001I'm going to call to order the uh school board meeting for the Port Mini School Corporation. Today's Monday, May 12th, 2025. Uh please stand and join me in saying the pledge of allegiance. I pledge alce to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. We ask that you would please silence your cell phones. First order here is the roll call. Secretaryquist. Mr. Arnold present. Mr. King here. Miss Batty present. Miss Farley present. I am present. Vice President Jackson present. President Seabour here. We are all present. 7. So one quick comment on this. I've always kind of wanted to say this. I I think it's interesting how some people are present, some people are here, but uh
002I think it all means the same thing. So uh okay, next order of business is public comment. We have one uh Michael Kellums. Thank you for being here. You have three minutes. Thank you. Uh thank you board members and uh members of the administration for giving me the opportunity to talk. Mike Kellums uh representing the police commission for the city of Leort where I currently serve as the president of the board. Um we've been working on hiring and getting our department up to staff which is almost a nationwide problem. In fact, ironically, it's the start of police week, which gives a good opportunity to come and speak about this. Uh, we've been working very hard to keep up the numbers on the department, and part of that process is an application process that sometimes be
003drawn out. Uh, a couple years ago, we went to a new system where we do, if you will, a one-stop shop. We get everything done in one day with the exception of the background investigations. You would imagine it's a pretty lengthy thing. Um, but it's it gives us an opportunity to bring candidates in, applicants, get a good look at them and do everything in one stop. And probably the most important thing we do that day is a physical agility test. And as you would imagine, it's difficult to find a place to do that. And so when we first started doing this last April, uh, we reached out to the school corporation, filled out the proper paperwork, and got use of the facility at Kowanas. They worked out extremely well. This past April 6th, we did
004our third uh one-stop shop applicant testing using the facilities at Kuanas. And I just wanted to take a minute to say thank you uh for that cooperative effort. It helps uh it helps us tremendously. It saves us the effort. And uh this last process that we had, we got three really good candidates uh for one opening, which is a good thing. It brings our department up to full strength, which is also a very good thing. And uh is a good twist of fate. This candidate happens to be a Leaport High School graduate. was a standout baseball player when he was here. Um, I like to be able to do that. We're drawing candidates in from everywhere because it's become very competitive now. Uh, but I wanted to make sure that the uh school corporation knew
005that we were grateful for the opportunity to use the facilities and uh the cooperative effort we get from uh the SROC uh patrolman is outstanding and he facilitates everything that we need and we get everything done in uh one day and I wanted to make sure that you guys knew. We were thankful for that. Thank you. Thank you. Okay. Uh next order of business is the consent agenda. Uh you all have seen the consent agenda. So, we have the approval of minutes of the April 14th, 2025 schoolboard meeting, financials for ratification and approval. Treasures report transfer from 1390 special ed early literacy grant fund to the 3140 early literacy grant fund and personnel recommendations and Trevor requests. Do we have a motion to accept the consent agenda? So moved. Thank you, Jen. Second. Second. Dr.
006Comments. All those in favor say I. I passes 70. Uh next order of business is uh there is no special personnel recommendations. So we moving on to presentations. So the first one is district celebrations. All right. So it's always a good evening when we have uh so many things to celebrate that we had to create a special section of the agenda just for our celebrations this evening. So we have a number of individuals and groups that we'd like to recognize. um for a variety of different accomplishments. So um I'm going to start out with honoring some of our employee based awards and district level awards and then Dr. Tonagle is going to share some student and teacher based rec recognitions. Um as we go through each one of these, we'll ask the individuals being honored
007to stand um for recognition and then we're also going to ask for a photo opportunity. So, um after um the different individuals are recognized, if you could make your way to the back with the um flying L on the wall over there, um Aaron Meyer will assist us with getting some pictures. Um so, I want to begin by recognizing our teacher and employee of the year candidates for this year. Um so, I'm proud to announce the recipients of the 2025 teachers of the year and employee of the year recognition program. These awards recognize exceptional staff members who demonstrate an outstanding commitment to education and student success. And we will be formally recognizing these individuals at our um staff recognition event on Thursday of this week. So to start um our 2025 elementary teacher of the
008year is Mr. Martin Briggs from Critchfield Elementary School. [Applause] So, a 47-year veteran with Leaport Schools, Mr. Briggs is renowned for his innovative hands-on teaching approach. As a 2014 presidential award recipient for excellence in math and science teaching, he's known for engaging cross-curricular projects and has trained teachers internationally in Bise. Former students across decades credit him with inspiring their educational career paths. So, congratulations to Mr. Briggs as our elementary teacher of the year. Thank you. Secondary teacher of the year for 2025 is Christine Rosenbomb. Christine has been with Leaport Community Schools for 24 years. She transitioned from an English teacher to become the district's first mental health counselor in 2015. She pioneered a comprehensive mental health initiative, now including four social workers and districtwide grant participation as the suicide prevention coordinator and founder of bring
009change to mind clubs. She's previously received the 2019 health ambassador and 2018 Indiana Suicide Prevention Educator Awards. Congratulations, Mrs. Rosenbomb. [Applause] And a new award for our district this year is the employee of the year award. Our award winner for the 2025 year is Jenny Hartson from Leaport High School. As the welcoming face at Leaport High School's front desk, Leaport High School graduate, Miss Hartson has served for two years with exceptional dedication. She's recognized for creating a supportive environment for the entire school community guided by her philosophy that nothing is possible without an attitude of gratitude. So congratulations to Jenny Hartson. I'd like to say something about Mrs. Hartson. All the award winners are are welld deserved. But back in 2002 when I was president of the Indiana Sheriff Association, the conference was in Michigan
010City, Indiana. And we had Jenny there at that time. I go back to 23 years now. She sang the Star Spangle Band that conference with about 300 350 sheriffs and their family there. And I never had the opportunity because I was so busy that night to properly thank you. So Jenny, thank you so much. 23 years ago, but I never forgot. Thank you so much. [Applause] So, all three of these recipients will go on to represent Leaport Community School Corporation at the state level for their respective categories in the Indiana Department of Education's recognition program. Um, colleagues, students, parents, administrators, and community members were invited to nominate a Leaport teacher or classified employee for this recognition program. So those who were nominated as well as our award winners, I have a lot to be proud
011of because it's our community that that raised these individuals up in honoring them. So congratulations to all of them. So while they make their way back for a photo, I would like to announce our next award recipient, and that is Cindy Vandra, who's here on behalf of our food service department. Cindy is our food service director. Um, and this is really exciting news because this award is a national award program that Leport Community Schools is being honored for. Um, so our food service department has been selected as a recipient of the healthy meals incentives recognition award from the USDA and action for healthy kids. This national recognition honors innovative improvements in school meals that elevate nutrition while maintaining student appeal. Our team earned the innovative school lunch makeover award for launching the creation station, a
012customizable studentdriven meal line at the high school. By offering fresh, flavorful, and lower sodium options like build your own sub sandwiches and burrito bowls, they significantly increase participation in student satisfaction. As part of this recognition, our team will be honored nationally and will receive a trip to attend the Healthy Meals Summit in Las Vegas in fall of 2025. So, congratulations to Cindy Vandra and the entire food service team for the their creativity, commitment to student wellness, and for making Leaport a leader in school nutrition innovation and getting kids excited about school lunch meals is a big big feat. So, congratulations to Cindy and her team. [Applause] Um, next I would like to honor our director of facilities, Ryan Kim. Um, so in March, director of facilities, Ryan Kim completed the courses for the Indiana Association
013of School Business Officials certification program. Um, the certification designation is for facilities director. This designation requires 75 hours of instruction which he completed earlier this spring. The Iaso certification programs are established to provide leaders in school operations and business roles with a comprehensive educational experience that deepens their expertise specific to their roles, but also provides training and supportive learning opportunities in areas of leadership, personnel management, school law, school finance, public relations, and safety. so that we're promoting well-rounded leaders in operational roles. Ryan's completion of this certification will undoubtedly enhance the leadership potential of our facilities and maintenance department, and we are very grateful for the time he has invested into his professional growth. So, congratulations to Ryan. [Applause] And finally this evening we have an Indiana School Board Association award um that our Leaport Community
014School Corporation School Board was recognized with um earlier uh this month at the ISBA um spring regional meeting. Um, the Leport Community School Corporation has received an exemplary governance award for calendar year 2024 for demonstrating an outstanding commitment to student success and professional learning. Our school board is one of only 124 boards in the state of Indiana to earn an award through the EGA program. This year, the EGAs are conferred annually across four levels of distinction based on points earned by school members, schoolboard members for attending ISBA seminars, workshops, conferences, and other learning events, as well as the completion of certain additional criteria such as an a retreat with an outside facil facilitator and goal setting to elevate student achievement outcomes. The award demonstrates this board's commitment to professionalism, strong leadership, and student excellence. and
015I sincerely appreciate all of your hard work and dedication to our school community in earning this award. Um, we have a plaque that we're working to figure out where it is or or get it so that we can display this award. Um, I know that um, President Seberg did did some research with ISBA and going back as far as they had the ability to look into their records. Our board has never been recognized at this level before. Um, so I want to extend our appreciation for your dedication and and hard work to um moving the district in in the right direction. So congratulations and we want to get a full board. [Applause] So don't don't leave before we have a chance to do that. Um, so I'm now going to turn it over to Dr.
