LOOGOOTEE — Although influenza season only recently started, the initial impact on Loogootee schools has been minimal.

The lowest attendance rate this month was 92 percent, and that was only one day, Superintendent Larry Weitkamp told the Loogootee School Board Saturday morning. Another day was 94 percent, while three days were 95 percent. He said the normal daily attendance rate is 96 percent.

Weitkamp credited parents for being cautious and keeping their children home from school if they appeared to be ill. There have been some reports of children being sick with flu-like symptoms, but he did not know if it was the seasonal flu or the H1N1 (commonly known as swine flu).

In other business

Drug check

Loogootee High School Principal John Mullen said a Daviess County Sheriff’s deputy and drug dog checked the school’s lockers and parking lot last Thursday afternoon, but reported nothing illegal.

Mullen wants parents to know these searches are done occasionally without warning. A Daviess County drug dog was used because Martin County currently does not have one.

School Enrollment

The board approved the proposed school corporation budget for next year. During this discussion, Weitkamp said total school enrollment was down 47 students from last year. This continues a downward trend for the past six years, which results in less state funding.

Board Member Tim Bradley asked Weitkamp if he had contingency plans in place if the school corporation continues to see a reduction in funds. The superintendent said he always has a long-range plan, but it is adjusted as circumstances change, such as attendance and funding.

Weitkamp said the contingency plans could affect staffing, since less staff will be needed if attendance numbers continue to fall. For the time being, reductions in staffing are being done through attrition, where retiring teachers may not be replaced.

On a positive note, the kindergarten enrollment showed another increase this year, so the fall in overall attendance may eventually end.