Board Meeting 4/14/25

001Ra, I'll make a motion. All right, we're going to call to order the uh school board meeting for Leaport Community School Corporation. Today's Monday, April 14th, 2025. Um, first short business is the pledge of allegiance. So, if you please stand with me, face the flag, and join me in the pledge of allegiance. I aliance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Uh, next is roll call. Uh, vice president uh Jackson. Sure thing. Mr. Arnold present. Mr. uh Mr. King here. Not Mr. Tucker. Mr. or Miss Batty here. Mrs. Farley present. I am here. Mr. Holquest, President Zeberg here. All right. We have six, which is a quorum. All right. Thank you. Uh, next order

002of business is public comment. There is none. Next thing is the consent agenda. There's eight items in the consent agenda which you've seen. Uh the approval of minutes of the March 10th, 2025 schoolboard meeting, financials for ratification and approval. The treasures report and memorandum of understanding with youth service bureau. The bianual renewal of level one, two, and three certified administrator contracts through June 30th, 2027. transfer from the Klein estate fund to the Critchfield and Kingsbury preschool funds. The transfer from the special education teacher appreciation fund to the teacher appreciation grant fund and then personnel recommendations and travel request. Do I have a uh a motion to accept the consent agenda? So moved. Thank you, Tucker. Second. Second. Thank you, Monica. All those in favor say I. I opposed. Okay, that passes. So, just uh one

003point on the uh the buying and renewal of level one, two, and three certified administrator contracts. Um there's no raises or pay reflected in that. So, just want kind of the public to know those are just extending contracts kind of as written uh out through 2027. Uh okay, there is no special personnel recommendations. So, we're going to do some presentation. Um so in infrail and Hanley Elementary are going to do some presentations. Does anybody want to see this up? Yeah, this is our school spotlight. It gives our schools a chance to um share some exciting things that are happening maybe things behind the scenes and we don't always um directly but indirectly those uh those things make a difference. So Mrs. Up is here on behalf of Hanley and I'm sorry to say Mrs. Marks

004wasn't so she had to talk out but I think Mrs. HP's going to carry the torch for our schools and tell you a little bit about some partnerships. So, we are working together as a partnership. I love that word. All eight of the elementary schools came together to pre prepare this PowerPoint and and share with you. Um, the reason we chose to do that is we are trying to show our unity, how we come together. Much of the time we'll come and we'll highlight one school, but we want our community to know that all of our schools are doing great things and whatever school you attend, you are in good hands with good people. And so we are um going to share tonight um a highlight about our PTO or PTAs. So we have different

005schools have different organizations and we want to share how um those schools support our students, our staff and our parents. And so we'll start here with each school being highlighted. You will have access to this. So we're not going to go through each one and talk about it. I just want to make sure that you have an opportunity to see the variety of experiences and opportunities that the organizations provide to our students. Some are academic, some are social and emotional, some are friendship building, some are STEM related, some are during the day, some are after school, some are evening events, sometimes evening events like you saw Kingsford Heights there. Um, that was a Fourth of July parade. They had a float. I thought that was a great idea. They had a float in the parade.

006The staff came together with the PTO, decorated a float. They had some kids there. Um, one aspect of all of this engagement that I really want to highlight is the fact that um throughout all of these events, here's here's one from Hanley with with the GL. This is an evening and I I I want to stop here just for a moment, not because it's Hanley, but because it is an evening event. And what I want to share about that is it's an opportunity. Here's another one with Lincoln being an evening event. This is an opportunity to build the home school relationship. Research shows that building that bond, that connection between the home and the school is good for students and parents in a variety of ways. We talk about um making schools safe and we

007talk about safety being emotionally safe, physically safe. The same thing with academics. So, we're really trying to create those relationships through these types of events. Here's Lincoln's PTO um steam night. That also was an evening event. And the number of parents that get involved is just astronomical. I mean we should do signin sheets so we can we can the pictures will show it though the engagement. So this is an attendance matters day. in an attempt to increase and improve attendance. Some of the schools are doing a variety of activities and one of the schools is doing um an event to they pick one day a month and they surprise the kids and they do a whole school activity. So that was a picture of that. Riley's walk-athon. Mr. Hunt has has trained us a little

008bit through the state board of accounts that it's always best also to run funds through the PTO. So the PTO is I think 100% for all of our schools responsible for our fundraisers. This is a fun event. I know Hyman participates in this. I think Kingsberry participates in the Rock Your School Day. Uh I think Kesling participates also. A lot of the students enjoy that. And all of these events are sponsored by our PTO. You can see the the number of families that participate and all in the process of building that homechool relationship. PTO has helped with um purchases of some large large high ticket items. Also, um here you'll see Kingsberry's playground and they worked in conjunction with the healthcare foundation to um apply for a grant and I believe that was split between

009the PTO and the foundation and they were able to through fundraising opportunities and the PTO's efforts um provide a brand new playground for the students. So, that was that was exciting there. I know also many of the schools and the through the PTO try to provide these events at no cost to the families or very minimal cost to the families. It's just truly an opportunity for everyone to come together and truly we couldn't do what we do without our PTO and PTA organizations. So we are very thankful to them as well as to our staff that runs and and helps make the events possible. PTO organizes it and then um many times it is our staff that's responsible for for making it truly happen. So we're a team and um we appreciate our families participating

010so that we can build that relationship. Awesome. I'd love to entertain any questions. If you have any questions or thoughts you'd like to share, I can pass them along to our principles. What's the difference between PTO and PTA? So PTO PTA is a formal national organization. PTO is uh less formal. So PTA has a um there's a fee to belong. Okay. You follow specific guidelines. PTO is parent teacher organization and as a group we create our guidelines and our rules. Much of them are the same. Um when voting we have to have much of the same approval, those kinds of things, but we don't require like PTA I think it's still $3. There's a there's a fee. Um we don't require that. And that helps promote parent involvement. Anyone can come to a meeting at

011any time and not have to worry about, you know, paying or joining. Yeah. Thanks. So many moons ago, my wife was a president of the Highland PTA. I thought it needed to be a PTO. Interesting. Because I didn't like paying the money towards the PTA, right? So, she asked me to help convert that to a PTO. And when I was done, I said, "Don't ever change this again." I think parents appreciate it. It's It's less formal. Um they can just come and participate and really really are finding uh all eight schools are finding that it does create a much more positive welcoming environment and so we are very thankful to the PTO PTAs and parents and staff that make this possible. Thank you for any questions or comments. So I would just pass along to

012the PTAs and the PTO's thank you. Right. It's it's all labor of love. None of them are usually have their kids involved which is great. Yes. Yeah. But thanks for everything. We know that everybody is busy so please don't feel pressured by any means but the springtime is a time where a lot of us are having our um family picnics or celebrations. Um you'll see those in our notes. Uh I can even ask them if you're interested. We can send little invites um just so that you know if you're driving around stop by. I think you would be pleasantly surprised to see the amount of engagement uh as well as the amount of work uh by our PTO and our staff members that go into these events. And like I said, for the most part,

013very minimal cost. Um really just a night or an evening or late afternoon to get together with with your friends and fellow uh parents. Awesome. Thank you. Okay. So, the uh next order of business is the superintendent's report. Dr. Thank you. Um I'm going to begin my superintendent report this evening with an update on our transition timeline as we've been in the habit of doing for the last several months. Um so we have a number of items that are listed for the month of April for our transition timeline. Of course, I do want to provide an update on transportation zones, which was included in the March transition timeline, but we had postponed that until we were able to work out a few additional details with our transportation department. Um, so as you're aware, our transportation

014department utilizes a general guideline of a onem radius for walking zones. Um, there are some exceptions made for a variety of safety factors. So there are certainly areas within a onem radius that we are providing transportation and those are specific to each area. Um so in consideration of the large number of families we have who live within a block or two of Lincoln Elementary, um we have been able to establish a bus stop route that will be able to transport students from the Lincoln parking area to Hyman. So for our students who are redistricted now to Hileman Elementary for the 2526 school year, um we will be able to run a bus from the parking area of Lincoln to Hileman so that those families that are right in that vicinity will have um the ability

