January 8, 2026 Work Session Meeting

001Okay. >> Okay. >> We appear to be live streaming. So, >> let's say, >> is that any better? >> Yeah, >> I think we have him too loud. >> We may have had you too loud. >> Nathan, you just got to yell in if you if you need anything. Okay. At any point, just stop us. Okay. >> Okay. Very good. >> Okay. Uh we'll call this work session to order. Um 603 January 8th, 2026. Um I'd ask for an approval of the agenda tonight. Again, these are not necessarily these are just topics to discuss. We may take these in random order. But any anything else or any discussion on the agenda? >> Have a motion. >> So moved. >> Mr. Enski. >> Second. >> Mr. Swallow. All in favor of approval agenda. I >> 401

002absent. This again is a public meeting. It is a work session. We'll take any comments from patrons. Seeing no patrons here this evening. We will close comments from patrons. Okay. on our agenda tonight. Again, very broad topics. We may get going in a lot of different directions on here, but just three four that I put on here. The Ready 2.0 grant, which we talked a little bit about at the last regular meeting. Uh Monro Central has been informed that we're in the process of receiving $650,000 um for from the Ready 2.0 grant. We've officially not received an award letter, but it is in works. Uh, also would like to at some point talk about um the potential of future projects, future project needs, what that could look like and certainly now that um with the

003the addition of Union Township in the future, what that would mean for, you know, tax rates and timing of projects and all that. Uh potentially get into the topic of collaboration opportunities. I think we need to have a little discussion on that. There's going to be a discussion in the legislative session this spring, this winter on consolidation and I just think it's good for all school corporations just kind of have ideas in case anything's forced upon us. Don't want to get anybody scared or anything like that, but just I think the discussions would be good. And then the big topic and the one I'd really like to start with is Union Township and the school board representation and how that will look in the future. Then obviously some of the taxbased questions that I still

004don't have answers for. So uh these are all kind of co-mingling topics. Like I said uh you know we kind of need answers to one of these before he can answer some of the others and all that kind of stuff. So, I'd really like to start there if you don't mind and just give me an update kind of where we're at on on schoolboard representation. So, the board members at your seats, you have the statute that has the 239 at the top and there are four pages of statute there that were passed um last May and that deals with the uh dissolving of Union School Corporation. Okay. some of the things that we really need to start considering are in there. Then also you have a staple copy of a letter I received from the

005clerk. Um, you know, maybe this is a standard letter and I don't think it is because I don't recall in 10 years of doing this that I ever received a letter like this, but it was just basically asking if the the school corporation had made any changes or are in the process of making any changes to our board structure or boundaries, anything like that because of the upcoming election. So, I got that I just got that actually. It was in my mailbox today. Ironically, I had set a meeting this morning with the school board attorney prior to this meeting tonight just to talk to him about this subject. So, I handed it to Steve Murphy and he got a chuckle out of fact that we got this right as we were beginning to talk about

006it. Steve and I met and we'll talk about some of his emails because he they he sent those after our meeting. But um just to review and then I will be quiet if you guys don't talk but just to review Monroe Central School Corporation as it currently is constructed the boundaries are Green Township Monroe Township which Monroe Township is divided by this red line right here which is a thousand right out here. That's the dividing and it's divided between Parker and Farmland. So, it's always it's always been that way as far as I know in this corporation. So, really, we've had two elected board seats for Monroe Township as as long as I can can remember. And again, how are those divided? It's it's by a thousand out here, Parker and Farmland. And then to

007the south you have Stony Creek. So, one, two, three, four billboard board seats and then we've have had an enlarged seat which means could be anybody that lives within the three townships. Okay, that's how you're current currently constructed. Um, election cycles. So, Green and Stony Creek um elected in 24. So, Mr. Ensky, Mr. CO came back on board, ran unopposed on January of last year, 2025. The other three seats, Parker, Farmland, and at large are in the 26 election cycle. So, they would be you would have to get your petitions out. And I have copy of those, by the way. I went on the site today and and got those dug up here somewhere. Um I think the filing dates somewhere in the mid May and they're due by the u middle of June. Okay.

008So if you want to file for uh school board we need to do that. So the question is if Union School Corporation dissolves and Union School Corporation right now is all of Union Township, which is directly to the south of Monroe Central School Corporation, and then I don't have it on this map, but it's right over in here in Henry County. Um they have Stony Creek, not to be confused with our Stony Creek, but they have a Stony Creek Township right here. and that Stony Creek Township will become part of Blue River Valley. So there's no worries about that. But at some point Township is going to have to be represented on the Monroe Central School Board and the question is how how do you construct that and the timing is also the issue. So

009according to Steve and and I don't see it in statute and again this could change there there could be changes this legislative session but right now school board members there are no special elections for schoolboard members if you've not been through that process I know Brad has I think you were not necessarily on board but maybe in the application process but if somebody resigns from the board or somebody leaves the board midterm you do not have an election right Now you you can take applications and the board interviews those applications and the board applies. That's just currently what happens. If you come in tomorrow and say, "I'm off the board. I'm done." Then we do not have an election for Green Township. There will not be another election in Green Township until 2028, right? 248.

010So we the board would have to fill that seat. No special elections. Well, the same thing is the case for Union Township here and how you decide number one, how you decide they're represented. And then once you make that determination, this board makes that determination. No one else, this board. Then it's well, when does that person come on? Do they come on during the election cycle of 26, which is right now, or do we wait and do they come on in the election cycle of 28? because that would be the next election. There would not be another election until 2018. Okay. So, we'll stop there. Questions you have on how I presented that. I mean, Parker and Farmland are split in Monroe Township because of the two biggest towns, city towns in the school district.

011I mean, correct. The largest percentage of the population central is centered in Monroe Township. >> Adding union doesn't change that. >> No population. >> I agree. >> Significantly bigger than the three of us. >> But population wise, it still makes the most sense to have representation for Parker Farmland. >> I think so. >> Yeah. I mean the question is then do you take away the at large and make it a union at that point but no special election throws a kink in it. >> Well I don't think that I don't regardless of how we seated I don't think you do so until union school corporation is dissolved and they are part of address central. So you you mentioned do we do that in the 26 election cycle? I don't know why you would. >> They

012all in 27, right? Better. >> So, the statute says, >> Go ahead, Nathan. >> You're fine. >> I'm sorry. You can't hear >> if no one. >> Okay. So, if you >> Go ahead. I'm sorry, Nate. >> What happens if no one runs? Does it point to have it a four member step down? >> No. >> Well, there wouldn't be anybody stepping down because that seat wouldn't be filled. >> That's correct. >> But you you fill it fill it the same way you do. >> You would fill it exactly like you would if somebody resigns from the board tonight, you're But before you can do any of that, you have to determine >> do are they do they have a seat? and they have to have some type of representation. You have to define a

013seat for them somehow and then at that point people can apply to run, turn in the forms, petition form. If no one applies for whatever election we decide to start this, then at that point the board would take applications in the board. Does that make sense? And that would that appointment be >> well so yes I believe that yes >> you would think if no one chose to run from you >> to be appointed that >> so so what I I've had quite a bit of experience with this in the past yes the boundary lines still apply so when someone okay we we had an open secret farmland And we had several applications at that time, but they all had come from Ardan farmland. Now, if it was the atlarge position, >> then anybody anybody

014could in the school corporation could apply, but but to back to your point, Nathan, if you say, I'm just saying this hypothetically, but if you say one of the board seats is Union Township, okay, if you you make that determination, then then somebody either they're going to run from Union Township and and take that board lead or you're going to have to find somebody from Union Township and appoint What was your question? >> Even my question was just about time frame. So I I agree with Michael. If they don't dissolve until 27, I wouldn't represent them until 28. >> So the question that Patrick had, Nathan, is and and this is the big one that >> Oh, I know. Yeah. >> Mr. Murphy and I had quite a long conversation about today. See the the

015the statute says that Union School Corporation will dissolve on July 1st, 2027. Okay. Now, I think the reason why they probably did that is because it matches obviously matches school years. You're not closing a school in the middle of the school year. And that make obviously that's that's the most important thing. But from a budget standpoint and from a schoolboard election standpoint, it doesn't make any sense. It's not a good time. Um, it it kind of we're going to talk the budget side here later, but from a schoolboard standpoint, if you were to decide, okay, we're going to put them on in 26, they're going to run in the fall of 26, and we're going to appoint or they're going to take office July, sorry, January 1st, 2027. then you've got somebody from Union Township

016on your board for six months before Union School Corporation is officially dissolved. However, the backside of that is if you wait till 2028, then you will not be swearing somebody in from Union Township on this board currently, the way the statute's written and the way we understand it, until January 1st of 2029. So that would be 18 months from when Union School Corporation dissolved and when someone actually would represent the school corporation on this board >> and would that be >> well that's that yes that is the way the statute is written right now. I mean there is no other >> you're at that union >> if we had if we had if we had an at large representative that at large theoretically >> represents the entire corporation >> correct but right now like Mr.

