001Okay, we're good. >> I'll go and shut that door. >> What am I What am I looking at? >> No, tack that one. We actually have two different brands of TVs in my office. >> So, what happened? >> One remote controls both TVs. >> All right. >> We're ready to call this meeting of the North Miami School Board to order. Pledge of allegiance. >> I pledge allegiance 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. >> Any emergency revisions? >> No, we have no revisions this evening. Um we'll call the meeting at just start time at 6:40 with Mrs. Eckrote, Mr. Deerdorff, Mr. Finnegan, and Mr. Hudson present. >> So, no emergency revisions? >> Nope. >>
002Approval of minutes. >> So moved. >> Second. >> Motion was made by Mr. Deerdorff, second by Mr. Finnegan. All those approved? >> You just need one for each of the items. You can go through them each. So, you've got the executive >> Executive, yeah. >> Yeah, just do one for each one. >> Um so, that was for April 21st executive, sorry. Approval of minutes for April 21st regular session. >> So moved. >> Second. >> I have a motion by Mr. Finnegan, second by Mr. Gerow. >> I'll abstain. Yeah, I was just going to take Stan. >> Right. >> Um all approved. 4-0. Um minutes for April 28th executive session. >> So moved. >> Sam will second it. >> Second. >> Motion by Mr. Hudson, second by Mr. Finnegan. All approved. Motion passes 4-0. Um then
003we have the minutes for the public session. May 4th executive, sorry. >> So moved. >> Second. >> Motion by Mr. Gerow, second by Mr. Finnegan. All those approved. Motion passes 4-0. Um we're ready for approval of claims. >> Mr. Klein, pull up any questions in regards to claims? Motion to approve. >> Motion was made by Mr. Gerow, second by Mr. Hudson. All those approved. Motion passes 4-0. Okay, we've got programs? >> Yeah, there's no there's no no programs to approve. >> Public comments. I have comments. Um so, good things that teachers have done or that happened in May. Uh the elementary is having underground spirit days. I'm not sure Danielle's figured it out yet cuz we haven't been very obvious about it. >> I have. >> Good, okay. I'm glad. I'm relieved to hear it.
004>> Especially today. >> Yeah, and I am celebrating it today if you look at my feet. So, they did did do it on purpose. And second grade is doing a balloon pop countdown to the end of the the school year with surprise fun activity each day. So, they've had this stinky feet day, which is good for everybody. Today they got an extra recess, so just fun. K-3 fun day is tomorrow. The kids enjoyed listening to the high school band concert this past week. Fourth grade is doing a reading incentive. They read 500 minutes by May 27th and they get to participate in a race. They get to make their own cars, like box cars. And third grade has studied Japan. They made candy sushi, tried various foods, and made windsocks. Um the fine There was
005a fine arts night this week. Carrie Wands did a her advanced nutrition class. They made cupcakes. They created cupcakes. They voted on theme of seasons. Um they had created backdrops. They decorated 24 cupcakes to sell. The students received the money. Um they were very excited to do it. They are saving for a car, car parts, and gas. Um they did an amazing job. All the cupcakes were sold by 10:45 a.m. on Friday. Um preschool are they're having a blast. They're doing a super cute signing out poster that's hanging in the hallway. They've been practicing their graduation songs. And let's see. The advanced child development class has been sending over high school students to the elementary three days a week for the past six weeks working in various classrooms at the elementary and getting some first-hand
006experience with the kids. And the musical awards are tonight and all the kids have earned an award. Um Yeah, I didn't get permission to share this name. Any name I've shared, they said their names. Um I'm going to say Mr. Wilson has offered free math tutoring. He didn't tell me I could say it, but I'm not supposed to say anything that would be embarrassing to him. So, but he um had five students this semester. He did not tutor for a bit because he had broken his collarbone. That would be a fun story we could talk about, not on camera. And um so of those five kids on April 15th would be the first time that he had a student that came to get tutoring for his class that he's teaching. So, for the whole school
007year, that was the first time he had somebody from his class. And that turned into two other teachers coming for some other kids to help tutor them. So, his tutoring turned into two other teachers helping with some other kids and thought that was kind of nice. Um McBride took students to the symphony on Saturday, which you should know is like a 10-hour ordeal. So, like she left around 2:30 and they were supposed to get back around midnight. So, and then another teacher stepped in to help with the academic team um because their coach was in the hospital and they did an amazing job. I'm sure Chris is going to talk about that, but it's just nice that somebody stepped in and that's all. So, that that's what I wanted to share. Thank you, Carrie. Strategic
008plan? >> Yeah, this month our rotation is our community. We have some data to share with you here. We can pull up. We'll start Who do we have first coming? Middle school? >> I I I missed which one you clicked on. >> Sorry, I have both of them. >> Okay, we'll do the middle high school first. >> Okay. Um Apologies for how I sound. This is This is good as it's going to get. Um for this month's um board meeting, uh discussing partnerships in our community, um our high school is actually partnered with um Region 4, um work-based um the workforce um division of creating a career coaching partnership between this company called Sky Pack in North Miami. Um so, through Region 4 Workforce Workforce Board, um they awarded they were awarded a grant by