016Tanagle and he's going to share some of the award recognitions that our students and staff are celebrating. Yeah. So we'll keep these uh great celebrations going. Uh, Mrs. Sarapin, if you would come up and any of your team members, like you to come up front here, please. So, congratulations are in order for Coach Eileen Sarapin and the Kesling Intermediate School math team. Come on up, guys. So, they had an outstanding performance at the Indiana Association of School Principles 2025 math bowl competition, competing in the highest division. The team placed seventh out of 108 regional teams, setting a new record. Their achievement secured them a coveted spot as a top 10 state qualifier. This remarkable accomplishment reflects the team's dedication, preparation, and mathematical excellence. And I'm going to let coach Sarapin introduce uh her team. So,
017this is not our entire team. We have a lot of students that are in band. So, they're actually at the band concert right now. Um, so if all of you want to go to the band concert, there's another one starting at 7 o'clock. Um, but this is Jack and he is a sixth grader. We have Laya. She's also a sixth grader. And then we have Side Eyes, who's my little nickname here, Eli, and he is also a sixth grader. So our Math Bowl team is consistent of fifth and sixth grade. Um, and then there is a seventh and eighth grade math counts team as well. But this is Math Bowl and we have the fifth and sixth graders on our team. So, I'm really proud of everything that they've done and all the hard work
018that they've put through this year. So, [Applause] did the did the injury of the foot happen at the math? It did actually. You know, all the calculations really count. Um, also I want to recognize uh Lucy Zarantinelo. I'm not sure she was able to make it tonight. Um she's a dedicated member of the Leaport chapter of National Junior Honor Society and she was awarded the prestigious NJHS outstanding achievement award. This national recognition includes a $500 college savings plan and is given to only 500 exceptional members across the whole country. Lucy has been an active participant in numerous super service initiatives both within the school and through the local YMCA. She exemplifies the National Junior Honor Society's five pillars: scholarship, service, leadership, character, and citizenship. The entire school community is proud of Lucy's accomplishments and celebrates
019her as an outstanding slicer. Also very excited that all five schools for five year, I'm sorry, all eight elementary schools for five years in a row have been uh recognized as National Project Lead the Way Distinguished Launch Schools. We're really proud of this accomplishment 5 years ago going. Uh this prestigious recognition celebrates our school's continued excellence in providing highquality STEM learning experiences through the Project Lead the Way curriculum. This distinction highlights our district's innovation, leadership, and commitment to equipping students with the skills necessary to succeed in an everchanging world. The board is proud to be among a select group of districts across our state to consistently achieve this honor. and our project lead the way teachers are Katie Talbert, Laura Demond, Jod Ziggmanowski, and Laurel Null. So excited about that. Uh recently, Leaport High School
020held a very special banquet to recognize the top 10 of the class of 2025 to also induct members into the Learn Today to Excel Tomorrow program and recognize the special outstanding students for each class for the school year. So for the class of 2025, there were 41 exceptional students that represent the top 10. and they'll be recognized at graduation in June. Um, also we had four distinguished alumni who were inducted into our hall of fame and that honors individuals who have made significant contributions in their career fields. Dr. John Langford, Erica Stalworth, Charles Steck, and Leslie Cochran Tim. And then lastly, the class or this year in 2024-25, we recognize outstanding students from the class of 2028, Jenna Heres, class of 2027, Molly Cooper, class of 2026, Anna Beck, and class of 2025, Drew Bush.
021So, really exciting night at Leort High School to recognize all those groups. And that uh concludes my celebrations. Awesome. All right. Great job. Oh, I'm sorry. Next is the uh school spotlight uh for Kingsford Heights Elementary. I was just going to tell any of the award winners if you guys, you know, want to hang out. Great. You want to go? Go. Mrs. Coer, Mrs. Koser, you still back there. Yes, I can't see her from where I'm sitting. So, I thought I couldn't see her either. All right, Case Heights, principal, Mrs. Coach, a spotlight on some exciting things happening. Yes, absolutely. We've had a a busy uh few weeks, but thank you for having us or having me here as well. Um, we earned uh our first site visit from the IdoE for STEM certification and
022that took place at Kings Heights this past Friday. Um it was an outstanding experience for all of us. Um it was um nerve-wracking uh because we had never experienced that before. Uh but uh it was it was an extraordinary event. So um it started off though our um team was an hour late. So we had uh our wires crossed on the time zones because they were coming from Indianapolis. So we were a little bit nervous there um that we've had uh missed them somewhere along the line but the experience was fantastic. I would just like to quickly share with you the presentation that we provided for the DOE representatives. There were two um uh ladies and um they were most gracious and um we we uh were able to share a lot of the uh
023uh things with from Kingsford Heights related to STEM. So I'm going to go ahead and just give you a quick rundown here. Um we also included u many student ambassadors to come and speak with the representatives from IDOE. Um so I did not invite all of those folks here this evening. You have guys have a pretty big agenda tonight. So um but this was our presentation. There it goes. Um as we introduced our team, our team stayed with uh the representatives throughout the entire um three and a half uh almost four hours that they were in our building. Um, so I'm very thankful for uh our STEM team and our facilitators who have been working very hard on this uh for the last uh three years since we first started um our process. Um so
024I have Mrs. Gelson is a fourth grade teacher. She's also uh the site uh leader for Boys and Girls Club at Kings Price Elementary School. Uh Laura Demen, as Dr. Tanagel just mentioned, is our project lead the way teacher. um and Angie McKon who is our PTA president. Um so through this the uh STEM process of becoming a STEM certified school with IDOE. Um you have to demonstrate your commitment uh using community partners. So um our PTA is a community partner. Um our um Boys and Girls Club is a community partner as well as Leaport County Library. Those are our three sort of main connections that we um pointed out um and used uh this year with our certification. So we gave them an at a glance for Kingsford Heights Elementary of our uh demographics
025um that um you know just some characteristics about our school, how many sections we have at each grade level, um specials information and size of our staff. Um so again we're we are a very small school going through this process which makes um you know sharing a lot of the the workload um we we basically have to involve all every one of our staff members to uh make that uh make light work of that. So, uh, we started and explained to them a little bit about our timeline, um, which began, uh, in 2018, which is when I arrived as the, uh, principal at Kingsford Heights Elementary, um, through this year, 2025. Um, so they wanted to kind of have a better understanding of how we, you know, reached the the point of where we were
026um, at this time and this year receiving our site visit. So receiving our site visit um was was really uh very exciting for us. Um so this is similar uh to what we presented also um my STEM team also presented at um Purdue University in January. We went there for the Indiana STEM conference um and gave a presentation where um you know folks came in and uh listened and asked questions and it went over very very well. Um and some of that will be included in our uh Purdue presentation is uh like this time this uh STEM timeline. So again about seven years of working on this. Can I go back one? I missed my preschool. Sorry my glasses on. There we go. The arrows. Thanks. Okay. So, we even included our preschool in our
027uh certification process. Um, and just real quick, I have um let's see, is this my heaven? This is just a real quick presentation from our preschooler heaven. Seems how I couldn't have her here in person, but she has a lot to say. This is Mrs. Koser here, and I have a preschool student. And what is your name? Heaven. Heaven. I'm so glad you could be here with me today, Heaven. I have a picture of you behind you. Can you look at that picture? Yeah. Oh, do you remember that? Yeah. Okay. And can you tell me about what you were doing in that picture? Yeah. Go ahead and tell me. I was putting peanut butter on it so the seeds could stick. You were putting peanut butter on it so the seeds could stick. And what
028are you putting the peanut butter on? Seeds. Was there some piece of uh Was it a pine cone? Yeah. Okay. And then you took the pine cone and once you got your peanut butter on it, what happened? I put a string on it. You put a string on it and and then you rolled it in your bird seed. Yeah. And then tell me why you were doing the why were why were you making this project? Because the birds can be healthy. The birds can be healthy. And did you learn what birds eat? Yeah. What do birds eat? Birds eat a peanut butter. Birds eat birds eat peanut butter. Was this a fun activity for you? Yeah. Awesome. Well, I'm so excited that you got to do that activity. And um have you had a great
029year this year in preschool? Yeah. Oh, good. I'm so glad. Okay. Thank you for joining me, Heaven. Okay. That's just a quick example of how we would have our um ambassadors come in and share some of their experiences um so that it would bring the pictures to life a little bit. Um we also did the same for kindergarten um first grade, our second graders, third graders, and fourth graders. Um we also included on our special ed side what our life skill students do. um uh whether they are inside of the um classroom uh or whether they are doing STEM activities on their own um with their teachers. And so we included um the many things that they do that are um STEM related that are projects and also um uh project- based learning experiences. So
030um project lead the way uh we are excited to be uh distinguished again this year um with the rest of our elementary schools. Uh so um we had a project lead the way spotlight. We had a uh teacher collaboration spotlight, boys and girls club spotlight, followed by um PTA, our PTA president was there with us and um spoke to our representatives from IDOE and highlighted a lot of the activities uh that are STEM related that they participate in and support. Um uh our wind stem groups um which is an afternoon activity that we do every day. Um robotics uh and tech club. We highlighted those and had various students come in and talk about their experiences in robotics and our tech clubs. But those are many of the activities um that our students participate in
031from grades um uh three and four is robotics and tech club. And last but not least, that's it. Um so I'm happy to answer any questions if anybody has any regarding this experience. Uh we will not find out for another 3 to four weeks about um if we were selected as um an IDOE STEM school for 2025. So fingers crossed um that um they were uh uh positive with what they saw. We think it was a very good experience. Um we've received uh very good feedback from the uh individuals that were there to um you know uh do our site visit. So um yes, that's that. On a side note, uh Kings for Heights also received their um hearts smart certification today. So we we did that as well this morning. first thing. Um, so
