It's the writing. They write a long essay. Um so 6 7 and 8 will all be um in a testing location typing up essays and actually high school biology I learn will be happening in the school in this room probably. At the same time, Uh everybody else will be in their Trojan Pride for the first 2 hours. We kind of set it up that way so that in the past we've done it where we had students in holding tanks and it's kind of hard to manage them what not. At least I set it up this year so that every teacher still sees every student every day. Uh so it's not like the history teacher has to not see them for a while they're doing English and and math testing. So I I hope that works out better. Well, it's not going to be your fault.
But we're pointing some of these pieces out. Your population in your county is aging. Your growth in your demographics below the age of 15 are declining. And of course, that means fewer students because of who your population is made up of. More grandparents than parents, typically. And your enrollment is also decreasing. And I think Chris gave us a little snapshot on that. We've seen that now for several years. And of the students who do live within the boundaries of your school district, 84% are currently attending one of your public schools. So that means there are, you know, I think fair contingent of students who are getting their education some other way. Variety of different ways. If we're looking at the facilities, we start by looking at Demars. They are a larger population, the larger population for your primary building. And they are currently, let's just say packed, you know, stuffed to the gills type thing.
Any opposed? Oh. >> Just just gather your thoughts. >> [laughter] >> You got this. We're coming back to you in a minute. Um next up is first reading. Um recommendation to approve policy 6152, student fees and charges. Uh Can I elaborate on this, Michelle? The uh student fees and charges. Yeah. So, 2 years ago the state of Indiana passed a that um schools could no longer charge any textbook fees and textbooks would be free in the state of Indiana. So, we were not allowed to charge for anything. Um they have since changed that and our policy was just changed to align with that and this past legislative session, they've changed that again to allow schools to to charge for non-curricular materials, i.e. such as things like uh lab equipment, lab supplies, art supplies, things along those lines. Not textbooks, not laptops, those types of things.
Um specifically though, under the teaching and learning um focus area, the very first uh strategic initiative speaks to creating um vertical and horizontal alignment. And one of the key parts of doing that is to establish a consistent, predictable curriculum review cycle. Um and so we're going to talk tonight a little bit uh a little bit more in detail about what a curriculum review cycle entails, uh how it works, and why uh it's important. Thank you. So, good evening. Um we always start with our why. And as Dr. Thibault said, we bring it back to our curriculum to our um strategic plan, and that acts as our North Star. But when we're talking specifically about our curriculum review cycle, why is it important? Why is this cyclical nature of uh reviewing our curriculum important? Um you know, I'm the pillars obviously are um making sure that we're using the data that we have in front of us to inform our instruction, looking at what our kids need, looking at how our kids are doing, and finding their areas of strength and celebrating those and growing those.
Um Christie, I don't know if you want to say anything. I think that's reports pretty self-explanatory though. Site review occurs once every 3 years. And uh they look at um a lot of data, um everything from our financials to um actual point of sale point of service. And um what everything looks like in our in our kitchens. And this particular review was done primarily at uh the site was the elementary school. And they were very complimentary of us. If you look at that audit report, um I will just say this, not every district gets an audit report like we get. And matter of fact, this year they did it completely remote, didn't they? Uh they did our T S D E audit all remote. >> Yes, completely remote. That was a little nerve-racking for us because we like to have them there and talk to them.
So, we also are going strong in state assessments, finishing up those this week, so we can do makeup tests next week. And then our community cleanup day, which is hosted by our NHS and our leadership class, will be on May 6th. So, if you have any projects that need to be done, make sure you let us know, so we can send some students your way. Right. Thank you. I do appreciate how you're making sure that they're the kids are doing some of those prerequisite classes to Yeah, I appreciate all that. >> [clears throat] >> Okay. Item number nine, our district two board position. Yes, we do have a gentleman that's interested in the district two open board position seat. Um His information is on our board packet that you guys can find on there. Mr. Thomas Lawyer. Um to kind of have a discussion on which direction you guys want to go with that.