015to utilize bus transportation um to get their children to Hileman. We believe this plan is is the best plan to meet the needs of the students and families in regard to safe transportation for their new school. Um, so families will receive more specific information from the transportation department later this summer when we release that information to all families regarding specific uh details and times for their bus routes for next year. Um, so moving then into the items that are listed for the month of April. Um, we are continuing to make excellent progress in our transition timeline. So the first item is uh in regards to the Boys and Girls Club. So, I'm very excited to announce that Boys and Girls Club will be expanding surf um services for the Hileman Club next year. They are

016anticipating opening up approximately 40 additional seats um to students within our district at the Hileman Club. Um, so as we continue to work to make the club accessible to as many students within our district as we can, uh, the Boys and Girls Club will be able to accept students from Riley, Hand Handley, Indian Trail, and Kingsbury in addition to the students who are already enrolled through Hileman and Kingsford Heights. So any students um from those schools who are interested in participating in the Boys and Girls Club for next year, they will just need to apply directly to the Boys and Girls Club um once that uh application process is open later this year. There is a link on our website or of course you can Google Boys and Girls Club of Leort County to find

017their website and all of their registration um information is available on their website. Um we have a community links page on our website that you can easily access the link to their site as well. Um so again we will um be hosting the Boys and Girls Club for elementary students at Hileman and Kingsford Heights. Our intermediate students are able to participate at our Kesling club and we're arranging transportation from Riley Hand Handley Indian Trail and Kingsbury to those students there as well. Um we are continuing to make progress on staff placement for current staff at Lincoln Elementary. Um Dr. Tonagle is going to cover more specifics of staffing in his report this evening. Um we do have listed on the transition timeline that we are working on support staff placement making very good progress there.

018So he'll provide uh additional details in his update this evening. Um then the last item that's listed on our timeline for April is the extracurricular transition plan. Um so our intent has been to ensure that all extracurricular opportunities that are available to students at Lincoln currently will continue to be offered to students in their new schools. Um so as we're working through this process, we've been engaging our district's extracurricular committee um which is a committee that has uh formed in conjunction with the teachers association. Um, and that committee is working through some of the planning for our extracurriculars for next year, which includes some of the transition pieces for um, current Lincoln students as well as all of our elementaryaries. Um, comprehensively, we're looking at positions across the district um, as well as um, extracurricular

019opportunities that are available and working to align all of those opportunities so that we're offering as many um, to all students within our elementarymentaries as possible. Um so as this committee wraps up its work, the team will submit a proposal to the negotiations team and the then they will um take that into pre-negotiations we which we expect to um be starting this spring. Um so we will have additional information on that forthcoming once that uh team gets to work on pre-negotiations. Um I want to also provide a brief update on our student transition plan. Um, we have now set up the first round of transition tours to Riley, Hanley, and Hileman for the current Lincoln students. Um, so students who are attending Riley next year will be visiting that school during the school day on

020April 25th. So, a field trip um to Riley. Um, students who are attending Hanley next year will visit on May 2nd and students who um will be attending Hileman will visit on May 9th. Um, in addition to these trips, principles from those three schools have been visiting with students at Lincoln during their lunchtimes. Um, and as you reviewed some of the different after-school family events that are sponsored by our PTO and PTA, all of those events that are happening this spring at those schools are welcoming the Lincoln students that will be attending there next year, which is really great opportunity for the students and families to get some access um, and exposure and be able to meet some of their peers and and families to meet other families as well. Um, so we're very grateful

021to those schools and those PTA organizations for helping to orchestrate all of that and welcoming the Lincoln students who will be attending there next year. Um, finally, one additional update that I want to share with the board is that um, on Wednesday, April 23rd, which is next week, Wednesday, the Indiana Department of Education's workbased learning task force will be visiting Leaport High School. So we were selected for this um with the DOE's task force um as they are visiting different sites within the state of Indiana and observing different schools that are offering comprehensive and wellestablished um CTE and work-based learning programs. Um so specifically they will be starting their visit by visiting the coffee club at the high school um where they'll get some exposure and get to check out our entrepreneurship program that has

022um started and runs the coffee club at the high school. Um from there then they're going to be moving over to Slicer CTE here in this building and they are going to visit our welding lab. Um so this gives them an opportunity to see a new and upand cominging program that we're offering. Part of that that visit and that tour will also be a tour of New York Blower. Um as we want to emphasize the partnership that we have with that community partner um and as we look to expand to some additional partnerships within um the community of Leaport. We want to really highlight how that partnership is planning to work with Slicer CTE. Um, so we're really excited to be able to showcase our programs and really um, showcase how Slicer CT is intended

023to to grow within our community and really excited for the opportunity to be able to introduce them to also a community partner in addition to what we have going on here. So, um, very excited for that visit and happy that we were able to be selected for that partnership. And that is all I have. Awesome. Do we have any questions or comments for Dr. Wood? Okay. Thank you. Uh, next is elementary assistant superintendent report. Dr. Tonicle. Yeah, good evening. As Dr. Wood indicated, we've been been making uh some uh very good progress on our staffing u this spring in preparation for 2526. I want to give you some uh numbers uh so you can associate with uh um what's going on with certified and non-certified staff. So, right now uh we have approximately 13 staff

024members that have been placed. And I say approximately because we have some staff members that are district staff members already serving co-op in cooperative positions and so they're not really moving. They're just their schedules are changing a little bit. So out of those 13 um we have eight teachers and four uh non-certified staff. So your noon time assistants, breakfast assistants, pair of professionals. Um so right now we're just looking at four more certified staff members to place this spring. So we're feeling pretty good about that. And then three non-certified staff. And out of those seven people, um, several of them have been offered positions and declined. Um, they're looking for the right fit. And so, we're feeling pretty good about where we're at heading into April. Um, we haven't had a lot of retirements or

025anything like that. And so, there's just been some shifting going on. And we've got some good kindergarten numbers in a few of our schools as well. So, um, feeling good about where things are at. Um, Tammy's going to pull up a, uh, chart that I want to share with you a little bit about our I read. We just concluded our first round of I read um testing in March. So our second and third grade graders tested. Want to share a little bit of results with you. Now these are not finalized. They're preliminary. Um so uh Amy, if you go to the next slide. So here's a chart showing our second grade passing percentages. So these are the percentage of students that are on track or who have passed. The navy blue uh bar is 69%.

026So that's 2025 testing compared to 2024 testing. As you can see, we went up 8%. These are different cohorts, so you can't really compare them, but it does give a good indication that our teachers at K1 and two are really doing an excellent job with those foundational reading skills. We're really proud of these percentages. These are very strong and they lead to more success in third grade because we can really hone in and provide intense interventions for uh the second graders who move on to third grade who need more um direct explicit instruction and reading. The next chart is the percent uh school by school of third graders who passed. Now this is not the whole cohort. This does not include the second graders who passed in 2024. So, as you take a look at

027this chart, there's a state average of about 62% of third graders who tested the second time around passed. Um, as a corporation, we're 75%, but within that 75%, we vary kind of greatly. We have three schools over 90%. So, we're very proud of Critzfield um Hanley and I believe it is Kingsford Heights all met that 90% uh benchmark. Um the other schools uh Kingsbury were close at 84% and um the other schools will be focusing on those third graders who did not test because new this year um students who did not pass in third grade can retest in May before the summer school uh window. So we're working on our summer school program right now. Letters have been sent out to all second and third graders who either did not pass or who were not

028on track. And if they were close enough and we feel like it's a reasonable um you know task to give them that assessment again before they leave, we will test them again in May, give them instruction in June, and then test them again at the end of the uh Jul or end of June before July. So we're feeling pretty confident about where these numbers are at right now, but we still have two more test administrations to get through. Third part of my report tonight, I want to thank and acknowledge the Ralph and Charlotte uh Jones Endowment Fund. That Jo that Jones endowment fund was set up a few years ago to support extracurricular activities on Leaport. So I want to read uh who um throughout the corporation was awarded funds to support athletics clubs um

