001Good evening. I would like to call our meeting to order and start with the pledge of >> allegiance. America to the stands. Thank you. And now a moment of silence. >> Thank you. Uh first up we have recognitions. Uh Dr. Hy. >> All right. Thank you and good evening everyone. Thanks for being here with us. At this time, I'm going to invite Heidi Karst, our principal from Sony Creek, to come up to the podium uh to talk to us about our hair Chevrolet teacher spotlights. And as she's coming up, just a reminder to the crowd um that every month this program highlights three teachers um and provides $1,000 to their school for student academic and extra extracurricular achievement. So, Cars, take it away. >> Good evening. Um, we have two of our three distinguished hair
002Chevrolet teachers here tonight. I'm super excited to talk about them. I was looking doing a little research. This is our seventh year to have students uh featured from Hair Chevrolet. So, we're super proud of that. Love the partnership and the recognition that it brings to all of our schools and the dedicated educators that we have. So, I'm going to just brag a little bit about these two remarkable ladies that are here this evening. First up is Jenny Howton, closest to me. Jenny teaches fourth grade at Stony Creek and this is her 15th year of teaching, which I cannot believe, her 10th in Noblesville schools. And I really liked her response to this question. I did I hate to read publicly, but I'm going to read it because it's so well done. When she was asked
003why she chose to become a teacher, Jenny said she loves seeing firsthand how learning can spark hope and confidence. Watching children light up as they grasp new ideas convinced her that helping kids grow, not just academically, but as curious, capable humans, was the work that she was meant to do each day. I just love that. Um, Jenny has goals for her students and she does want them to grow academically, which I know you all appreciate, but she wants them to love coming to school and to know that they're safe, cared for, and capable of amazing things. Jenny is a very, very busy young lady. She has three children of her own. So, when she's not at Stony Creek teaching, um she's on her way to one of these places this evening, she's out cheering on
004sporting events, playing in the neighborhood, relaxing in the backyard, or traveling. And um lastly, Jenny was asked what makes Noblesville School so special, and she said it's a place where teachers and students are known, encouraged, and celebrated. each and every day. So, thank you, Jenny Howton. >> Mr. Jordan Murray was unable to be with us this evening. He had um one of his children's birthday and grandma and grandpa were in from out of state actually. So, I'm going to talk a little bit about Jordan. Jordan is our music teacher at Stony Creek and just full of enthusiasm and energy. It's his 14th year of teaching and he's been four at Stony Creek. Uh when asked why he became a teacher, he wanted to help students learn to love music like he did and to build
005community with each other, which I thought was a really interesting answer um for a music teacher and it makes total sense. He said, "Advice for parents, music is for everyone." uh what he likes to do outside of time, spending time with family, outside of school rather. He likes to travel. He enjoys nature. He is actually currently writing a play, a musical uh with a a couple local uh writers here in Noblesville. He enjoys watching basketball and football. He's a big Michigan State fan. And when asked what makes Noblesville school so special, he said it's the commitment to empowering everyone in the community to be their best. That is Mr. Murray. And last but not least, um I'm super proud to introduce Caitlyn Patterson. Kate, um because she's been teaching at Stony Creek her whole career,
006eight years at Stony Creek and student taught at Stony Creek. So um not that we don't love all of our teachers, but I always just like to get those those fresh young people and keep them around as long as possible. So soon you'll be in your 15th year of teaching and so on at Stony Creek, right? Okay. Um she teaches second grade for us currently and her parents were both educators. So they inspired her to become a teacher because they helped instill a love of learning for Kate at a young age. Um when asked what does she want her goals for her students to be, she wants them to be kind, curious, and empowered to advocate for themselves. And she's a master of that. that I see the young second graders grow so much independently
007in her room each year. Um, what does Kate like to do outside of school? Well, this lady does not sit around and watch Netflix. Let me tell you, she loves being busy and active and she's constantly teaching when she's not teaching children. She's teaching adults bar class. That's why she is like an epitome of fitness. She is teaching classes and she's going on walks with her husband and their two Australian shepherds and they are adorable. When asked what makes Noblesville school so special, she said it's special because Noblesville schools truly epitomizes creating a safe, challenging, and innovative learning environment for both students and staff. So that is our final Chevrolet teacher spotlight teacher, Kate Patterson. Oh, sorry. Oh. Oh, we're gonna you're gonna shake shake hand. Sorry. Thank you. >> Thank you for all you
008do. Congrats. >> Sorry, I forgot the handshake. We're just going to keep keep all the great Stony Creek learning and growing happening up here tonight. Um, we have a a fairly unique presentation as far as the number of years that I have been part of this and and we love sharing and bragging about great things that are going on at Stony Creek. But when we were trying to think of something that's truly unique that we've done, I thought, why have we never really shared this with the board before? So, we are going to talk tonight about our partnership with United Way of Central Indiana. Um, it's it's something that we have done for a long time, and I better get back over here to my script or I'll I'll ramble on and on. Uh, we've
009actually been partnered with the United Way since 2014 at Stony Creek. And kind of what spurred the relationship in the first place is during the year um 201213 Indiana State Department of Education started a new state assessment called I read and that was the first year that third graders were um tested on their literacy skills. So like all the schools in Indiana, we went through that first year of testing and after the testing results came back, it was apparent to us that some of our students needed a little more than what the data showed. We anticipated some kids to do really well and some kids to maybe struggle, but there was this kind of middle group of kids that we we were had a couple like surprises or ahas and we had some like, oh