Not all residents have access to gyms, private facilities, or safe walking routes. A public track provides a free, accessible option for seniors, families, and individuals with mobility or health concerns. And the fourth reason is grant funding opportunities allowed are allowed when the track and field are utilized as public use facilities. So, this is the proposed structure for public access. To ensure safety, and accountability, and minimal disruption, I propose the following framework for consideration. The limited hours, for example, early mornings, evenings, or weekends when no school practice or events are scheduled. Clear rules and expectations. So, posted signage outlining the permitted activities, the prohibited items, and respectful use guidelines. A limited area access, so only the track and field area would be open, not buildings, equipment, or any or athletic storage. And supervision options could include a monitored self-closing gate during open hours, volunteer community stewards, designated rules and restrictions posted, security cameras placed in the public use area, and liability and safety.
Our senior events are also in full swing. The senior trip is on May 6 through the 8th and we have 65 seniors signed up to attend. Um it's exciting to see how much involvement we have from that this year. Our senior memories assembly is also going to take place on May 14th and that will also be followed with our last dance um called Morp, which is our color powder dance. Um so we're super excited to have all this taking place on our campus.
Been so much fun. So, I look forward to another year of really uh doing some good work here. And uh I've tried to put this off as long as I could, but because I don't want people I'm checked out because I'm really not. But uh um I also think that after because it'll be 12 years. I think after 12 years it you know a district like this could use a new set of eyes too. I think it's you don't want to get stagnant and I think it'll be good to have somebody new uh looking at things. So but I will be forever grateful to you guys. I know three of you were on the board when I got hired and uh grateful that you stuck it out and I could write a book about all the things we've in 12 years. >> Learn something new every day.
And this could be one of the things that just didn't think through fully. And we're trying to give them the best opportunity to say, "Well, you know, here's our data." And we've provided data to our legal team to say, "Here's what we're thinking." We have other schools als- also ready to sign on potentially with this as to to write a letter to the IHSA this asking them to kind of rethink or pause for a year until we can rewrite the bylaw or um have other options for us. That's kind of where we're at now because we do think that there are some Title IX considerations that really need to be addressed because how it impacts female sports. And so again, moving forward, you know, based on the data we have and and based on our surrounding school districts and conference schools as well, is we are recommending that we're we're we're moving forward with our co-op teams for next year as they are knowing the fact that they can't participate and to win state series team awards.
One of the nice things about coaches is that you get to work with your students for more than just a single school year. You get to see their development during the course of four years. And I look at this group right here and many who couldn't be here tonight. And it's fascinating because when I look at them, I still see them in ninth grade even though some of them are weeks away from graduating. And to have that growth and to allow us as coaches to be to take that ride with them is sort of amazing to watch them uh become the adults we hope them to become and oh do they. And third and finally, let me speak. I can't see her right now and it's probably just as well. A comment for my wife, Linda Langford. um she gives her all and a lot of seasons are long.
Um so >> it's it's a very robust certificate. It's it's pretty tough to get as far as it takes a lot of time. It takes you know you're put together a portfolio and and they have a lot that they have to prove that they know. Um, that's why it's very valuable for them to have that certification when they go out. >> Anybody else? >> All right. Well, so I need a uh I need a motion uh to accept early childhood education program. >> I'll make a motion to accept the early childhood program. >> I'll second. >> I have a motion to second. Any any other questions at all? >> It all developed a lot quicker than we kind of I'm I'm pleased, but it's happening fast. >> Absolutely. >> All right. All in favor? >> I none opposed. All right. >> Okay. Thank you very much.
If not, yeah. We'll regroup. We'll try something else. As a former teacher, I applaud you for that. All right. I'm looking at you. Board members, you guys got any hang-ups? Congratulations, Mr. Bingham on the new boys head coach here at William Byrd. They're busy. It's about that time, man. All right. If not, I need a motion to adjourn. I'll make a motion to adjourn. I need a motion and a second. Second. All in favor say aye. Aye. Now, you guys all need to keep coming because the planet sounds better when you guys are here. That's right. Second Monday. Second Monday. I want to say something real quick about two months ago. Hey. I'm not a mind reader, but I am a leader. I appreciate all you guys coming to me. You know, what I I appreciate you guys working And I appreciate the work you do.