032it's uh it's been a lot of excitement going on out there lately, so we're continuing. If anybody has any questions, I'm happy or feel free to email me if there's anything that anybody have any questions for school. All right. Well, thank you so much. [Applause] Okay. So, next order of business is the superintendent report. Dr. Wood. Okay. I'm going to keep my superintendent's report short this evening as we got a lot things to celebrate and so um we'll kind of keep things moving. Um so first thing since we've been reviewing our transition timeline each month I want to provide you with a quick update on where we are with our transition process um with Lincoln and our early childhood center. So we have two items on the timeline for the month of May. The first
033item is the traffic flow at Lincoln. Um, so this has been a process that we've been working on in conjunction with our transportation department, with our facilities department. Um, and with Mrs. Jeffers, the principal of the Little Learners Early Childhood Center. Um, it is somewhat still a work in progress that we will be working through some of the the kinks and the things that come up as we get closer to the start of the year. Um, but our goal is to create a traffic flow pattern that will accommodate all the programs that will be happening at the center. Um, so the current plan is as follows. So, we are planning for buses to load and unload in the small lot off Jackson Street um with students escorted into the building at door five. Um door
034six, which is right in the same location, will be the designated entrance for child care. Um so, Dr. Hunt will talk a little bit in his um or in one of the action items that we have later in the agenda. Um but as part of the construction projects that we'll be completing this summer, we are going to be establishing a secure entrance for the child care program at Dor 6. Um just recognizing that there will be a lot of in and out um with parents coming to to pick up and drop off students um for that program. We need to make sure that we have a safe and separate space for the child care rooms. Um and then that there's the the designated distinction between that area of the building and then the early childhood
035and preschool programs. Um so then door two is the area that we are planning um and that's the Clay Street side of the building for the pickup and drop off area. Mrs. Jeffers will be working on a plan for times and procedures for this process and it will be shared with families as the start of the school year gets closer. Um and then the second piece is the moving plan. So, as we are approaching the end of the school year, it is getting to that point where it's time for our teachers um to start packing up their classrooms. Um we have uh regular discussion about all the components of this, including the the supplies and materials that are in the rooms as well as the furniture um and how all of that is going to
036be moving. Um facilities director Ryan Kim has been working with our principles, uh Mrs. Jeffers and Mrs. wireman to ensure the timing of the physical move is clearly communicate clearly communicated and clearly planned. Um so our maintenance staff is facilitating the entire move and they will be ensuring that all supplies and any furniture that is moving is transported to the proper location. So just a quick overview of our timeline. Um, they will start moving items out of Lincoln on June 16th, waiting until after graduation so that we make sure that our staff has the ability to focus entirely on the graduation ceremony first. Um, then that is anticipated to be completed by June 30th. And then at at that point, they will begin moving items out of this building where the preschool classrooms are currently
037located and expect that process to be wrapped up by July 11th. Um and so by mid July, uh targeting July 11th, all materials should be in their final location or in a staging area. We are establishing a staging area for any supplies, materials, or furniture that won't have a final placement determined by the dates of the move. Um and our staff will continue moving items throughout the remainder of the summer as needed. Um, however, the majority of our staff have really been placed into positions by this point. And I would expect, I think we're very optimistic that most of those who haven't been placed by the time that the um school by this point will have a placement by the time that the move starts. So, I would expect that any temporary staging that needs
038to take place will be very minimal. Um the last thing that I just wanted to touch on as part of my uh superintendence report um since the last board meeting, our our state legislative session has ended. So Dr. Hunt is going to be covering an extensive update with legislative um outcomes that that we now at least have some direction with where we're headed. Um I I did want to make one brief mention though on a federal update. So, one of the things that's unique um this this year and and with this particular legislative session is it seems that we're kind of being hit from all angles. Um so, we have hits coming with our education fund, we have hits coming with our operations fund, and we also have hits coming from the federal level. So,
039um, we often don't focus a lot of conversation about the federal programs because most of our funding and most of our budget is based on on state and local funds that come in. Um, but we do have a number of programs that rely on federal funds. Um, and as I think all federal programs are experiencing right now, um, we are anticipating cuts from some of our federal programs, most significant of which is going to be our title programs. Um and so we have a number of staff that are in um the majority of our elementary buildings that are are provided in service with with title um funds. And we will we are anticipating we're still working through the details of what those title um grant changes are going to be, but we do believe at
040this point that the reduction in funds we'll be receiving from title will likely require us to cut staff um from title programs. So there will be more information coming. We are still finalizing the specifics of this, but I wanted to put this on your radar now so that you're aware of the source of these potential cuts. We've had a lot of conversation through our transitional process with the repurposing of Lincoln Elementary and our commitment to not have to um cut staff positions through that process and ensuring everyone has a place. This is entirely separate of that process. It's coinciding at the same time. um this was you know obviously kind of out of our control and and initially I think at the beginning of the year wasn't entirely on our radar that this would be
041coming um but it is becoming very clear a lot of school districts are having these conversations right now this is not limited to Leaport Community Schools um this is this is really a nationwide um change that will be coming but again we do anticipate we will likely have to make cuts from our title program which would mean the reduction of some staffing positions associated with Title One. So again, more details and more information to come, but we wanted to make sure that you're aware that that this is coming down the pipeline soon um as it's all unfolding with our grant process. And that concludes my superintendent report. Anybody have any questions for Dr. Wood? Okay, next order of business is the elementary uh assistant superintendent report. Dr. Tom. Yeah, continuing on what Dr. Wood was
042talking about. I've been uh providing the board with updates on our staff transitions from Lincoln. And when the tough decision was made to close Lincoln, we made a a clear commitment to continue employment for our staff. And I'm proud to say that we've upheld that commitment to this point. We've offered every single staff member at Lincoln opportunity to work for Community Schools next year. And and we've been working hard behind the scenes to make that happen. Um the majority of them have been placed. There is one teacher, two title teachers, and a few non-sup support or non-certified support staff who have not been placed, but they've been offered positions. They just have to decide whether they want to continue employment. So, if you remember from uh previous meetings that got emotional and heated, uh that
043was a commitment that our our team made and I'm glad to say that we follow up on that. Um, additionally, with transition, the the time of May is a time of celebrating. is also a time of of transitioning to next year and setting ourselves up for success next year. So today we were at Kessling for the Hearts Safe um school um program and ran into some fourth graders. All our fourth grades are visiting the Kesling campus in fifth grade. If you remember, Mr. Williamson visited all elementary schools and held parentformational meetings in January, February, sometime around there. Well, this is a followup to that. So trying to help parents feel well informed. We saw a couple kids in the hall and asked how they were doing and they said nervous and excited and we said
044yeah that's that's uh that's okay. Um you're in a good place right now. You've got a lot of staff um helping you prepare. So I want the board to know that those visits are going well. Also uh in transitions I was at Hyman last Friday I believe it was the uh Lincoln students came over to Hyman. The majority of the kids from Lincoln are going to Hyman and the Hyman staff did an outstanding job putting on activities. did tours of the school, met with the principal. They had fourth grade kind of ambassadors that were talking to the kids about the visit. Uh they did crafts together. Uh it was a really cool visit to help the kids feel better about the transition. And same thing, I I actually did a craft with some of the
045kids and asked them how they were doing. And you know, they they were just normal kids, a little nervous, but excited. Um that school had all the things that they were looking for in a cool playground and a gym and and teachers that cared and that sort of thing. So, um it's just really uh fulfilling and exciting to see these things taking place that are going to put us in a good position to have a good start to the 2526 to uh school year. And then lastly, we wrapped up iLearn testing in May and I anticipate uh having those results uh for the June maybe u for sure the July board meeting. We'll have to do some analysis. Um they're rolling in right now. It just ended last week I think on May 9th. So,
046as those results come in, we'll be working through those uh as a school leadership team and then sharing those out publicly with you and our stakeholders. And that concludes my report. Thank you. Thank you. Do we have any questions for Dr. Tigle? I'll just make a comment real quick. Um I was able to attend the just thinking about transitions for next year, the um kindergarten activity night that Critchfield held for my son who's going into kindergarten and that was done very well as well. So, I know that that is a big transition for a lot of families and those little guys are also excited and nervous and the teachers and the staff did an amazing job. So, kudos to everybody. Thank you. Yep. Okay, next order of business is the assistant superintendent of business and