017Patterson is the atlarge position. Okay. He is his position is up for reelection. >> No one from Union School Corpor I'm sorry Union Township can go to the courthouse and petition right >> for that position right now because that is not the way we are we are organized. So hypothetically sorry Patrick goes to the courthouse he puts in his petition. He's the only one that signs up for at large. He's going to be the atlarge for the next the way things are right now. He will retake the oath on January 1st, 2027 and he is the atlarge person right now for the next four years. What >> can I ask a different question? So we had the statute written, we had the certain dates. Is there a reason Union Township can't go vote for their

018member on 2027? you. So in my you've got five seats right now, right? Three of us run of these four years and two years later the other two run, right? What's it matter if union seat we elected in November of 2027 has its own four years because it's a that is a special election. >> There are no >> Well, they they only run school board elections every two years. That's what I'm >> It used to be open used to be primarily you always do you'd always do school board elections in May. >> Okay. >> But I don't know when they changed that but now it is it is so your options are 26 28 30 32 those are your and let and again we we may you know there may be exceptions written in the

019statute this cycle. >> Yeah. These are things that if you feel strongly about people down there feel and obviously you need to reach out to your legislators but as it currently is set up it's 26 or 28 and without a special election I'm talk about Nathan without a special election could we do an atlarge in our boundaries in 26 and then in 28 it's only a two seat term or two-year term instead of a four-year term. And if you look at your email >> and then you flip to a union township representative in 28 with the other two. >> So I know you can't see this Nathan so I'm kind of reading it to you but that was something that Murphy >> again one other question. >> Okay. >> So that is something that's a

020scenario that Murphy wrote wrote to me about. So I think it's the actual last place you might consider. I'm just reading for his email. You might consider the possibility when you discuss with the board, we could include in a new plan to be adopted perhaps this summer that the term of the atlarge member would end on December 31st, 2028, at which point it becomes the seat available for a resident of Union Township. For the election in 2028, you could elect a person from Union Township and obviously Green and Stony Creek and they're on every four years and then your 30 cycle >> would be Parker and farmland. No, at large >> just be parker and farmland. >> But to do that to do that and this is the legal question that Steve was not sure

021about. I mean, you'd have to write in that resolution that the ATL large position elected this fall would only serve a two-year term. So, I have a couple thoughts. If if we were to go that route and and we determine that's the best way and we're able to do that, union wouldn't have the representation a voting member on the board until what that bean 29 >> 29 >> as a board we could choose to on January 1st of 27 or July 1st to 27 we could take applications for an advisor. I was an advisor from union >> and let them sit >> board meetings, executive session, but they're everything other than voting. They can provide input and just like a voting member would >> or you might have a harder time doing this. Maybe we

022and this would be something that would have to go to uh the clerk or somebody. Can we have the election for the atlarge? And that person at least has the understanding that you're only going to fill it until union comes on and then we're going to take applications and select somebody to fill that seat for the remainder of that term. And I don't know, you may not have anybody that's interested in sitting board for six months, but >> All right. So I was following you there. >> Yeah, that person would put their name in for the atlarge and and take office January 1st of 27, but then July 1st of we we take applications from union and we >> we should put somebody on until >> later. with this and I just I just would

023like to say we refer to changes voting to the outl as far as being a union. So in your example that they would actually be on six months before >> correct >> to do that. If we were to do that, would it be um possible for a government to so I guess what I get at is there's I don't know. We always struggle with that, right? And they currently have five members from that. I'm guessing that one of those members or if all of them are going to be interested in this position. So if they were to run for it, would they have to drop their position on the board next year? Say they were elected. >> That's a great question. That's qu that's a we do I do not have an answer for that.

024That would be a that would be a legal counsel question we'd have to ask. >> Yes. >> But I would think so. Yes. >> Yeah. I wouldn't think you could serve on two school court school board school boards simultaneously. I just don't. >> Could they Could they do their own election in the 206 cycle but not be sworn in until July of >> Well, when do we take over? Again, I I don't >> I was saying that saying we could add a and I know this you could add a six seat for that remaining time and at that time combine the one the only problem you'd have a three three vote but I don't think that's going to happen though. >> Well, and the the issue with that is that you can't say that I

025don't think that's going to happen. >> We say it may happen one time. Right. >> Right. >> We vote on it as well if it's in union. >> Yeah. It's not their vote. That's Monro Central. >> Anybody that lives in the district of Monro Central votes just Parker Farmland Stony Creek vote on Green Township. >> That's something else you guys that's that's an excellent point. That's something everybody else needs to consider here too. When you run for Green Township seat three more years, four more years >> and I get four more votes to hand. >> When you run, people want from Union Township will have you on your on their >> even though you live in Green Township. Absolutely. >> You will be on Union Township. >> Yeah. And that's something >> that's something you

026need to consider. >> I'm I'm just going to tell you, I mean, again, I I have a real problem with this. Um I think it's a hole in the in the statute. I think they need to correct it. Um, I don't think somebody should come on a board before the school corporation should dissolve, but I absolutely believe day one that Union Township >> should have representation on this school board. >> They should not have representation when their tax money does not come. That's not right. >> That is it goes back to eighth grade civics lesson. All right. Taxation without >> representation without taxation. But >> I mean, yes, I agree with you. But the at large would at that point cover them. >> Yes. >> If they've had a chance to run for the at

027large position. >> Yeah. They do not >> if they don't even they don't get to vote for it either. >> They don't get to vote. Yes. Correct. >> They have. So they have no >> They're still not represented. >> They're still I mean at the heart. >> Correct. >> And I think I mean this this is going to have to it it does you and there's here's another point. So if you were to say I agree and we're going to rush this through and we're going to go ahead and get them on somebody on the ballot by 26. We don't have enough time >> the process to reorganize and Steve and I work through this today. I and I obviously we haven't done this for 45 years. I don't when the last time there it's

028a it's about a six-month process. You have well you have to pass you have to do a resolution. You have to post it newspaper for so many days. It has to you have to take public comments. It has to sit for 120 days before you can take any action on it. 120 days. >> And that's to do what? >> To reorganize. >> If you wanted to say tonight, hypothetically, we're only going to have one representative from Monroe Township, let's say, and two at large. Forget you. Forget about the whole union. Just say we don't think that's right. Monroe Township's only going to have one. We're going to have two at large. You don't have time to do it for this election. >> Any changes? >> Got to sit for 120 days. you wanted to do

029five at large, you said we're not going to do more bounty which some school corporations had to do just because they can't find enough people. It it will take you Steve said months minimum six months. Well, filing date is in June. I mean deadline is in June. So, I guess what what what needs to be determined to get the process at least started with Steve and he he's ready to go next month with starting the resolution process is number one let's forget the timing of it. How do you want or how do you envision the board being constituted I guess or constructed? Okay, I think we kind of tiptoed around it. I think but I want to make sure I'm hearing everybody right because I don't want to tell Steve the wrong thing. >> In

