001Good evening. Welcome to our last board meeting of 2025. At this time, I would like to call up Principal Stewart and student leaders from Harrison Hill Elementary to lead us in the pledge of allegiance. >> Good evening. I'm so excited to introduce to you from Harrison Hill Murphy, Carter Tols, and Joseph Martinez Basquez. I aliance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> Thank you. Harrison Hill Lightning. At this time, I will ask Carla, Miss Carla Johnson to um present our superintendent awards and above and beyond. Good evening, Madame President, Dr. Smith, and members of the board. We are going to start with our above and beyond award tonight. I'd like to present to
002you Dana Dowen, who is here from ELC Brook. >> [applause] >> and her principal Kathy Prince Williams. [applause] Congratulations to Dana Dowin, school nurse at ELC Brook Park for being selected to receive the above and beyond award. Nurse Dana consistently goes above and beyond in her role, offering invaluable support not only to the front office, but to the entire school community. She provides a warm and welcoming presence for students, particularly those who are needing reassuring face, encouragement, transition back to class. Whether she's comforting a sick student while waiting for a family pickup, escorting a late student to breakfast, or assisting with parent pickup, nurse Dana is always ready to lend a helping hand. She also takes the time to engage with students, fostering positive behavior, and a supportive environment. I'm honored to present Dana Dow
003with the above and award beyond award. Congratulations, [applause] right here in the center. One, two, three. >> [applause] >> And that is all for this evening. We have another special award, but with the weather and circumstances, we will honor that person at a later time. >> Thank you. >> Good evening, President Norman, members of the board, Dr. Smith. I'm so pleased to bring to you tonight our 2025 district academic competition winners. And here to announce the winning team is the proud principal of Mary Castle Elementary, Dr. Ble. [applause] >> Good evening, Dr. Smith, members of the board. want to introduce our students and our coach tonight. We have Preston Bookmire, Terrence Denny. >> When you hear your name, you're going to go up there, shake hands, and go around >> to Dr. Smith. >> Right
004to Dr. Smith. >> Bodie Fischer, >> Kimberly Scout Hoffman. Elliot Luke, >> Jack Piltchure, >> Benjamin Rapani, >> Desyn Robinson, Kyler Rodriguez, >> Liliana Rodriguez Lopez, William Schillhouse, >> and Ellis Morris, who's not here tonight, but for the record, and our coach, Abigail Lan. >> [applause] >> WE DO THAT right here. We got tradition >> right there, guys. All right, you guys. All right, let's see how good you guys are. Let's do Oh, look at you guys. >> Mr. BL, come on up here. >> Yep. You got it there. >> Okay, we got our tradition. [snorts] >> You're welcome. All right, >> come on down. Parents get your >> One, two, three. One, two, three. One more. >> All right. Congratulations, DISTRICT. [applause] CONGRATULATIONS, Globe Trotters, and to all of our participants in the district
005academic season. At this time, we'll shift gears to our information items 3.1, the blue ribbon updates with Dr. Dr. Nesbet. >> Thank you, Madam President. Members of the board, Dr. Smith, let's jump into the blue ribbon phase 2 update, our overview. Uh McKenzie, we uh look forward to next meeting uh naming a CMC for that project. Craig Academy continues. We'll show you some pictures of that as well as Crest View. And then uh as I've told you before, the guarantee saving that's not going to look a whole lot different until we get closer to summertime and we start working on roofing again. But a lot of work coming up this summer for the second set of those. Crest View Elementary, you can see classrooms. Uh we have roofing on there and uh there's boards on
006the wall. So we have some heat going in there now. So we're getting real close to being totally sealed there at Crest View. Forest Glenn uh the roof decking uh started going on last week and just moments ago when I drove by saw they have two little sections on the south side that aren't done, but the rest of the deck is up. and Mary Castle. We are completely sealed in there and uh they are way ahead of schedule. We're looking at a springtime uh turnover when really their deadline was the end of July. So, we're real happy with the way that's going. Craig Academy, that's the cafeterium there uh completely stripped down and they're working on the stage there and the cafeteria going. And then uh upstairs, you can see their classroom continues to be
007renovated. And then the next one took a picture of those uh gymnasiums. They're completely sanded down. They started painting the uh auxiliary gym and we're going to have that ready for competition for our youth basketball league here mid January. And that concludes blue ribbon phase 2 update for the board of education. I'm happy to field any questions. >> Thank you, Dr. Nesbet. Board, are there any questions or comments regarding the blue ribbon updates? >> It looks like it's moving right along. So, thank you very much. Moving on to 3.2, request to transfer funds with Mr. Miles. Thank you, Madam President. Dr. Smith, members of the boards, at this time of the year, uh as our um cycle always um leads us to, we do this twice a year, it is time to request permission to
