The Southwestern Consolidated Schools board honored nine third graders for an academic achievement, learned staff should receive ESSER I funds as soon as this week and honored acting superintendent John Edwards for his service this year in a time of need.

At Wednesday's monthly meeting, Edwards handed out certificates (photo) to eight of the nine third graders that recently produced perfect scores on IREAD-3. Of the 42 students that took the assessment, John Patrick Haynes, Mia Thomas, Cary Goodin, Calan Stickford, Ayden Falor, Aiden Maynard, Bonita Clark, Harper McInerny and Dayton Morales (not in attendance) received perfect scores.

"IREAD-3 is the scary one in terms of if you don't pass it you can't move on, so it's a big assessment," said Edwards. "And this is the first assessment that third graders have ever taken."

The passing rate was over 96% according to Edwards.

In other business, the board approved overnight trips for a FFA field trip to Larwill, Indiana, and for the girls basketball team to attend a camp in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

The board approved the purchase of $17,718 for ipad Gen 8 Gold to upgrade current ipads and $10,316.25 for InfoSnap Registration Renewal from PowerSchool.

The board approved the distribution of ESSER 1 funds to staff members. Edwards hoped to release $83,257.98 to the school staff as soon as this week.

Superintendent Curt Chase, who had to step aside this school year to deal with a health issue, asked and received unpaid leave through May 27. He is expected to return to his position soon, according to the board.

In appreciation for Edwards work as acting superintendent, the board closed the meeting by informing him he will receive a $10,000 bonus. Edwards is the school system's elementary school principal.

Graduation is scheduled for May 28 at 7 p.m. inside the school's gymnasium. Each senior will be allowed up to 15 guests at the ceremony.