029extracurricular groups. First is Indian Trail Elementary School received $5,000 from the endowment fund for a gardening club for a new greenhouse. So, that's an exciting uh endeavor that aligns with our agricultural pathways. Port High School um athletic department, $1,000 for the coaches clinic. That will be for all K and 12 coaches. It's a coaches um seminar that we're doing this summer. Port High School athletic department boys basketball program received $1,300 for uh healthy fueling, power bars, etc. So, protein um getting students the nutrition they need after workouts for recovery. Uh Leaport High School received $500 for the American Sign Language Program for their camp. Port High School, $1,000 for the Interact Club, which is a uh an extension of the Rotary Club. So, they're doing a bottle cap bench. So, really want to thank the

030whole Jones family for this endowment. Um it makes a big difference. I know our groups really appreciate it. Thanks, Amy. hand on that's your family. We're already seeing the fruits of this uh vision that their family had. So we want to thank them. That concludes my report. Do we have any questions for Dr. Tom? Comments? So I have a question. So three of our schools were under the state average on that uh reading. So um what now? Like what does something different happen? Do we target them more? Like before you ask that question, I want to ask a clarifying question because you mentioned that the second the students that already passed as second graders are not included in that. So with those percentages, is that only the kids that tested this spring? Those are only

031the kids that tested this spring. The the passers will be put in the aggregate number at the end of the summer. So it's not a reflection of the cohort. It's just a snapshot. This is what's happened so far in testing this year. All right. Right. Yeah. So, all schools would be targeting any student that did not pass in small groupoup instruction using the resources that we have in corporation. Yeah. And each, like I said, each school, each um, you know, student is different. Um, you've got students with special needs, you've got English language learners, they they make up everything. So, the kids will be getting individual reading instruction. And those results include all kids, correct? All kids. Yes. So if if some schools have more students that are struggling a little more cooperative program in

032some of those buildings right there. Yeah. Um I just had a thought and it just escaped me that I was going to explain a little bit. All right. Okay. That's good. All right. Thank you. Yep. Any other questions? All right. Thank you. Next item is assistant superintendent of business and operations report. Dr. Hunt President E. Seg. Uh good evening. There are three items as part of my board report this evening. Uh the first of which is the financial dashboard which I'll go over in just a moment. It is get it up. Okay. Thank you. Um again just keep in mind this is a reflection of the month ending of March 31st 2025. We'll start with the education fund. Um, just keep in mind that the overall budget or the appropriations for the education fund, $43,224,828.

033Uh, in the month of March, uh, our expenditures were at 2,889,799.72, which brings us to a total after the first quarter of 2025, a total of 9,968,88641. Um and as far as a benchmark is concerned again our goal is 96% expenditure uh of the appropriation or the budget and we are sitting currently at 22.62%. I will let the board know this that in the month of April you will see that jump quite a bit and the reason is again we have our quarterly payment that was just made today uh to the special education cooperative that will increase obviously our expenditures and then also the Chromebooks and we always do a refresh of the Chromebooks every year um for our students and that will also be a part of that. So those two uh expenditures combined

034you will see an increase of just again fair warning the board that you see that in the month of April but as far as the the month of March is concerned and again at the end of quarter one we are set in really good shape as far as our goal of that 96%. Then moving on to the operations fund. Uh our budget of $17,13,697. By the month of March, we expended $1,274,814.15, which brings us to a grand total at the end of quarter 1 of 3,774,076 even. And it puts us at 22.07% 07% um after at the end of quarter 1 and again put us in very good uh shape as far as our goal is concerned at that 96%. Then moving on to uh the March cash flow month of March our cash receipts

035in education was $4,152,80081. uh our cash distributions of $2,889,799.72 which you've already just mentioned. Um and then the end to transfer of $621,864 which then puts us at a cash balance at the end of March and at the end of quarter 1 of 9,224,65265. Moving on to the operations cash receipts of $177,336.30 distributions of which I mentioned earlier the 1,274 81415 and again the ED to transfer that 621,864 which then puts us at a cash balance at the end of March of $12,4563. I will keep in mind again we will get our distribution from our property tax in the month of June. So you will start to see that as far as the fund is concerned it will start to dip into the red in the month of April and May and then we will

036I'm projecting right now we'll have a cash balance at the end of June. Again this is just speculatory of about $2.2 2 million which then puts us at about a 13% operating balance not overall but just in the operations fund by itself. Uh we had enough no activity in rainy day neither from a cash receipts nor a expenditure standpoint which still puts us at a cash balance of 613,83747. And so as we look at the operating balance as far as those funds are concerned uh $9,850,535.75 which again puts us at the end of March at a 16.33% operating balance. Again as we keep in mind where we would like to be is a 25% operating balance. That's what we're striving for. It's not going to happen overnight but those goals that we keep in mind

037and then moving forward. And then finally, as we look at the revenue, expenses, and cash balances, a 24 versus a 25. Um, look, um, as we look at the cash receipts in 24 versus, uh, 25, the difference is $71,647.37 to the good. Um as far as above cash receipts from 24 which is about a 1.76% increase. Uh the the dispersements um is about uh 148,68427 uh below the expenditures in 24 again which is in a good way is a negative 4.89% uh difference. The edop transfer is more in 24 versus 25. And again, keep in mind and that's because of the amount that we are receiving in the education fund. And that 15% obviously is going to be more in 25 versus 24. That was about $11,258 more as far as the transfer has been

038consent or 1.84%. uh ending cash balance. Keep in mind um where we were at 24 versus 25, we are actually 1,536,793 above a cash balance standpoint, which again we're trending in the right direction or 19.99% increase uh in our cash balance in our education fund. And then finally in their operations uh again looking at those differences cash receipts we about $59,870.35 more um and it's a cash receipts in 25 versus 24 or 50.97% increase. uh dispersements were more than 25 than they were in 24 and about $22,72.20 more or 1.76% increase in our expenditures to ops. I've already mentioned that and then ending cash balance if you look at 24 versus 25 you're going to see a significant difference obviously trending very much in in a positive direction. Uh we were at negative 1,273,56335 at

039this point in 24 and in 25 at 12,4563 or a difference of $1,285,68.98 more or above where we were in 24. And I will entertain any questions that you may have on the financials. Have any questions? And again, as I get to the legislative update, you'll understand the importance again of that cash balance and moving forward. Yeah. So, this good work, you know, I mean, we it's a team effort. Yeah. I mean, for sure. Um, but yeah, I just I'm I'm happy that we brought $2.8 million more total today than we did a year ago this time compared to. So, thank you. Uh, next on my report, just to give the board an update on where we are at with our projects. We keep in mind our projects that I'm referring to is the secure

040vestibial projects at Kingsbury, Hyman, and Lincoln. Um, as well as that CDL training lot out at our transportation center. Uh, actually legal advertisements are going out tomorrow. They'll run tomorrow and then again next Tuesday or a week from tomorrow. Uh just statutoily speaking, we have to have those legal advertisements for those open bids because they exceed the threshold for public works. Uh and then on the 23rd of April, we will be having a uh pre-bid meeting at uh CDL at the transportation center to begin with at 9:00 uh to take a look at the CDL and allow any of the contractors to ask questions prior to submitting any bids. And then at 10:00 um we will be meeting at Lincoln um and discussing the Lincoln and Hyman and and Kingsberry secure vestibule projects. We did

041have a final meeting if you will prior to really kind of releasing those um specs as well as the plans to the public as for those bids. Uh so we were able to run through everything um and final checklists were made as far as those items were concerned for all of those projects last week. So we're very excited to be able to have the bid opening on May the 6th. So May the 6th at 1:30 central time. the bid openings for all of those projects will take place here at our um and again those are are open to the public or again those will be sealed bids that we'll be receiving so many questions that you may have on any of the projects. So is your is your hope that uh on the board meeting

