001We don't always see eye to eye. So a long time was hired in 1985 and has served I met people [Laughter] I admire her all. Congratulations on your retirement, [Applause] Nancy. Next up, [Applause] Uh Charlie has been with us since 1980. So here leader negotiations team. Hi Princess says all things collection of ties and his legendary high day pies 14 makes pies our beloved traditions but above all is celebrated passion for helping students and colleagues in every way For my own part, I will say Charlie has been a tremendous influence in we always embodies that and some pretty remarkable things in the last at least in my time in the administration since 2007. So he is going to miss it. We don't take it lightly. I know in front of students. I hate being in
002front of crowds. on a monk. So this is sort of an interesting situation. However, as it's been said, it takes a child. It takes a village to raise. Uh starting with a child who might have called the police superintendent when he was boy and learned an important lesson that you how you do things is nearly as important as what you're actually doing. So that's probably about Ben Franklin. And I mean the amazing part of this is when I look back I've been part of a Valo village directly in schools as a student or a teacher to be which to me is kind of wild to be a family were born with but family we make along with and my colleagues administrator the teachers they're the family you make along with and that's pretty amazing um
003I was thinking back to coach her Brooks in case you don't know he was the miracle on ice Ice coach from 1980 and he talked to his team about being uncommon men to do great things you need to be uncommon men and And I feel that in the district we are uncommon. We have passion too things for the kids. Number one touch wall. You will notice teacher kids. But confidence in my own classrooms. favorite. He doesn't feel What are the reasons? That $68,000. This is important. So they learn commitment for the children and we love helping students become the best they can be. Has nothing to do everything. I need to make sure I was unable to help me get to graduate school and then that amazingly wrestling but there all my days trying to
004stand that I was reinforced by my colleague by the amazing leaders that I've worked with over the past about 25 years. Um, also note my fifth of two terms with the state of Indiana Teachers Association. If you think fifth of two terms, I can explain that but So um third thing I think one of the reasons that I made my decision to do what I'm doing is very important right you may not be aware Can you deal with numbers, quantitative facts, logic math? That's the exact math piece so I can teach them about percent profits in movies. By the way, everything I just mentioned on the island. To be fair, I have a poster in my room that says employees. None of them were on the island test. So, but all of that got me
005to where it was just a joy to be a teacher, lead kids that way, be an example, to be a coach, lead kids that way, find another connection. Heck, I found another way this year to make a connection. The drama club students wanted to put on a live production like a Saturday Night Live or public Friday Night Live and somehow they broke me into being the host. So about 45 years after my last time on the Ben Franklin stage as a student, I was back on it doing a Friday night performance and I couldn't have had more fun. But it's making those connections, being a leader by example, being an advocate, being someone who tries remove hurdles and give opportunities because we get an amazing diversity of kids coming in an amazing bunch of stories
006that if you just take time and listen there's just so many wonderful things going on out there and I know there's a lot of negative but if you take time to get to know the kids it's amazing it's inspiring I know there are people that are worried about the future but I look at my own kids and I look at their friends and the kids I've taught in the last so many years and they're amazing. I can't wait to see what they can accomplish having had a great start from Valpo schools. So, I think the best way to end things is when you're still on your game. And as a former wrestler, I don't know if you know, but when wrestlers end their careers, they walk off the mat, but they leave their wrestling shoes
007on the mat. I refuse to take off my shoes, but I am willing to leave something behind. [Applause] I have one for my favorite bargaining person, honey. Thank you. My favorite [Applause] Come on up, Tim. Four plus [Applause] teachers. 28 years uh with Bal schools. Started as a fifth grade teacher at Northview. changed to sixth grade core plus uh 10 years ago 2014 15 uh at Northview was math full sponsor conflict manager sponsor uh FBF newspaper sponsor published author world traveler uh and from principal Sukowski Kim has served BCS for 28 years uh both as a fifth grade teacher and as an ELA and C plus teacher at Franklin. Uh through her work as a writing club and creative alliance sponsor, she has inspired creativity in students. Her passion, dedication, and care for her students
008have made a lasting mark. We hope retirement allows Kim to continue her love for travel and enjoy even more Dave Matthews Band and Cold Play concert. Oh, yeah. All right. As I as I mentioned, you know, the difference that she has made carries on and so uh even with those interactions uh with Nick uh all of us wanting to be here, wanting to see you uh because of the impact you made on us. Uh and I firmly believe that over your 28 years, there are a thousand out there who are excited when they see your name, see you in the or all right, following Shirley Foster is just about possible, but the things we touched on are so just so true because teachers give bad raps sometimes in the news media and things like that.