009the state of Indiana um to develop career education and navigation. This award affirms the strength of our regional partnership and positions our region as a statewide model for readiness, employer engagement, and student pathways. So, with the new diploma that's come out, it's allowing opportunities for our kids to get work-based learning experience when maybe in our area it is not plentiful. It'll provide them virtual opportunities as well to gain that experience. Sorry. So, why should we partner? So, like I said, the new diploma requirements and with graduation pathways, it increases expectations for career coaching and navigation, work-based learning access, employer engagement, and then compliance ready documentation and reporting that is necessary for these for these diplomas. Our piece of the participation within this, it meets the Indiana career coaching and navigation requirements. That was previously put
010on our guidance counselors, but while creating this partnership, it allows us to use this company to aid in making that so. Supports diploma redesign and seal adoption, expands access to IDOE aligned work-based learning opportunities, strengthens regional employer and post-secondary partnerships. Centralized reporting and reduce duplicative processes for tracking that data. Graduation pathways and diploma seal support and then compliance ready reporting for the IDOE expectations that have been set. Skytrack who we're partnering with, their participation they're going to deliver regional career coaching and workforce strategy. So, they will supply career coaches to meet with our students virtually and in person. Um it aligns our schools, employers, and workforce systems under shared governance. It takes opportunities that our students already have. Let's say we have a kid that has a job. Um or maybe they are volunteering at
011the pantry. They can create training plans that aligns with what they're already doing to fulfill that work-based learning experience. Um if you look at a lot of our kids, they are involved in a lot of stuff. Um multi-sport athletes, they are in different um types of programming. Um so, looking at those work-based force or those work-based learning experiences are difficult to come by when they are so involved. And this allows them to use things that they're already doing to be compliant. Um They will use proven solutions across the different counties to reduce the duplication and the cost of this type of programming. Um they will strengthen the regional talent pipeline in high-demand sectors. So, SkyPack is already partnered with real businesses. Some of them are out of that Lafayette area. Um but they have joined
012in with this program and will be able to provide opportunities for our kids to um have mock interviews with them, to um ask them questions on workplace um readiness and have those experiences. Um they're able to access real-time dashboards for outcomes, accountability, and reporting, and support a sustainable model model that continues beyond um the period of the grant. Um this is some data. I know the graph is a little hard to see, but students grades 8 through 10 completed um the Go for Growth plans that are built within Sky Pack. It's basically a survey of their interests, their strengths, and matches them with potential career opportunities that they can then build from throughout their high school career. So, they answer these questions. This is real-time data from the questions that were answered through the Go
013for Growth plan. And so, you can see the interest in medical assisting, pre-nursing, digital design, engineering, welding technology, entrepreneurship, interior design, fashion and textiles, and marketing and sales, and criminal justice. So, this data was created within this program based on the interests that our students have shared in that survey. Is there another slide after that? Okay. And so, with this data, it is ever-changing. So, our students can go into their Go for Growth plans, and as they go through high school, they can answer those questions that will then manipulate this data to provide them opportunities and different experiences. So, what our students have access to in this program, they can see potential career possibilities based on the questions that they answered. And as they move into the next couple of years, the career coaches can
014provide opportunities um for mock interviews or real interviews once they get to like their senior year based on their interest that that they've pulled from this program. Um There There are built-in virtual work-based learning experiences within this program. There are a couple different options that our our students can choose from. With each experience, they can gain up to 30 hours. So, if they do three experiences, that's 90 hours. And if they are depending on which seal they're going for, if it's the enrollment seal, the employment seal, if they are going for the enrollment seal, they want to go for the the enrollment enrollment seal plus. Um that will require them to get at least 75 hours of work based learning. Um but those are our kids who are higher academic, they're going they plan on
015going to college, they're going to get the ICC, Indiana College Core. Um that allows them to get their first year of college done while they're in high school. A lot of those students are heavily involved in activities. So if we have these virtual opportunities available for them to get that workplace learning experience, they can do that during the school day and not have to find that borrowed 75 hours of time to dedicate to getting that done. I think it just increases the opportunities and the possibilities. And it is a grant that was awarded, so this is free to us um to have. >> Yeah, we bombarded Grace and Caitlin with when the state put this out it was a competitive grant, but it required a collaboration not only amongst the schools but within with a
