Judge Weikert has recused himself from the wage litigation concerning JHS Gymnasium, Board moves forward with opening bids today

The Greater Jasper School Board met for their regular monthly session Monday night at 7 pm. The approximately 45 minute meeting contained no new information about the Jasper High School Gymnasium construction or the pending litigation filed by the Southwestern Indiana Building and Construction Trades Council over the wages that were passed on October 20th by the Common Wage Committee.

[quote]Dr. Vandeventer acknowledged that the potential exists that the pending litigation could hold up the project, but that it is too early to make that determination and that the School Administration and Boards’ position is that this needs to get resolved sooner, rather than later.[/quote]

After the meeting, we spoke with School Superintendent, Dr. Jerrill Vandeventer who said that the only action in the case is that Judge William Weikert has recused himself from hearing arguments on the complaint and that a new judge will have to be chosen. As to what extent the legal action could have in potentially holding up construction of the new gymnasium, Dr. Vandeventer acknowledged that the potential exists that the pending litigation could hold up the project, but that it is too early to make that determination and that the School Administration and Boards’ position is that this needs to get resolved sooner, rather than later.

Meanwhile the bid openings on the foundation for the new gymnasium will be open today (Tuesday) at 2 pm in the administrative offices by School Attorney Art Nordhoff. The bids will be opened only; no other action will be taken at that time. The awarding of the foundation bid will take place on December 8th at 8:00 am.

In other news, the School Board passed a motion to approve the 2012 – 2013 School Calendar that contains five snow make-up days. The Teachers Union has also approved the calendar as well.

Dr. Tracey Lorey reports that changes in math requirements affect 8th graders when they enter high school next year. The School Corporation is implementing the changes to keep up with State Dept of Education requirements and to comply with State University requirements for college admissions. Former requirements for math were less stringent, but now are being raised, so each high school must, in turn, raise their requirements to help make sure those students have the required minimums that want to graduate and attend in-state universities.