presentations before topening the floor to questions. 1 Russ Mikel, current Milford School principal and Wawasee Middle School assistant principal-designee, reviewed the process that brought about two middle schools while noting that 100 students are anticipated to attend Milford School next year. "We estimate that approximately 33 students will be in each grade level," he said. Kaiser noted that Milford would operate on an eight-hour school day, with leisure and lunch time allotted. A unified arts program for sixth graders, featuring courses in home economics, industrial technology, art and computer, will be new to the school. An extracurricular program remains similar to this year, with boys’ and girls' programs. DeWeese outlined a program that he described as “a school within a school concept." "It takes the big school away and brings it down to a level of being together, ” he said, noting that team teaching would be apparent while "inter-team disciplinary

general obligation bonds. The figures presented did not include architecture fees. Both men suggested that during the decade of the 1990 s an architect feasibility study be done on the North Webster School. Dr. Baldwin noted it was his feeling the site should be abandoned and a new school built at another location in that community. Board members were given an 81-page report during the meeting. The report covered the enrollment projections, facilities, financing school construction and summary and recommendations. Dr. Berkley spoke on the projected school enrollment while Dr. Baldwin addressed the facilities, financing school construction and the summary and recommendations. Enrollment Projections Dr. Berkley noted that projections by the Indiana State Department of Health and Indiana Business Research Center show that by the year 2009 to 2010, 15-20 high schools in the state will have to close due to low enrollment figures. ‘This is not necessarily true for you," noted Dr. Berkley. During his presentation. Dr. Berkley noted WCSC survival ratio indicates a high level of stability, citing the corporation’s enrollment history for the last three years. By applying the averaged continuation factors for the past three years, he projects the enrollments for grades nine-*

CR 500E, David Starr Coppes petitioned for the rezoning to sbll the land to Joe Baker. It was Baker’s, intentions to build residential Units on the property. Another local petitioner was pleased with the board’s decision to approve a rezoningj’equest for “property in Tippecanoe Township. Dixie and Robert Likens received full support from the APC in their intentions to establish a small housing development on CR 850E, from an agricultural district. A neighbor of the property in question, Cheryl Merchant, told the board that she believed the

Consolidation of THE MILFORD MAIL (Est. 1888) and THE SYRACUSE-WAWASEE JOURNAL (Est. 1907)

association” will be standard. "This allows students to go from one class to another and see a relationship,” he said. Operated on a '•'block schedule,’*' classes will allow teachers flexibility while exploratory teaching will encourage the students to become involved. An advisory program intended to give students adult contact throughout the school year and a parent homework hotline are two proposed amenities, while flexibility will be stressed throughout the school. "Academics are going to be number one — we are going to stress academics,” DeWeese emphasized, noting that an academic team, where the school invites other schools to compete in the academic arena, would supplement the school’s athletic program. Enrichment, or mini-courses, could feature such things as photography, string art and shorthand and would supplant a standard graded course. "This would provide a time of day where the students can take some courses for fun that have educational enrichment," DeWeese said, noting that in-school and after school intra murals would also be available. The actual building calls for various labs, a greenhouse, planetarium. I> 2 gymnasiums, darkroom, auditorium, cafetorium. art rooms, band and orchestra rooms, communication room, open library and swimming pool. "State-of-the-art" technology will also be featured.

through 12 to decrease for the 1990-1991 school year and gradually increase to 1,098 in the 1994-1995 school year. The present enrollment is 907. Noting the difficulty of projecting enrollments in finite terms was because data on housing starts gives no distinctions between seasonal and permanent housing. Yet, based on information that could be obtained, the projections suggest a modest growth in the corporation in the next five years; the low end being 3,550 students or 30 students per year net gain to a high of 3,700 students, 60 pupils per year net gain. The present enrollment is 3,400. Facilities The school corporation was commended by Dr. Baldwin on the facilities within the corporation. He noted there has been a significant investment in the school over the last 30 years. Dr. Baldwin personally spent time in each of the buildings within the corporation. A. score card was kept on each facility as far as it fulfilled its educational. functional. Dr. Baldwin stated that all buildings’ scores were average or above, with the exception of North Webster. He noted that at both Syracuse and Milford there was a definite contrast between the newer additions and older portions of the buildings. When noting about