042on the 12th we can Excellent point. Yes, that is that is our intent. That's the reason why our bid opening is set for the sixth, which gives us opportune time to review those bids that have been submitted. Um, and make sure that we have time to contact any of the contractors and any final questions that we may have had on those bids that were submitted. But that gives us again time for us to feel those at the board meeting on May the 12th. Is the hope of the intent that those projects would be done before school starts in the in the fall. Very cool. Very cool. and and the final and and forgive me I don't normally do this but I want to read because there has been a lot of activity so much so

043that right before the board meeting I was um actually watching the live stream from the general assembly I was watching the senate because they were talking about house bill or they were uh voting on amendments on house bill 101 um as they were there with the uh the senate and again house Bill 101 is what started with the house and then it moves to the senate. That's where they're at right now. So, uh, but on if you look at all of my notes that I have throughout the general assembly, I have about 35 pages of notes um and updates and it's constantly updating. This is the most updated information that I can provide to you at this point. But on May on Monday, April 7th, the House Waste Means Committee heard Senate Bill One, which

044is a local government finance. Representative Jeff Thompson presented a 368 page amendment to Senate Bill One that was passed earlier in the session by the Senate. Uh the committee discussed the new amendment and heard amendments from the Democrats on the committee for over two hours. The amendment 45 was not amended by the committee and was placed into Senate Bill 1. The bill was moved to second reading by a party line vote of 15 to 8. Uh we have heard from legislators over the past several months the term and I'm going to I'm going to say this and I'm going to actually define this a little bit more. Uh the term is a decrease in the increase. And so again I will define that in a couple minutes referring to the impact of property tax relief

045on school corporations. That is what we are seeing for the majority of corporations. There will be increased property tax collections for the next three years but not as much as we anticipated. Like I said, there is a decrease in the increase. And so there is going to be an increase from one year to the next. But looking at what stands right now in current law, we would not be receiving as much. So there's that what I would call a loss on what's that potential revenue, but there's that uh decrease to the increase. Uh again, this was expected with the push for the property tax relief by governor and the general assembly. Representative Thompson stated that the language in the amended Senate Bill One would have homeowners or saves homeowners 1.1 billion in property taxes over

046the next three years with 55% of homeowners paying less in 2026 than in 25. The amended bill contains many aspects of Representative Thompson's House Bill 1402 uh that would move Indiana's property tax system from a levybased to a ratebased beginning in 2028. Uh the bill deals with short-term issues for the next two years and process a long-term adjustment in future. Uh regarding local property taxes, it was stated that the current average increase for governmental units is at 5.3% and the new components of Senate Bill 1 would provide a statewide average increase of 3.0%. The amended Senate Bill one is a very, and I mean this sincerely, is a very complex program that makes changes to local income tax or LIT and the current tax deductions and credits. The major components is what you keep in

047mind in Senate Bill 1 dealing with school corporation issues are as follows. Portions of Senate Bill 518 were included in Senate Bill one. The key difference in the Senate Bill One amendment is that debt service levies will not be included in the sharing of property tax levies with charter schools. The only way the debt service could be shared with charter schools was to have a tax increase with debt was used. The four counties that were in legislative last year, which is Lake, Marian, St. Joseph, and Vandenberg will continue to share a portion of their operating referendum revenue with charter schools. school corporations who meet the requirements for sharing revenue with charters. More than 100 nonverirtual students of legal settlement attend a brickandmortar charter school and the number of non-verirtual students of legal settlement attending a

048brick and mortar school is greater than 2% of the school corporation's ADM and are not in four counties will be sharing with the charters in starting in calendar year 2028. The maximum levy growth quotient will be 4% 2026 only. That is what we have used before. That maximum levy growth quotient is we take the levy and then we were increase it by that particular percentage and that is going to be going away according to this particular amendment. What is being presented in in calendar year 2000 after 2026. All school referendums will be placed on the ballots only in general elections which is in November for future elections. The referendum question is revised to delete the average estimated language and all references to percentages. The new question is very similar to the revisions that the education

049management associations have requested regarding general obligation bonds. a school corporation that issues new GEO bonds after passage of Senate Bill One or has issued uh general obligation bonds before May 1st, 2025 um for a period of two years or less at the expiration of those GO bonds must wait one year before issuing new geo bonds. As was in Senate version of Senate Bill 1, control projects when completed will have a one-year waiting period before another control projects could be moved forward. Business personal property taxes are phased out starting in 2028 taxes. Tax appeals for transportation and other issues will be eliminated in 2027. And this was in Senate Bill uh version Senate Bill one as well. The amended bill calls for the dissol dissolution of Union School Corporation by 2027. Keep in mind that particular

050school corporation has 9,000 virtual students and only 300 students attending school and the brick and mortar. The amendment details how the students and property of Union School Corporation will be annexed uh by two other corporations. The debt threshold for control projects was reduced from 70 or reduced to 70% from the current 80 cents uh starting in 2026. We don't meet that threshold right now. We are in that 40 cent threshold but we are not in that 80 cent threshold. And so that is Senate Bill One. Again, a lot of information. I hate reading these this details, but it's important for me not to missing the details as soon as I do share this with you. Uh Senate Appropriations Committee. So now we're going to start talking about House Bill 101, which is again that starts

051in the H House starts in the House, moves to the Senate. So 10:01 State Budget, Senator Brian Mistler, chair of the committee, presented the Senate Republican amendment. This was on the morning of April 10th. So, this just happened week prior. The following are the components of this amendment. Increases K12 tuition support by 870 million over the bienium. Again, that's not public school. That's that's K12, but again, I'm going to get in something here in just a moment. Um, the House version was at 543 million. The difference comes from changes in the funding for school choice and virtual charter schools. There were there is a 2% increase in the tuition support in each year of the bianium. The curricular materials appropriation of 160 million per year was rolled into the foundation portion of the school tuition

052support formula. I will share just a moment about what the impact is with that. uh this amount will continue to not be used for the collective bargaining purposes but it will be used for the 62% amount for the teacher compensation computation I will share information again regarding that in a moment increase special education funding by 28 million over the bienium increases non-English-speaking program over the bienium CTE grants continue um at the current level uh funds And this is the difference here funds virtual charter schools at 70% of the foundation. Um and then the house version was at 100%. So there is a difference obviously from the uh virtual component and what we receiving virtual versus the uh in person and creates a new three- tier teacher appreciation grant program that deletes the current process. uh

053the school safety grant was increased by 2.5 million in each year of the bianium. Universal voucher funding um that was in the house version was deleted in the senate amendment. So these are the amendments from the house to the senate. So these are the changes that were made. Now it gets to be the fun part when they start to to hash out what those final bills are going to look like. Uh there was no testimony on the amendment or amended bill and it was passed on a partyline basis. On April 9th, the House debated Democratic and Republican amendments on Senate Bill One, local government finance. A major Republican amendment changed the bill and as it passed the House Ways and Committee on April the 7th, which I had just mentioned. Um, what I wanted to

054do before I get into the impact was again share on that curriculum that curriculum material. Again, $160 million which was separated out. I've mentioned this before is being put into the foundation amount. So when we start to calculate out what the increases are going to be, that curriculum material is part of that foundation amount. It's not separated. But when I mention the fact with the teacher compensation, we don't we don't negotiate um you keep that the curriculum materials out of negotiations, but what we have to adhere to is that it's going to be part of that uh 62% of the revenue that is received which includes that curriculum material has to be used on that teacher compensation. So again, we're taking something that was out outside of that foundation amount and now we are putting

055in that foundation amount. So the impacts to House Bill 101 as it stands right now, which is the Senate version, this is the Senate version foundation amount, uh they mention it on the run that the most current run that I have is a 30% increase. Uh but if we remove the 3 or excuse me the curriculum material, it's actually a 8% increase for fiscal year 26 and it's actually a um decrease of 2.5% in fiscal year 27. But that's also due to the projected ADM complexity. This is important too is a decrease of 7.2% fiscal year 26 and a decrease of 1.4% in fiscal year 27. Special education is 11% increase in 26 and a 10.8% increase in 27. Career and technical education is a 13.6% increase in 26 and a 12% increase in 27.