030my opinion, the atlarge seat should go to union. >> I agree. >> So there would no longer be an atlarge position whatever the timing of that is township would be represented. >> Green stone grid union township Parker farmland by board members. Okay, >> that helps. No, I would not go any bigger than five. We don't need five,000 students. We don't need five or don't need seven. >> Nathan, did you hear all that? >> Yeah. The only adjustment that I would potentially recommend on that no um for me I just think I think the way those are structured is to represent the state that we are and for example greens don't increase our rural even more rural than Monroe is. So the only adjustment that I you may want to consider is instead of splitting on

0311000 Monroe Monroe two members no matter where they're from. I honestly don't care on that. I just I know they always struggle finding people from Parker that you know interest. >> So Nathan, let me tell you where that came. I'm I'm going to tell you where I probably think that came from and get my dad in here. We could probably get Brad's parents in here and some some of the some of those folks and if they're watching they're probably giving me a hard time on this. But I think this I honestly believe that goes back to the old Parker farmland days and when consolidation happened in the 50s and 60s they were like Parker's always going to have a seat on this board. Farmland's always going to have a seat on this board. I think

032that's probably where that came from. >> Thank you. And I don't feel strong on that. I just say that if if we're making changes on analy population data to support that, right? I would think so. >> I mean, it's not population data that are a bad thought. Well, that that is an excellent starting point that I can get Murphy going on at least just kind of drawing up and and the timeline. Again, the legislators may, you know, they may fix this for us or they may fix this against us. how you all look at that. But uh at least knowing that you want a five member board union with their own representation, obviously their own seat and no longer an atlarge position. Again, that changes nothing right now though. Okay, that that so on this

033year's ballot, there will be a Parker City seat, there will be a far farmland seat, and there will be a lot position. Now, whether or not that's a two-year position that large or one year or fouryear, that is still to be determined in that resolution, how we can write it. I just want to be clear on that. The atlarge position will be on the ballot as it's currently set up. So >> this year, >> no matter what, the resolution will not fix that. >> Yeah. Well, hang on. >> In time, >> you can't change the term. >> You're not reorganizing changing terms or is that considered reorganization on the FRC? >> I think that is considered >> you're not reorgan >> beyond reorganization. I don't know if you can adjust term limit term. That is

034a legal thing Steve would have to I think his I mean as we were just chatting today he was like >> well if you if you like who's in that position or do you I was like Steve I don't know who's how this is going to shake out but basically like could you have a gentleman's agreement like hey I'll fill that seat for you for two years I was thinking about getting off anyway or I'll fill that for a year and resign but then to do that that would automatically constitute the interview process you appoint. It would not constitute an election unless something in statute was different. >> Your interview process your candidates would have to come from where? >> Well, without any changes, it would be that large. They could come from anywhere. >>

035You could you control that. You could decide that amongst yourselves. I guess that whole interview process all correct. That's correct. now. Yeah. >> Yeah. That makes the most sense to me is what Michael brought up was >> all right. You need to match that date. >> Yeah. >> As much as we can. >> Yeah. July 1, 2027. They need to have representation on board. It's I just don't think a gentleman's agreement. We got how we get a legal ruling clerk's office. >> So, yeah. Like can we put a stipulation that this is a seven-month term essentially and at the end of seven months we're going to take applications from union? >> I don't even know. >> Yeah, I don't know. That's what something we'll have to find out. >> May not even be able to

036make a two-year term. >> What's that? >> There's schools in the state don't even have elections. They're appointed boards. The school I to is an appointment board seven members. Dumbest dumbest rule in the world. >> I plan on forever >> uh inviting >> know it's terms but >> but I mean >> it's not that way forever. >> I plan on inviting Steve to our February meeting. um at least giving him and for now giving him right now the direction that probably taking out a large position making that union get kind of working on that mentally him working on that mentally and then I'm going to have him come in hopefully in February to that February meeting and tell you all right here's what I think you can do here's what I don't think you can

037do and at that point you can start the process if you choose just know that it's not going to change this election cycle. I think the worst worst case in my opinion is if we can't change anything until the next election cycle for the ATL large seat, we bring in we take applications for an advisor from Union Township and have them come in and >> they should do that. >> They they sign the board code and ethics and we read them into everything that we get on July 27. there. >> Yeah. It's a state problem and you can't vote. We would love for you to vote, but we definitely want your input. >> Yeah. >> So, that is the perfect segue into the tax base question. So, also in the statute, the next section I

038think that I highlighted I think. >> Yeah. Started going back uh would be 241. Down there's Bob. I saw. >> Okay. So, thinking about how the budgets work. So, right now we've got our 26 budget. We are starting, believe it or not, we are already starting the 27 budget process in my office. And again, budgets are by calendar year for schools, not by school year. It's very confusing. I know. So, come about August, that's when we'll start the the I'll present the budget to you. This is for 27. And I will we'll have our public hearing and then we'll do our adoption and then we'll send it off to the LGF. And then around December 23rd, because that's when we got it again this year, they'll send me the 1782 notice and say, "You got

03910 days to figure out if you want to make any adjustments to this, but this is your budget for 27." Okay. So that's the process this year in 26 for U5 that are currently on the board to determine the 27 budget. Okay. There'll be no Union Township representation on this board for 27. However, Union School Corporation dissolves on July 1st, 2027. Property taxes, you get two payments as a school corporation or a government entity. You get your spring payment which typically we get in May and then you'll get a smaller payment which is typically in November or December. All right, that's your tax what's called your tax draw. The way the legislation, the statute, sorry, is written is Union School Corporation in 27th will receive that first installment, the spring installment because they'll still be

040in session. They'll still be and their school board and superintendent this calendar year will be putting that budget together. You're not voting on that budget. I'm not advising on that budget. Their school board, their superintendent will submit and do all that budget for the calendar year 27. Okay? They'll get the first chunk of county property tax dollars. Monroe Central or the part that comes from Union County will get the second portion of those dollars in 27. We will get those. That's what the statute says. It says this subsection applies to the second installment of property taxes. Before that it says uh individual residing in territory index under section three of this chapter is considered a resident of Blue River Valley Schools and Monroe Central during the time period in which the individual resided in the

041territory before the annexation. So we're going to get those second second round of tax dollars. We're not going to know really what those how much those are going to be. We really don't have a lot of say on how that's determined. What? Why is that important? You're not currently the way this is set up. You're not going to be able to factor in the assessed valuation from Union Township into the new Monroe Central School Corporation budgets until 2028. the way I currently understand that. Which means that if you take on any debt between now and that pro that that that time frame when the 28 budget comes on, I believe that debt will have to be paid for for Green, Monroe, and Stony Creek and only those three townships. Union Township not represented on the

042board yet. Even though you're getting tax dollars from from them in the second half of 27, they weren't on this board. There was no representation. There's no way that you can you can pull from from their tax base to pay off any debt that you take in 27. >> Does that >> Okay, I got a question. >> Yeah. >> So, I'm just kind of thinking is changing. So, bear with me. So I very much believe in your your statement on the taxation without representation piece what you're saying I kind of change it back a little bit because I mean yes we're operating without representation if we don't have them on for the 18 month or whatever like you're stating it but really on those counties anyway So if we were to take somebody home from

043the union in that time frame early, we actually need to be on their decision. >> I I don't I don't know about that, Nathan. I think GLGF, Department of Government, Local Finance, I think their their response to me is that in the past has been the statute is silent on that subject. So, they're hoping that in this legislative session they will clear that up. But right now, that is not I mean, we could bet on that. We can all say, "Yep, that sounds good. Let's do that. Let's get somebody on here on the board so that we can take on some debt and is spread out amongst the four townships. But there's no guarantee that GLGF will approve that right now because their their their stance on it is the statute does not clearly state