010wow, that was great. And so it was our first time to take the test. And uh in talking as a staff and and with our interventionist and all the dedicated teachers, we thought, you know, what else do we need? What else might we need? And along came an email. We get thousands of emails, I feel like, all the time. But there was an email from the United Way of Central Indiana. And I happened to click and read, and it was talking about this program that they had called Read Up. And we were very big in volunteers and and parent volunteers in our school when I started at Stony Creek. I mean, we had probably 8 to 10 volunteers a day. And it was back I've been there for a little while. It was back before
011we had um as many working parents as we do now. And there were a lot of typically moms that came in and volunteered and read with students. And we love that. So, as we were talking, we learned that this partnership would provide volunteers to our school that were background checked and that they would consistently come to our school. It wasn't just a, you know, we did a partnership with the local bank and they sent some people for about a month and then they needed to do their banking and but this was a group of volunteers that were dedicated for the long stretch. So, we took a chance and we tried this partnership and um what we really focused on was the students that were those bubble students that you're not really sure. They're they seem
012to perform pretty well one day, but maybe not the next. We don't always know where they're going to be when they get in front of an assessment. And we just knew that some of them needed confidence in themselves as readers. They needed someone to talk to about the story they were reading to process and to think. And we started with a very small group and Matt Jacobs, who's our district data coordinator now, was um our our learning actually he was our instructional coach, not our learning specialist at the time. And we brought in these volunteers and we found books and we partnered some students with these volunteers. And what we found was beautiful because they created this in an appropriate way intimate relationship as readers. The adult mentor worked with the same student a couple
013days a week for 45 minutes to an hour in the library with a book or books and they talked about them and they grew to know know one another, some of their quirks and habits and what they enjoyed. Um, and it just blossomed and the data was phenomenal. The students passed I read and that just gave us that extra person. Our teachers, as you all know, are the best. They're really hardworking. They're dedicated. They're out learning constantly, science of reading, professional development, you name it. But just that extra person in some of these students world really made a huge impact that's sometimes hard to quantify with just data. But we did have the results. They did pass I read. And so since that time many many students at Stony Creek have gotten that reading practice,
014that mentor, that relationship, and those positive connections with someone in their community. During this past school year, the 2425 school year for United Way of Central Indiana, there were 262 volunteers working with 316 students in 23 schools in seven central Indiana counties. Some of that data is going to be on a slide coming up, but I just thought you might want to hear it and see it twice. um because it's not a huge group, but I'm super proud of Stony Creek for being amongst the group and having done it for so long. We had invited to join us in the presentation tonight Julie Kilgar and she is the United Way's impact senior director. We've worked with her like a long time. Sherry is going to talk and I don't want to steal her thunder, but
015we've worked with Julie for quite a while. she stayed consistent with the United Way and um her partnership led to this great relationship with the volunteers year after year and then we get this email that they have some grants schools that we're partnered with, you know, might might you have an interest in some money for some great literacy things happening at your school. If you put Sherry and I in a room together and say there's money, we're going to have some fun and it's going to be really quality family engagement. I think Dr. Hy was even able to visit one of our events that we hosted. So, we have done a few years of these grants at Stony Creek selfishly. I mean, we just were doing it because the grant was there. We happened to
016win the grant. We had these great programs. But this young lady, Mrs. McGovern partnered with her colleagues, the other teacher librarians across the district, and they got a rather large grant this school year for all seven elementaryaries. So again, I'm not going to steal her thunder. Um, and she won't want to take all the credit, but she is a big part of it because of this relationship, because she's written grants, because they know that she's going to do good quality work for the kids in Noblesville tied to literacy. I'm so proud of, you know, just what all we've been able to do. So Sherry is currently our teacher librarian at Stony Creek, but she's also considered the coordinator for the Read Up program at Stony Creek. And um she's helping facilitate all the volunteers. Today
017was their first day. So many of them come back year after year after year to Stony Creek, which I also love um because we're just having that community outreach piece and um some new ones, too. So we always love to have new ones. and I'm gonna let her talk about all the details. And um we also have some esteemed guests. We have one of our volunteers and a Stony Creek fourth grader who was in the readup program last year. Since it's just started this year, we wanted to get a testimonial from a fourth grader. And Sydney is going to do great. Oh, I'm gonna bring this down. Way down. Thank you. All right. So, Julie was actually going to be here tonight, but unfortunately had a a sick child. So, I'm going to kind of