047operations report, Dr. Hunt. Thank you so much, President Siver. While Tammy gets the presentation set up, I'm going to go ahead like Dr. Wood had said there is a lot and I mean a lot to unpack as far as this last legislative session is concerned. I've been trying to keep you up to date as to what's going on. Obviously things continually change. Um obviously the legislation did come to an end. Um and there was Senate Bill or Senate Act now one and House enrolled 1001. Those are the two I'm going to mention tonight. Now, what I would like to do at the next board meeting is then continue some of these conversations on some of the other uh legislation that did come out during the session. But these are the two I want to focus
048on tonight. I don't like to do this. I've mentioned this before, but I don't want to miss anything when it comes to this. So, I'm actually going to read and I'm going to talk about Senate Bill one to begin with. And I'm going to give you a lot of information. I will be able to share this information with Dr. would which then in turn can share with you because what I'm going to unpack and what I'm going to share is mindboggling. It is there's a lot of information here to the point where and you know it is a concern when you have the financial experts that are out there and when I met with some of them last week at the annual meeting they're still trying to wrap their head around the impacts. They will
049not know some of these impacts until the future and how this is all going to roll out. But what my intent is this evening is to really share that information as far as the different components of Senate Bill one. I'm going to start with the debt service rate. So any school that has a debt service rate over 70 cents will be required to place all new debt issues on a referendum ballot effective as July 1, 2025. Keep in mind that was at 80 cents. They dropped that down. So the threshold is now at 70 rather than an 80. We're not at this point right now. We're under we're under the uh 70 or 70 cents for the tax rate above the 40 cent. So again that puts us in potential of a petition for a
050monstrance period had we issued debt. uh implications to school assert schools will have less borrowing capacity due to consistent or excuse me constraint to stay under the 70 cent threshold. Schools need to hold their preliminary determination hearings and adopt their prelimination preliminary determination resolution prior to June 30th of 2025 to be grandfathered under the current law. schools that schools that have a debt service rate below 70 cents may end up with a 70 plus rate even though they've structured it under 80, but now they're in a position where it's because they structured it under 80, but if it's above 70, they'll put themselves in a position even if no new bonds are issued due to a net assess valuation changes listed below. Uh this would limit their ability for future projects unless a referendum was
051successful. Increases the likelihood that schools will need to run capital referendums to fund projects in the future. If successful, a referendum would result in a tax increase to taxpayers who are already tax caps. Dr. Can I ask a question before we get too far away from Yes, that's all right. So, so can you elaborate on the June 30th, 2025 date? What that really means, what what they're really referring to as far as this is concerned is this is if you were in that that rate where you could issue it where you're currently right now. If you're under the 80 cents, excuse me, if you're Yeah. Right at the 80 cents or below, but above the 70, if you were able to do that, then you wouldn't have to put yourself into a position where that
05270 cents and above put you in. Now, we're not in Leaport Community School Corporation is not in that particular period. Okay? Um, but let's say if you were at currently at 75 cents, if your tax rate is currently at 75 cents and you're still going to issue debt and it's under 80, you're grandfathered into that where you don't have to put it on the referendum or the ballot. If you're in that 70 to 80% area, yes, you're in that category there. That's a really good question. And this is where the concerns were with a lot of districts because they had structured their debt as such where they were planning on issuing additional debt and now that could put in in a potential if they're o over that 70 cents now they have to put it
053on a ballot. That would explain why I was talking to another president at the ISBA who was at 75. Yes. And she would so you better believe right now there's school districts that are in that category. They're trying to do everything they can to themselves. So they they have their preliminary determination here in the next period of time. So that doesn't put them in a position. Yeah. Okay. Thank you. You're welcome. Uh assess value changes. This is really important to pay attention to. We'll start with the homestead's uh proposed increase to homestead deductions driving down a home's net assessed valuation. This increases the total deduction to 67%. 2031. So what's going to happen is this is going to be a gradual thing. This is not just something we're going to talk about the three years
054um over the next three years and things that are going to be impacted. But these are the things that are going to continue on uh for let's say at a $250,000 home. This results in a 34.65% decrease in their net assessed value. That again when there's a decrease in net assessed valuation then that is going to cause the tax rate to go up because obviously you're trying to gather enough for your levy. And so there is some repercussions when it comes to that. The farmland and 2% property. So farmland and the rental property phases and deductions from a 0% to a 33.4% through 2031. Again, there's that 2031 date. Again, a decrease in agriculture land AB of 33.4%. And so that's again that's that's where we're falling in as far as the 2% is concerned.
055Uh this is something to really pay close attention to. And this is a little bit difficult to kind of follow uh but we're talking about the commercial and it creates a total exemption for business personal personal property tax placed into service after January 1, 2025. So what that means is anything that is purchased after 2000 or January 1st of 2025 is going to fit in this particular category which there used to be a floor. So it didn't go below 30% of any business personal uh property. And what that happens now is after that date it could then bottom out. So again there's loss of potential revenue there uh for school districts. Um and uh any business person will prop that includes that as well. So we reduce the net assessed value like I mentioned exact
056amount will depend on each school corporation's tax makeup and again implications to school school corporations will have to increase their tax rate like I mentioned significantly to generate the same levy due to the decrease in net assessed value unless schools uh see organic growth. So if there is growth and there's potential in their tax base or positive trending and assessed value to offset the loss, uh this could potentially drive up circuit breaker loss, especially if total tax rates increase beyond $3. Schools that have a current operating referendum will generate less revenue due to a lower net assessed value. And if net assessed value is reduced, this will reduce schools general obligation bond capacity as well. So there is a number of different implications associated with again the assessed valuation changes. So how does this affect
057the operations fund? Well the max levy growth quotient and it's referred to as the MLGQ is capped at 4% in 2026 and charter share beginning in 2028. That doesn't happen immediately and there was some back and forth on the charter schools. So at first we were understanding that if it's a charter school within your school district that would you would be impacted. That is not how the legislation ended up. If you have a 100 plus students that are enrolled in charter schools or 20% of your ADM uh those tax dollars then will be tied into those students attending those charter schools. Not within just the district but anywhere that they're attending charter schools. So time out. So, so they're going to take property taxes from within our district, correct? And send it to schools outside
058of our district. Correct. Because the thought process behind that is that it's the taxpayers within the district. They're putting in their property taxes and so that gives them basically since they're choosing to go to charter schools, it's going outside the district. Is that that was a change because we were under the impression at first that it was just within the district, but there was clarification. And I found out last week is that was one of the things I was pressing on. I wanted to make sure no it's it's any students if it's 100 students above in the district that are attending charter schools. Those dollars then will be tied in with those students and they will be sent to those particular schools. Does that include online like charter or is it just brick and mortar?
059So I'm going to tell you the response that we received that is we're we're talking to legal. That's what I the response that I heard. So I Justin I can't tell you specifically on that one that was brought up and we were pressing on that question if it was associated with with charter or excuse me with online. I'm under the impression it's not but I don't want to say with infinity that that is the case. So so there was talk early about um kind of messing with the ability to get geo bonds. Um was any of that done or Yeah. And I'll get to geo bonds here in just a Yeah. Um in fact it's almost towards the end of my report but I I will I promise to share with you. Um so in
060future as far as the the maximum levy growth quotient is concerned like I said that that will continue on after the 26 it'll be determining what that rate is going to be but again the the maximum levy growth quotient means we can only raise our levy a maximum of 4%. That doesn't mean we're going to get all the dollars. We can say this is what we want to receive or this is what we need to fund our budget. Uh but of course depending on circuit breakers, we may not get the full 4% but that's what we can levy as far as um schools are concerned. Um schools will hold a separate hearing in their at their total levy will exceed a prior year's total levy. Um, so there's an additional, so in addition to all
061of this, when we do the budget hearing, there may be an additional hearing that needs to be held depending on if that would be the case for our particular budget. Uh, schools will be required to share revenue from the operations fund with charter schools beginning in 2028 distributions. Again, uh, referendums uh, requires that all referendums be on a general election. I think we all are aware of that. So, think about the even years. that's what you need to think about. November, the even years, that's what we're talking about. Um, so if any school districts are planning on on wanting to have a referendum, and many school districts are now obviously considering this very strongly uh because of of everything that happened with the legislation, but it has to be done in those general election years.
062Immigration schools can only run referendum at general elections. The next general election is November of 26. Uh, some schools will be required to run renewal ear earlier than that anticipated to meet this timing. This is where it gets to be very goofy. So if if you're if you're tapping out or you're running out of let's say a referendum, it's time to renew. You got to look very closely at the timing of that because if it were normally going to be on an odd year, you can't do it. So it's almost a year prior to that. So, it's almost two years prior to what the uh that deadline would be as far as renewing that that referendum. So, that's also something that schools are having to keep in mind and are having to contemplate right now.