016service center or another non-profit workforce agency. So this one's tied to Region 4, but it's through Wabash Valley Educational Service Center, which is our one we actually belong to in our region at Lafayette, but we also put our name in the mix with Region 8. And and and with IUK. And so there are some other support opportunities that'll complement potentially. This this program was a complete package with being able to partner. Um so the others will be in the mix receiving services even in the elementary building with with some of the IUK agenda. So um good things coming our way. Thank you, Grace. Any questions for her at all? Feel bad making you talk, Grace. >> It was hard. Trying to project and talk at the >> Daniel? >> I just have a couple updates
017on numbers. Um, most of our partnerships um programs have been they're kind of coming to the end. We do have our fourth, fifth, and sixth they're doing the visual thinking skills field trips. So, like fifth grade went to Charlie Creek Garden today, but then they spent the second half of the day going to Heartland Career Center and checking out Heartland as well. Um, so sixth grade fourth grade went yesterday, sixth grade goes tomorrow. So, we are finishing up some of those programs. A couple um just numbers. Mexico Lions Club does the free glasses. So, we did have one student since the last time I did this who did benefit from that. And our four county schools trainer that we have is now up to 11 students that she's working with in the school. Um, but
018I think probably the uh biggest thing project that we have finally been able to start doing, if you have noticed on the side of Warrior Arena, our FFA has now started doing a raised bed garden project. If you remember, I got the grant for that last year as part of that health first, but then it got delayed. Well, by the time it was delayed, it was winter. So, we are finally getting to the point where we're able to do that. So, I'm excited about that and um we've been Mr. Oldermuth and I have been taking pictures along the way. So, as we I'm looking forward to next fall when we'll actually be able to do a presentation to the board to show kind of the project, but then also our students benefiting from it at
019the elementary as well. So, I think that's It's um the one that we've been waiting on the longest that we can finally get started on. >> Anything else, Daniel? >> No, the rest of them >> slides? >> No, the rest of them are all things that have been going on through the year that we've already I've already shared. >> All right, thank you. Staff reports. I will um get this started as a corporation report. Um we are wrapping up the 25-26 school year. Um we are hitting May and I I I've heard from some neighboring districts that make it out a little earlier than 29th that we were you know, feeling a lot better about ourselves in August when we bumped our schedule back a little week, but the 29th will be our last official
020day for students. Um just the calendar with with the shifting, I I don't think we've gone past Memorial Day for a while, I feel like, so um but it it shifts up earlier in May this year, so um we will bring our staff back for end of the year um a work day on the first on the first. And so that as a board you're invited to as well. We're going to be doing a luncheon at the middle high school that day. Um as they wrap up the school year, but no, could not be uh you know, more more proud of where we've been. It's been a busy um I I feel like every year we get back from spring break and it is a sprint to the finish line and we haven't slowed any
021slowed down at all this year, so um getting things in order for next school year and then wrapping up this this school year and I I don't want to steal too much of the thunder from I know it's been busy very busy in the buildings, but I I cannot commend it's it's been awesome to see not only the local, state, but the national recognition that our fifth grade program has received. Um I think for the first time ever, you know, sweeping, finishing first and second um in the national soils out out in Oklahoma, it was um I think about 100 and I don't know, 160 something teams I think there were out there. And so, uh I've seen we've made publications I didn't even know existed um that were that were out there. We've made
022front page. So, um if you look at who we brought, it was a young team. Like we had a lot of freshmen in that group. Um and so, it's a very commendable to our to our program with with Mr. Wildermuth and with Mr. Jones and Mr. I mean, it's just a a lineage. I think I think I don't know how many Mr. Jones have been on. Like they said, 30 >> I don't know. >> It's a lot. So, um I don't know if he was planning on it, but I think he made it to this one. So, that was good to see. But uh can't can't speak highly enough of of what that has accomplished. And um just want to remind everybody we we had a team last year qualify in dairy to head them
023to Europe. That's going to still be coming this summer. So, um great accomplishments there. And I want to commend Chris today for a nice job today putting on the top 10 luncheon. So, um and I'll hand it over to you. Let you make some comments. >> Okay. Um I feel like everything happens at once at the end of the year. Um since we've gotten back from spring break, I feel like we've just been go go go go. Um we had our senior awards and scholarship recognition last Friday. Um we had top 10 luncheon today. Um this Friday we'll have our high school awards. We'll have our middle school awards next week and finals. Um we've been busy with AP testing. We finished ILEARN um you know, within this past month as well with our middle