018do her part, too. So, and that's just to tell you a little bit about the program. So, um, as you can look at this slide, readup is a signature program of the United Way of Central Indiana that pairs volunteers with third grade students to build reading and writing skills. Schools host uh three sessions a day or excuse me, three days a week with volunteers spending one hour helping students. Um, in 2025, a little over 40% of Indiana's third grade students scored at or above proficient on the I learned English language arts. And then during the 2425 school year, we had 262 volunteers that served 316 students. Of those students, 95% showed measurable literacy growth. and among those attending at least 50 sessions at 98%. United Way partnered with the University of Indianapolis Center for Excellence
019and Leadership to align readup with the science of reading last year and piloted the updated model in Marian and Boone County over the past year. So with readup, the program runs September through May with a holiday celebration in December and an end of the year event in May. So Stony Creek Stony Creek has um hosted readups since the 2014 2015 year. I took over as a coordinator 2015 2016. It was a little shocking when I realized I've been doing this for 10 years. Did not plan on that. Um, and then we've supported over 70 students and achieved over 90% I read passing rate. But to see ReadUp's impact, let's hear from Sydney Atkins, a former ReadUp student, and I'm going to ask her just a few questions. You ready? Come on up. Would you recommend
020readup to other students? Why or why not? >> I would recommend Read Up because it helps students who find it difficult to read in their classrooms. ReadUp helps kids feel more comfortable and and have fun with reading with your mentor. >> So, what did you enjoy about Read Up last year? >> I enjoyed I could go down and pick a book instead of my mentor choosing one. I also liked how I could choose a book from pretty much any part of the library, but I especially liked the picture books. >> I'd like to share how reading was kind of like learning how to ride my bike. Before I didn't have it, I never thought I'd need it. But the more I didn't have it, I was like, "Wow, I'm going to need this." So, I
021went to read up every Tuesday and Thursday and I learned how to read. And then soon after I learned how to ride my bike and now I can ride my bike and read all the signs. >> Okay, thank you. All right, >> that was amazing. >> Wow, good job. >> She is She has been practicing for days. >> That's awesome. >> Today she walked in and said, "This is what I'm going to wear today. I'm so excited." She looks perfect. >> She did very well. So also too, we have here um Dave Hansen and he has been four years, five years, >> fifth years. And so he would like to share with you too. I'm gonna move back, but I think you're up a little bit. I can probably talk loud enough without this, but
022uh well, first of all, thank you for giving me the opportunity to talk about readup. Sydney, that's a tough act to follow. I'm going to read more than you are probably in the process. But um yeah, this is my fifth year volunteering starting this year. I did two years in IPS at school 70 and then moved up to to Stony Creek. I live in Westfield, so the minute I saw something was available in Noblesville, that was great. Uh a little closer drive for me. Um so and I have um loved this program for a number of reasons. I've worked with kids of all backgrounds. um you know, English as a first language, English as a second language. I've worked with kids that were kindergarten level reading in third grade all the way up to proficient
023u but just maybe had some confidence building. So I've it and the common theme is all the kids show marked improvement in that process no matter where they start. Um, so it's just it's amazing to be a part of that as someone who isn't a teacher but has novel ideas that maybe someday I can teach, which I can't. Uh, but this is my chance to do it. Um, I think there's a few things that's important about ReadUp that makes it particularly great as a program. I'm surprised there are not more school systems in Hamilton County embracing ReadUp. Kind of blows my mind. uh because it one it clearly the literacy improvement is a big part of it but there is a huge impact on self-confidence. There's such a mental health aspect. Um kids learn more
024about connection, social interaction, engaging with adults um and uh and just uh and just becoming better at all those things. and the confidence piece is what ultimately uh to me is just as big an impact as learning how to read better and comprehend better. Um so um hopefully more school systems will embrace it. It's been awesome as a volunteer. I would say as a volunteer the other piece that's great about ReadUp is it's easy to volunteer, easy to sign up, the training is great. The program evolves, it gets better. We're very prepared. There's lots of flexibility in the times. So, it's super easy for someone who, you know, works an intense full-time job to still be able to do this uh and make an impact. So, um Sherry's been fantastic. I know Sherry. We lived
025in the same neighborhood for a long time. Uh so, she's been awesome to work with. Um there's a lot of work that she has to do to coordinate it all, but it's totally worthwhile. Um just appreciate the chance to to share how it's impacted me. So, thank you. >> It's okay. Um, in addition to readup, we have been fortunate to receive uh several grants through the United Way that allowed us to bring unique literacy experiences to our staff, students, and families. Our very first grant supported a night of mystery and magic. Each family received a you choose mystery book with 48 different paths and 25 possible endings. Our goal was to inspire the students and families to continue reading at home, exploring um different choices, discovering new endings, and sparking meaningful conversations. The evening featured
026a cakewalk uh style game, but instead of cakes, students actually won a mystery book. Each student also received a d a deck of cards and the magician Jeff Loer taught them a simple card trick uh that they could perform for their friends and family. And then while enjoying card cookies, uh students and families explored uh book displays and shared in conversation. Our next grant brought World Read Aloud Day, and I have to say that slow. You cannot say that really fast, by the way. World ReadAloud Day to life with a playful twist. We kicked off the day with a staff uh friendly feud competition. Then teachers read the book Jamanji that they were given, a story about a magical board game that brings jungle elements to life to their classes, connecting it to the theme.