009I was a 14-year-old high school sophomore when my teachers went on strike in the middle of a group February. My mom was teaching third grade at the time and she said, "Well, why don't you just come to school with me?" And that changed my life forever. I got to sit in the back of the room with some of the kids that were struggling and help them with things and and work with small groups. And it was that moment that I knew I wanted to be a teacher. And when my school year ended, had a couple weeks left. So, I got to go on the end of the year field trips and things like that. Teaching is a calling and it's a calling because you love kids. It's not a job that you can do for
010the off or the long holiday break. You have to be passionate about kids to do this job. And for 28 years and well, for the rest of my life, my life, I am passionate about kids. And I feel so good to have made a difference. a small difference in the lives of the many hundreds that have come through my classroom and I'm so thankful for the opportunity to do that here in a town like Bel. So, thank you for the opportunity [Applause] many. Next up, we have Susan Jones. Uh Susan is a language arts teacher at Ben Franklin. Uh she has served uh at TJ as well as Valarezo High School before uh going to Ben Franklin. She has 29 years of service uh starting in 1993. If you're doing the math, there's a little
011bit of a cognitive dissonance there. And to that I owe her a great uh debt. Uh because in 1999 she and I am I allowed to say it. Yes. Okay. I don't want to violate any privacy. She went on maternity leave in 1999 vacating her position at Validville High School as an English teacher. Uh that I was hired to serve on a temporary contract uh in herstead. Uh And so she is the blame for uh but beyond that uh when she came back to the classroom uh we would have uh combined English uh department uh meetings and remember we would meet down in the blue hallway. uh there would be the uh middle school and high school English department and uh I remember uh talking to her about English and how to teach grammar actually
012uh and she was very generous with her time to a young teacher um because that's just the person she is uh and I never forgot that moment and I really really appreciate it. Uh she has been a coach, she has been sponsor of National Junior Honor Society, she's been an English department head, uh she's been a builder's club sponsor, seven team uh leader. Uh she's taught summer school. She has seemingly done it all in her career. Um as a true integer, she can recite the Raven from memory. And uh principal Sakowski says that student dedication to literacy, student growth and collaboration has made her a valuable colleague and educator. Thank you so much for being here. Thank you Mike for being so she is dedicated to the kids of this community. Susan, if you like
013to come [Applause] up, I don't like to be up in front of my students. So, as my colleague so graciously said, students are the reason. So, I thank um parents for sharing them. They're clever and curious and they make my day. No matter what's happening outside the class, I've always enjoyed being in class. So that's been wonderful. And I've had the opportunity to work with some energetic, phenomenal, inspirational colleagues. So thank you all for all my [Applause] Next up, she will not need a microphone. Captain Kane, come on down. Captain [Applause] Kane. Dr. Kane uh retired in January of uh as director of food service. Kathy came to us in August of 2014 and a 12 years uh and her passion is for feeding kids uh because she knows that without food in their bellies
014their brains can't get full. Uh she is a strong advocate for the national food program. Um but really more than anything she came in in 2014 and transformed the entire food service department brought forth professionalism uh standard of excellence and a vision for process in getting things done. She has done so much uh during her time uh that I do want to share a few words uh from a few different Okay. Uh Jake Plesac, the dean of Alpo High School. Um as you take in the amazing Viking Cafe, remember that it's Kathy vision and tireless effort that brought to life. Kathy took pride in serving healthy meals with generous portions to ensure all students were fed. She wanted the serving area to be a welcoming space for students, arranging for the fire department to serve
015meals for a day and preparing special chef hats for when the administration participated in her famous Thanksgiving feast. Kathy believed in the power of school nutrition and its positive impact on student performance. She was dedicated to building strong relationships with her students and she often allowed her favorite dean to taste test her new lunch options. would also let Edan know that he did step up his game in maintaining order in the serving lines. However, they captured a memorable winning photo together proudly wearing their schools. Ashley Bowman, who served as her right-hand person and who succeeded her in who director role, said that even in her well-earned retirement, Kathy continues to advocate fiercely for universal meals. Champagne the belief that every child deserves access to healthy, nutritious food. Her legacy of leadership, mentorship, and heart will
016continue to shape the future of school nutrition for years to come. We are all better for having worked alongside her, and the stories, lessons, and laughter she shared will stay with us always. She implemented a feedback group of students to improve her offerings um you know providing feedback uh but really pathway for voice was a great lesson that you passed on to students in your role as director of food service. Uh you did a moment uh the food service the servery which is a word she taught me right the servery is uh there's an incredible legacy to leave behind. She did it not to have a flashy new uh serving area. She did it because she saw an opportunity to solve a problem which was congestion uh and lines forming and everything that can go
017wrong when lines form of hungry kids. So uh she had a vision uh we aligned the budget and we were able to execute it and then even that even that execution is a lesson in leadership because it just can't happen over a summer and so she uh did a masterful job of having alternative ser serving lines and working her magic uh that way as well. is very influential. She is a part of this district and your mark will not be amazing. Thank [Applause] you. But I will say um you know years my 34 year career. You know what they say, they say the best for last. I would like to um thank the board for your unwavering support of school nutrition and Dr. McCall, our staunch and also taste. Um and for really believing that