056uh the honors and academic performance is a uh decrease of6% in 2026 and a decrease of 7.1% increase in 27. And the non-English-speaking program is 11.3% increase in 26 and a 10.9% increase in 27. And so the total amount if we remove that curricular materials fiscal year 26 is about a 1.8% 8% increase overall and an about a 1.6% increase in 27. And again, that's all really based upon the ADM and where those fall. And then finally, the Senate bill one, which is the House version impact. Um, again, like I'd mentioned, the the thought is it's a decrease to the increase. Um but as we look at what the runs look like um in that reality it's a about $192,874 decrease from where we were at in 25 to where we would be at in

05726. But in current law, just to put things in perspective, if things stood as is, uh it's a decrease to that revenue source of about $892,500. and 27. Um, according to the run, it's an increase of 459,991, but with current law, it's a decrease of $935,220. And in calendar year 28, um it's according to the run, it's an increase from one year to the next of 552,443. But with current law, it would be a decrease in that revenue of $869,430, which then puts us at a total loss. With the current law as states, about $2.7 million of a current loss if if the law stood as is. moving forward as far as what we would be able to receive in a revenue for our operations fund. Now, as I was sitting and watching this prior

058to coming to the board meeting this evening, uh I was watching the Senate and again, this is House Bill 101. was an amendment that was presented about keeping the curricular material out of of that funding formula and actually increasing because the total amount for the state of Indiana was actually $244,68974.36 of total expenditures on curriculum materials. Uh but there's a bunch of $160 million. Um, so there was an amendment to try to keep that separate and then actually increase that amount to what that report stated and that was voted down. Just to put things in perspective, the report spent 100 $1.3 million in curriculum materials in uh 24. Um, and that's a $235 average, almost 236 average. And again, what we are looking at with our students right now with current law, it's about $151

059per student. The other part of this was complexity. I mentioned that complexity was decreasing. There was amendment presented to increase the complexity amount and that also was voted down. So again, that was just as a matter of a couple of hours ago. I mean, that's in real time. um some of those amendments that were presented that would really impact that House Bill 101 as the education is concerned. So again, a lot of information I just threw out to you. I am more than happy to share this report. Again, I updating this constantly um for specifics, but again, I'm open to any questions that any of you may have as far as the legislation is concerned. Anybody have any questions or comments? I would like to thank you for the updates because Yeah, it's a lot.

060Yes, it is a lot and it's complex. I mean, it's really it really truly is. When you start talking about what would be the tax reform, which is Senate Bill one, there's a lot a lot of complexities to that and to really truly understand when you have a 368 page bill or an amendment. That's a lot to to really digest. So, it's a lot to digest, but then again, a lot to think about futuristically, which really isn't far away. Correct. A lot of things we need to think about. Correct. We need to continue on the trends that we are on right now. We have made great great strides. Um and again, it's just important for us again to have that operating balances just to prepare us financially uh for what could possibly happen. Thank you.

061Yeah. So, it's obvious. So, next time we meet, right, this will all be done. Yes. Right. Because the the session ends on the 29th of April, correct? Yes. So, we'll be able to talk about like specifics next time. I think so. But, uh, it's obvious there's going to be some downward pressure on us, you know, financially. Um, so I think it's going to be very important for us to continue to, you know, keep working on this, think outside the box, like where can we save, where can we do things more efficiently. Um, and where where can we uh attract students, right? Because in today's world, students, you know, bring money with them when they come here. And how can we stop students from leaving, right? Which I think is very simple. We just be awesome

062at what we do. And so I think, you know, we just got to keep on keeping on like this. Every other school district's facing this. We're not the only one. Correct. Right. So I think it's incumbent upon us as leaders of the corporation to stay as upbeat as we can and as positive as we can. We have great kids. We have great We have a great community. We have great teachers. We have great facilities, right? We have a lot of good things going for us. So I think it's real important for us as leaders to to keep those things in mind as we're as we're leading forward. When I present this, it's I'm not trying to be gloom and doom. It's not at all. It's realistic. This is this is reality. We need to face

063reality and then again make adjustments. Like I said, we've already made some of these adjustments and moving forward. We put ourselves into a better position, but we need to continue. Yes. 100%. Yeah. And we obviously don't know the final outcome, the exact numbers and how this is going to turn out, but we know that this isn't there's not going to be a 180 here at the last minute. This is this is happening. And so, um, Dr. Hunt has already been engaging with our directors, especially those that are in departments that are are directly connected to our operations fund. As as you know, we we're going to we're already operating a very tight budget with the operations fund. this is going to make that even more challenging. And so, um, there's already discussion happening about changes

064that can be made or adjustments that can be made. We've gone back to the 2008 2009, um, impact on our uh, funding that happened and and reviewed just what what did the the list look like then when when cuts had to be made. And that is kind of all happening behind the scenes now so that we won't be caught without um a plan. So all right that concludes my report. All right. Thank you. Uh next item is board policy updates. Dr. Wood. Okay. So we are presenting a number of Neola policy updates for first reading. So again with first reading um this is just review of policy this month and then next month we'll revisit these again and ask for official approval of the updates as they're presented. Um I am going to very quickly

065go through each of the three four packages of updates here just to kind of give you an overview of what we're looking at for these updates. Um so the first one um 8.01 is the non-discrimination and anti-harassment update. Um, I want to draw your attention to the date on this update, which is from May 2021. And just so you're aware of of this update package and why we're bringing back an update package from that long ago, um, this is the original um, non non-discrimination anti-harassment policy update that was released as part of President Trump's first term in office. Um, if you recall around that time period, the administration was not updating the policy back then. Um, and then we underwent a large, um, catchup about a year ago, um, last spring. Um, and in into

066summer of 2024, um, they went through at that time and updated all of the policies that hadn't been updated in I think a period of about five years. at that time um the updated anti-harassment and non-discrimination policy that was being proposed from NEOA was was attached to President Biden's term in office at that time and it was actually um in court at that time with some challenges and so the entire thing was tabled when President Trump was elected back into office then now we are going back to though that set of policies. So that's the reason that this particular batch was not updated a year ago when everything else was caught up. It was because the the most recent recommendation at that time was being held in court with some challenges. Now that's off the

067table with President Trump back in office. So we're going back to the 2021 anti-harassment non-discrimination policy um that that was uh released back then. So, um this is all pretty general based on federal guideline. Um so you can review those and there are a number of policies um connected to all the different employee groups and and different um student groups as well. Um the next uh piece comes from uh September 2024. Um Mola was running behind last year. So the September update actually is the policy update that was released following the 2024 legislative session. So the majority of the policy updates that are included in this update package are all connected to the new laws that were passed in the last legislative session in 2024. Um so so just briefly highlighting um some of the

068different policies that are prominent in this set. There's a number of policy updates related to school safety um and and the ability of individuals to carry weapons on on a school campus. All of that's connected to House Enrolled Act 1177. There are a number of policies connected to the changes in um the law that came out last year regarding I read. Um Dr. Tonal talked about how we now um test second graders. So that that is all now reflected in our policy um or will be reflected once the board approves this set. Um and in addition to that at the time they also um announced the um differentiation of salary for the early literacy endorsement and that is now um something that is expected of our elementary teachers in conjunction with the efforts to improve

069literacy efforts for elementary students. Um there also is a policy update related to um graduation requirements and all of the changes that have come from the state in regards to FAFSA completion and requirements um for for graduation. Um so that overall is the summary for this uh segment of policies. Um we then have an Edgar policy update also which was related in uh released in September of 24. Um Edgar updates are connected to federal grants and federal grant guidelines. So Dr. Hunt reviews these policies very closely. There aren't a lot of choice that you have with these policies because they are pulled generally directly from federal policy related to federal dollars that are dispersed to our corporation through a number of different grants that we receive. Um so so that is um very exciting reading