027Students then had the opportunity to take that book home to share with their families. And then throughout the day, the students engaged in educational games, activities, and books. The celebration culminated in a lively family and toy night uh that featured the uh four events that are highlighted on the slide. And then like Heidi had said, our most recent award. We were awarded a grant that allowed all seven Noblesville elementary schools to participate in a sports themed uh year. This initiative includes guest speakers, which we've had a couple already, um a book club, a second grade field trip, monthly library activities, curriculum integration, and community partnerships making literacy a team effort across the um district. Whether it's a weekly opportunity like readup, a one- night family event, a day-long celebration, or a year-long initiative, we are
028deeply grateful to the United Way for their continued partnership. Thank you also to Dr. Hyle and the Noblesville School Board for allowing us the opportunity to share these successes tonight. So, thank you. Thank you very much. I think I think the most impressive thing is Sydney, you did you did amazing. Great job. Great job. >> I just I have one question. Sydney, you said that you've learned how to read better and you've learned how to ride your bike. Are you riding your bike while you're reading? >> Right. >> Please say no. >> Oh, yes. >> Great job. What an awesome program and opportunity. >> Yes. What a amazing amazing. And it's great that all the other elementary schools are going to be involved in at least part of it, right? >> Yeah. Can you can
029you say um how students are selected for this to participate in the program? Is it Makes sense. >> Right. Right. >> Now we have >> Wow. That's fantast, you know, we all get inundated with spam emails. I mean, check your email. They're all worth checking. And, you know, >> I mean, what a great opportunity that just kind of landed in your lap. That's fabulous. >> Yeah. I can't believe I didn't know you guys were doing this. I'm so glad you presented this. This is amazing. >> Yes. >> Yeah. >> I love I know that we've, you know, we have serious like security, you know, at our schools, but I love that we are having more volunteers come in because I think this adult interaction with kids is so like he was mentioning is so great.
030Like it's it's just amazing. So, thank you for doing it. It's really cool. Oh, it's so great. >> It's amazing. >> Right. >> It's a win-win. >> It is. >> Interacting with older folks is great for kids. So, like great for both. I mean, it's just >> it's amazing. No, you are not. You are like 25. >> Right. >> Yeah. >> It's amazing. I mean, just learning how to read in general does so, like you mentioned, does so much for your confidence. And then to learn how to ride your bike in addition to that, >> wowzers. That's that's crazy. Good job. >> Yes. Thank you. >> Congratulations. >> Thank you. Got to wear the tennis shoes with it. >> Yes. Yes. >> See you tomorrow. >> Yes. Good. Yes. We'll see you tomorrow. >> Oh,
031comfy shoes tomorrow. Gosh, that was amazing. >> That was amazing. >> All right, next up we have our monthly report on our strategic plan. And take it away, Julie. >> I love following that. >> Backer. I know. I got to follow that. Although I loved a lot of the things that Dave said are going to coincide with some of the things I'm going to talk about tonight in terms of mental health. So again, I'm reporting on compassionate care and support and this is Noblesville's commitment to the well-being and safety of our diverse population. A measure of success is that staff members feel supported, safe, and valued with access to resources that support their own well-being, mental health, and professional growth. So, I'm going to talk specifically tonight about a strategy ensuring structured opportunities for staff
032to give feedback on their work environment, support needs, and professional development opportunities. And so, one of the things that Project Aare uh has funded and you talk you've heard me talk about the grant is a staff survey. Again, as a reminder, here are project aware goals, but I want to focus specifically on this survey that we gave last year and um this year. So, we have some data to compare. So, the purpose of the study um is to understand school staff awareness and attitudes about the student mental health and well-being, explore staff's ability to identify and address student needs, and learn perceptions of availability of programs and services in schools and the community. So I want to emphasize that there were no right or wrong answers. All honest responses were valuable and again with the
033goal to improve student mental health and well-being. So apart a little bit about the survey p uh participation was completely voluntary. You could choose to participate or not. It had no impact on your employment. It was an online survey about 15 to 20 minutes and it was completely confidential. And again um we gave it this time um last year and you will see that our responses this year's responses are in the true green and um 2024 in the dark green. So as you look at staff roles most respondents were instructional staff in both years we also included support staff, mental health related staff, non-instructional staff, administrators and others. You have all of these slides. I might fly through some of them but if you have any questions along the way let me know. I'd like
034you to to notice that um uh the majority 95 and 96% of those who participated do interact with students trainings attended. So respondents reported on a wide range of training they've received since the fall of 2024. Most common trainings reported in 24 and 25 included suicide prevention, crisis response, bullying prevention, MTSS, and noticeably there were big increases in educator uh well-being, self-care, and behaviors and support. So, you will notice we had a lot more people participate in um our well-being and self-care programming. And then the next slide is just a continuation of those trainings. I tried to star them along the way. So uh this next slide speaks to respondents hearing about project aare and again you can see that we have gone from um 28% to 47%. Why that's important is we want folks