They use every bit of space available to them. And they're using a lot of spaces for instructional purposes that aren't ideal instructional situations based upon where they have to offer those services. And so, they really need either less enrollment or they need more space. That's very clear that that's true. Wheat Field um has less land has fewer primary students enrolled there and as a result of that, they do have additional space available, right? Not all their classrooms are needed for general classroom instruction or even supportive instructional services. Now, they're finding lots of uses for those spaces, certainly, but when it comes right down to it, they could house uh a larger population of students easily. The intermediate school also has a lot of additional space and many of the 11 classrooms that could be housing classes for general instruction at this point. Your newest, nicest facility, I guess we might say on one level, has a lot of advantages there, right?
Um because I think the state quickly figured out that schools still can't What their reimbursement still does not fund what we pay out in textbook adoption or for technology. To the tune for Logansport schools, we're we're you we're on average $250,000 still upside down once we get the reimbursement. So, um this is something that um quite honestly, we've worked amongst the county schools uh and so we're all looking at something similar. So. Did that cover? Yeah. Okay. This is your first reading. >> Yep. And we'll come back in May. And it's a $50 flat fee, which along along those lines, like if you have a first grader, we'll be able to show you in first grade, here's what the $50 consists of, in second grade, in 12th grade. Just so that if anybody has concern um you know it's nothing compared to what textbook fees used to look like.
And looking at our areas of weakness and making sure that we're reinforcing those. Um maintaining alignment with state state and federal mandates, those change, right? And so we it's incumbent on us to maintain um that we're staying current with the mandates and with the changes to things. Um ensuring that we have a culturally responsive and inclusive curriculum, ensuring that our kids can look into their textbooks and see themselves, ensuring that our kids can see you know, we talk about windows and mirrors, and making sure that we're seeing ourselves and extending what kids are able to see throughout what we're learning about. Um so budget, right? It's a very real thing we're going to talk about tonight and ensuring that we have um not we that we don't put ourselves in a position where we need to replace everything at once, um and that we are consistently and responsibly um looking at reviewing and updating as we need.
And you weren't exactly sure, you don't get a feel for people when they're not there again. So, but long story short, uh you look at that last uh conclusion paragraph again, not everybody gets a report like this and they were again very complimentary of uh of our staff. So, again, kudos. I think that is it. Questions for me? It looks like we did come up with some opportunities to improve. Um just looking to see what the I guess it says does that affect us the internal protocols additional staff training? I think we're always working to get better. >> Yeah, absolutely. >> So and that's what an audit that's how I look at an audit. So whatever whatever they might look at for example, it could be as minute as um so we take in several food service applications and it could be as minute as I didn't sign it.
Um As far as how that would work, um he would just be filling the term that was not filled from the last election. So, you guys do have the authority to um select him to be on the board or not to select him to be on the board. Um if you would like to try to schedule a time for him to come in to one of the upcoming board members meetings to visit and tell you a little bit about himself, we can do that, too. Um we would go forward that way. So, I just wanted to open the discussion up for you guys to have that conversation. I can wait. I think my phone is buzzing. I can I can confirm his address was in the correct district. I called uh the county clerk at Ellsworth County, and she said that is district two. So, he is living in the correct district.
Many districts successfully open their tracks under standard liability coverage. The board could have consulted legal counsel to confirm that current policies already address the liability concerns. Across Arizona and the country, numerous school districts have implemented similar programs. They report increased community satisfaction, minimal incidents, and improved public perception of the school system. These examples show that with clear guidelines, shared use is both feasible and beneficial. And in closing, I want to emphasize that this request comes from a place of partnership. The track and field belong to the community, and opening them, even in a limited, structured way, would provide meaningful benefits to residents while maintaining safety and integrity of the school. I respectfully ask the board to place this item on a future agenda for discussion, and to consider forming a small community committee to explore logistics, liability, and community interest. Thank you for your time, your service, and your consideration.
Does anybody have any questions? It's exciting. [laughter] >> Thank you for coming. >> Thank you. >> Thanks, Miss Leah. >> Okay, now to our superintendent report. >> So, um, we have a few projects that we're working on right now. As Ed mentioned, we're still, you know, trying to get this building weatherized, but we're John will probably get provide us an update about that. Um, we have ongoing meetings with the architect and the construction company who will be building the new building right here behind us next to the tennis courts. Um we we know that there are excess site condition costs and our our leazison will be going to SFB to um ask for extra funding for that. We also have seen in the governor's preliminary budget that Chino Valley was called out for extra money for our project as well. So if if that makes it to the final cut in Governor Hobb's budget, then that will also cover the excess site conditions.