tract of land was to remain zoned agricultural and act as a buffer zone between the industrial businesses and the residential district. APC member Vic Virgil, responded, “i cannot justify keeping it agricultural because of the different soil types.” A soil fest revealed sand and gravel were prosperous in the property. p The APC’s unanimous vote will send the issue to the county commissioners for final approval on February 13. The next meeting of the AFC will be rrcldVA'-dwcSday, Feb. 7, in the basement meeting room of the Justice Building.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 10,1990

according to DeWeese, with instructional television in every classroom, classroom computer networking, two in-school television channels, electronic bulletin boards for each classroom and the parent homework hotline. Questions Addressed During open questioning DeWeese assured those present that a gifted program would be addressed while special education students will be integrated into standard classes and involved with the team program. Estimating that 700 to 800 students would be attending the new school, DeWeese said the school board is going to address a transportation system, for aftefP school activity, from a regional center. Jones added. "The central administration office has assured that transportation will be provided for those students wanting to participate in extracurricular activities.” Promoting the team teaching concept, Mikel noted that administrators and parents would be better able to communicate. DeWeese anticipated that fourmember teams would teach at the school, although a definite figure has not been set. Asked if students could change schools after enrolling, Mikel said that it would be likely that they would have to wait until the completion of the school year. The issue of the new school’s completion date was also addressed, with DeWeese noting that a contingency plan would be in place in April. "With the programs I described, we will be pretty much able to operate. We

facilities at North Webster. Dr Baldwin stated this was another kind of challenge. Dr. Baldwin stated the administration building, he felt, was undersized and an addition should be made. He noted that handicapped access was limited in the high school, as well as the over utilization of general use classrooms He pointed out that general standards applied to general use classrooms show that if 85 percent of available class periods are scheduled, the school is at functional capacity. Wawasee High School is at 88.1 percent and surpasses its functional capacity. However, the special use classrooms are at 54.5 percent below the functional capacity of 70 percent. Concerning North Webster School, he stated it sets on a "postage stamp" size site. Mention was made to the multielevations which cause problems with code requirements as primary students are not to be above the main floor level. "The North Webster School is a ‘tank like’ school with ample space to meet the space needs of an elementary school of 600 pupils. " He commented that it is still too good to abandon at this time, but not good enough to spend additional money on. Dr. Baldwin recommended a study on the options available for that location and to look at' renovation costs versus a new school and site. This he suggested to take place in the next 10 years. “Too bad it couldn’t be abandoned now." Financial Dr. Baldwin in figuring the financial aspect of the recommendations, used an assessed valuation figure of $135 million as the exact figures are still unknown. This figure was based on an 11 percent increase of the last known figure of sl2l million. Hdnoted that the corporation's existing debt of 18.1 percent of the assessed valuation is slightly above the state average, but that the assessed value of this school corporation is also above the state average which results in a lse-a-1- tax rate- for scheol building (Continued on page 2)

may not be able to go swimming (when school opens), but that wouldn't be too far down the road. ” he said. Another parent questioned whether Milford teachers would

... tut®! \ Jl' PALACE FAVORITES — Wax figures depicting popular sports personalities such as fishing strong man Jimmy Houston, left, and basketball superstar Larry Bird, with former UCLA basketball coach John Wooden, right, adorn North Webster’s International Palace of Sports. But the fate of the more than 22 wax figures, as well as the Palace of Sports itself, is now uncertain. Although a rumor has been circulating that the wax figures have