035to know about opportunities that may be available to them through these grant dollars. Um heard or seen messages about student mental health awareness. In both years, around 85% of respondents reported having heard or seen messages about mental health. Um, awareness of services and supports. In both years, uh, respondents reported a relatively high degree of awareness programs. Um, staff were aware of mainly those folks who support mental health. So, counselors, social workers, therapists, um, MTSS, SRO's, they were familiar with 988 and positive disciplinary approaches. And you've heard me talk about the money that we've invested in behos behavior solutions and um and that impact that it's having. So mental health environment for students. So respondents in both years reported a relatively positive mental health environment for students. They agreed or strongly agreed that their school support
036student mental health and wellness through a variety of practices with their level of agreement in both years ranging from 63% to 92%. And the biggest increase I'd like to point out in 2025 was placing a priority on teaching suicide prevention and awareness. Mental health environment for staff respondents in both years reported a relatively positive mental health environment for staff through ratings, though ratings tended to be lower than those reported for students. But they agreed or strongly agreed that their school supports staff mental health wellness through a variety of practices. So, I like to point out this slide in particular because this was new this year. We added this through a partnership with the business department and um HR. Just wanting to make sure people are aware of the Noblesville Schools employee assistance program and also
037an awareness of the Noblesville Schools Education Foundation mental health reimbursement fund. You will see they are close to that 64 and uh percent and 61%. Obviously, we want 100% awareness about the programs that we offer um to staff as a benefit. Um I have a lot of positive feedback with regard to the EAP program. Several people have privately talked to me and wanted to even several have even offered to give testimonials about how impactful this has been on their lives and their families. So, I think that's important to note. This next slide speaks to mental health stigma. So respondents reported relatively low levels of stigma around student mental health. So what does that mean? More than 70% reported that students with mental health challenge would be treated with respect by other students. That students would
038accept a friendship with someone with a mental health challenge and that students would encourage someone with a mental health challenge to seek help. And I think that's really important. Staff reporting on how our kids respond. Um again just normalizing um mental health school climate. Um this relates to a very positive school climate in terms of how students relate with their teachers, adults in their school. So staff care about students. Students can talk to a teacher or an adult about things that are bothering them. And this also speaks to how students get along with each other with ratings over 90%. So I thought that was really good data. Um again mental health self- advocacy. Um both years respondents reported very high levels of mental health self-efficacy. And what does that mean? That means that's our ability
039to respond to students with mental health wellness and needs. It means we've given them the language and normalizing and how to react when a student is experiencing um you know something that's impacting their well-being. So the role um schools play in students well-being in both years respondents reported that schools play a large role in varying aspects of student well-being and perception of school roles in student well-being. And both year's respondents overwhelmingly reported that initiatives to support students well-being belong in schools and that staff pay play a role in enhancing and supporting students mental health. Um let's see. Oh, implementation of activities. So here are a variety of ways that um we support student well-being. So the most common being um checking in with students and integrating practices into their classroom which increased in 2025 and
040I think that directly correlates with the implementation of behavior solutions. Um mental health and well-being was supported this school year. So um staff and students reported that they um that they were supported in well-being. So that's pretty straightforward slide. Um training opportunities that uh would benefit staff. Staff pointed these out and then that site's continued. So you can take a look at the different trainings that they felt would benefit them. And we continue to review this and make um you know adjustments and what we're going to offer. So I really like this slide. I thought it was really interesting. Staff feelings the past two weeks at work frequently almost always. So, in both years, most respondents reported positive feelings at work, ranging from excited at 68% to safe, 96 and 93%. In both years, less
041than half of the respondents in most cases reported negative feelings at work, ranging from worried, 20% and 17% to exhausted, 58 and 51%, which I thought was a lot considering it was August when we took this. So, I was like, we need to take care of our people. But I thought that was really good data. It's gone down from last year, the negative um response, but I think it's just an important reminder that we need to take care of our folks. And so, how staff feel effective at their jobs. I thought this was really fantastic. Uh people report feeling quite or extremely effective at their jobs. And that is an increase from 78% to 81%. And so supporting student and staff well-being. So, this survey helps us understand how staff perceive and support student mental
042health and well-being. Um, the honest feedback gives us um helps us identify gaps and opportunities that we can serve our students. So, thank you so much for being a school board um in a district that supports student and staff well-being. And if you have any questions, I'll be glad to take it. I always like to end with Maslo's because remember, learning happens in the blue. So, we got to feel safe and we got to feel cared for in order to learn. So, >> any Thank you. >> Thank you. you. Oh, go ahead. You go. You go. >> Sure. Okay. Um, awareness of staff support. You said um 64% are aware of the EAP. What was what did EAP stand for? >> Oh, good question. Thank you. So, the employee assistance programs. >> So, that is