063Keep in mind all these things have been thought out in the future. I'm talking about with school districts, uh it's very very tedious work as far as trying to figure out the timing and how all this is things are going to work, especially with the tax rates. That's kind of all going out the window now. and and now again school districts are having to to go back and having to make changes based upon again this legislation. Um I shared this with our schools will be required to share revenue with charter schools beginning with new referendums conducted after January 1st of 2027 only affects schools that have greater of 100 students like I mentioned or 2% of their spring ADM attending nonverirtual charter schools. So there's your question. General obligation bonds limitation on certain general obligation
064bond issuances. Of course, this is what it is. You have to you really need to consult with your financial professionals and bond counsel to see if it applies. So again, these are the things that we as a district are working on currently and working with Baker Tilly who is our financial adviser and again trying to plan out how debt would be issued in the future and how we want to issue this. Uh but it is important again to be very savvy as far as how this is being structured. Um credits homeowners receive of course I think we're all aware of this up to a $300 credit. Uh those that are over 65 receives an additional $150 credit. The implications to schools this is expected to be applied to proportionally to all property tax funds. Um,
065lit. This is the one that really caught caught me off guard and it is a real impact to us as our operations fund. So, lit, which is our local income tax. So, schools will no longer receive local income tax revenue beginning in 2028. Again, it's not immediate, but it is such to put things in perspective. That's $550,000 a year that we received in local income tax that helps supplement the operations fund. And so when they talk about in the legislation, um it's a decrease to the increase, not in this particular case, it is a flatout it's a cut. We we do not we're not going to get local income tax going forward. So when it comes to property taxes, yes, that's a what we call quote unquote a decrease to the increase, but with lit,
066it is actually taken out. So schools are no longer going to be able to receive lit dollars. Where's that money going to? So it all goes to different municipalities. So different municipalities can raise the local income tax and that's been somewhat of the debate right now because there's a potential obviously of saving on the property taxes. And I'm not going to get into politics or I'm not going to get into this right now, but I'm just explaining. So local income tax can be increased. So the local taxes could go up um to offset some of the losses in which the property taxes, but of those dollars that are being increased or the dollars that are being received, the schools no longer are able to get that. That isn't that's that's the chance. So effectively, they've
067taken that money away from us as a school and given it to the city or county or whoever effectively, right? Yes. Now, this does not apply. I mean, it not all school districts receive lit. We are one of those that do. And again, we've used it very strategically again to offset our operations, but essentially what it is, it offsets the circuit breaker, not until it's full capacity. We're at $2.3 million in circuit breaker. So, when we get $550,000, the theory behind it is is to try to offset that circuit break. But again, we're not we're no longer going to be getting that. Again, that is that's a huge impact which I'll share basically on the budget runs what that will potentially do in 2028. My belief is that because schools have the ability to request
068a referendum. They're they're looking at this from the perspective of well schools you can go do a referendum if if you need more money whereas the cities and the towns and the townships don't have that ability. So, so they're essentially pushing it toward that, but then they make it more difficult than we should do it even years. And by the way, the language in the referendum on the balance is also is a challenge as well. So, so to Dr. Wood's point, absolutely, we have the ability as a school district to run a referendum, which we have never done. I mean, we have not run referendums. We've done a really good job managing as we have been able to barely in the operations fund but we've been able to do that through again through some uh
069real close um looking at our our budgets and some of the things that we are able to to change but again the challenges become even worse. So as far as Senate Bill one is concerned and again I don't mean to take much time but again this is really important for I think everybody to understand um what this legislation has done. So in Senate Bill one the impact and again I'm going to state this because this is what has been stated over and over again and that is this is not we're not cutting we're not cutting the revenue it's just a decrease to the increase. So, you should have been receiving this based on the current law as it stands. And what could have been uh raised through property taxes and what they're essentially is doing
070is that obviously we're not going to get as much. So, in calendar year 26, we're looking at a decrease of about 88 800 $892,500. Again, keep in mind that I'll use buses for an example. when you purchase buses and we get a letter from one of our manufacturers that says, "Oh, by the way, our bus prices are going up 25%." It's not neutral. Um, so there's a number of different costs that are that are increasing and again, these are the things reason why we obviously want to keep up with uh the revenues that are coming in to make sure that we are maintaining our operations fund. Can I ask just a clarifying question here? Right. So our our uh operating budget this year was I think it was about 17 million 17 right? So does
071that mean that in the following year we're going to have 17 million minus860,000? No. What that will mean is that we should have and based upon obviously we want to make sure we're funding our budget, right? So all all indication prior to this legislation that this is what we were able to do. So essentially what you're doing is you're having to neutralize your budget in essence. However, however, that included the lit dollars, right? So now you take the lit dollars, the $550,000, then essentially what you're doing is you're having to decrease your budget by $550,000. Okay. Yeah. So, no, it's not taking what you have here, and you're decreasing that. That's where they're that's why they refer to this as not a reduction in the budget. It's a decrease to the increase. So, you're not
072going to potentially get as much in your property tax revenue. But again, we're talking about having to possibly just flatline or obviously looking at potential reductions in the budget just to make sure that we're sustaining. We're going to be looking at less money. Yes. Overall, because of the less money, but the potential of more expenditures, right? Well, obviously costs are going up, inflation, etc. Yeah. Yeah. Um and then that in uh 2027 936 or 935,220 and then in year three so in calendar year 28 we're looking at a decrease to the increase of $869,430 then add the $550,000 on top of that. So essentially what you're looking at is is about 1.3 $1.4 $4 million of less revenue having coming in in year three. So you're saying that's strictly to operations. Yes. This is yes
073and no. Yet what I'm looking at is the operations. However, depending upon the debt that is issued now you pull debt into all of this as well because before everything your debt service was always funded. Now, when you pull all that together, I'm in the impression, okay, I'm my my opinion is I wish it was one fund. I'll be honest with you. I wish we just had one fund. We didn't have separate funds. We could have figured out how this is going to be impacted. But when you start working with a different silos, that makes it a little bit more challenging. But that's my that's my two cents for this evening. And in 28, you also said that that's the year that we would if we qualified as a school that had a certain amount
074of students going to charter programs, we starting income tax as well. Correct. And you can't pull that into the numbers right now because you really have no idea where that that is going to be. But yes, that is correct. So 2028 is a big year. Okay, that's Senate Bill one. Then House Enrolled Act 101, which is the bianium budget. Uh I will say this um but then I will get into some of the specifics. Um there was a 2% increase into the budget for education because again that's really what they were able to do is to issure money and they took that off the table. However again just to give numbers and these are runs um there was some increases in different categories. I think I mentioned this before. One of the decreases that we've
075received is the complexity and the complexity is really it's SNAP and Tanith which is you know it's it's our uh direct certification uh for food stamps talk about foster care. So there's a number of different categories. So we're getting a decrease on the budget side um in the complexity which again it hurts districts that have higher uh number of students that qualify for complexity. I don't want to take a lot of time. So the bottom line was this on the run and again this is based upon the estimated ADM. So this is an estimate. I repeat this is an estimate because again it used to be a lot more um fluid and clear as to what your ADM potentially could be but with all a number of different factors that's not necessarily the case but
076these were the best projected numbers. So again what they didn't do is they did not take the curriculum material I mentioned this before out of the foundation amount. So when you look at the foundation amount in 2025, so what we're currently in right now, when you compare it to what we're going to be getting in 26 and 27, keep in mind the curriculum material is included in that amount. So when you look at the increases on the runs, you have to back that amount out. That's not backed out on my run. You have to back that out to make sure that you're accounting for what that impact is going to be. Uh so the impact what I'm projecting out for fiscal year 26 um is about $817,363. So when you back that out and you
077compare where we were at in 25 to 26 what they're indicating on the budget run it's a 2.2% increase from 25 to 26 but back it out it's actually a 6% increase in new monies. Um and then you go forward in fiscal year 27 a little bit better but the impact I'm projecting now at 800 $85,887 and when you compare it from 27 excuse me 26 to 27 we're looking at about a 1.3% increase. So in essence it would probably if you combine the two years we're looking at a pretty close to a 2% increase. not for year one and then you add for year two that's a total for for both years of the the bianium. So, and I've shared a lot of information in a very short amount of time. And again, we're
078all still trying to unpack this. And again, it is trying to really desperately see what the impact is going to be because we need to know in the future what is going to happen and we need to budget accordingly, not for a year to yeartoyear budget, but what are we looking at down the road and be prepared for that. So when that time comes and if obviously some adjustments need to be made, it's not a knee-jerk reaction. We have planned for this, but this is why we're trying to figure all of these things out as quickly as we possibly can. Anybody have any questions? I'm sure there's a lot. Well, I think it's obvious that there's downward pressure on us, right? From a financial standpoint, for sure. And I know that somebody that we were
079at the table at the schoolboard association meeting just the volume of stuff. Yes. To deal with is pretty levers. Pretty staggering. I call them levers because and Dr. Wood mentioned too, you're talking about pulling all these levers at one time. We're talking about the federal side. We're talking about property tax. We're talking about the the banium budget. All of these levers are being pulled at one time. and to be prepared for this and the impacts again it is it's it's significant well it's going to be really important for us to um be frugal absolutely any other questions the only thing I the theme I keep hearing is basically school districts with students with high needs so you know we're talking free and reduced high poverty they're the ones who are going to get hit the
080Not just from the state side, but the federal side. Correct. And Leit school district. And then we're talking about the complexity, right? Yes. And not to mention the cut of the summer meal programs. They're not funding summer meals anymore. So our most vulnerable populations are going to suffer suffer. Okay. And and that was kind of brought up in the ISBA review of of some of the changes with the education fund funding is that when when you look at, you know, the runs, the numbers that the state gives us to show us how much money we're getting for different programs like special education, ELLL, CTE, th those, you know, areas that require unique expenditures because students have unique needs. Um those actually the funding is decreasing per student, but it indicates an increase when they show