070for you in those. Um and then yeah the final update is volume 371 which uh was released in November of 24. Um and the um this is a smaller update. So there's just a small sampling of uh policies that are updated here. The big um one that came out in this package is that um they have finally released a policy on artificial intelligence um which a lot of districts were asking for that for for quite some time. But with it being such a new technology, um, and with the attorneys needing to make sure that the policy is solid based on that changing technology, um, it it took a while for us to get that, but we do have that artificial intelligence policy now. Um, and Mike Waltower has reviewed that and and made sure that

071it aligns with our um, current practices with um, artificial intelligence that we are utilizing here in the corporation. Um there are a few different policies that you'll see adjusted as a result of that artificial intelligence um language and wording that now it will be um part of our official board policy. And again this is just first reading. So as you go through this if you have questions or anything before next meeting please don't hesitate to let us know and we can find answers for you. So, as a as a reminder, uh, so two things. One, I like to re remember that Jim played a fun trick on me when I was new to the board that uh you don't actually read these. I thought I thought we were we were reading these and Jim had

072me convinced we were. Um, uh, but we don't vote on them until the second reading, right? So, next month in May, we will have a vote on these. So, read them to yourself at home. We don't read them out loud tonight. Yes. Yes, we'd be here a long time if that was the case. Um, okay. So, any questions or comments before we move on? Okay. So, now we'll go to new business. The first is a consideration for recommendation to approve the acceptance of grants, donations, gifts, and bequest. Dr. Wood, this is been talked about. This is the the the donation this evening is um what Dr. Tonagle talked about um previously in his report. So, these are the donations from the Ralph and Charlotte Jones family fund. Um, so I won't list them all because

073Dr. Tanagle already talked about that. It is a total of $8,800 of donations to a variety of programs within our district. Um, so I would ask for your approval of these donations um for these various groups throughout our district. Anyone want to make a motion to approve it? So moved. All right. Thank you, Amy. Second. Thanks, Jen. All those in favor say I. I I opposed. All right. Next uh is the consideration for a recommendation to approve the 2025 2026 uh Leaport Community School Corporation handbooks. Dr. Thomas. Yeah. Each uh year we submit uh handbooks to you for review, changes, updates. Um there's nothing major in any of these. I did have each school include a document that gave you any updates so that you could look at them. We tried to align some language

074throughout all handbooks dealing with threats and safety. So that is one common thread that you'll see throughout there. Um I would add that this includes uh the handbook for all elementary schools, the Kesley intermediate handbook, middle school handbook, athletic handbooks at all levels. Any big changes you want to highlight or is it There really are just the language on threats. Um if you did take a look at that prior in the board packet that came out of the um really sad time that we went through. I believe it was in the fall. It's been a little while so the years kind of blend together for me. But um where there were some nationwide and statewide threats. Some of them were real, some of them were perceived to be real, that sort of thing. And so

075as a part of our school safety commission, there was some discussion that schools in this area um adopt common language. And so this is what came out of that. So many of the schools in this area, including Dulan schools and some other area corporations that are adopting similar language that just reminds folks that your words matter and that we're going to take things very seriously. Okay. Anybody have any question? So I've always noticed this and I've looked it up a few different times because it's unique to us. Our old high is our our school of fight song or whatever and it's in our handbook which I really appreciate but that's the only place I could find it on like I looked online trying to find the the lyrics to it before and things like that

076and I've only ever found it in the handbook. So I just wanted to comment and say it might be useful to put that somewhere else. You did put it on the wall in in in the high school of the small commons area. I didn't know that. Yeah, we put it up there. Yeah. And um I I believe that the high school still sings it every Friday so that the kids get to learn it over time. Yeah. Yeah. Thank you. Anybody else? All right. Does anyone want to make a motion to approve the handbooks as laid out by Dr. Tonagle? Make a motion. Thank you, Monica. Second. Thank you, Jim. All those in favor? I opposed. Okay. Uh the next order of business is consideration recommendation to approve the 20 2526 before and after school child

077care program fees and handbook. Dr. Thomas, we've had a lot of discussion about changes to our our child care program. Um, this one is our K through 4 before and after school program. So, it's separate than what we're talking about at the Early Childhood Learning Center. This program is uh housed here at the Boston Building and at Critzfield recommending increases in 3% in our fees, which our fees are very reasonable and very low. Um, if you remember, if you were on the board last year, I said that each year we can be recommending a 2 to 3% increase. that's just ongoing just to stay in line with rising costs and being able to um keep this self- sustaining program going. Um for many years there weren't any fee increases. So one year we had to

078make a little bit more bigger uh fee increase. We want to avoid that for our parents so that they can plan. So we're looking at 95 cents uh more per week per student per session we're enrolled in the program. So we don't like fee increases. It's what we're dealing with right now. We do have operational costs that we have to keep up with with staff raises, supplies, and things like that. It is a self- sustaining program, so it's separate from all other funds in our school corporation. And we have any questions? I would also clarify that a part of as a part of this fee increase, the handbook for the childare program is is also tied to the recommendation that I wrote to you and that explains the fee increases and uh we would go

079over that with parents when they register. So, our plan is after this board meeting, our registration um process will begin for before and after school child care probably this week. We usually do it right around mid midappril. Okay. Anyone want to make a motion to accept or approve the uh for and after school child care program fees and handbook. So, move. Thank you, Dr. Second. Second. Thank you, Amy. All those in favor say I. I. Opposed. Okay. Next is the uh consideration for the recommendation to approve the Port High School textbook adoption. Dr. Tom. Yeah. Thank you. In your packet um Mr. Up included the textbook and ebook quotes for courses in art, business, and family and consumer sciences. Um the department heads and the departments went through the process to uh make these recommendations

080for the high school textbooks. Um, Alicia Colmes did break that down into a summary that I also believe was linked on your action item, tells a little bit more about how much that's going to cost per course. Um, I could do my best to answer any questions, but uh, this is really h happens at the department level at the high school for these courses. Anybody have any questions for Dr. Tonagle on this? Okay. So hearing none, uh, does anyone want want to make a motion to approve the Leaport High School textbook adoption? So moved. Thank you, John. Second. Second. Thank you, Jim. All those in favor say I. I. Opposed. Okay, I pass. Thank you. And with that approval, we have now adopted English language arts K through 8 and then high school would be

081these elective areas for this year. So we should be done adopting any more curriculum this year. Awesome. Free textbooks, right, Dr. Hunt? Free textbooks. All right. So, the next item is the consideration for recommendation to approve business suite software provider. Dr. Hunt. Thank you, President Seberg. Uh, this evening I'm bringing before the board and this is something that is not taken lightly and there's a lot of a lot of thought and a lot of research that has gone to this. So, I'm going to kind of give you an overview of where we have been and where we hope to go here um with our financial software for the workbased school corporation. Uh but on February 19th, 2025, the NES state board of accounts or SBOA held an exit conference concluding the financial audit for the

082period of July 1, 2022 through June 30th, 2024. And during this conference, the SBOE once again noted findings related to a bank reconciliation, an issue that has persisted through the last two audit cycles. Despite dedicated efforts to correct these ongoing discrepancies, challenges remain largely due to the limitations within the district's current financial software system, which is Skyward. It's important to highlight the auditor strongly emphasized their concerns with Skyward noting that the software was not adequately supported the needs of the district and its implementation in 2000 April 2015. The inefficiencies and completing required financial processes outside of the software have resulted in excessive time and resources being spent resources that should be utilized more effectively in support of our educational mission. In addition to these long-standing challenges, Skyward has initiated a phased transition to enhanced version