043a benefit to staff that if they need um a counselor, they can access um up to six sessions. Um >> that's right. >> And and those are part of the benefits that we um provide. >> And you said that there are a lot of people that want to give testimonials. how much that's great. >> They did. People will come up to me and tell me. Then we also have um the mental health reimbursement fund. So that's a provider that you would choose. So the EAP you're um connected with someone um typically virtually, but HR has a lot of great information about that and then we also distribute that. So nice. Thank you. >> Yeah, it's very unique in our district. Not so much EAP, but the mental health uh reimbursement fund that you could, you
044know, have up to seven sessions or a thousand dollars that we would help support you. >> Yeah. Yeah, that's our partnership with the Ed Foundation. >> Yes. Yes. Of course. >> I I love that the negative stigma around mental health is kind of going away and that and that it's recognized that that it's that it happens to all of us and it can happen to anyone, right? >> Yeah. >> I mean, I think it's that's that's huge. >> I agree. >> It can happen to all of us and you just never know when it will happen, >> right? Exactly. Exactly. So, there's >> Yeah. Yeah. Thank you. >> Yes. >> Thanks for listening. Thanks for all you do. That was presentation. Thanks. >> All right. Next up, we have public comment. And we had no
045one sign up for public comment. So, we're moving on to consent items. Um, by a single motion, the board approves the following items or actions which which reflect application of board policy in Indiana code. Those are claims minutes from our last meeting. out of state trips and the personnel listing for and personnel listing and the 2025 ECAS. May I have a motion to approve the consent items as listed? >> Joe second. >> Sorry, >> Misty. Yes. Thank you. Any further discussion? Joe, >> right? Thank you >> for the camera. >> Yes. All those in favor? I opposed. Motion carried. >> All right. Moving on to action items. Uh first up we have um consumable fees for the 2526 school year. And um those were public content. We have a list of those consumable fees. Um
046Dr. Rich, would you like to add anything? I've never used this microphone before. >> Echoing. >> I know there's no one in here, but I think I'm supposed to do this for the uh recording. >> Yeah. >> Is it okay? Because it's echoing all over the place. >> Okay. Uh yes, I can speak to this. So, um obviously for the first time in a couple of years, the state is now allowing for school districts uh to recoup some of the costs associated with consumable materials. So here in Nolesville, we worked with our individual schools, our principles, as well as at the secondary level, the department chairs to identify grade level by grade level and course by course those items that students use up for those courses and those grade levels that are materials that are
047not the curricular materials, but they support the delivery of instruction. So examples of that would be things like uh supplies for um labs or projects um supplies that students are using in an art classroom or a science classroom. Um obviously at the elementary level there's a lot of hands-on and so a lot of just what we would call traditional types of instructional materials you construction paper, glue, those types of things that are at a cost to the And so the state has recognized that um in its move to no longer charge parents for curricular materials, they needed to give schools a mechanism to recoup some of the costs associated with instructional materials that are consumed. So um after working with building principles, department chairs at the secondary level, we ended up um we calculated the
048costs associated with all those materials by course and grade level. And then that is what is included now on the report that you received. Um so we have everything lined out by course and grade level uh in the proposal that you have. >> Okay. Thank you. May I have a motion to approve the consumable fees effective 2526 school year? >> Move. >> Joe, a second. Second by Brett. >> Um any further discussion? Any other questions? Um so we've already had a communication that has gone out to parents about because last year they weren't charged these consumable fees. So parents will now be getting a bill in October for these consumable fees. And I appreciate that the district has >> worked hard to minimize those the impact of those fees and that we're doing a good
049job communicating, but so we've already communicated what we're going to be communicating again to explain exactly what those consumables will be, right? Okay. >> Okay. In like parent square, what have you. Okay. >> Yeah. Right. Okay. And David, I know that we had a shortfall, right? Like in the past, we've had some for our curricular fees, we have had a shortfall from what the state has provided us in the past at the tune of what was it? I can't remember the >> several hundred. Yeah. So, this will definitely help that shortfall and we all know with SEA1 and things coming up that So, thank you. Appreciate it. >> Thank you. All right. Anything else? Um just a simple comment that you know just to we're not just up here blindly or blanketly you know deciding
050that you know we're making these decisions and voting on them just to charge everybody because a couple of us still have students in the in the school system too here in this district. So it's going to impact us as well just as well as the community. >> Well life is expensive right now. >> Yes it is are expensive and I mean it's hard. >> Yeah. Nobody's immune, >> right? >> So we take it seriously. Okay, awesome. All right, all those in favor? I opposed. Motion carried. Thank you. Next up, we have the Field Drive properties. Um we have the uh two properties for a total of eight acres on Field Drive um that we are looking at purchasing. Um may I have a motion to approve the min the moving forward with the with executing
051the legal documents related to those properties? Joe >> second. >> Okay. Stephanie, Mr. Hordem Miller, would you like to talk say anything about >> You were calling David Stephanie. >> You kind of Yeah. >> Oh, you look >> I am tired. I am tired. But yes, >> just uh you know in summary board of of course you know we had the opportunity to go into very uh in-depth detail on these properties at our work session uh last month. And so obviously you know the gist, but I think again for every the folks at home, we have what I I think we all believe an incredible opportunity to um acquire two acres immediately, but to set in motion another six. And that is by way of that right of first refusal uh with the owner that