081the run because they're putting more students into the calculation anticipating that there will be more students who are qualifying as special education or qualifying as English language learners. And so it's not an actual increase. they're actually decreasing the amount given per student, but because they're calculating more students into the equation because they expect those populations to increase, it shows as an an increase. So the there's tricky things that they do to paint a little bit of a different picture than the reality. And at the end of the day, all of that is contingent on the actual number of students that we support for those programs. And the thing of it is is like curriculum material. I mean again that's one of those what I would say call smoke and mirrors if you will. Is there
082an increase from 25 to 26? Absolutely. But in 25 they didn't put the curriculum materials in there. So yes your increase in the amount in the education fund but in essence we had that taken care of before that was outside of that foundation. I mean that was a separate line item separate. I'm I'm a huge fan of fiscal responsibility, but not at the expense of kids. Yeah. And that's what this feels like. So, that's just my opinion. Well, and then you start to choose. Okay. So, what do we do? Are we taking away from the curriculum materials and not offering what we'd like to offer? And again, being fiscally responsible. That doesn't mean you just go out and just, you know, spend, you know, willy-nilly, but I mean, obviously, there's some things that we need
083in which to supplement the instruction of our kids. And again at that tier one like do you do it at the expense of of our kids? And so other questions and like I said anything that I am able to again continue to unpack what I'm hearing obviously was sharing with Dr. Wood. So all right that brings us to the financial dashboard. Um good Danny I would appreciate it. The next slide please start with the education fund. Obviously keep in mind the goal is again the goal is 96% reasons why we use 96% again we're trying to prepare um and be responsible on on going forward and making sure that that uh we are are able to continue to fund what we need to fund uh in April. uh total expenditure and I'm going to preface
084my amount by what I had told you in the previous board meeting and that is we had special education and we also had Chromebooks. So the purchase of your curricula purchase of Chromebooks uh were part of that expenditure. So when you see that amount of 4,958,49536 it's a one time that's a onetime amount for the Chromebooks. Um obviously we do the quarterly payments for special education. Again that is why um it's significantly higher than what you see in March. But in April we're sitting at about 33.88%. Again that's with two that's with two special education payments. So we're actually in in good shape as far as where we're at. We're at 33.88. So we're a little bit above the 32% where we want to be based upon that 8% per month. Um but that will
085obviously neutralize itself out as we go into May into June. We do not have those additional payments. All right. So we are currently uh expended at this point in education fund 14,927,381.77. Next slide please. operations fund. Uh again, 96% is the goal of our budget of 17,13,697. Uh in April, we expended $1,77,950.88. Uh the reason is is we had some contracts, annual contracts that came out during that particular period. Um therefore, again, these are one times. Uh so it it extended plus there was additional work that we were doing uh during our our spring break time. And so again those were some of the additional expenditures that we have. So currently we're spend four excuse me 5,482,26.88 which puts us at 32.05 which is almost right on the money just just slightly above where we
086want to be at 32%. uh based upon our goal. Next slide. Looking at cash flow uh education fund uh receipts of $4,122,511.37 uh dispersements. I had mentioned that before the 4,958 49645.36 and education fund transfer with $617,349. We have a cash balance currently of $7,771,31966. Operations fund cash receipts 112,53695 dispersements up to 1,77950.88 and then the transfer of course uh we're sitting currently atgative966,19.30. Again, keep in mind we'll get our property tax distribution coming here in uh mid June and again that you will see a significant increase into that cash balance at that time. Ready is is asis no expenses and no receipts. Um, so we have a total of our operations and education fund of 7,419,13783 which puts us at a 12.3% operating balance. And again, I keep in my tool in June, you
087will see a significant increase in debt operations balance and that percentage as we look at the next slide in comparisons. Um, compared to 24, we had a increase in our cash receipts of $28,25144 cents or 5.32% increase. Our dispersements um were higher. Again, I I made mention of that, but $579,2453 or 13.23% increase. uh and to ops there was an increase of 5.9% uh from 24 to 25 ending cash balance in our education fund you'll see that we have 1,135,349.91 or 17.11% increase uh from 45 and then looking at operations we had a decrease in cash receipts and I will say that some of this has to do with our investments. Our investments, we were able to generate a little bit more last year uh in this particular time uh in in our investments, but
088we were down about 14.33% in our cash receipts or basically we're down 18,83020. Uh dispersements were up 22.55% at $314,25766 more in 25 and 24. And then the ED ops transfer up $30,479. Um and then that puts us at in the cash balance or the difference and it's a significant difference. Again, we've got we're up $883,000 from 24 to 25. Questions? Okay. Uh, so I like this last one where we compare 24 to 25. Yeah. Right. So, we spent $900,000 more in April of 25 than we did in April of 24. And don't we buy Chromebooks every year? We do, but there's a timing of the Chromebooks. So I we purchased those actually at a different date during that time. We didn't we didn't pay for them at this particular time last year. So if
089you look at that So in the future here, we're going to see that offset. Okay. All right. How about on the how about on the op because the Chromebooks comes out of the education. That's the education fund. How about the operating fund? We spent $314,000. Yeah. So I can tell you that Skyward was aboutundred, you know, it's about $150,000 or more. So that would be one of the contracts and there was another contract I've got to take a look at that that would $150,000 more this year than last year we spent at this time it's a different timing again than we did last year. Okay. So that may rectify itself in a future month. Correct. Got it. Okay. Yeah. And these are one these are one and done. So if you look at if you
090look at what our expenditures have been the previous month, they're pretty they're pretty in line. Yes. And you'll have some blips and it just depends upon you know what time of that year is. Last year, like for Skyward, we paid for that in June. We didn't pay for it in April. We paid ahead of time. Yeah. Thank you. You're welcome. It's a good question. Any other questions for Dr. Hunt? You're full of all kinds of good news tonight. I like to be positive a positive person. So, sometimes it's Yeah. When do we lose the summer uh lunch program? Effective. It's not I think it's effective immediately like this summer. This summer there's no summer feed. I is it this year? No. 28. Yeah. I Because it's not this year cuz we're set up. We We
091got our summer feeding all set up ready to go. Okay. So, I I'll touch base to Cindy because she is I know that she would be calling me immediately if that were the case from Cindy about that. Okay. Other questions? All right. So, moving on to Neiola board policy. Dr. Wood, do you want to guide us through this? Sure. So, we have four packages of Niola updates that we um had last month in first reading. They are now back for second reading and then I would ask for approval for uh policy groups. Um so, just a quick rundown of what's included in each of the four. Um, item 8001 is the non-discrimination and anti-harassment update that dates back to May of 2021. And as we discussed in the last meeting when we had them in
092first reading, um, we're reintroducing these now when um, we updated all of our policies in 2024 and caught everything up. We held this package out because at the time um there was some uh question in regards to if it was going to be pushed through due to federal administration. Um now that federal administration has shifted, these are the policies that align with the current administration and so we are now okay to approve these. So again, this is an old update that just wasn't updated back in 2024 when we caught everything else up. Um, package 8002 is volume 36, number two. Um, this is the September 2024 package that reflects legislative changes from the 2024 legislative session. Um just overall um most of the updates here are again based on um changes that were passed in
093the in the law in 2024. Um there are a few updates that regard uh school safety. Um I read testing that moves down to second graders now. Um that is reflected in the policy. the early literacy teacher endorsement which was passed in 2024 is also reflected in some of these policy updates as long as well as some of the new graduation requirements that were passed by legislation back at that time. Um the next one is volume 36 number two which is the Edgar policy updates. Edgar policies are based on federal grant um requirements. And so all of these policies are in regards to federal grant programs and the specifics regarding our handling of federal grant funds and again not a lot of selection or choices with these. This is updated based on um federal requirements.
094And then the final uh group of policies is the volume 37 number one. Um this was originally released in November of 2024. Um a lot of technology updates in this package and specifically um updates regarding AI, artificial intelligence and um so we now will have policy that is dealing with responsible use of of AI programs um for students and staff. So, um, again, if you have any questions, um, we are recommending these for approval this evening. Does anybody have any questions or comments about these? Can we do this all at one? Yes. All right. So, we're going to uh seeking a motion to uh approve all the policies in one vote um that we just went over. Anyone want to make a motion to approve it? Some moved. Thank you, Amy. Second. Thank you, Jim.
095All those in favor say I. I. Opposed. Right. 70. All right. Uh, next item is new business. Uh, first is consideration recommendation to approve uh acceptance of grants, donations, gifts, and requests. Dr. Will. So, we have one donation this evening coming from Indian Trail. Um, so Indian Trail is requesting approval of a book vending machine, um, which is being donated by the Indian Trail PTA. Um, so this is kind of a a neat thing. It, um, is a vending machine set up to accept tokens. It doesn't accept cash. It accepts tokens that students will earn through reading incentives. Um, so then they can use those tokens to go and and get a book out of this vending machine. So, the PTA has donated this to um the school um and so we would appreciate your
096approval of this donation for the Indian Trail community. So, I want to make a motion to accept this donation. I make a motion that we accept it for Indian. Second. Second. Thank you, Tucker. All those in favor say I. I opposed. Okay. Okay, next order of business is the consideration for the recommendation to approve the city of Leaport property exchange resolution. Dr. Wood, this goes back to the exchange of property that was agreed upon I think back a year ago um in 2024 and it is connected to the um the property that is connected to our old bus barn. Um, so the back portion of that property, um, that we currently own, we agreed to, um, exchange that property to the city. I think the city is going to be utilizing that area to assist
097with drainage needs in that community. Um, and this resolution is just um, basically giving me the authority to sign the paperwork through the closing process of that property exchange. Anyone have any questions or concerns? Someone want to make a motion to approve the city of Leaport property exchange resolution? So moved. Thank you, Tucker. Second. Thank you, Justin. All in favor say I. I. Opposed. Next order of business. Uh motion carries. Next order of business is the consideration for recommendation to approve the Leaport County Career Center annual operation agreement for 2025 2026 school year. Dr. Wood. So for clarification, Leaport County Career Center is the AK Smith Center in Michigan City that um operates and accepts students throughout the county um for their CTE programming. So we are um this is a a um contract that
098we enter into an operation agreement that we enter into with them each year at this time um that allows us to send our students to their facility for programming that they are offering. Um so for for your knowledge we um next year are planning to send 11 students um to programs at AK Smith and so those students um are participating mostly in the automotive program um the energy program um and I think one other that I can't recall off the top of my head but um but generally um we are sending students only for programs that we don't offer here at Lor. Anyone have any questions? The tuition rate up for next year. It actually went down slightly from last year. Thank you for uh bringing that up because I I forgot to mention that.