008transfer funds. Uh this is a procedural uh step that we take uh that we do each June and December um in advance of those transfers that happen right at the end of the year uh once we know the exact amounts to transfer between Ed and OB. So uh later this evening I will ask for approval for this resolution. >> Thank you Mr. Miles. Board any questions or comments regarding the financial um request to transfer funds? Thank you Mr. Miles. For the record to Miss Lawrence's on um line so she's um participating remotely in case we do get any questions. All right. Continuing on with Mr. Miles 3.3 the financial update. >> At this time I've got uh updates through November uh November 30th, 2025 for both our general fund and our transportation funds per our
009normal monthly cycle. Um both the general fund and the u transportation fund are in a good place uh per projections and uh at this time of the year with where we would want to be. Uh in front of you you have the general fund. You can see revenues there exceeding our projected through this time of the of the year as well as expenditures a little below uh yielding a better than projected balance a little over 15 million. And in the transportation fund see a similar trend. Um again we will have deposits of revenue coming into transportation in December. Um so when those property tax draws arrive. >> Thank you Mr. Miles board, any questions or comments regarding the financial updates? I I did notice, Mr. Miles, on the transportation update. Um it looks like we're
010below our expenditures, but um ahead on the year-to- date revenue, which is a good place to be. >> It sure is. Thank you. Yes. >> Yes. So, thank you for that. No questions or comments. We will move on to our board committee chair reports. We will start first with what we've had a very busy year in in policy. Miss Pucket. >> Yes. Nola volume 38 Neiola volume 38 number one including revisions to three bylaws and 19 policies has been completed. The first part of the revision packet contains general updates from recent legislation including updated revisions to the tobaccof free environment and tobacco use and prevention policies. The policy committee is also happy to report that part two of the revision package consisting of 13 non-discrimination and anti-harassment policies is now in the final revision stage.
011As such, the policy committee will reconvene tomorrow morning bright and early for a final review of part two. And if all goes as expected, the entire revision packet will be ready for first reading at the January 12th meeting. So looking forward to tomorrow, sir. Here we go. for policy. >> Thank you. Thank you to the policy team. Moving on to Lawrence Parks and Recreation. Miss Dunn, >> thank you. Um just a reminder about the Forever Young Club that meets at Lawrence Community Park every Thursday from 11 to 1. This Friday there is the yoga um for the Forever Young Club from 11 to 12. And then hopefully we will be able to resume ice skating right across um at Civic Plaza. That will be every Saturday and Sunday, Winterfest from 3 to 7. I also
012want to share that at our last parks meeting last Wednesday, we had uh Michael Danto, who is the president of the OIO um baseball and softball organization. And for those of you that are not aware, um, the city of Lawrence is very, very fortunate to have an incredible, uh, partnership with OIO. Um, I just want to take a moment to share the state of Ohio because I think it's important that we recognize the wonderful partnerships that exist and make sure that our community is aware of what is here for our kids. And so, um, they had 1,168 spring and, um, full-time travel players. That's right. 1,168. Pretty impressive. Um, they had, um, the 59 umpires. They had nine all-star teams. They have 57 board members. I'm sorry, 56 board members. So, these are board members
013that are giving of their time to ensure that our um, students in our community are able to take advantage. They also ha gave out 151 sponsorships. And so really want to make sure that folks understand that this is an opportunity for um anybody that is interested in playing baseball or softball to become involved. Um and they have um a new facility um where we're hoping to have um it's actually through a partnership with the city of Lawrence um at Lee Road Park. It is going to be called the bullpen on Lee Road. Um, and it's where they will be able to house their indoor practice um facility. So, they've put about $83,000 in renovations um into that facility for um for our students. Um well, not just our students, but that's the other thing I