052we would execute uh after your approval tonight. So again, we'd be um purchasing two acres there uh on Field Drive essentially directly east of our tennis facility along with six then hopefully in a few years uh as that as that all plays out according to uh the situation there. So again, with that being said, we we look forward to the opportunity to build out potentially our campus uh ground area there and um plan for the future. >> Okay, great. any we all know that land is at a premium in Hamilton County and the fact that we've got eight acres right next door to each other >> yeah is pretty remarkable yes for that I mean you're a real you know that >> so [Laughter] I mean you know the yeah so thanks for pursuing that
053>> it backs right up to a property that we have the tennis complex which is amazing you know we can >> butt right to that and make it very effective right now. >> It's not this property on the picture behind us. Correct. Not the Rolling Hills. >> No, not Rolling Hills of Noblesville. Yes. All right. All those in favor? I opposed. Motion carried. >> All right. Um, next up we have insurance carriers. And um, we have some insurance carriers listed. Our current carrier, a new carrier, and the percentage of increase. Um, we have to give uh, Mr. Hartmiller a lot of credit. he really goes out with RFPs to make sure that these um insurance rates remain um little to no change if at all possible. So, may I have a motion to approve the
054insurance carriers provided effective January 1st of 2026? >> Oh, Misty second. >> I'll second that. >> Okay. Second, Brad. Oh, wow. Okay. >> Um any further discussion? I thank David for this is hard work to sort through your efforts. >> There's a lot of collaboration. >> Thank you. >> And you mentioned that you really try to find insurance companies to minimize if you change if you have to change it, you minimize like the number of people that are included in the >> the network, right? >> Disruption. Yeah. >> Yes. Lease network. >> That's appreciative. Other words 99 and a half% of uh folks current providers will still be eligible under from Anthem to now United. >> That's very high. 99 and a half%. >> That's high. >> Y that's great. Less disruption. That's great. >>
055Yeah. >> And I mean your skills and ability on negotiating and shopping are quite impressive because most men don't care about doing that. >> So very impressive, David. Thank you. >> Okay. I disagree. All right. job, David. I think that was a compliment. >> All those in favor >> compliment. >> All those in favor? >> I I opposed. Motion carried. All right. I think we're getting all a little slap happy up here. >> I think so. >> Um All right. We have policy adoption and this is our second read on these policies. The first read was last month. Uh, may I have a motion to adopt the attached list of policies as presented for the first read at the August 19th, 2025 regular board meeting and delete policy D250, the teacher appreciation grant? May I
056have a motion? >> Got it. >> Miss second. >> Second. Stephanie, any further discussion? >> Um, I just have one question. >> Okay. um with these um I'm assuming it's going to be like all the other policies and when which um one policy references another policy it's going to be linked in the online version to that referenced policy. Okay. >> You bet. >> Okay. Anything else? >> So once they're approved, we'll go through and do all the clean up on the back end, but you have to first. >> Yep. >> All right. All in favor? >> I opposed. Motion carried. All right. Public comment for non-aggenda items. And we had no one sign up. So, we're to committee reports. Dr. Hy. >> All right. Thank you, board, and to Brad for sticking around tonight. Thank
057you, Brad. Good to see you. >> Hey. Um, so I've got a few things to report out actually. Um, the last I'm going to say 48 hours. Um, the school board, myself, and a couple other members of the team here were at the uh Indiana School Board Association conference in downtown Indianapolis. Um this conference is something that our board a couple years ago recommitted that it was important that the full board go and participate in that and it's been it's been really good good time of learning spending time together um just learning and growing the team. Um actually as part of this year's conference yesterday um Christie and I had the opportunity to present um about our board actually and talk a little bit about the work that this board's done the last couple years.
058Um, as I explained to the board when when we first talked about the idea, I just I'm just so proud of the work that this board has done. And I wanted to spread the good news and let other let other districts learn from that and we we received quite a bit of positive feedback from that. So again, congratulations board on all your your hard work. You made it made it very easy to brag about you. Um, uh, a couple other things here just to point out from that. Um, several of our board members actually were honored earlier this year, but it was reaffirmed um, at the conference of individual achievements they made on their own professional development through ISBA. Um, specifically, um, I'm really proud that we found out Christy was recognized for earning the
059ISBA board president's gold seal. So, congratulations to Christie for her work to do that. And then one more accomplishment I'm just going to reiterate again, Andy, if you'd pull up the photo I sent you really quick. >> Um, we took a picture in front of the board yesterday. The the board in front of the board. See, um, you can't see it because it's too small, but right above Joe's head is in Noblesville schools in that very tiny section where there's only a few things listed. And that is because our school board is one of only five in the state of Indiana that has earned the recognition of an exemplary exemplary board through ISBA. And that that is significant. That takes a lot of work, a lot of dedication, a lot of time spent together and
060engagement and intentionality. It does not it never happens by accident. There are things they have to specifically do to earn that. So again, I'm just very proud of the work of this board. Um it was great to see that acknowledged very publicly throughout the conference and we were we wanted to make sure we captured that moment. So again, congratulations board on that. Yes, for sure. Um, a few other things that have been going on or that are coming up. Um, just for the benefit of of the community, a few weeks ago, the board had the chance to take a tour of of our district. We spent an entire day taking a tour um to check out our special education programming. And um, as as community members may or may not know, special education is is