018school meals matter. We know this and I I will miss the kids. I'll miss my side kids over there like you. But uh thank you. And you know, we don't have a classroom, but we have a cafeteria and we show kids what nutrition should look like and we encourage them to try new things and we give them new things to try. So, thank you. It's been my honor to be here. [Applause] Next up, we have Dan McJibben. Dan, now Dan was only with us for seven years. We brought him over uh when he was working as director of guidance for Westville High School. Uh he'd been there for 23 years. Uh and believe it or not, it was a homecoming because he is Al High School graduating class of 1982. Um what a lot of
019people don't didn't know anyways but quickly figured out was that uh he was and still is as long name Kathy Leusky's uh brother. Uh and so from Kathy, what's yours? From Kathy, uh she says that uh Dan majored in psychology at Ball State and dad always said that and a dollar will get you a cup of coffee. Uh Dan decided to be a counselor while working at Swanson Center and completing his internship uh at Bible High School. The counselor there was retiring and Dan knew he wanted that job. He always wanted to work at a school because he loved working with kids. When Dan and I from Kathy had conferences together at VHS, I always ask the students if Mr. McKinnon is a good counselor. They always say yes and I say good. I will
020tell my mom. Most students now know that he is indeed my brother. uh in retirement, you will continue working at athletic events. And I would say that uh your passion for athletics, for working at the table, for supporting kids outside of just office uh is model and inspiration. Appreciate your well-roundedness to support kids every from Ashley Monroe who is our U associate principal at the high school. Dan McKibben has been valuable to the VHS student services department. He was a Viking long before he joined our company and he still believe. Anyone who knows Danny knows of his love of sports and the Valpo Vikings. His pride's alma m is always evident from the momentos of his own valo high school days displayed on office walls to his advocacy for BHS students and programs. Whenever I'm
021walking through the guidance office, one thing that always strikes me is that Dan always has a student in his office, always working with kids, which is time consuming. Uh but the investment of time is where the difference That is something that Dan is really taking to heart. Uh and that impact that he has on kids relationship will be Dan. Uh thank you for coming over uh when you did seven years ago. Uh for having faith what we're doing and what we're trying to do for kids and working hard to make that happen. Thank you. Thank you. [Applause] And again, it's very hard to follow. We all do that. Uh, I just really want to take the time to thank the administration and the board for allowing me to finish what I call the crown jewel
022of my career to come back to and to serve the students of the community where I grew up. Uh when I was getting ready to go to kindergarten, I would have gone to Cook's Corners, but I was in Kathy and I grew up in a neighborhood, a 22 house neighborhood. There were five kids in my class that made it too full to go to Cook Corners. So, we went to Bontto School for those of you that are familiar with Bont. And then I gave through or one through six at Cooks Corners, seven through nine because that's what it was back in the day. like that was junior high at this point and then graduating from here. It has been just an absolute honor to be able to come back here and I thank everybody. Thank
023you. [Applause] Next up from memorial, [Applause] principal. So we have double retirement. is retiring but also uh so to us from a long and story career at Hover uh in 2013. She was hired in uh as principal at Memorial and has been there uh ever since. uh she has seen through the expansion gone from 12 sections to 18 sections uh and all of the unique experiences that go along with construction. Uh she is without a doubt uh calm, cool, and collected. I had the honor of serving uh as elementary principal alongside of her during my time at Lake. And uh she was again very generous with her time and patience with a high school guide coming over and talking to elementary uh principal. Uh comments from her staff uh and there were a lot as
024you can tell. Uh very supportive. Um, Debbie is funny, compassionate, consistent, always puts her students and staff first. She is dedicated, trustworthy, a friend as well, welcoming, and overall everything you look for as a principal. Her patience and understanding are unmatched. She is always there to listen and will probably offer sound advice. She is flexible and has not forgotten what being a parent and teacher is like. She leads with empathy. Work with M has been a highlight of my time as an educator. What I admire most and learn so much from is her calm, steady. No matter what's going on, she brings a sense of calm as everyone take a breath and refocus. We have gratitude for what she has taught us. Her focus on the habits of successful people, appreciating every person's contribution. child
025education. She sees potential in her staff that we often do not see in ourselves. She listens first. She thinks and then she responds good. Thank you for your service and thank you for uh bringing Elanor along. Um for Eleanor, she has given us six years of service. Um many teachers have dog treats in their classrooms and Eleanor knows exactly which ones. She makes her rounds each morning when she gets to school to collect a treat from each of them. She loves to greet the students in the morning. enjoys visiting classrooms to read books. She likes Mrs. Grab the school social worker to take her outside in the morning and so sometimes she barks at Mrs. Grab during and the students think it is hilarious that they can hear her barking at the end. In retirement,
026Elanor will enjoy having more time for her favorite hobbies, which are swimming, going for walks, and sunbathing. I do not have three lessons to give, but I do have a lot of thank yous that I'd like to give. I want to thank the board and the administration for trusting me to be at Memorial think um it has been an honor to uh work at Memorial. My first summer there I met with every staff member and I asked them what's great about Memorial tell me a little bit about the school. Every one of them said, "Students are awesome. The families are awesome, supportive, great people." And I remember the words of um this is Red Rene, she was a frog teacher at the time, and she said, "You're walking into a school of very talented teachers."