014wanted to share with you all is that um interestingly enough of the unique players, 66.6% are from the Indianapolis Lawrence area. So they are indeed committing to um the students that live here in our community. So I just wanted to share um because OIO is doing some really phenomenal things and we're lucky to have them as a partner. >> Thank you, Miss Thun. [cough] We'll move on to foundation with Dr. Maul Holland. >> Thank you, Madam President. Uh the Lawrence Township School Foundation has an annual scholarship program and it just recently opened on December 1st and um the scholarships are available to view online. Um you can also go, you know, to your social media and there's links there, but um just want to share that and get the word out. Uh scholarships are available
015for both high school students and um and they cover various educational expenses and again um the the portal has opened up to take a look at what they have so you can apply and it will close on 12626. So that's pretty easy to remember, right? 12626. Um, but I've had the um I've enjoyed serving on the committee to review and it's really an incredible program to see all the students apply and so just want to help um get that word out and again just visit their website to see more information of the various scholarships that they have. >> Thank you Dr. Mahalant. Highly recommend applying. Oh, I forgot to mention one thing. I wanted to The information is also available English and Spanish. >> Very good to know. Thank you. >> At this time, we'll
016move on to our action items. Per our board policy 167.1. We do have a member. Um due to our other professional obligations, that will be online. Uh we will have to do our voting by roll call. However, any um votes on financial information or transfer of funds has the um people participating remotely cannot vote on. Um but we will be voting on all of the other things. It will be done by a roll call just for the public record. So, at this time, we will go to 4.1, the approval of request to transfer funds with Mr. Miles. >> Thank you, Madam President. At this time, I recommend the board approve the request to transfer funds as submitted. >> Seconded. >> Properly moved, Miss Pucket, and seconded, Dr. Mahalland. Any final questions or comments before we
017move to a vote? >> Okay. And I did I did want to It's up there, Mr. Miles. But the the um transfer amount won't be known until after December 31st, >> correct? For the public. Yeah, I saw that on there. Thank you for that. Um, all right. I'll enter um all in favor of the approval of request to transfer funds. >> I actually I'm sorry. I have to go by roll call. Sorry. >> Brain tube. Okay. Dr. Mahalland. >> Hi, >> Miss Pucket. >> I for myself and Miss Dunn. >> Hi. Thank you. Okay. Um, properly approved. At this time, we'll move on to 4.2 to approval of the board minutes with Dr. Mahholland. >> Well, actually, Madam President, I would move that we treat action items 4.2 through 4.9 as agenda. >> Okay, we
018have um one motion. Do we have a second? All right. >> So, we've had the move uh move the motion to treat action items 4.2 2 through 4.9 as consent agenda by Miss Pucket, seconded by Miss Dunn. All in favor? We're going to go to a roll call. Miss Dunn. >> I. >> Miss Lawrence. >> I. >> Yep, we can hear you. Good. Um I for myself, Miss Norman, Miss Pucket, >> I. >> And Dr. Mahaland. >> I. >> All right. The eyes have it. >> All right. I move approval of agenda. >> All right. Do we have a second? >> Second. >> All right. Um, properly moved, Miss Pucket, and seconded, Dr. Mhalland for the approval of consent agenda. Once again, we'll go by roll call. Miss Dunn. >> I, >> Miss Lawrence, >>
019I for myself, Miss Norman, Miss Pucket, >> I, >> and Dr. Mhalland. >> I >> All right. Um the approval has passed. Thank you for that board. Finally, we will move on to our administrator and board. Oh. >> Oh, my my apologize. Wi with within our consent agenda. We do have a approval of personnel reports. At this time, Miss Carla Johnson will make a special announcement. Madame President, Dr. Dr. Smith and members of the board, thank you for approving the personnel report this evening. Tonight, we bring you the next principal of Belzer Middle School, Miss Kendra Randall. [applause] Miss Kendra Randall, as the principal of Belzer Middle School, currently serves as the principal at Eagle Creek Elementary in Pike Township. She is the 2023 winner of the prestigious National Milkin Educator Award. Miss Kendra Randall
020is a champion for education both for students and herself. A former classroom teacher, Miss Randall has worked her way through various administrative positions as a founding elementary dean, principal fellow, and elementary executive principal. Her expertise and insight of practices both inside and outside of the classroom benefit all students. A leader in her school and local communities, Randall is committed to building a strong relationships and serving the whole child. She works to break down barriers for students of color and open doors through her work with Alphacappa Alpha Sorority, Alpha Mu Omega Chapter. Belzer Middle School is gaining an extraordinary leader in Miss Randall, said Superintendent Dr. Shaun A. Smith. As both a Belzer alumni and Milin Award recipient, she serves as an example to our students of what is possible through hard work, passion, and purpose.