061very complicated and it's very complex with a lot of systems and a lot of requirements that that go with that. Um, a huge thank you to Amy and Aaron for all of their work uh, leading that and putting that together. And, um, the the the premise of the day was we wanted to see the full continuum of services for students from preschool all the way through age 22, which we do provide services for that wide of an age range. So, I think it was a great day of learning. I think we we we um had a lot of chances to see a lot of programs and we're going to have some follow-up discussion on that at our next work session here in a few weeks. So, again, big thank you to that. Um, this week
062it's homecoming week. Um, so on Friday, as as we always do, I won't tell my story. I've always told, but best thing in Noblesville is the homecoming parade. So Friday, um, all schools, as we've always done, we'll have a 60-minute early release, so everybody can get out to the parade. Parade starts at 4 downtown. Um, hopefully the weather's good. I haven't checked. And then the game against Zansville football game that night's at 7 p.m. This new this year, there's a new endzone experience um through the through the Ed Foundation. So if you haven't gotten your tickets for that, be sure to check that out. Um, and then there's also Pride Map, other logistical details on our website. So, go check them out there. Um, an acknowledgement for some staff. This week is actually food service
063staff appreciation week. So, if you see any of our food service staff, just tell give them a little extra thank you um for the work that they're doing. Also, recently we just dedicated the Courtney Cox Cole Golf Center as part of the auxiliary gym down at the high school on the other end of the building. Um, a huge thank you to the Cox family and and Miller backers for their help and support with that project. Um, I personally never knew Courtney, of course, but she certainly was an accomplished athlete and she certainly left an impact. Um, there were some really touching stories shared that day as we dedicated that space and we got to hear from some of the the golf players right there of the the positive impact that's made on on them for
064practice. So, that that's greatly appreciated. Uh, one other set of congratulations, big congratulations to Noblesville High School art teacher caroline Hayes and Noble Crossing art teacher Amanda Russo. Uh, Noblesville Creates has named Caroline a finalist for arts advocate of the year and Amanda has been named a finalist for artist of the year. So, big congratulations to them. Okay, almost done. And then coming up in just a few weeks, um, this is a year where all schools in Indiana must uh, rebargain their teacher contracts. So, that is coming up here in just a few weeks. We're looking forward to that. It's always a great collaborative time um, with members of our teachers forum. So, we're looking forward to that process starting. And then last but not least, for for many folks, believe it or not, fall
065break is already less than four weeks away. Can you believe that? It has been a great year, but a fast year. So, um I'm sure everyone's ready to reset and recharge, but it has been an amazing, great school year so far. >> And that's all I have. >> Thank you. All right, Nolesville Parks for Jeff. >> The parks are still open. There's lots of activities. Go to the website to check them out. Uh fall coming. It's a great place to take a walk in the park. And I was thinking, Julie, during your presentation, there's probably all of us could enjoy a nice walk watching the leaves fall. It's so good for our mental health. Uh there's there's Halloween events coming up. The golf course is still open. Uh and we're just planning a whole bunch
066of stuff as we get into fall and head into next year. >> Okay. All right. Noblesville Redevelopment Commission, Stephanie. >> Um there were two action items at our last redevelopment commission. Um the first one was a Noble West TIFF pledge. Um the commission um had a declar declaratory resolution to establish the granary economic development area and allocation area. As a reminder, the granary is a mixeduse development that will include approximately 220 market rake apartments, 5,000 square feet of retail space and a parking garage with 295 parking spaces. And the other one was an expenditure request um in the amount of $15,000 to complete a walkway in Prominade Trails um that will run along Mil Creek Road and that was due to complexity of hydraulic modeling. So they were requesting an extra $15,000 to complete that
067walkway. >> Okay. Thank you. Noblesville Youth Sports Alliance Misty. >> All right. Um not a lot to report on. We um so our last meeting uh for August was actually fell on the date of the big East versus West football game. So they decided to cancel that meeting and they um just provided all of us an update via email um because of that and the light agenda for the day. But uh but one important note is the Noblesville Boom was the guest speaker. Um but they and they are off they have 24 home games and they are offering season tickets which are anywhere from $9 per seat to $39 per seat which pretty good price. >> Yeah, that's really >> um and then there was a survey uh sent out to gauge the interest in
068hosting yet another CPR AED certification at this month's meeting. Not sure of the results of the survey, but I'm hopeful that there was enough interest to hold the training. Um, and our next meeting is tomorrow. I'll let you know if CPR training is included. >> Okay. All right. Thank you very much. Um, our next schoolboard meeting is Tuesday, October 28th here at 6 PM. So, it's a little bit later um in the month because of fall break. >> May I make a comment? >> You may comment, please. Please. Um, as everyone notices, we're all dressed a little more casual um because we all just spent the last couple of days uh since Sunday together um at our annual schoolboard conference. So, today was um a half day of a conference and it was our school
069spirit day. So, this is what we all wore to the conference which is why we opened it up and invited the cabinet to also dress more casually as well. I personally would like to continue this every month. So, >> we all have a amazing amount of custom shoes. Should we show them? >> Oh, well, yes. >> I don't know if that'd be appropriate, but >> Yes. Yes. So, thank you. All right. Um, may I have a motion to adjourn the meeting? Joe, Misty, any further discussion? Nope. All those in favor? Opposed? >> Motion carried. Meeting is adjourned. Yay. Thanks. >> Uhhuh. One hour.