027And that has been true all the way through. and the talent principal job in the world. You get to see kids and walk them down to kindergarten and then you get to cheer them on going on to middle school. And so being there for so many years just it's awesome. It's there's really not a lot of words that I can say to explain that. I want to thank my family, my husband, my mother and father-in-law. They're here with me tonight. My girls are watching remotely and my mom is watching from Montana. I don't know how many remote people you have in Montana, but she's there. And um anyway, thank them for being um the village that my girls needed because being a principal for so many years, it's a busy job and so I really
028appreciate all that they put into our family to make it work. And um Elanar says, "Thanks too for six years. It's super fun to be the school dog. Very popular." So thanks for the [Applause] opportunity. For our retiring, we have [Applause] Apple in absentia. is also going to recogn food service department. Uh Nancy was a cornerstone. Her deep commitment to serving others in and out of the kitchen has left the last students. She leaving a legacy of excellence, care, and leadership that will continue to resume throughout the program for [Applause] years. Carol, come on up. [Applause] There you are. So, Carol is one of our excellent uh bus drivers um who retired in October uh 10 years service. Uh but believe it or not, she continues to help us out as a sub for baseball,
029right? Yeah. Uh she is very proud of her grandsons Gordon and Nolan and Jimmy. and all right and her favorite thing to do is watch play baseball as a senior high school. He also has committed to playing baseball college. Uh, I understand you play Bunko once a month. Several other drivers in a one weekend a few of the Bunko Club members had a girls weekend in South David, Michigan, and Carol came home with a broken wrist. Okay. Uh, happy. Okay. Uh, Carol absolutely loves her cat and dog. Um, but she has made a tremendous impact on the students at Brazil High School, Ben Franklin, and Memorial for 10 years. Again, I don't take it lightly when I say that first face in the morning that kids see and that last by and have a great
030night. Uh at the end of the day makes a difference for our kids. So thank you for making a difference. [Applause] Next up, we have Holly Hollazado. Teacher of Alzo High School. 31 years of service beginning December of 93. graduating class of 1987. Uh was boys head boys coach, assistant boys track coach, uh biology chemistry teacher, but probably uh the king of keeping it loose in the hall. He was remarkable, leaning into uh every holiday. uh getting his excited decorating the hall uh for Christmas was the life spearheading that maneuver. Um but through it all strong professionalism and dedication to the craft of not only teaching but also uh coaching and the science of learning but more developing young men. Um has been a good friend to many at a high school and from his
031colleague Mr. can see he is a quality husband, father and grandfather. You wouldn't tell by his stature but he loves good food. My smile you know that he likes to have a good time and enjoys life in general such time playing disc golf enjoying the outdoors and traveling. Uh extracurricularly, Mr. Hecker goes on. Brett occupies all status at the high school student athlete. He is the current record holder in the 3200 meter run and was an integral part of three state cross country team champs in the 80s. He finished fourth in the national cross country race as well. He was an assistant on two state cross country championship teams and his boys head coaching track regional titles in 15 sections in 198 from his department chair Michelle Solomon. He's been integral teaching various courses all
032along the way. Biology 1, biology 2, zoologology, and chemistry at all grade levels. From his laidback personality to decorating for different holidays to extremes, he has always tried to bring a smile to students as they enter his classroom and wants every student to the study of biology, zoologology or chemistry every out in the halls during passing periods acknowledging students and teachers as they travel high school. He is one of the people I look forward to seeing when I'm at the high school walking about the hallway because I know he's going to be out there with kids. So to stand next to catch up, see what's going on uh all the while saying kids. uh he's just been a tremendous uh influence on the school as a student but more importantly as a teacher and coach
033as Brett moves forward into this phase of life. We all wish nothing but joy, [Applause] relaxate, a couple people have already said teachers don't always like being love the and the athletes out there winning the trophies. The other thing is Dan kind of mentioned I follow the exact same so different just want to start with the VZO administration for providing me this opportunity follow my passion of helping students grow, learn and develop and providing me the uh support to do so. Second, I have to thank my family, some of which is over there. Uh big thank you for supporting and understanding the countless hours and evenings that required for and I'm going to round up to 32 years because I too for maternity leave but um for understanding all the time and it takes helping
034through the hard times challenges and surviving the uh or celebrating the victories along the way. Thank you. And uh shout out to my fellow teachers for their support and perhaps to make it through every day. Um and I I do have one story. I think as a teacher, we always got to send some sort of message out, right? So here's my uh mine actually comes from my grandfather was a family has a long history of teacher. My mom, my mother-in-law, father-in-law, wife, we're all in the education. This one comes from my grandfather who taught and coached to Gary Lou Wallace for the longest time when I was growing up and taught me the develop lesson that no one cares how much you know until they know how much you care. So kind of helped shape