099So the the cost per student went down by about $300. So they calculate overall the costs of of what they anticipate the program um to cost per per the number of students that are enrolled. There are a number of programs that um they've been experiencing very low enrollment and so um through that process they they've made some cuts um and have eliminated some programs that don't have student interest and so as a result of that they were actually able to lower the cost to um just a small amount but it did go down a little bit from last year. $4,397 per student. Mhm. Any other questions? Does anyone want to make a motion to uh accept the and approve the Port County Career Center annual operation agreement for 2025 to 2026? Thank you, Jen. Second.
100Second. Thank you, Justin. All those in favor say I. I opposed. Motion carries. All right. Uh 9:04 consideration for recommendation to approve the Leaport South Leaport County Special Education Cooperative Budget for the 2025 2026 school year. Dr. Hunt. Thank you, President Seberg. Uh this is just for the board's reference uh the budget for our special education cooperative uh runs on a fiscal year. It does not run on a calendar. So normally when we have our budgets when we have our basically our calendar year budgets for everything as far as operations and uh for education is concerned special education cooperative runs on the on the fiscal so July 1 through June 30th. Uh so before you this evening you should have a line item budget. There's also a summary page in there as well. So just
101to get recap of what has happened. So I work with uh Rob Richards throughout the year. We look at the budgets very closely. uh we start to calculate out the needs. Um and then at the point where we have have come to a consensus of what that budget should be, it's then presented to the special education advisory board um which makes up the different corporations that that are part of the special education cooperative. They voted on May 1st to approve the budget that was submitted. Um and so at this point because Leaport Community School Corporations is the lead education agency for the LEA uh our school board needs to go ahead and approve that budget as well. And so this evening um presenting just looking at there's two parts to this. There is the K
102what I call K13 and then there's the preschool. So there's two different budgets within um basically the budgets that are being presented this evening. There's a federal portion um of the budget and then there's what we call the local portion. So the local portion is what we use fund 131 and 132. Uh that is what all the neighboring districts as well as the port community school corporations put in to supplement uh the budget. And so the K12 federal portion of that budget is 2,859,64162. The local portion is 10,93,94354 uh for a total budget for that K13 of 13,853,58516. on the preschool side, the federal portion that we only get $115,694 from the federal portion of that grant. Uh and then the local portion is1,126,288.118 uh for a budget for preschool of $1,241,982.118. And it's a
103grand total if you pull the two together of $15,95,567.34 cents. And I ask that the board uh approve the budget as submitted. Anybody have any questions for Dr. Hunt? All right. So, anyone want to make a motion to recommend or a motion to approve the South Leort County Special Education Cooperative Quiz for the 2025 2026 school year? Salute. Thank you, Tucker. Second. Second. Thank you, Monica. All those in favor say I. I. Opposed. Motion carries. All right. Next item is the consideration for recommendation to approve an award bid for the CDL training lot. Dr. Hunt. Thanks again, President Seberg. I'm going to kind of killed two birds with one stone. So, some of the information I'm going to be sharing on the CDL is actually some of the information for the next agenda item, which
104is the secure vestibial project. But the legal advertisement for bid ran in two newspapers on April 14th and and April 21st. The pre-bid meeting was held at the CDL location at the transportation center on April the 23rd at 9:00. Uh there was a public bid um at 1:30 on May the 6th and there were three bids that were received and and you should have received that information. Uh bid one that was received was GE Marshall Incorporated for $358,755. Uh bid two is PB Excavating uh company incorporated for $323,320 and Rereath Riley Construction Company Incorporated for $357,942. Uh you refer to the architect's letter that you should have received for some of the details. Um, so at this time I ask that the board approve the bids is submitted and award to PV Excavating Company Incorporated
105with $323,320. Uh, just for note of reference, it's the 2024 GEO bond that will be funding this project. So I asked the board uh for their consideration at this time. Does anyone have any questions for Dr. Hunt? So, I want to make a uh a motion to approve and pit for the CDL training lot to pay the excavator. So, move. Thank you, Jim. Second. Second. Thank you, Tucker. All those in favor say I. I. Opposed. Motion carries. All right. Next item is consideration for recommendation to approve an award bid for the secure vestibule project at Hyman, Kingsbury, and Lincoln schools. Thank you, President Seabourg. Uh the bids actually the advertisement of the bids were the same as our CDL lot. It ran the same time. Actually it was in the same advertisement. Uh pre- bid
106meeting was uh held at 10:00 at Lincolnman and Kingsbury respectively. They were able to meet Lincoln to begin with and then we went to each of those locations for lead contractors to have the opportunity to ask questions. Uh the public bid was held at the same time as 1:30 on May 6th here at the ESC boardroom. Uh three bids were received. Uh bid one was New Tech Corporation for base bid of 743,000. Uh and alternate one which is the Lincoln door which Dr. Wood had referred to earlier for 46,000 uh for a total amount of 789,000. uh Leaport County Project Management Incorporated with base bid of $938,632. Alternate one was $40,42 as a total amount of $978,674. Uh and the third bid was Larsson Danielson base bid of $668,466. alternate one uh was three $32,877
107which is a total of $71,343. Again, please refer to the the architect's letter uh that was sent from Schmidt Associates with the specifics. Uh, and at this time I ask that the board approve the bids as submitted and award to Larson Danielson for the base bid of $668,466 and uh also alternate one for $32,877 for a total award of $71,343. Again, 2024 GEO bond will be funding these projects. Anybody have any questions? Hearing none. Uh, does anyone want to make the motion to approve and award the bid for the secure vest project at Hyman Kingsbury and Richmond Schools Larson McDaniels? So, thank you, Justin. Second. Second. Thank you, Amy. All those in favor say I. I. Opposed? Motion carries. Uh, next order of business is the consideration for the recommendation to approve Chromebook accidental damage
108protection and cases proposal. Dr. Hunt, I have spoken enough tonight and so Mike Walt, I've asked him to present overview of this. This is something that would be brand new. It's something I'm very excited about um for a number of different reasons. we talk about looking for ways to save cost uh be more efficient. Uh this is one of those ways. And so uh Mr. Walsh Tower and myself have been discussing this over the last few months. Um and so at this time I'm going to ask Mike Waltower to share information about this particular action. So Mr. Walau, I'll keep this short because I great band concert in like 20 minutes. Um, no, this is like we said something we've been kind of looking at for the last couple months. Um, one of the things
109that kind of is a big change is we've had, you know, as as the one to one program has continued to grow over the years. Um, one thing that has happened is is that the the models of Chromebook that we use changes about every two years now. Um and as that happens now the parts that correlate to those uh new changes uh are tied to that model now. Um so we've seen a a pretty good increase um of how much we're actually u paying to purchase all of the parts. Um we kind of started the original process of everything being inhouse with only one building tech that was taking on all of the Chromebooks with a class at the high school taking on the repairs at the high school level. Um, since that time, that
110class at the high school, the enrollment in that class has has come down and they've had some issues with trying to find staffing to be able to facilitate that. Um, and at the same time, we've actually allocated now two staff members with inside of our own office to help take on those Chromebook repairs. Um, that and I kind of be was conservative in my numbers. Uh, it I put down 50% of their time. Um, I would say especially during peak times, it's more like 90% of their workload is is just solely uh Chromebook work. Um so we see especially as uh Miss Williams can attest to the middle school intermediate side we see quite a big uh number of breaks um in those age levels. Um so one of the things that we started looking
111at was how much are we paying out per year based off of just the parts that we order every year. Um, and then how much are we actually getting back from parents both in the Chromebook insurance plan that we have, but also the actual paying back of any damages or any of those fees that we may assess uh when a kids damage their Chromebook. Um, and what we found was we were we were seeing not an even level out of those costs. We were seeing a negative side of that. So, we were paying out more than what we were getting back. Um, and on top of that, we were also seeing, like I said, estimated in that sheet was around $57,000 a year. That's again only a 50% of their time of how much time
112that's been taken up of our staff being uh you know allocated just doing Chromebook work. Um the one thing that isn't kind of uh in that number is is how much are we also seeing in administrative uh costs to oversee that program whether it be my secretary the administration building with the uh finance department um with dealing with the parents and any of those kind of situations that we may have with collections or any of those kind of situations. Um, but the other thing we also see is decommissioned devices. So, one of the things we deal with a lot right now is, uh, we have one-year warranties on all the devices. And so, if something happens to that device, um, after that one year that's not necessarily the kid's fault, if it's just a matter
113of the motherboard stops working, um, something that we can't attribute to the kid being any kind of malicious or accidental, um, we eat those. We don't obviously charge the kids for those kind of issues. Um, so that's um, something we also kind of take a little bit of a hit on every year too as well. Um, so as you can kind of see in your packet that I present to you is the aspect of um, what are the things that we're seeing to kind of make up the numbers. Um, and so kind of our net cost of of everything that we have going along with cases is about $140,000 140 and 164 U,000 a year in the cost of just the current self-repair model. Um, again, key challenges are that we have a, um, high
114inventory complexity with the different models that we have, Chromebooks, um, and all the time that it takes for all the logistics of everything. Um, just this year alone, so far since the beginning of the year, we're seeing about 1,600 repairs that we've done in office. Um, so that's just up till now. That's not including what it's going to be like at the end of the school year, which is when we see our highest uh density of repairs because that's when kids turn them in and we catch all the things that haven't been turned in over the school year. So, one of the things that we did was we did put an RFP out. We did get um I believe five responses from from the RFP. Um and based off of that RFP um we have