044what Monroe Central's tax base will look like until 28. So if a if a city actually is a chunk of a county the city drone right move the city you've done road work I don't know you build sewer plant there's debt there county doesn't keep paying for that city picks it up it's not theirs I mean why would this be different you're talking about managing two sets of books for 12 years well so you will So what you are managing two different tax rates? >> Yes, you >> the tax rate I agree but whatever. >> Yeah, be managing two different tax rates. >> But the way that and again this we got a lot my office. I got to figure this out. But basically July 1, 2027 whatever is left down there >> portionally will

045be sent to Monroe Central and Blue River Valley. >> Yes. proportionally will be sent or whatever. So if there's $1, >> yeah, >> $1 million, >> that will be sent and then from there, but all debt that's supposed to be paid off. Everything is supposed to be zeroed out before that money is sent. So that Monroe Central is not taking on any new obligations. Supposed to be. And then >> and property is sold too, right? What's that? The property is sold. >> Yeah. And that's >> I mean >> again that's supposed to go to Monroe Central right now. >> That's all kinds of questions. >> We know that there's no debt. >> I mean even if they >> there has to be debt. I'm sure they got some debt. >> Well, but I mean is

046there are we going to obtain their debt proportionally with Blue River if their last check? >> I understand statute it says >> they said we was none of that. Yeah, it says no. Okay. I didn't forget. I didn't I didn't see it. I didn't just have to get I mean some answer. >> So I assume the numbers get zero. >> Yeah, probably could be. I I would hope that I would hope, but I don't know what their tax is for operations. But if you get it in May 15th and it dissolves, I mean, you get your spring tax draw >> 30 days after taxes are due, give or take, >> roughly. And it's bigger because people like me pay all your taxes up front instead of paying them split. It's easier to pay all at

047one time. I mean, can they burn through that much money in 45 days? >> No, but they might have debt that they already taken on that they'll need to use that for. >> So, why not call them up here and find out just sit there in a room with us? I I don't know who would be interested in having those conversations. And obviously we love to have those open conversations right now. I think they're operating to the best of their ability down there and and they're loyal to Union School Corporation. >> They should be. >> Y yeah. >> So I I just don't know if there's a an appetite to to show us that. And again, that I guess my point is whatever that amount is, that amount is I'm just trying to figure out

048back to our agenda if we need to take on debt between now and January 1st of 2028. You you just need to understand that to do that currently the way I understand the statute and the way it's being explained to me that debt would be paid for by Green Monroe and Stony Creek Township taxpayers and not Union Township >> ever. Ever. >> Yeah. From that point forward, from January 1st, 2028 and forward, there will be a second debt service >> that covers any new debt and union will never pay their tax dollars will never go towards any debt. Project 2024. Union's never going to pay for project 2024. >> That's correct. And there's there's there's there's thoughts out there like, "Oh my gosh, we got to build and we got to add, you got to

049do all and and there's there's excitement there." But just realize that that if you take on any debt, it's just going to be paid by our current taxpayers right now. >> And they can't change it at the state. >> I think they could. Yes. Yes. I think anything anything can be changed. We know we know that anything can be done. It's just currently the way the statute is set up. >> That's the way things they could rewrite that >> because those students will be using all of our assets. >> That's correct. >> That's absolutely correct that we've been banning off. Now I mean obviously we we haven't talked about this point. There's other aspects of this. So you know we don't anticipate love for it to happen. We don't anticipate a huge mass. I mean,

050this isn't like a consolidation of a thousand students here and a thousand students here and they're all coming. A thousand are coming over here and now you got 2,000. I know. >> Okay. That that as this is currently written would be a problem because we could not I mean we'd have to build and you have to add tons more transportation. Okay, now I got a problem. We don't anticipate a tremendous I mean like millions of dollars of additional operation costs because of this given okay I mean we're talking in in the building down there 150 to 200 students currently and I'm going to talk about this next Tuesday when we talk about transfers that transfer report but even if every single one of those in-person kids would decide to come to the road central next

051year we're talking about 150 kids. Okay. So, you're talking about even if every one of them rode a bus, two, three additional bus routes. Okay. And again, this is probably best case scenario. So, you're not talking about tremendous amount of of additional operating costs. You're adding 12 kids per bus. per grade if it was >> best cases >> if it was spread out evenly spread >> best cases swallow >> okay so >> you tighten two two grade >> operating wise I'm I'm not I'm not concerned about operating in the year 27 I'm not concerned about operating in the year 28 because of this move I am concerned about taking on new debt which we take on new debt I mean that's just the process of what you have to do and our our tax rate

052is where it already is and we'd obviously love to see that come down a little bit and this should definitely help do that. It's just what's timing on the taking on any new debt. >> The tax rate well the tax rate will come down. The debt service tax rate for the existing townships will go up. >> That's correct. has to go up for the next until 24 is paid for. >> Did the ex >> until project 24 is paid for the tax rate has to go up for debt service for the existing for >> uh 24 but yes for project 24. >> Yes. Yes. And we we're going to show that it's 142 is what it came in at. Yeah. So 142 and the debt portion from here on out unless you take on an

053existing debt will by existing I'm talking about the existing desk beyond the union townships coming in. I don't see that going up. Yeah, you're going to see some relief there. Yeah, which is another very positive thing of this. I just would hate to >> You're gonna see relief in the overall tax number. Yes. But in the breakdown of the operation is going to see relief. >> Absolutely. >> The debt service is not going to see any relief >> because you're locked in with the debt you have. >> Yeah. But operation >> but obviously any new debt any new debt you borrow a million dollars right now you know you have twice as many taxpayers you after this happens >> so you're picking January 1 280 because of the current current terms that's what they >>

054uh and just I'm I'm picking that date because that's when the Well, >> that's when the budget >> fiscal year that includes Union Township >> for a full year. >> Yes. >> 20 elect. >> See that? I mean, that's a whole thing. Then you could say like still not they're still not even on. See, that gets that's where these things coming. So, >> but we're more concerned about >> Thank you there on January 1, 2020. What do you expect? >> That's going to be a conversation. >> Yeah. So, if they don't if they don't fix it here, >> we need to talk about fix. We can do that. >> But I mean, you you're talking you're going to have additional bus routes. I mean, I hope like you said two or three. So, you're going

055to have additional operating costs starting in in July July one of >> 27 >> and you're going to get money, >> but you're not going to necessarily you'll refactor that into your budget. >> You're get money until November. >> You got to float it for >> you'll get it in your draw that you're after. No, you got floated. >> How long process is that going to be with them at the state house if they want to in session right now? But I think that session will be over by April. >> So it's a short session. >> So I think by April any any cleanup >> any cleanup will have to happen by April and if it doesn't then we're kind of stuck with this for >> Do we have any indication that they're they're working

056on this? >> Yes. Discussions have taken place. Now again what the what it's going to ultimately look like I don't know. I've just been told that we we will fix we're going to clean this up. Now again, what does that mean? I I don't know. But tomorrow DLTF has said that they have talked >> we got to clean some of this up. You got you got to get us some answers. But does JD know exactly trust? >> I think so. I think so. So why why am I talking about debt? So why am I I'm talking about debt is we don't have immediate needs. It's not like we got a chiller that went out and we're have to go borrow money right this second. But obviously >> I don't >> it's winter time so we're

057safe. It's okay now. >> No don't say that. >> But you know things will come up and obviously I mean you kind of want to plan and you want to decide, okay, what what's what's next? And we do common school loans every year and that's very minimal amount, but still that's that's stuff that's coming out of debt service as it's currently constructed, but that gets to this um ready 2.0 grant. Okay. Um excited about it. Tremendous opportunity. We can talk about, you know, do you want to do it, do you not? just the dollars and cents of it for me here, you know, and we have not received an official award letter yet. I will make very clear on that. I mean, I've seen received an email ant done a great job. We've got the