035my approach to teaching. I tried to single out every single student and let them know that I care and I and I support them and that I think builds a bridge that let you move forward. That bridge is usually you know set a goal, working hard and get there. So my parting words are just remember let people know how much everything [Applause] else. Uh, our last three uh, retirees are all in absentia. I do want to take the time to recognize Chris Wendel uh nurse currently at Central Elementary. Uh but she was nurse for a long time at Corners, but she has dedicated five years to our nursing department taking care of our students uh including everything from catheterss uh to diabetic checks um and in between. Um she's been a wonderful influence. She's very
036patient, has a huge heart to help all of our students, especially the ones who have the most needs. Uh her caring attitude toward her students embodies what a school nurse should be. She regularly makes an effort to build relationships with students who visit her clinic and students enjoy the visit. We wish Chris the best in her. Cheryl Wyatt is our head custodian at Franklin. She is unable to attend, but he's been a custodian with Valera schools for 20 years. Uh, Principal Sinowski shares that um she leads her team with kindness, dedication, and a positive spirit. Known for her helpful nature and strong work ethic, Cheryl will be deeply missed by all the pleasure. And then our final retiree June. She's moving into ameritus status as a dog. She is one of our first uh if
037not the first uh beginning in 2017 and she served at Flint Lake Aboriginal High School and yes the BCS administration building. Um this is an excerpt from her retirement letter. I could not have asked for a more fulfilling career than serving the individuals at Flint, Valo High School, and the administration building, and your willingness to allow me part-time status in the in anticipation of my retirement was so appreciated. Jenny Lawson from the high school said that uh Aaron Hawkins, her handler, bought us all lip rollers when us because June would rub on us and gave her hair on all our clothes, but we didn't mind. We love seeing her smiling doggy grin each morning. She looks like a shudder, doesn't she? So, June everybody. Um, in closing, just want to say uh how much everyone
038in this room means to us. to me personally uh to their families and the community. You know, a theme of immortality. And you know, the ancients believe that there were two ways that you could be more through children and through great workers that those uh carry you name throughout. You guys are immortal because of the impact and influence you have had not only on the youth but also your colleagues, fellow teachers, custodians, bus drivers, nurses, aids, everybody that makes up schools and a large community are better off for being a part of it with you. Thank you. May I say something? Why not? I'm a retired elementary music teacher and I had the pleasure of making a family of four wonderful boys wonderful parents and I can't tell you how important parents are and one
039of those boys did extra proud they were [Applause] one was my elementary input Uh I remember vividly seeing it in the school sing along on the bleers uh in Lake Street Elementary but that was 40 years ago and you know that's the mark that so thank you um allow you to [Applause] exit. Thank you. [Music] We'll tell them later. You don't have to change any It's your foundation. They got the kids to where they are. Yes, I'll go to Greece. We're not done yet. Give it to you ask. That will require It's time for public Agenda questions. Thank you, Mr. President. Each month, we present our finance report comparing year-to- date revenue to yearto expenditure funds. Our year performance for funds report of April 30th, 2025 shows the following. In the education fund, year state
040revenue of 18,485,698 year state expenditures of 18,293,736 revenue has exceeded% monthly $645,000 transfer to the operation fund. In the debt service fund, we have had no year-to- date revenue and expenditures of 1,95,731. All debt service payments have have been made to date for the fiscal year. And we do have a tax draw coming in June. And the pension debt fund year-to- date revenue of $150,000 and year-to- date expenditures of 76,842. Uh we have also made all the uh definitions today and the $,000 revenue is the uh temporary loan from the rainy day fund for cash flow purposes to to be repaid in December. The operations fund has year-to- date revenue of 3,75,252, year-to-ate expenditures of 8,15,382. Uh the revenue does include the $645,000 transfer from the education fund and we do have a tax job
041for that fund as well coming in June. The operating referendum fund has year revenue of [Laughter] would you have a tax coming and no expend. Great. [Laughter] for [Laughter] question. We ask for report April. Alpha Bakery Americans in the description listed uh withd agreement for high school aviation STEM curriculum for the AOPA foundation. uh team builder which is a weight training tracking program subscription uh for one year and at the bail uh at engineer engineering services 25 for survey and work and then districtwide the rave mobile safety uh software subscription 16 months $15,600 per year and this is part of our one protocol Happy to answer any questions you may have. I have a motion. Seeing as there is no questions for Dr. McCall. All those in favor, please signify by saying I. Those opposed.
