Union County College Corner Joint School District superintendent Aron Borowiak announced his resignation at the school board's July 12 meeting.

Borowiak came to the superintendent's post in the district in June 2019, from an assistant-principal position at Valparaiso High School. Other administrators departing recently include Union County High School principal Connie Rosenberger at the end of the most recent school term and Liberty Elementary School principal Kathy Sourbeer in January.

“Thank you to the board for the opportunity here … it is a great school district, a lot of great people here, it is a great community, great place to raise a family. It is a special place and I appreciate the opportunity and experience,” stated Borowiak to the board.

Also discussed:
-Richmond Family YMCA executive director Misty Hollis gave an update to the board on its partnership with UCCCJSD. The after-school program at College Corner Union School has been taken over by the district, leaving YMCA to focus on its Liberty program.

The program began under a startup grant that provided almost half of the costs of the program. That grant has ended, increasing costs to families.This coming year the weekly fee for full time students, Monday through Friday until 6 p.m., will be $35 for YMCA members and $45 for non-members. Board member Jessica Jones inquired about the cost of a membership. Hollis replied a YMCA student membership is $10 per month. She added a scholarship program is available for low-income families. 

-Union County residents Terrance and Bianca Taylor introduced their two homeschooled children to the board and requested the opportunity to participate in school athletics programs and elective classes such as art and band. 

“We feel there are so many benefits for our kids for homeschooling, but there are some things we can't provide,” said Bianca.

The board began to review their policy found on the district's website under “School Board Policies.” According to code po9270 “The board shall not allow a resident student who is being educated at a non-accredited or home school to participate in any of the district's co-curricular or extra-curricular activities. A resident student who is being educated at a non-accredited or home school may, however, enroll in one or more academic courses with the approval of the superintendent. Such enrollments will be submitted to the state for funding purposes.”

The policy was adopted in 2003 and shows revisions in 2011 and 2014. Jones referenced Indiana High School Athletic Association (IHSAA) rules that require public schools to admit homeschooled students if they are enrolled in one or more classes, established in 2013. Borowiak noted the IHSAA specifically regulates high schools. Board secretary David Hoffman pointed out student athletes are required to have a passing grade in at least half of their classes. If a homeschooled student is only enrolled in one class at UCHS, they will only need to pass one class, compared to the requirement on full-time students to pass at least four classes.

Borowiak agreed to investigate the state requirements and brings suggestions to the next board meeting.

-The board approved a quote to repair and refinish the UCHS auditorium stage floor from America's Floor Source of Columbus, Ohio.

-The UCHS solar project is complete and waiting on Duke Energy to turn the system on.

-The board agreed to reschedule its September meeting to Tuesday, Sept. 6 at 7 p.m.