Elwood Board thanks Jorges for 16 years of service

ELWOOD - The Elwood Board of Education met Monday to approve some bids on Facilities needs and to approve a negotiated agreement with its teaching staff for the 2021-2022 school year.

After negoatiations, the Board approved a $750 raise to its base for teachers contracts, raising the base to $35,800 per year. In a separate action, the Board also recognized the Elwood Education Association as the bargaining agent for certified staff for the next negotiations.

In facilities work, the Board approved replacing an HVAC unit on the multipurpose room. Superintendent Daren Hatch said the previous unit was 20 years old and needed replaced. The item was paid for through the Depreciation Fund.

The Board also approved the purcahse of a mini-split for the dry food storage area. Hatch said it will just keep the temperature in the area better controlled.

The Board also heard a presentation from Brooke Edgren, the district’s speech pathologist. The position used to be contracted through the Educational Service Unit, but the district changed course to hire its own person for a

Finally, the Board thanked Shelly Jorges in her final meeting for her 16 years of service on the Board.