042donations and gifts. Dr. Thank you. We have several for your consideration. At Memorial, uh Artia donated $270.72 cents to the art club and box tops for education generated $33.60 for school. Thomas Jefferson Elementary received $165 from its PTO for the first grade field trip. At Valareerezo High School, the robotics team received $100 from Larry Thompson, $100 from Edward and Jennifer Bowers, $50 from Perry and Don Evers, $50 from Robert and Heather Clark and family. The Interact fundraiser for Hilltop Neighborhood House had a $89.72 anonymous donation. Stu Subs via the Porter County Community Foundation donated $600 to the drama club. Albert Republicans, Jack and Cher chairperson donated lunch and breakfast items for volunteers and officers uh valued at approximately $100 for their goggles and parts event. Lindsay's Bakery donuts $11520 worth of donuts for teacher appreciation
043week. Delasimos Pizza donated 25 pizzas, two pans of fetuccini alfredo, 100 bread sticks valued at $1,000. Family Express donated donuts, cookies, and muffins valued at $144.60. Our teachers were certainly appreciated and fed well uh for teacher appreciation week. Also at Valparezo High School, Valparezo Newton Kuanas donated $500 to be used for our unified sports program at the coach's discretion. Uh the Valpo High School Career Expo uh received donations from Crane and a $20 gift card could be used as prizes. Alers of YMCA donated $20 gift card as well. Barall agency two $50 gift cards. Opportunity Enterprises also donated a $25 gift card. The high school student services department received a donation from David Banks for a study book and flashcards for the ASVAB test valued at $59. and the veil received a $300 donation from
044the valo sunrise kanas to be used at principal discretion. This require of plumbing brothers oil company Ernie Shell uh donated from their giving pump $126.83 as well as $114.79 to use its superintendent discretion. John and Vicki Bluebeck Living Trust donated $25 to the school nutrition services in order to pay down outstanding lunch balances as well as $25 to the backpack and snacks program. And that program also received $500 from Diane Midn. That concludes donations and gifts and would recommend approval. Do you have any questions for Dr. item does require action? So, do I have a motion? Do I have a second? Second. Thank you. See, is there any questions for Dr. Mo regarding donations and gifts? All those in favor, please signify by saying I. I. All those opposed. Thank you. Okay. Grants, there are
045none tonight. Okay. Um on the old business, uh board consideration to reject and postpone playground site work bid. Mr. Thank you, Mr. President. Uh we did open the bids on May 6th for this, uh playground site work. Uh but at this time the administration is requesting that the board reject the site uh work bids and postpone the project for consideration at a later date. The context for that decision uh as you know we've been working hard on our bonds projects as well as uh the elementary playgrounds being a part of those projects. uh as we've analyzed the costs and thought about the initial outlay of dollars coupled with the timing of the of the um work that would be done uh which was looking more like August into September which would then impact our students
046ability to use the playgrounds and that's if the weather was good. Um, we're recommending that we postpone uh and rebid the project after bond dollars are secured uh and then do that uh bidding in December, January so that we can line up the work to be done in June, July uh so that does not impact students uh in the meantime. Any questions to reject the playground? All those in favor, please signify by saying I reject. I opposed. Thank you. Okay. This next item is the resolution for preliminary lease amendment for 2025 2026 veil project and 2025 2026 project and improving related matters. Mr. M. Uh this is the next step in the uh the bond process. Uh what I'd like to do is turn this over introduce and turn this over to uh Mr. Tom
047Everett from our bond council Barnes and Thornberg. He's here on behalf of Mr. Chip Cenbush who is out of town right now. Good evening members of the board. So earlier this spring, the school board held public hearings and made a preliminary determination to proceed the two projects that Jed confirms the board's desire to the projects and to approve the fourth amendment to the lease with develop 21st century building corporation in connection to the financing projects. The building corporation would in turn issue bonds payable from the rentals paid under lease. Um the bonds for the veil project would not exceed $60 million bonds for the projected million years. This resolution authorizes the addition of the building authorization and also authorizes. The resolution approves to policeoration to issue Finance answer question. That's correct. authorizes. Okay, this does
048require question. I move to go ahead and adopt this resolution as presented as favor by saying I resolution. I reus the city of Al proposing a pathway improvement project along the north side of Bully Lake Road from Campbell Street to Blueale Avenue. Uh the pathway will be 8 foot wide built with concrete and is planned to be built during the summer. Uh they're requesting a 30 foot 30 foot corner cutment at the northeast corner of Can Street and Bullseye Lake Road to construct the pathway in accordance with ADA standards. Andy Blastic has met with the city and we do have the city director of engineering Max Rewind here with us tonight who can answer any technical questions you may have. uh they met and they uh this ement will impact a very small portion of