083of the software across other districts. This transition would require a complete system conversion. It's not just an update, it's an actual conversion, raising further concerns about the value of investing additional resources into a platform that has not met our needs. Furthermore, Skyward is not an Indiana based provider and delays in adapting to statemandated updates, particularly from the Department of Education, have added to the operational burdens. When Skyward was initially selected, it was one of only two web-based options available. Again, back in 2015, an essential feature during the pandemic. So, we really needed that during the pandemic, and we're grateful that we had that. But however, technology has advanced significantly and multiple software providers now offer modern, efficient web-based platforms with superior reporting and data management capabilities. Over the past year, Dr. Hunt has conducted an

084extensive review of financial software solutions being used across Indiana school districts. Through this process, Boyce Cloud Systems emerged as the most recommended and widely used provider currently serving over 85% of school districts in the state. Notably, Crown Point, Lake Central, and Maraveville districts in our immediate region have recently transitioned to Boyce with positive results. On February 26, 2025, Boyce systems uh conducted an initial on-site demonstration. Following this session, the business and human resource office compiled a detailed list of current challenges and questions which addressed in a second comprehensive demonstration on April 3rd, 2025. This full day session included team members from human resources, payroll, accounts payable, finance, and grants. attendees found the voice software initiative or excuse me intuitive, responsive, and highly capable of meeting the district's operational compliance needs. Most notably, the feedback from

085other districts and our internal review confirmed that Voice Systems offers a level of customer support and responsiveness that far exceeds current experiences with Skyward. Uh this factor is is critical for ongoing support and success. On April 10th, 2025, Dr. Wood and Dr. Hunt met with voice representatives to review the proposed contract in detail. The annual cost for the software services is $88,871. Please note, Skyward will remain the provider and I I I want to make sure I'm pointing this out. Skyward will remain the provider for our student management system. Uh this recommendation pertains only to the financial business suite. Uh so it's the recommendation after careful consideration including audit findings uh system inefficiencies and comprehensive review and alternative solutions administration recommends that uh to the board to approve the conversion to voice cloud systems as

086the new financial software provider for the district and you will provide as part of your board packet the proposal from voice as well as the uh proposal for the training. uh we do not have specific I know this might be one of the questions we do not have a specific time as to when this would begin but after um approval from the board or recommendation to approve uh we sign the agreement then we will have more details as far as that's concerned. One other um point to note that there are two other Skyward um users that are going to be currently under the conversion as well which obviously bodess very well for us as far as what the conversion would look like. We can get ahead of the game a little bit because they would

087be able to ask us questions on some of that conversion that takes place and that would be my recommendation. Anybody have any questions? So I have a couple. Sure. So uh or comments. So uh Dr. Wood, I know you have experience with this from a previous employment and good good reviews. Yes, absolutely. I think um the and and I was actually in previous employment went through the conversion process as well from the non-webased version through the same company and then we converted to the web-based. Um the conversion process itself was pretty streamlined. Um the the biggest uh component that I would say to making this switch is that the customer service that's associated with this company is top-notch. Um they're Indiana based. they they take their reputation very seriously and I I think that um

088you know we were able to make a phone call to the company and have a call back within within minutes um with answers and their ability to help you problem solve if you can't figure something out and and just the um they're they're an education based company so that they want to teach while they're going through the process and and I think that um our office is going to be very happy with this conversion. And uh just talking to earlier just for everybody's sake though that there there there's some potential efficiency gains here through the software as well that we don't have with Skyward. There's there is an employee hub that I didn't even mention within this. So one of the things that we're working obviously on is the efficiencies of all of our operations.

089And so with the component of the conversion with the employee um we'll be able to work on some of those efficiencies. So they become electronic and not paperbased. Um that's that's a huge for us. This is where we want to head. Um and so they would be able to aid in that uh that through that conversion would be aid aiding on that initiative that we would have for efficiencies. And and the cost of this is $88,871. Yes. which is about $30,000 more than we spent today. Correct. Um but I think it's worth noting that the the the software we have today hasn't worked right since we put it in. It's caused us a lot of problems with audits, etc., etc., and they are going to make us change it, not upgrade it. Yeah. to in

090order to stay with it. So um so we spent about $65,000 I believe on an audit. Yes. So do we think that the next audit will be about $30,000 less? Yes. So okay. Uh I just want to make sure that um we are verifying when we are converting from one system to the next that all balances are verified before we actually cut off the old system. Correct. Absolutely. Absolutely. And that would be part of that whole conversion process. And so the way that they start is they it's bits and pieces. It's not everything just gone over to you know at point in time. But we will be we will be verifying all balances through that process. Absolutely. Okay. Yes. And and the hope is that we would have this cut over by July 1 of

09126. Correct. That would be that. Yeah, that would be the case because our because our contract would run out with Skyward. We have to renew for another year with Skyward because of the conversion, but we would be doing that and then that would be that would end June 30th of 26. And so, yeah, we want to have everything in line. Again, I'm not trying to speak for Boyce necessarily, but that's some of the questions that I was asking was, okay, if we we're able to go through this and the board, at what point do you think are you anticipating us to be able to go live? And so he was mentioning the third quarter uh of 26, which would then put us in line with Yeah. Yeah. We and and they are aware that that

092is our intended target for timelines. So, um I I think it will work in our favor that they have two schools ahead of us that are Skyward conversions. Um it sounds like they maybe haven't had um much as far as converting from Skyward to their system. So, these two schools going ahead of us should they communicate that they'll they'll get things refined and they they even said that they'll communicate with us through those um processes with those other schools so that if they're finding out something that's not working or working, they can give us a heads up so we're ready. So hopefully and that that would take us that would get us in this before our next audit. Yes. window before Yes. I mean, we're obviously in the next audit right now, correct? But but

093we would be able to make those before the end year of that audit, future audits that and and and the the benefit too is is having some veteran staff as well. I mean, like I said, we had some really, really comprehensive questions that we were presenting them. I mean it was that demo was the from nine o'clock till 3 o'clock and it was besides a half an hour break it was non-stop boom boom boom boom boom asking questions they were showing because there were some concerns that we have not necessarily with voice but just in general how are you going to uh address these concerns that we have and they were actually able to pull that information up and show us specifically it was not what I would quote unquote a dog and pony show

094where it's like a this is the tip of the iceberg. We're going to show you all the bells and whistles. This was very, very, very specific, the things that we need in the software and the things that we want in the software. And I'll say that too about this company is that they listen to their customers. There's an annual meeting that they hold where they bring all their customers together for a conference, but it allows our staff to network with other schools that are using the same software, but then they also ask for feedback. And in my previous employment, like we saw that actually come to fruition that they would go and they would ask for something and they would, you know, or you know, um, submit something for a suggestion. This would run a

095lot smoother if we had this functionality. and then they turned around and made that happen. So, um you know, you don't get that with the big national companies that are offering a product across all states in the country because I mean this company really is working to support the schools in Indiana. So, just a little fact, fun fact. I looked up the voice and they're 125 year old company. Think about think about I can and I can stress that Dr. Woods mentioned it a few times that I'm stressing it too is is the importance of having an Indiana based company. Honestly, with all the changes that are going on, we talk about we talked about the legislation that's going on right now. I guarantee there's going to be changes as far as account pieces are

096concerned with some of the things that we're being faced with as far as the legislation is concerned. And it's it's just reassuring to know that you have somebody that's there on the forefront working actually working with the Department of Education on some of these changes and being able to write code to address those things specifically. I know we're not doing this, but does voice offer student management as well? That's just okay. So I was like that was deal with grad routes and all that stuff too. No, it's it's just financial. All right. Any other questions? All right. Does anyone want to make a motion to approve the business suite software provider proposal as described here by Dr. Hunt? So move. Thank you, Tucker. Second. Second. Thank you, Monica. All those in favor say I. I

097opposed. All right. Last order of new business is consideration for recommendation to approve a HVAC coordinator position. Dr. Hunt. Thank you again, President Sever. Uh I'm not going to go through and read all the things as part of your board packet, but there are some things that I wanted to make sure um that I was able to explain with this particular position. And again, this is not something that we're putting to the board this evening and having an someone that we're recommending for this position. This is actually asking the board uh to approve us being able to move forward on this particular position uh both from the position itself but also the funding sources for this particular position. But as we talk about the operations fund, um, and we've had a lot of discussion about