058email that says, "Yeah, you're going to be considered for it. Um, we're passing this on, but I I kind of need to know as we plan what what exactly is required in Monroe Central. For example, you know, in the application, it clearly states that there is a 4 to one public match. Okay. And when I read that, I'm like, no, wait a second. Not so I'm sorry. A 4:1 private match. So, we've got to go out and get four times the amount we're awarded from the private sector. that's not going to happen. Well, so that's supposedly what we got from Randolph County United is they can wave that, but the one to one match the public money that's that's supposed to happen. Well, $650,000 is is that's a lot of money to match regardless of

059what you're doing with it. Just saying what's your source going to be for that? You don't have that in rainy day. We certainly cannot budget that out that that much out of operations. There's no way. Um I mean you're you're one of your options obviously would be to do a project and you earmark $650,000 out of a million dollar project or $2.5 million project and say it's going toward this early childhood. Don't necessarily want to do a project right now because we don't want to take on debt with the uncertainty of of the tax base. So, I I'm excited about getting the grant money. I don't want to I don't want to sound like I'm not, but the thing that's keeping me up at night is how do I come up with the other half

060right now? >> Normal times, normal times, I would just come to you and say, "We're going to start a project, guys. We need we need a new air handler down in the egg shop. We we we can do this. We can do that. Let's start a new project." Well, I knew you had the match. That's you know we don't understand we don't know the terms we haven't got >> I would love to know once you see that I would love that with that decision >> if I have a year and a half to carry this out or two years >> that's beautiful if this is a 12 month you got a report this time next year >> I got a problem that's that's >> okay >> go ahead Okay. So, Union Township is actually higher

061taxation than all of our so if we were to wish to do this project when they could help us pay for it actually better than one to one payoff than this grant matching our >> I see what I see the angle you're taking on that. Yes. Yeah, that's correct. Now, I I have the Union Township. Now, be careful, Nathan. When you look up, this is tricky part. I I struggled with this many times. When you look up Union Town or Union School Corporation's total AV, remember that includes Stony Creek Township from Henry County, and we're not getting any of that AV, right? We are only getting Union Township of Union School Corporation and the Union Township AV for 26 is a quarter of a million dollars. It's 250,000 200 two I'm sorry 250 million 260.

062So it's just shy of RAV which is 264. But your point is I know what your point is. You're right. I mean, you know, you double your tax base, isn't there? You get your you get this money and you don't have to accept the grant is what you're saying, right? >> It's the same thing as taking the grant without taking the grant. Y say we don't do any work till >> No, you're good. You're good. Go. on the on the other hand that we work with we want to do a project to to come up with the money and loan the money and take the money since Union Township and ours are so similar. It would also be the same thing for us to do a loan and not include them in it and get

063the free money from the grant. So I guess if if that were the case, yes, we were taking on ourselves, but ultimately that gets it to us quicker. We accept the grant, which is what Grand us to do. They they want this money. So I guess we're not out either way that we would do that. It's just it doesn't feel fair that you wouldn't pay for it. Doesn't really matter. We're paying the same. They benefit from it without paying for it, >> right? >> Did you ask for years? Those guys don't already know. I don't think it is, but as we get further along, we're going to have to talk about um yeah, so I'm not saying we've got future projects on here. If you want to do a project in 20 again, it would

064be 27 as early. We've already got the budget for 26 is set. You know how long it takes to go through a project. It'll take three, five months to, you know, get our wish list together. This is just under normal times. Advertise, have all your hearings. So, you're talking summer, early fall before you would even be through that process anyway. Um, if I was coming to you right now and none of this was happening, we you were just like, "Okay, what are your needs?" And I think I put them in an email to the board. Um, you know, obviously I would love to see the air handler replaced down in the a shop. That's the one that's left here at the high school that's original. I mean, I'm going to show you next Tuesday night

065the savings from the air handlers obviously last year, but now then that's solar here at the high school. We are really we are efficient other than we got one original air handler. I would love to replace that. I would love to address these chillers. I mean, I think we're going to at some point, we're just kind of on borrowed time there. And then and then obviously the air handler at the elementary, it's original. We haven't done anything with that down there. So, you're not very efficient down there at all when it comes to heating and cooling. But, I mean, those are big dollars. Those would be my, you know, priority spins right now. I know those are not fancy. those are not, you know, new classrooms or but and I I wouldn't necessarily say we

066do all those. I I'm you know, you're talking $3 million project right there probably to do chillers and everything else. I'm just saying if you were just we're dreaming right now and you said what what do you think our priorities are? That would be my priorities. So obviously with the tax base question, I think my recommendation is you put as many of those things off as as long as you can here until we get the tax base thing figured out. Um, but if you needed to do a little project to match this, we certainly might be able to pair it with a air handler here at the high school. And then that gets into back to Mr. Patterson's question. He asked me about, you know, what's the timing that will be hopefully in an award

067letter. I also would like to see in that award letter, what can we spend the match on, >> right? Is the mask going to have to be for chairs and for uh you know tables and for you know things that go directly in preschool or could it be to fix the air handler that the preschool rooms are in? Yeah, the air handler at the elementary can be >> the air handler at the elementary would obviously be something that Yeah, I would love to match that 650,000 if we could use it toward the air handler, but I don't I don't know that yet. >> The cost of moving six down here if that's what has to happen is that >> we're making rooms for down there instead of adding on. >> So, so obviously you know

068what construction is. I mean, you know what it was when we did the the project down there. two and a half million for three and a half classrooms basically. You know, that was three or four years ago and we kind of already had one-on-one and I think some of you have talked together just probably just doesn't make sense to add on right now to the elementary. We don't I mean it's tremendous amount of cost. Um but you you are out of pretty much you're out of classrooms down there even with the addition that we put in. Um, you know, depending on hopefully you have four sections of kindergarten next fall. Uh, if you have four sections of kindergarten, you're pretty well maxed out. You might have one extra room down there. High school is a

069different story. A lot of things have changed at high school over the years, especially with the new diploma requirement. You know, a lot of your juniors and seniors are not in the building half the half the day. And I think that's going to grow. I mean, I think you're going to see even more juniors and seniors not in the building. And I think it's going to be more than just a half a day. I think it's multiple days a week. You're probably not going to see juniors seniors in the building. Um, so that that frees up a lot of space at the high school. There's a lot of empty rooms up here. So, we've committed a lot of dollars and a lot of time and and everything else to the daycare and the preschool at

070the elementary. I think it makes sense for it to be there to split it and say, "Well, you got rid of the high school now, so put the daycare up at the high school." Man, it's changing a lot. I mean, we're kind of already gone down that road. I think in my opinion, we have, but you may feel different. So, then that poses the the question, do do you do you move move kids up? When you say we've gone down that road, you mean the it has passed moving the daycare up here. >> In my my opinion, >> I'm with you. I just >> We have committed make sure I understand what you're saying. >> Let me be clear. We obviously committed to a beautiful preschool wing, three classrooms, and then we we ran out

071of space within a year, and we've already converted a major classroom down there to another preschool room. So you've committed a lot of time and resources and you know programming wise it just makes sense traffic flow-wise I think the daycare the preschool pre kindergarten I mean it just it flows great it makes sense that if you take this on and you add more daycare I my opinion we haven't done a feasibility study or anything like that but just what I know about the place it needs to be at the I agree 100%. I just wanted to make sure I understood the way you said that. So I agree wholeheartedly. >> One other question. Don't we have them rolling off and I major? >> Uh we've had severance roll off. We had um that's going to

072be Tuesday night's board meeting. >> We'll have the debt overview sheet. We have to go. But we do not have a a lot of debt here right away. I thought it was >> the pension fund came on. That was last year. >> That was big. >> So was several years out. I was only had something else, >> man. And those are things I can send off. I mean, I can just send those guys steeple just say board's just, you know, shooting around. You know, what would a million dollar project, what a $5 million project do to our tax rate next year based on right now if we were to start a project January 1, 27. Okay. Based on our current, I can get you those, but I don't think we have anything major rolling off