Unable to pay rent —

Palace of Sports museum may face closing in spring

By STACEY LESCH Staff Writer

Because the International Palace of Sports is unable to meet a $3,000 per month rental fee, the historical museum may close its door in the early spring. However, the issue is not cut and dry. In a telephone interview board president of the Palace. Richard Long, stated, “We (the Palace) are not broke. We certainly don’t hope to close the museum, but that certainly is a possibility.” However, Brad Brail/vice president of the Trustcorp Bank which owns Camelot Square, says he received a letter from Long, dated December 29, 1989. stating the Palace's "intent to vacate" this spring. Caught off guard by the board's action, Brail said Trustcorp, at this time, has no plans for the vacancy if the museum does in fact close its doors. Long could not be reached for comment on the letter, however, he earlier stated, "We are still talking and trying to work something out (with Trustcorp).” Long added that the board must reach a decision before the museum's scheduled opening day in May. Brail further offered that since Trustcorp purchased the building in October of 1988, the Palace has not paid any rent. Kay Andrews, Trustcorp employee and Palace board member said the $3,000 rental fee the bank is asking averages out to about $3 per square foot. She added that the annual tax on the entire building is "well over $12,000” and is paid by Trustcorp. In trying to work with the Palace board, Andrews said Trustcorp offered to sell the Palace at a minimal price before being publicly offered. The Palace is now being offered for sale through Hoogenboom-N-ofziger Coldwell Banker Realtors in Goshen. The list price on the building is $139,900. Wax Figures Remain Despite a spreading rumor that the Palace of Sports' wax figures depicting famous sports personalities have been sold. Andrews assures that, at least until the fate of the Palace is definite, the figures will remain in the museum. Long also said that even if the

have proper certification to teach sixth, seventh, or eighth grades should the school’s attendance ratio differ from the anticipated 33 students in each grade. “That’s hard to answer. We have

museum would be forced to close, 7 the foundation will remain, and the scholarship program the Palace has always offered, would continue. Palace Dedicated In 1974 The International Palace of Sports museum was built -and specifically planned as a shrine to dramatize youth career awards, and link sports’ immortals to deserving youth. Founded by J. Homer Shoop, the museum was dedicated in North Webster on June 29, 1974. As Palace

’W A. sk \ A \ mil tJ 1 * ' • —- 4 t -a /Trow /Sa ZuEy IkT. 7' v-IbkS'ul SB WK TO BE OR NOT TO BE — Because the Palace of Sports cannot afford the $3,000 monthly rent Trustcorp has set for the facility, the museum may be forced to close in early spring. Richard Long, president of the Palace board, says talks with the bank are hoping to find a solution to the problem, but the not-for-profit organization cannot afford to keep the museum doors open at $3,000 per month. Long did offer that even if the museum is closed, the scholarship program and the foundation will remain in operation. (Photo by Stacey Lesch)

Hughes reappointed president

Bob Hughes was reappointed as council president at a special meeting of the Syracuse Town Council last Friday, Jan. 5. The only council member nominated, Hughes was a unanimous choice to fill the president’s seat in 1990. Other appointments renewed included/ Robert Ziller, police chief; RBn Conley,

to address that when it happens," Kaiser said In a related matter, a Milford parent asked what was the lowest number of students Milford School would be allowed to have

\... . M B j been sold to an out-of-state firm, Kay Andrews, Palace board member, assures they are still the property of the foundation. Richard Long, president of the board, says the rumor may have started when negotiations with Trustcorp began. Trustcorp, current owner of Camelot Square, is asking the Palace to pay $3,000 for monthly rental fees, but thus far, board members say that price cannot be met. (Photos by Stacey Lesch)

history books remember, "It was his idealism and desire to help youth that inspired the movement to start and maintain the youth foundation. " A crowd of over 50.009 persons gathered to view the three-hour dedication ceremony that presented officials of Kiwanis International, Lions International, and the governing bodies of various sports, including Jesse Owens, Dick Weber, and O.J. Simpson. The museum quickly became an outstanding Indiana

street/water superintendent; Robert Reed, town attorney; Jerry Byrd, fire chief, and Phyllis Kuhn, head of civil defense. The following council members were also appointed as liaisons to various town departments: Carl My rick, police, Kect Johnson, fire and emergency medical service;

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before closing. "We have not heard a lowest possible number we can have,” Kaiser said, adding, "The school board is going (Continued on page 2)

tourist attraction famous for its Arthurian design and unique beauty. Even today, the foundation is supported by members, donors and patrons who are recognized in the museum on shields, checkerboards, plates, portraits and medallions as members of the various orders of King Arthur’s Court. The foundation remains a not-for-profit organization dedicated to youth, through sports.

Carol Koble, park, And Barbara Carwile, Syracus/Dam Committee, Scout Cabin-, Area Plan Commission, street, water and sewer departnient. The council will meet again in regular session at 7:30 p.m. next Tuesday, -Ja&. the SyracsssftTown Hall.