021Her leadership will inspire excellence across our entire school district. According to Miss Randall, I believe that building strong and healthy relationships are the key to education. Children cannot learn from someone they do not trust. And the same is true for educators. They need a leader who is authentic, supportive, and accountable. My leadership style is collaborative and student centered. and I am passionate about working with teachers, parents, and community members to create a thriving school community. Randall is a graduate of MSDLT, attending Belle and Lawrence Central High School. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in elementary education from Kentucky State in 2012 and a Master of Arts and Education from Union University in 2017. Help me welcome Miss Kendra Randall back home to Lawrence Township. [applause] And Miss Randall has some family members with us this
022evening that you'd like to introduce. for sure. >> Thank you. I have my mom, Linda Randall. >> I have my She's a little emotional. I have They want you to stand up. >> Stand up. >> I have my mom, Linda Randall. [applause] I have my aunt Lucille here with me as well. [applause] I have my my big sister cousin is what I call her, Janice Meyers. >> [applause] >> Then I have my big brother cousin Antoine Meyers. [applause] And then I have my big cousin back here, Luther Taylor Jr. [applause] >> Thank you. And welcome, Miss Randall. >> Good segue now into our administrator and board comments. [snorts] Miss Dunn. I just um want to say how exciting to welcome back a um an individual who graduated from Bowser. What an exciting time. Um and
023congratulations. Very excited for um the Bowser community as well as Lawrence Township. Uh, also as I shared in our last board meeting, I love to look at the donations and although I was not able to attend the holiday openhouse due to my commitments in my day job, I do want to thank again our community partners, Fifth Third Bank for their contributions to the open houses. I heard it was a very successful event here in our new facility. And along those lines, just wish everybody a happy, healthy, and safe holiday season. um and feel very blessed to work in a district that prioritizes students first. So, thank you all. >> Thank you, Miss Dunn. Well said, Miss Lawrence. >> Yeah, thank you. I just wanted to wish everyone a happy holiday. >> Thank you. Well said,
024Dr. Mahaland. So, I'd like to wish everyone a a happy holiday and a a happy new year. It's um it's been an honor to serve the district and um I look forward to being back in the new year and continuing the work. >> Thank you, Miss Pucket. >> Yes. Um I want to say congratulations and welcome on board, Miss Randall. We had uh came back from a conference over the weekend and one of the core themes of the conference was joy which was so funny because that's been one of my words for this season is joy. And so I would be remiss not to mention um you stand on the shoulders of a phenomenal man uh Mr. Randall who was a part of my journey here in Lawrence Township. And so what an honor to
025have you here and um I I'm excited and I'm look forward I'm looking forward to the joy. He was a joykeeper. He was a joy giver and he was an excellent man. And so I look forward to that seeing that within you. And so for everybody have a phenomenal holiday season. Thank you. >> Thank you Miss Pucket. I second all these comments. Um it is a joy to be in this community. Um just from the holiday openhouse and talking to our community partners, it really takes a village to support the work that our district does for our kids. So I'm very appreciative of all of that. Enjoy going to any of the events that we have. It's been a busy season and I know it will continue even during even when school's out. So thank
026you for everyone making that happen. I hope that everyone does have a wonderful um Christmas and holiday season. Also, I know legislatively because that's what we're getting ready to get into. The House will convene January 5th and the Senate on January 8th. I know we'll be getting some updates on educational bills. So, we'll just continue to engage there. But again, just to pivot to the positive, to go with Miss Pucket's joy. Um, some of the words that have been on my mind during quiet times have been peace and rest. So that I hope that everyone gets some peace and rest during this downtime. So, thank you, Dr. Smith. >> Thank you, Madam President. And I'm going to keep my comments short, ladies and gentlemen. Everyone have a happy holiday. Thank you. >> All right. Thank
027you, Dr. Smith. Yes. All right. So, with that, this is our last public meeting of 2025. Our next monthly board of education meeting will be here Monday, January 12th, 2026. It is a combined board reorganization meeting in work s actually it's the work session and we will begin promptly at 5:30. At this time I'll entertain a motion to adjurnn. So moved >> second >> properly moved Miss Dunn and seconded Miss Pucket. Thank you.