073right away. But all that determines on how quick we have to spend this money, I think. So, >> so I mean the ready grants really just we're kind of another 30-day holding period until we get an award letter with some clarification >> to talk about. >> Thank you, Mr. Patter. >> I I mean I know extremely >> and we celebrated at our last meeting. >> It's a big deal. >> We are making major which are good. I don't want to I don't want to come across as like I'm dreading. These are great conversations and exciting, but to make major decisions like taking on a project or moving kids out of a building, um, until we get an award letter, I I I have a problem recommending that you do that. That must at least happen

074to me. And and that's a whole different Yeah. If you just say, >> you know, >> yeah, but if we >> but to add four or five or six, which is what I think the the proposal is, to add six additional daycare rooms, and by rooms, we're talking like the current daycare room, which is one of the two preschool rooms on the west end. That's really two in their minds. So, but to or to to add six rooms by August, >> that's a major there's a lot that's going to have to happen there. I don't think that I >> I don't think that's feasible. But >> No, I think I think that I agree with you. I don't think it's feasible to make that happen by August. But if it makes the most sense without

075getting the letter and knowing what the time frame is on the match, if it's free money, then let's roll. But the match is the issue on tax dollars. But if it's if we need to get the ball rolling to move sixth grade down here so that you could do it next school year and not be limited to a hard because doing projects in the summer you run out of days just like that. You probably get cheap done cheaper if you open it up during the school year. I know that there's more headache doing a project during a school year, but >> is it all inside? >> I would assume that 99% of it is. >> And I would I would recommend that especially like we did the majority of that work this summer in '

07663. We did a lot. I mean, we did some of the the plumbing we and the flooring, but to do this many rooms, it it would it's going to stretch us. I mean, I've already talked to Ron about it. There there are things that that we did not get done this summer that we'll get by with like we didn't do any crack seal. We didn't do any anything out in the lots that we usually do. Didn't do any of that because we're focused on getting that that ring ready. And when we say we, I mean, we're talking just you got we're talking Brad Brad P. Okay. Don part-time as an electrician. And then basically Nikki and Lisa when they're not sitting on a mower. I mean, that's that's and then Ron when he's not running

077the rest corporate. That's who we're talking about when we say internal I mean doing the work. So to take on three or four classroom renovations and busting out walls and doing all that they are outstanding at it. I mean and it saved the corporation Ron over the years by doing that. It saves us so much but I just I think this needs to be done primarily outside with us obviously managing it overseeing it. I don't think we need to hire a Barton. I mean, yeah. And I have to hire an architect. >> Yeah. >> But your question was about the work is out because indoors, right? When you said inside, >> not in house. >> Yeah. I mean, I'm sorry. Yeah. Physically inside >> and you're talking house. >> Yeah. I'm I want to be

078careful overcommitting our resources and >> I'm very bad. I'm I am very bad at it. I'll be honest with you. I am very bad at doing that. >> It's a dumb question, but it's a future question. So, >> so go ahead. Questions you had. >> So, you're saying So, you're saying we need the we need the money. We need the grant money or the project money in order to pay an outside >> Yes. company do the work. I mean, >> obviously, I don't want to go out and hire an architect, but you're going to have to hire an architect. You got to get, you know, you're putting in bathrooms and knocking down walls. You have to have a perm. You have to have a to get your permit. Have to have an architect. So, you're

079going to start spending some money right away on this. Um, and I would hate for something to fall through and let's not get this money. And now we're we're on the hook. I'm not saying that's going to happen. I I full faith that this is going to happen. Okay. preschool expansion, daycare expansion. Sorry. You need it by August or is it just a date we sorry? Well, I mean I like to tell you in by August was benefit there's a there is a need. I'm sure there is one. The benefit the benefit would be my fourth grader today told me how many teachers are getting ready to have babies down there. >> Fair enough. >> And those babies are going to go into a daycare. >> Yeah. >> Which >> Yeah. >> Let me quantify

080the benefits because you see that money as they attend daycare. Correct. >> Sure. >> Right. >> And retaining teachers because they're Yeah. Yeah. The idea would be that >> right now you're talking >> it's it's $30 a day to be a part of our daycare. >> $30 a day. Um obviously you're never going to pay for >> you. No, you're not. You're committing to the community and but the the personnel no problem 30 day that will cover that. um the what you're what I'm betting on what I hope is retain teachers, attract teachers, get teachers here that want to staff members that want to be here uh because we have that and then ultimately specul they're coming out of district and those kids walk across our our stage 13 15 years later and get their

081diploma and obviously that's great for us, great for those families and those are big time dollars. we get every year because our headcount's higher than it would have been if we not started them when they are an infant because mom lives in Muny and you know she didn't bring her kid out here because we didn't have a daycare for them and that's just for our staff memb if you move kids down here. Forget the grant or we don't take it on till we get their where they can help pay. How many classrooms or kids can we take daycare by the middle six down here >> right now >> without remodeling? >> Yeah. I mean you well or whether >> you have to add bathroom >> well I mean you'd have to restructure some things with

082some kindergarten classrooms that already have bathrooms and they have to have a bathroom in those >> they have to have an exterior exit >> an exit goes directly outside and >> but to add one room >> all those rooms have exterior doors don't they do they not >> many of them do yeah which would be was it 20 kids. What's that? 20 kids in range. >> I don't know. I mean, infant wise, it depends on how many are, you know, zero to nine months and, you know, but you could move absolutely. >> I mean, to move kids down here, I'm I'm saying come August to open up doors for another however many x many in daycare. >> I no dollars. With no dollars, no significant. Oh, the bathroom's what? 50. >> Well, but you already

083got some bathrooms down there. >> That already meet the requirements. >> Who you know what how many could you open the doors up to bring in >> if definitely >> I think you could Well, if you do that then >> without being pushed to take their money and match it and then major major stuff is what I'm thinking. >> Yeah. I mean, how many how many classrooms does sixth grade use? three and which is but not all three of those would be open because they don't all have you're gonna have to reshuffle a lot of people >> which is I mean that happens anytime you do you're going to have to figure out okay where and is it a temporary thing like what you're saying are we going to put the daycare kids here because

084it meets all the requirements and we can get by now but after the grant after we you know fancied up do everything right now Then next year we'll move over here. So, and that that is probably going to happen. >> So, you're going to upset teachers by moving to >> Well, I mean, yeah. >> Yes. That's >> it is. >> Yeah. >> There's no clean like it's all going to be ready and all. >> Yeah. >> It won't be. >> But you could open up one of those rooms for be ready in office without not I definitely think we can expand our daycare regardless. I mean, unfortunately, if you only have three sections in kindergarten next year, then you're probably going to have room, which I hope we don't, but you're probably going to without

085doing anything sixth grade, you're probably going to have chance to have another room. But if you'd open up and we could take on 24 and we have 58 sign up, then we have a problem. >> Then at least let you know what you need to do with the other rooms to make room if you even can't. And if you can't, you open up one room and take on 24. And then at least you got a feel for next year. >> Next year. Or what's the high school look like if sixth grade were to get moved out here? >> Well, I mean, you have several rooms that are empty. Um, >> is there is there a mad ship that got to take place to squeeze sixth grade into the right spot? Well, I mean, obviously I

086want to get Mr. Middleton and sure his staff in here and talk, but um right off the top of my head, you know, they have two lunch periods right now. That would probably have to change. There's just because it's a lot of kids for two periods right now, lunch periods for sixth grade levels. >> Sure. To add another which I think the the possibility they're talking about that I'm not I'm not positive on that. Um, we'd have to look at lockers. I'm not sure if we have enough locker space to be honest with you. That's one thing that I I thought about. Our lockers are not in great shape. They they look really nice and they're not that old, but they are they made cheaply and they are very very difficult to to operate, but