049the southwest corner parking lot at uh have will have no impact on cars or buses using lot uh is our recommendation that the uh board approve the city's request for the eastment. We appreciate all that city put into this, including walking the site with raci. So happy to provide partnership with the city. question. All those in favor, please signify by I. uh we have continued to work very closely at all three levels and have some very minor corrections that we presented to you that are in your packets uh this evening. All three levels did updates to language, some minor corrections to grammar and formatting. Um all three levels updated the tobacco section uh making it uh a better reflection of our prevention and supportive responses. Uh the high school added um a few things including
050uh the senior exemptions with doc which Dr. Nson um and Dr. Tabone presented earlier this year. So that was new new diploma uh track information. The middle schools added some updates to curriculum and the extracurricular policy. And the most notable change for elementary was um the updating of the I read language to include second grade and reflect um the appropriate requirements for third graders taking the I read exam. Um Dr. Allison and I are happy to answer any questions uh about the handbooks. But if there are none, we ask for your approval this evening. This does require action. So, do I have a motion? Second. If you wouldn't mind, I did forget to thank our administrators that work very hard on this. I would be remiss. Dr. Hawkins said, "Don't forget uh Nicole Winter, who's
051a dean at the high school, uh Lauren Picket, who's the assistant principal at the middle school, and John Miller, our central uh principal, worked very hard uh pulling everybody together. So, thank you. Sorry, my apologies. We have a second motion." So, all those in favor, please signify by saying I. I. All those opposed. Thank you. Thank you. Okay. Uh we'll say how meaningful this meeting is. Every word is true uh regarding the character and competency and talent and impact that our retirees have had. Uh and I thank you for the time and support in recognizing them and investing the time into doing it the valable way of doing things. So thank you. Uh, as an update, I will also tell you that I had the opportunity to meet uh with concerned citizens from the last
052meeting as well as top corner continue to work through resolutions. Um and also uh news from the state is that for the 25 26 year we are once again named a performance qualified school district which gives us the flexibility for our calendar so that we can focus on instructional minutes and not days which means that's why we're able to have half days for professional development uh and release time in that way. So uh that's based on our gross achievement and and we got formal notice that we were once again awarded performance all school districts. The year is winding down. The pump and circumstance of the closure activities continue. Uh we look forward to having our seniors uh and graduates uh visit their elementary schools and walk through the halls in their cap and gowns, see
053their former teachers. It's a great day. We have teachers who've retired uh and moved away come back for that day to see uh the kids as they exist now as well as all the other field day activities and end of year components testing came up a very successful testing season but as you know as Charlie iterated uh were more than just a test. And so those type of closure activities that I mentioned um really to what our theme here has been focusing on relationships, focusing on each child as an individual and not a date because they are the youth of this community deserve our utmost attention and effort. Thank you very much and I'll turn it over. What date is that? Tuesday. Mhm. I will I will once again dawn the sweater vest uh from
054my days at Flint and be there welcome back as well. On that note, um many of you know the Indian legislative session has ended myself attended the regional meeting on Tuesday of last week. Um as a quick recap that ISBA shared, there were 174 education bills that were introduced this legislative session. Of those 43 education bills were enacted. 14% of all bills were related to K12 governance for children. Um a few highlights is HA10001 obviously the state budget tuition support increased by 2% year after accounting for curricular materials of $160 rolled into tuition support and then the choice scholarship voucher program income requirements are eliminated in 2027. Um, additionally in their summer school appropriation was lowered, alternative education funds decreased, computer science program, deli partnering, imagination, library and internet connection grants were eliminated. Um, and
055the IBOE will now administer teacher appreciation grants and they are competitive. So they're not to exceed 20% of certified teachers. The stipen range would be from 3500 7500 and stipen will not be added pay. Um another one of note is 146 also related to teacher compensation. It increases the minimum salary for a teacher to $45,000 a year. And the percentage of school corporation budget to teacher compensation must be at least 65% of the state tuition support. Um sea 287 which doesn't necessarily apply to our board but partisan school board elections. It does require um a petition of nomination for school board office to declare candidates which will affect a lot of other districts within the state of Indiana and also SA 366 education matters to master's degree and eliminates the requirement to have a certain