115uh selected Secure Tech Solutions. Uh, Secure Tech Solutions is a um company that deals with a lot of different K12 schools in Indiana. Um, whether it be local or uh down south as well. Um, this the pieces that we took to this in this RFP was we wanted to be able to have unlimited repairs. Um, we didn't want any caps on any of that. We also didn't want any kind of deductibles or any hidden fees added into that. um no cost for us to ship them on uh to them and no return uh costs. Um but some of the other things we wanted to be able to do was also the covering of the fire spills, drop theft. Um and also some of the incidental things that we lose devices to just now because of
116warranty issues. So motherboard electrical problems that we see, RAM issues, um uh hard drive issues that we just naturally have happen over time, those are going to be covered as well. Um, and some of the things that with the fire and be able to uh with theft, they'll actually work with us and getting, you know, information from us as far as like any kind of police reports or any of this kind of things, uh, insurance documentation. So, we can be able to take care of that. But the other thing that this also does is this normalizes our cost. Um, and when we actually got the bid back, this actually was when you take in account all of the things that we're paying for, we're actually saving quite a bit of money from this. Um the
117bid process, my initial quote actually was higher than what my bid return ended up being. It was about 20 grand higher. Um so Secure Tech actually really came in at a good price um for what we need to be able to do. Um and when you look at the actual cost of everything, um the initial cost that we do is for all the Chromebooks that we currently have and also this year's incoming fleet. So this is this is going to cover all the kids from K to 12 next school year. Um, and then what that will also do is this part of that cost also includes the case. So every year when we buy new Chromebooks, um, we'll also be buying the case with their yearly coverage of insurance. Um, so that's when you start
118seeing the cost change from the third party cost. That's because what's happening is is the senior class, the eighth grade class, and the fourth grade class is falling off and we're adding in the new incoming first grade, fifth grade, and ninth grade devices. So as you can see over the years um when you hit 2028 and 2029 those that cost normalizes because you know it's going to be that cost every year. Now that may fluctuate depending on the cost of the devices or pay uh any kind of terrace or those kind of things. Um you know they may have to adjust the pricing a little bit but we don't see that jumping you know exceedingly high. Um so after 5 years of savings we look at about 163,000 uh that we see in a 5year
119savings time time frame. Mike, can I ask a question? Yeah. So, of the $141,000 of savings, $57,000 of that is is our internal labor, right? Yeah. So, make up that 141,000. I'm putting everything together. So, our internal what we're paying currently for parts, our internal labor, um Chromebook cases that we already pay for now, right? Um and then also the cost of the loss that we're seeing. So, so but we're we're we're still paying our we're not looking to eliminate staff. Correct. Right. No. So, so we're still going to have those costs, right? So, what's the offsetting we're going to do with those costs to get the real savings? So, what one of the things that we're also doing right now is is we've been looking for other things to do with inside of our
120own department right now. We took on security cameras, physical security. There's all the cyber security initiatives and things like that that we're also looking at and that we're doing currently right now. and we've been trying to figure out a way to be able to do some more in our own office, whether that be create a new position. It was part of our initiative for the district a few years ago um when we set out that the new plan for the district. Um but one of the things we're looking at doing is taking the five building texts that we have right now and take one of those and reallocate those towards a different type of position. Uh there's some other things that we can do with inside of our own department because we actually did not
121rehire a fifth position right now. We have an open position um and we purposely did not rehire that position to be able to reallocate that to another area to be able to do some other things that we really want to be able to do in the district. That will also additionally then save us additional money um by taking on some of the things physically in house that we are paying out to vendors right now to be able to do. Okay. So for instance, security cameras and those kind of things. Right now we pay a vendor every time we need something done on those. This will help us be able to kind of reallocate that person and they can go out and do the little things or even some complex things. You know, we're not going
122to put them on a lift out in the middle of nowhere for in 50 feet in the air. But, you know, some of the things that we normally would have them come out to do like just rebooting a switch or maybe going out and and installing a brand new camera, replacing a camera, those kind of things we can be able to allocate to an internal. So, potentially it's going to stop us from hiring somebody, right? Because we we we thought we were going to have to hire somebody, but now we don't have to. Yep. So instead of adding one additional more person to our department, we would essentially take the current position and reallocate that to another position. Okay. And on top of that, like you said, Mr. Saber, that you would be able to
123do some things in house and not have to pay out contractors and what should those cool. Um, so some of the other things like I saying, secure tech also provides the production, but they also provide all the cases. So that is part of that cost in there as well. Um it does repair reduces repair cost um advent burden and staffing pressure for us. So then what would move forward would be the only thing that we would actually be charging kids for would be malicious damage. Um and also they do not cover the uh power cords. So if a kid does break their power cord then they have to stop that. Um but it would take care of all the other issues. Um like I said this kind of stabilizes the budget as far as that
124goes. And this would also um start August 1st of this year and we would start our first payment for that in June. Um like I said the total uh budget would be 261680. That's for this current one but it's parsed up over 40 years. So that leaves us essentially with a first payment in June of 10283250. So tactically how does this work then? So like right now something breaks we're fixing it generally in house. Now something breaks, we're sending it off. Do they give you some loaners to use in the meantime? We have actually positioned ourselves really well with loaners. Um and and part of that is because of the fact that Chrome and Google changed their policy. A few years ago, your life expectancy for a Chromebook was around four, five, six years. Um
125now the life expectancy from actual Google as far as getting updates and support is 10 years. They guarantee a 10ear now on those. So, we actually have a good stock of spares right now. So, the way it kind of works right now is is we we have internal ticket system inside of Skyward. They put a ticket in, my guys come out, they pick up the devices, they take them back to our office, repair them, and then take them back out. Right. Um, this would be where it's kind of the same premise, but instead of our guys working on them, they pick them up and they would get sent out the box to a repair center, then come back. And then I read here too, I think that that this price that you laid out here
126includes shipping. Yes. Yep. Shipping's included. Great. And I tell you, I've spoken to a number of different districts, larger districts, but that they said we wouldn't be able to survive if we didn't have this particular program because where we're at right now, because we're really staffing our tech department, not based upon the work with Chromebooks, but what had been in place before. And so now all their time is being spent on repairs of Chromebook. So then that frees them up to obviously be able to attack some different things that need to be attacked. I saw they had a lot of good references to it. Yeah. Yeah. And that was something even when when we first talked about it and and we were saying, you know, well, who's all doing these? You know, when I first
127put out the RFP, immediately my contacts have already done this. We're like, yeah, I've you know, we just finished this or we just finished doing the exact same thing. And it's really because of the cost of just how much everything is on top of now with the looming, you know, thought of is there tariffs and those kind of things coming in there too. Our parts when we buy parts, they're not directly, you know, given to us from the reseller or from the seller. We're being resold those parts. So, we're seeing also the markup costs when we're buying them from also another third party. So, this get they get their parts directly from the seller. So they're able to lower their cost on parts when everything's being repaired. So there's some, you know, savings in that
128regard just for us because the fact that we're not having to go now through third party. So questions, any questions? Thank you. Thank you very much. Appreciate it. Okay, hearing no questions. Does anyone want to make a motion to approve the Chromebook accidental damage protection and cases proposal as laid out by move? Thank you, Justin. Second. Second. Thank you, Amy. All in favor say I. I. I oppose. Motion carries. Uh there is no other business. Uh anyone have any board comment? Despite the uh feed or the news we got about the budget, there were a lot of great things that we saw tonight from our school district. And I have no doubt despite some of those budgetary issues that are going to be coming down the pike that we're going to continue to see great
129things happening in our school district. So, I was happy to see those good things and I'm sure good things will keep going. Absolutely. Anybody else? Any other legislative stuff? Jim, are we good? Just that two in pass after we had hopes it wouldn't. Although uh Senator authored a bill took it down to the last day. He was having trouble garnering the votes. It passed by two votes. However, keep in mind it doesn't make it mandatory to require you to pick a party. It allows you can still run as a in part of nonp parks. How does that work with primaries? We have no primary no matter what. Even if you do declare. So let's just say if five Democrats decide to run it, five Republicans, you know, that's what it's going to be. And no
130straight ticket. And no straight ticket. Yeah. No straight ticket voting. Okay. I'm going to pile on to what Justin said like you know there'll be some some challenges ahead of us but there's only one way to deal with them which is headon um with each other. We have good leadership here um and I'm very confident that we can will navigate through this. Um all right we have a uh exec session on the 19th. Next board meeting on May 19th uh sorry we have an exec session on May 19th. Next board meeting is June 9th. Um, anyone want to make a motion to adjurnn? So move. Me a second. Second. Thank you. All those in favor say I. I. Here end of the meeting.