087I don't know we have enough locker space. I know we have enough classroom space. No question about that. I mean, if you just quickly, you can turn this into a classroom. You turn this room right here into a classroom. Neither one of these are used other than board meeting and a few meetings throughout the the year if you just cleanly you could do this one, this one. And there's a Carol Lamb is using one of the pods in the junior high as an ISR room that you could put in the There's your three classrooms right there without even getting in to the high school. But you got the foods room that's open. Uh, you've got Mrs. Washer's old English room that's open. That's a storage room. Uh, you've got 143 which uh is down in

088the it's the old business rooms. It's one of the large room. Those are all sitting open. And you have got the choir room sitting open which again not a great >> not a great room to put the kids in, but again that's a space that we're just not utilizing right now. They have all kinds of space. I I I know the junior high wing is is secluded from the high school, but I guess I don't fully understand how utilized the rest of the school is for the junior high. Are they primarily only in that junior high wing or do they go to other parts of the school? >> Well, um I mean it it depends on >> I know they go to the gym. Yeah, >> I know they go to cafeteria. Yeah, I mean

089obviously to get to the band room um to go to the art room right now those are areas where you'd have to go out in what we call the high school area. Certainly aggy cafeteria but but b your math, your English, your social studies, um your your science, they're primarily in the junior high pod which is up there by student services. And then this this hallway right here, I mean, that's primarily where your junior high kids are most of the day. I like other than specials. So, if lockers really are a problem, um it sounds because I know one of the biggest concerns are the intermixing of sixth graders and um older, you know, juniors and seniors and if they are if we do as good a job as we can to keep them as

090separated as possible and and work the lunches that way, I think that's a strong possibility. Even if we had to add some lockers to one of those empty classrooms. I mean technically we could even do that >> if we didn't have space for them. >> Yeah. I mean to get by. Yeah. I think you could. >> Could you put lockers in this one in this hallway? >> I mean it's wide enough that if you you can I'm sure there's rules on how wide's got to be. That's pretty wide hallway. It is. You take away 18 inches on both sides, you got three feet less. That's I don't know how big a lock 100 lock. So the big the big question I have on that then is that's a that's a major decision. Obviously, I had

091to get some questions answered because we've not had a lot of discussions about that amongst an admin team. Certainly not with our teachers. Um, frankly, we haven't had it with our community. Uh, I I don't know some of the problems that we might have. I mean, from like lockers, that was one I thought about today. I was like, you know, I don't know. I'd have to count on that to be sure. Um, it's January. I know it would need to be a decision that would be made if if it was be something that needed to be done by August or you you would like for it to be done by August. Now, that decision needs to be made right away. And I don't I'm not saying that I want I'm not saying I want you

092to tell me that, but I just don't wait till March or April to say I think we want to do this. I think at that point um scheduling's done and you know it's going to create a lot of a lot of problems for a lot of people. So, >> uh, are most problems that happen between students, uh, while they're hanging out, lockers and things? >> Yeah, certainly a lot a lot of things happen in hallways. Um, I think our our staff does a really good job of keeping kids in the classroom during obviously during the class time and you don't see a lot of problems going on outside. I mean lunch obviously before school after school you know while kids are waiting on the bus or getting here for breakfast but unfortun lockers are furthest

093away from the 12th grade and you know it kind of staggers up from there >> if we put them in this hallway they would you agree >> again even even like I mean Even eighth graders is still over. Not the sixth graders. >> Even something like lockers. I know this is just I I don't know if if if we decided tonight I don't know we get lockers here installed and ready to go by August. I'm not going to I mean waited 18 months for a bus and we're still waiting. We're not going to get one till April. So, I I don't know if I could get lockers here. >> Less than ideal, but we could move lockers that won't be used by sixth graders any longer up here as a temporary major. I mean, that's

094not that's not a bridge too far. >> No, that's a good point. These empty rooms are the lockers disproportionate from the classroom square footage. There's this many classrooms. Do we not have proportional cleaners? So years ago, 15 years ago, when we replaced the old boxers, we went with a much bigger >> You changed the scale. This >> we had in school here. They were >> Well, they're the elementary side. They were the elementary size. >> They were these things. >> I know. >> The bags my kids bring to and from school would never fit in the lockers that we had. >> So, we wiped out a lot of locker space 15 years ago. bigger lockers. >> Unfortunately, these bigger lockers, I mean, >> the the latches, it's just doors. It's just >> the mechanisms, the

095hardware is terrible. Nice doors. >> Shocked at that. All I knew was skinnier. So, we're talking about moving sixth grade potentially because of daycare expansion. >> I I I think that for for years, I mean, there's been talk, not just daycare, but there's been talk about possibly moving the sixth grade up at some point. Okay. That's because just just because just because just because just because just because because when the elementary was built in the 80s a lot of things did not exist and it's beautiful building and it was well designed for that time but you know special ed was just coming on and obviously back then we only had half day kindergarten all kinds of stuff like that. So, you know, you just you quickly over years ran out of space at the elementary.

096Not necessarily because our enrollment's growing, but just because there there are more programming and more a full day kindergarten. Like I said, special ed takes up three, four classrooms that didn't have back in early 80s. You might have had one or two. So, there's been talk to do that. Um, and obviously now you have preschool going on down there, potentially expanding the daycare and I think and ruling out the idea of building on which I think is the right decision and the next move would be and because you have space here, if you don't do daycare here, which we've already talked about, then the idea would be to move the sixth grade up >> in In my opinion, it's the need to expand and I and my understanding is to expand daycarees there. We don't

097want to we it would be irresponsible to build on when we have the space up here. That it that only makes sense to me. So, I'm tying I'm tying it to the need for space at the elementary >> for expanding daycare and >> what space for is still up for discussion right now. leaning towards daycare and >> but we know that the need exists for I mean it's tight down there anyway >> that's what I mean I I would tie it for a need for space and space exists here that's the way I'm looking at it the timing >> okay >> the timing I don't know if that >> I don't want to hear that >> another question going back to where the best place >> or the daycare would be We are using this

098daycare for high school classes. Correct. >> That's correct. >> That's another thing to keep in mind too is again do we want to reconsider and put the daycare at the high school for our high school students. >> So the way that that is currently um scheduled is those kids those high school kids are scheduled that's a RAZ program. So those high school schedule kids are schedules as a block already. So it would be no different than like going to the career center or going to Winchester for welding. Whether you're a man central kid or a Winchester kid or Union Syndicate or a Liberty Perry kid, you're basically going to that spot for three periods, three hours a day. So it's not it's not a huge deal that they're not here at the high school. Nathan,

099am I making sense on that? So they're like they'll go down there at 8 o'clock and they're going to be there till 11:30 whether that was up here or down there or vice versa. They may go down there at 12:30 and be there till 3. I would think drop off procedures for families bringing little ones here. That'd be somewhat of an undertaking. We've already got those procedures down there and these are going to be more than you would think down there. Unless it were allium and then that they could use the entrance by the millennium. >> The admin building the admin building parking lot. >> Yes. >> I mean there's there's there's an area for a drop off. There's not a lot of parking obviously up here. If you if a parent would want to

100park and come in, they're not going to be able to do that up here without expanding that area >> quite a bit. I would not I would not because now Mr. Mills and I signed up for the day here. >> That's true. >> I mean, I just would you talk about the management structure and responsibility and all the trainings and search although people had to get down there. You get to do that twice. You get to pay for it twice over. I wouldn't do that. Well, back to Yeah, what I was trying to get at was the timing of it. You you and your team teams know what it's going to take to make that happen and how long it's going to take. So, >> yeah. >> Well, sounds like the space is needed. I

101don't >> but concentrate on >> the t the timing the timing of it I guess is you guys will have to plan that you'll know more what the requirement is. I would I would really like to have a discussion of principles first as I really have not. >> I mean I mean obviously every year for years we've kind of like I said this kind of been floating out there but really zero in and say hey there's possibility here guys and sixth grade teachers >> and our teaching staff. >> Yeah. >> And because I mean there are things that we're going to miss okay that I'm not thinking of and that we'll have to fix. I mean, >> is it to do this? >> Do you get do this do the students get a better education