056percent a lot of executive orders signed by the governor too Um just states that is deeply rooted between women and issue guidance to regard a lot of usage or the gauge at summarizing the legislation that was passed. Um, and obviously if there's any questions back how these are going to affect public schools and moving forward. I just want to follow up in mentioning that the resolution for approving the lease for the veil project in middle school projects. We did have two public hearings and also several two or three meetings where we've had in-depth presentation about these projects. So, it wasn't like we just rushed into it tonight. Uh we've had plenty of of input from our team and uh we also had input from the public. you know, thank everyone for the work that they've
057done thus far getting us prepared to do those projects. I just want to say thank you so much to the educators, staff, bus drivers, janitors. It's it's not too often that you can live in a community and you have teachers that taught you retiring now I'm school and my kids are retiring actually quite a thing and that's pretty much sums up um and teachers that are retiring that I went to high school with so it's uh crazy but uh it's very difficult as Dr. McCall said to replace retired. Um my hope is that many other children from that decide to go to school, become a teacher, and come back to teach. Um and many other qualified people I hope want to come back, live in this tremendous community, um to raise a family because it's
058not everywhere you see the kind of things that we see in this community. People wanting to give so much time, treasure, and talents. And I was reminded of that tonight, seeing the people that came up, what an impact they've had on my family. Me personally, and my children, my wife. I mean, just it's immeasurable. And I just wanted to say thank you um to Val Brazil, the center township taxpayers for making all this possible. I mean, this has changed quite a bit. this place, not only the high school, the elementary schools. Um, I went to Memorial growing up, a one building school, now there's three buildings, this beautiful playground. The environment has changed so much for these kids. And I I really believe if you create a wonderful environment for kids, they'll have something to
059remember to want to come back here. And there's nothing more important for wanting our youth to come back. become productive members of society in our own town. And I can't tell you my own children have not recognized it when I was being 27. So boy, if it wasn't for my education at Opera, I probably wouldn't have done as well as I did in undergrad in college at Marquette and then dental school and now he's been a dentist for a year. So we my family owes a lot to the city of Alreso and Valrazo Community Schools and I couldn't be more proud of this guy right here, Dr. McCall, we had our executive session this morning and Dr. McCall was high was highly efficient. We started a program about seven or eight years ago. Um, we
060didn't even have a Rubik's or whatever you call it to evaluate our superintendent. We've done it every year since. Dr. McCall's been highly effective every single time. Matter of fact, when we drew up the contract four or five years ago, Further than that, we changed the contract. I should say one of the things we put in there is make sure determine their pay structure. We thought that was right taxpayers do live up to those expectations. And he's too humble to tell you this, but this guy has done a hell of a job for our school system. I think the people over there would tell you that, too. This guy's a tireless worker and they're the example um of what leadership is all about. And u I couldn't be more proud um of this guy right
061here. So thank you to the community and thank you for showing up tonight. Thank you to our retired teachers because it means so much and their legacy like you said on for a long long time. And I just have one last comment back what we said as we saw all these wonderful teachers leaving tonight there will be some big shoes to try to fill. And you know, for many, many, many years, we've had signing days here for athletics. What college are these students going to go to and play sports, but in recent years, and I think it was under Dr. McCall that we started signing days for those students who plan to go into education. Do you want to say anything about that different? Sure. Uh, thank you. Yeah, you know, obviously we're very proud
062of our profession. Um, you know, the inspiration that you saw tonight is really important and we want to look at every opportunity to uh raise our profession up. And so two years ago, we started having future educators and uh it's a big deal. Uh we had it first week of May this year, we had about 20 students who have um said that they are going into teaching as a profession and their personal stories were just excellent talking about what inspired them and who inspired them uh to go into this profession. Uh and so they signed a letter of intent and uh it's with us. So, uh, we make the commitment that they will be able to do their placements, uh, here schools as their undergrad allows, including student teaching and that they are guaranteed a
063first round interview when they graduate as well. And so, um, it's really quite touching. Uh, their families come, lots of pictures are taken. Of course, we have Um but hearing the stories uh the personal narratives of the students is you know inspiring for us uh as their teachers as well. Thank you. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to talk about that. Okay, our next meeting is June 19th.