NEW MARKET — Fifth graders from New Market Elementary led the Pledge of Allegiance at the Southmont school board meeting on Monday. The students, led by Communities in Schools site coordinator Lindsay Nehring, served as ambassadors at the first-ever Mountie Men READ Day on Feb. 28, kicking off a month-long “kindness campaign” which will recognize acts of kindness within the school.
Participating in the program were 29 community leaders, including Mayor Todd Barton, former educators, and the Southmont High School boys’ basketball team. Those in attendance enjoyed the opportunity to read with students in their classrooms and spread kindness after a hot breakfast.
“We are really hoping that this is not just a one-time thing, but that this has started a trend in our school and hopefully the community where men — and women —can volunteer and be a part of our school,” Nehring said. “It’s so important for these students to be able to interact with members of our community, and that, in turn, the members of our community are blessed by our students.”
Graduation Pathways coordinator Michael Byrum presented on Indiana’s new diploma requirements, which Southmont will phase in for freshmen in the 2025-26 school year ahead of the statewide 2028-29 deadline. The new diploma model, which replaces the existing Core 40 model, will create a baseline diploma upon which students can earn six honors seals through various pathways.
“We want to make sure our students are ready for what’s coming after high school, whether that’s college, the workforce, or something else,” said high school principal Ashley Hammond. “The goal of the new diploma, from the state of Indiana, is to provide more opportunities and flexibility for students.”
Trustee David Reeves also noted that progress is underway with the Ladoga Park renovation, and new playground equipment should be delivered during the first week of April.
Students and staff of the month were named as follows: from Ladoga Elementary, Avery Siple and Leanna Perry; from New Market Elementary, Jackson Ramsey and Heidi Kiger; from Walnut Elementary, Natalie Jones and Cori Crossley; from the junior high, McKinzie Stoner and Taylor Benge; and from the high school, McCayden Dalton and Jeremiah Sparks.
In personnel matters, the board:
• Accepted the resignation of Heather Wilkinson, junior high instructional aide, effective immediately; Addison Monroe, junior high instructional aide, effective immediately; Makaila Underwood, New Market aide, effective immediately; Christian Webb, New Market full-time substitute, effective Feb. 21; and Cortney Williams, Walnut special ed teacher, effective March 9.
Approved the employment of Laura Moore, New Market permanent substitute; and Dennis Gentry, contract employee, effective April 1.
• Accepted maternity leave request for Kiera Dixon, effective March 21 to the end of school year.
• Rescinded stipend for Dana Hunt, junior high spring play assistant, $750.
• Approved stipends in the following amounts: Taylor Norton, junior high spring play assistant, $750; Tim Flagg, junior high track coach, $1,500; Amy Reeves, junior high assistant track coach, $1,053; Jim Gary, junior high assistant track coach, $1,053; Elliot Franklin, varsity assistant girls’ tennis coach, $1,500; Cayla Dennis, junior high softball coach, $1,250; Hannah Bowman, junior high softball coach, $1,250; Ryan Needham, junior high assistant softball coach, volunteer; Bailey Long, junior high assistant softball coach, volunteer; Claire Remley, varsity assistant softball coach, volunteer; Josh Gray, junior high boys’ golf coach, $1,000; Chris Sering, junior high assistant boys’ golf coach, volunteer; Cole Thomas, junior high baseball coach, $1,250; Desson Hannum, junior high baseball coach, $1,250; Eric Mason, junior high assistant baseball coach, volunteer; and Justin Bullock, junior high assistant baseball coach, volunteer.
Approved extra duty recommendations for: Rebekah Thomas, Raymond Jones, Katy Yoakum, Erin Barry, Brad Acton, Dan Chadd, and Bryce Adams, IHSAA girls’ basketball regional workers, $120 ea.; and Deryk Benge, boys’ and girls’ 7th grade basketball seasons and IHSAA regional event basketball clock, $1,750.
In other business, the board:
• Passed resolution to appoint a corporation attendance officer.
• Approved updates to Neola board policies and travel payment and reimbursement.
• Approved field trips for FFA livestock evaluation team for April 4–5 and 19.
• Moved July’s board meeting to the 15th to accommodate a grant-funded administration leadership conference.
The next regular school board meeting will take place at 6 p.m. April 14 in the corporation board room.