102if they're down here? If you like Mr. Punchley teaches junior high, I mean, he could pick up part of that curriculum as well and Mr. Chambers could teach a math or vice versa. >> We have great staffing flexibility by bringing them up here, too. It's not a staff savings. I don't want anybody to think that it would be anything. >> We're not saving any We're not reducing any positions by doing this, >> but but it would definitely create some flexibility and scheduling. I think I mean you you currently look at your specials down there. I'm not going to get them all, but uh Mr. Gorly like teaches a P period of sixth grade PE. Miss Morgan teaches a period of sixth grade art. Well, by those teachers not having sixth grade, so now they're going

103to have an extra hour. Do do you know, for example, do they come up here and teach a period of that up here? Because that's going to stret I mean, you got your three maybe core teachers that or down your math, your English, your science teacher, but then what about the specialist teachers? >> Is that going to put a strain on them up here that you would have to pull them up? Those are all things that we would have and those are going to require a lot of work in the master schedule and again that stuff's going on right now. I mean Charlotte and Amanda an and they're working on master schedule currently Nick whole crew. So Mandy. So I I would like I said just to start with our admin team and our discussion

104team and at least get get some talk going about okay there is a potential here for this to happen pros cons what what what are we seeing? Is that all right? >> Absolutely. Yeah. But I I think tonight I mean obviously this is public we're talking about this it's going to get out I mean which is fine but I just think I just want everybody to know the reason why we're doing it. >> Yeah. >> And again it's just discussion right now. >> Yeah. But I mean Delta is >> 678 W >> S Middle School 678 >> Winchester Middle School 678 and it's part of the high school I was 61 12. >> Yeah. in J County is or I mean I don't know what count is that's the >> I think there's six seven

105>> J county J county just seven and eight like we are >> is it because they they closed your middle schools right so they put everybody at the high school but it's just seven for 12 >> yes correct um >> a a lot of you go ahead go ahead >> another thing just to keep in mind on this I'm I'm a big believer that life's not fair. Get over it. But in all fairness, I I do think that we have an unequal amount for principles as well. And I I know they have different duties and everything else, but it would be a little bit more fair for principles with number of staff and students if we were to move sixth grade over. >> Yeah. And those things you we're have to consider. Uh yeah, I

106mean obviously you got you got more on the lower end at the elementary though that that they did not have when even when Miss Fly started to be honest with you. We barely had Cup Academy going and we had one room of Cup Academy and look at it. She's got >> Yeah, because she has K through six right now. So she has seven grades plus a preschool. So it's almost eight she has in billing. Yeah. Whereas high school has six. >> Yep. >> Sooner you start talking about soon the word gets out and soon the kick back feedback and get >> Yeah. >> I mean it's not a bad I think it's a good thing if you're if you're concerned about how quick talk again how long does it take to talk to the administrative

107staff your how long does it take to get through conversation? Well, we we've got a cabinet meeting and a discussion meeting next week. So, Wednesday is the cabinet meeting and corporation discussion is Thursday. >> Well, we meet Tuesday. So, it's going to be after we meet. >> Yeah, we have to meet to really have to do it. Again, that would just be to get us started, but it could get us started Tuesday. Talk about Tuesday to get >> Well, I mean, you think you think they're watching this at home right now, the principal? know what we can say. >> They can watch the YouTube. >> We talked about it at our meeting. It's not a surprise. >> Uh yeah, we'll get this discussion going. And again, uh >> discuss and I think not only discussion,

108but maybe even a slight game planning of if it were if it were to happen, we're thinking where would you put >> what? >> Yeah. I don't even I'm not asking for that to see me. Not too big is sending me a text. This is probably good. She's probably watching right now. >> She's not watching. >> Sending me a text. >> We are both watching. I love it. I love it. >> Why aren't they here? >> Tuesday >> with refreshments. >> There you go. I don't know who she next door watching. So, we'll work we'll start working through it next week. I'll let you know how we how we are doing and then Sierra. But, uh I'd appreciate the opportunity at least get some discussion going before we just Oh, absolutely. >> do anything. I

109think you just did. >> Yeah. The other thing I had on there, again, this all ties together, just collaborating opportunities. just we're looking for more and more ways to work um to be as efficient as we can. I was telling Mr. Morris I spent the last two days and and you I'm not making any political statements here at all but I spent the last two days at the safe school summit which was excellent. It was really good and they restructured that whole safe school academy. Um Dr. Jenner, Department of Ed, uh, used to be under her department. Um, but they pulled it out and they made it kind of part of Homeland Security and and but anyway, the governor spoke yesterday morning, Tuesday, Tuesday morning. um kind of kicked it off and we just talked

110about the fact that we had to restructure this and just encourage us all to be as efficient as we can, you know, and he's a businessman, former school board member, and he wants to, you know, it's all about efficiency. I think that there there is definitely going to be talk about consolidation. There already is. and we are in an excellent position here at Monroe Central as I'll outline on Tuesday. Um the last two years financially have been very good for us. Um obviously with tax base changes and the future is very bright for us at that point but that does not um that does not prevent us from being a part of some kind of consolidation bill that may come. Again I'm not trying to create any fear. I'm just trying to say we you

111definitely need to have it in your mind and if it does come at some point this year, which I'm 99% sure it won't, but in three years, five years, in 10 years, yeah, I definitely think there'll be something in legislation that says that you have to be have max amount of students or I think I think there will be. They just do. and to be proactively thinking about what can we do to make sure that we're getting what's best for the students in the north when they're central and make sure that things don't happen to us. We're part of making things happen. So >> the driver's seat of the back seat. >> Yep. any reason to come together. >> We're collaborating closely with um I'm working closely with Liberty Perry right now. I know Mr.

112Black working with his board and again I'm not not suggesting anything but as as things open up as positions as as people retire and and I'm not talking teaching positions necessarily. I'm talking more administrative positions, you know, director's positions. I definitely think that we need to have an open mind about sharing services >> and and I'm just saying that one because we're close. It can be in any direction you want. I I think you know my preference, but um so just just keep those good things in mind and um I just ask for you to be open to it and I know that's that is what Indianapolis is hoping schools will do. that will be in that sense a little more businessminded about saving the taxpayers dollars. You know, don't don't cut teaching positions, but

113obviously cut as much, you know, up here as you can and it's not necessarily going to be a bad thing for us, I don't think, if we we do some of those things as long as from a collaborative standpoint. So, it's all I ask. Again, I have nothing specific, nothing, not throwing anything out there, but just as things opportunities, again, I call it opportunities as they come up over the years, let's prepared to at least seek them out, burn up. I think that the the daycare and the preschool will be a great selling point in the future if there is consolidation, especially if the preschool ever gets paid for. If there's ever tax dollars to support preschool, you don't have to have 2,000 students in your school when you have an outstanding development program. Other

114thoughts, Brad, you be quiet. Start the conversation moving. Get the ball rolling. I mean, I think putting this grant back on the burner just so we know for sure. We don't have to be pushed in anything. See what the timeline is. If it's got to be spent in a year, then maybe it's not for us. I mean, I hate to say that, but I hope it is. I mean, I hope we get it. >> Yeah. We should try to find every every way we can. Yeah. To utilize it. >> Absolutely. >> And I think need to have very long conversation with JD. So, you guys got to get some this worked out to where we're locked in and not doing what we need to get prepared because they're not going to help us pay the

115debt. I mean, if it's easy for them to do, I say easy without to get it done. That's surely got to be one of his top top priorities. He's the one pushing this through. Well, I see you have anything else. Um, we do have Exec here in a minute. I'll I'll close the regular session. Miss BL and Miss Hobs will say good night. Say good night, ladies. Thank you for watching and uh should we call in the exec on here? >> We're gonna we're gonna close this work session. >> Stop streaming. Nathan, you still