098this as well, you have 11 facilities that we have HVAC in. And you know in order for HVAC systems although we have upgraded and been able to do that a lot here recently which is fantastic uh within our HVAC systems with HVAC systems being temperamental um we are constantly looking for service for the particular units. Now, we're probably on the downswing right now. Um, as with some of those expenditures, uh, but, you know, with our contractors right now, we're looking between 400 $450,000 a year that we're spending with, um, that particular provider on doing the services for a HVAC system. So the thought in this is is again like uh President Seberg had you know referred to earlier is we have to look at different ways to be more efficient look at different ways in

099which to save money. This is the potential of having one of those ways in which to do this because if we're able to get an HVAC coordinator position that would be able to work on the systems. Now when you have major projects you're still going to have to obviously bid some of that out um and possibly get a contractor to come in. But if you're having the majority of the work and the monitoring of those systems by an individual, the amount of savings would more than pay for itself as far as this particular position is concerned. The challenge becomes is finding an individual for those particular positions. We understand that challenge. But with the approval from the board this evening and everything has been laid out if you again refer to the cover sheet within

100your packet um of what we have looked at the thoughts where we would go from here. Obviously with your approval this evening, we would be able to put a comprehensive job description in place. We would be able to then post that particular position and see where we go from there. But first things first, we would need the board's approval with which to initialize this particular position. So this evening ask the board. Any questions or comments? I I just want to say I really appreciate like this you we were talking about like interesting ways to try to save money. I I appreciate just from my work how how important it is to have a proper asset management program and how you can like use that data to actually create these efficiencies in your system. So kudos

101to you guys for that. Seriously, I have been able to again do some research with other school districts who have positions similar to this been able to then pull some of the job questions that they have and ask them specific questions on how they manage that particular position. And then again, it's been very beneficial and I'm not going to stop just at the conversations that I've had. I want to continue to dig into this and and find out more and more again. But I'm very excited for the potential of this particular position and the potential of being more efficient and saving the corporation dollars. Okay. Any other questions? We just say uh take our time and find somebody good. Yeah. Right. So, um Okay. So, does anyone want to make a motion to approve the

102HBAC coordinator position? So, move. Thank you, sucker. Second. Thank you, Jim. All those in favor say I. I opposed. All right. Thank you. There is no other business. Board comment. So Jim, do you want to uh I'll keep it as short as I can. Senate bill 287, partisan school board elections. Today is the final for seconds being heard today. I enjoyed the same thing you did watching my screen for hours today. Any bill that doesn't come out on second reading today is dead in the session. Tomorrow is 3. That mean tomorrow is the final day for voting all bills, you know, the final passage of if they don't come out of this session tomorrow, of course you're dead. Now 287, the original bill, and we talked about this before. That was where a school board

103candidate would have to declare Republican or Democrat. And to do that, by the way, a lot of people didn't realize this, but if you do that, you've got to have make sure that you voted. You can't go in and say, "I'm gonna run Republican." You had to go in a vote that passed two primary elections in that party to be eligible to run in that party. Interesting. And there would have been a primary election. So, you'd have to go through the primary and you had to go through the general election. And you'd have to open up the campaign committee, too. Part of politics, whether you take any money in or not, you have certain qualification deadline you have to meet. That bill passed out of the Senate on February 17th by one vote. By one

104vote, it went to the House. When it got to the House, there were some amendments added to that bill. And those amendments were uh they did away with the primary election. They also added a stipulation that you could run Democrat, you could run Republican, you can run independent, or you could leave it blank and become nonpartisan. You know, that was up to you. So those things were passed over there and that passed out of the house 54 to 40. Now that's 14 votes, but you got to remember 50 votes is the cut off. Well, they only passed out by four votes. And with that election, by the way, 54 to 40 make 94 votes. Six six representatives didn't vote. They were either gone or after that day of session. So it passed out. The bill

105came back to the Senate. House bill, excuse me, the Senate bill came back to the Senate with those stipulations and the senator has his choice of concurring to the the changes or sending to them. Well, the senator agreed to them. He signed a consent to agree to them stipulation, the conference committee, they call it a concurrence agreement. He signed it on u what April 1st he filed an agreement. on April 10th, he went in and pulled that agreement and filed a consent. I mean, which means now that bill is up again. Now, I talked to the Senate office this morning. I talked to the senator this afternoon, talked to the school board register Bradlings today about it. The only thing we can figure is he doesn't have the votes because he would have passed us

106through current. He does apparently have votes. We're not jumping for joy right now, but the fact is it's looking better than it ever looked right now. This bill may die. We'll know tomorrow for sure, but it is not even scheduled. Boom. Right now, that's good. Current. It's in a conference committee, which mean it doesn't have to go to the floor now before a conference committee and it comes out of the conference committee. So, that's just a little bit of knowledge about the background. 287 is still alive. We're we're feeling much better. Hopefully, we all feel better about what we did when it first came out. All right. By tomorrow afternoon, we'll know if you called it down for any questions on that. I appreciate the explanation. You took us on an emotional roller coaster. You

107know, I was a member of a number of my former colleagues asked me about our school board and I didn't tell you. All right. I said, I want to tell you something. I have no idea any of my members if you're Republican, Democrat, and I could care less. right? That includes me as well, right? You know, and so they couldn't believe it. The arguments and I sat there for two hours listening to that bill being heard and about the amendments and some of the reasons the people want that bill become a part of was unbelievable. So feel free to call me. Well, you won't know tomorrow because it's in a conference committee. That's next. We won't know. We won't know by next meeting. Sure. Right. Any other questions? Thank you for that. And by the

108way, uh, Senator Boachic and Representative Preell that I met before voted against that bill. They voted against they were in our corner. Okay. About two years, maybe three years ago, I can't remember, I was a little concerned about why we weren't getting enough coverage for our schoolboard activities. And I contacted Mr. Hackne, publisher for the the news beds at home. You know, we have a lot of things going on even back then. We think we need more coverage of what's going on so people have an idea of what's going on, not just a bad thing. You hear about school. Well, Mr. Happy agreed with me. And since the then last couple years, we've had what I consider really good coverage because the young lady sitting right back here has done really good coverage for our

109school board. We're getting front page above the fold as they say in the news visit. And I want to tell you last Saturday the paper came out about our audit which we had met about and all of you that remember if you did you picked up I went through eight audits when I was sheriff and when I walked in that state board of accounts every year they'd shake their heads the my first question was always as I told you is every dollar accounted for and they said yes now let's talk you know let's talk and that was The first question I asked them as well when they came in there and yes now you always have issues about procedures that you shouldn't have followed you know there's nothing different in our system everybody else same

110issues they changed things down state under there their administrative rules so forth we're not aware of them we try to do the best job we can sub subsequently you know everything came out in Washington I want to tell Miss button back here and I told her today you I thought and because of Dr. Wood, I thought this was an absolute excellent excellent article in the paper. It was well constructed. It was uh it was detailed and I thought that the way it is presented in the paper. Anybody that had any doubt that reading was open might realize our school system is solid and our administrators are doing top notch job. State board of accounts issues they brought to our attention. But the same thing I bring up to every other you take my things eight

111uh conferences of sheriff after every dollar is accounted for go ahead and I they go back with the procedures and so forth. So I want to say kudos to to the articles in the paper. I thought it was really good. I thought that well presented. I haven't had any calls yet, but I'm about to say people are allowed to complain, but I want to thank you for putting that up and getting it on the headline because if you read it, you have an a better understanding of what goes on, you know, and I want to thank you. I want to thank Mr. Hacking as well. Please tell him I thank you for the coverage we've been getting and then it's really helped our administration. It's helped our school. Anybody else got any comments? Okay, then

112I don't have any either. So, I'll seek a motion to adjurnn. So, move. Thank you, Tucker. Second. Second. Second. All right. Thank you, Monica. All those in favor? I end at the meeting. Thank you. See This