024school and our biology. Um I really wish I could share biology scores, but I can't yet. Um but I'm excited to um when I can the next time that we talked about data. Um, and we won't have those Ilearn scores until the end of July, early August, so. Um, we'll talk about that then, but um, yeah, we're just really winding down, trying to keep the kids focused. Um, we've got a lot of great things that have happened. Um, I had the privilege of driving our English academic team to Purdue. Um, this past uh, what? Two weekends ago. Um, Jonathan Thomas was the teacher that filled in and our English academic team, um, were state champs in their class. First time ever having, um, been uh, qualifying for state, but to win the entire thing. Um,
025and there are four different classes that they were in and it's all based on school size, but our team earned a perfect score. And they were the only team to earn a perfect score. And they were going against large schools like Crown Point. Um, and that's a huge feat and we had a three-person, three-woman English team, I should say. Um, of Anna Gallion, Sydney Lane, and Ava Myers. And they did a wonderful job. Um, so that was a great experience. All of the success that we've had with FFA, um, as mentioned before with our soils team going to nationals, um, winning and then winning reserve, um, from to my knowledge, first time that's ever happened. Um, getting those first two spots was which was amazing. Um, our poultry teams performed very well, as well. Um,
026earning first in all of their different categories. Um, I know as we're winding down, um, with athletics and sports, I know we're getting into sectional time. Um, with golf and with softball and then baseball will follow, I think, after we >> And girls track sectionals are >> Track sectional um, is what? Tonight at Bremen. Um, so looking looking forward to hearing a lot of the successes that we're going to see. I think we're going to have um some good outcomes. I'm very hopeful for that, but um try to keep the kids focused and um just making it to the finish line. Um all teachers and kids in one piece is a challenge. Um but I don't know. I'm really um excited to wrap up year two as principal for the middle high school. I'm excited
027to see what what it's going to look like going into summer and I'm looking forward to already planning things for next year. So, it's been an ever ever evolving process of how can we improve things, put things into motion, just a lot of planning. So, I'm excited to do a lot of that, too. >> Thanks, Christine. >> So, we had teacher appreciation week at the beginning of May and we had a radio theme. Um I want to thank PTO for sponsoring a lot of that for us, but I did want to point out in case any of you after the board meeting are interested, one of our contests was a mystery singer. So, Mrs. Cabage does a mean share that I have on video. So, if anybody would like to see that, so shout out
028to locate that tonight. It was It was really good. >> like you're agreeing with yourself. >> It was really I was very impressed. >> I'm kind of baked right now. >> Oh yeah, I can totally >> Do it up. >> mirror that easily. Um like Chris said, we finished up the I learn assessment. We finished our I read, kind of like the bio. I am really excited when I can share some of that information. Um our M class, IXL, all of those things. So, >> remediation is working? >> I'm very hopeful. >> Yes. We're We're waiting on the island. >> Yes, we're waiting on the island. >> Unfortunately, we won't get that till later in the summer, but that is our hope, yes. And we have plans to expand that, you know, next year as
029well. So, um a thank you to Steph Koppler for police day again this year. It was a great event, and as always, our students were did a wonderful job, and we received a lot of compliments cuz it's all of the schools in Miami County going, and um they couldn't have said nicer things about our kids when they were there. Some of the events we have coming up, we do have our Carrie mentioned our kindergarten through third grade fun days on the 20th, the 21st, um Mrs. McBride is going to have the fifth graders looking at different instruments, and then that night they will also have or on the 27th, sorry, they'll have a parent meeting as well. So, we're getting that band interest going for Mrs. McBride. The 22nd is fourth and fourth through sixth
030grade field day. We have our pack party next week. Um kindergarten and sixth grade graduation on the last day of school with our senior walk-through at 10:15. So, if you want to come and see that, that would be awesome. And then June 2nd through 12th is our I read summer remediation that we have. So, I've been working with Chad to get that organized. Mrs. Hoover is has all of her things in order as well. So, we will do our final I read testing on June 12th, that Friday. >> You good? >> Yep. >> Thank you, Danielle. A couple of real quick things to add before we go over the financial report. Um I want to thank the elementary It's hard to believe it it seems longer than that ago, but I think the day after
031our last board meeting we held the Coal Porter scholarship. So, that's a 3-year rotation. It was our turn to host. We had 12 our sixth out of eight wins, and um did an excellent job. Yeah, I just want to thank Danielle, um Maria Campbell. We kind of had to vacate her area, but we used the whole uh arena wing. Um preschool was pleasantly quiet the whole the whole morning, but we got a lot of compliments on our facilities. It's nice to bring in the other schools and community members and be able to host that event. And they did increase that scholarship. Just for future references, first place now receives 15 grand over the years. It requires them to graduate. Um you know, a lot of graduates are coming out with almost their first year complete,
032and so um Polly Dobbs has been more than generous. If they That's the case, they split up 15,000 over 3 years as opposed to four. So, um in second place is 10,000. And then we do an alternate, and I I think every year, you know, if they change their major outside of fine arts, it goes to the alternates, and we've had alternates that have been awarded money. I know in this rotation, even currently. So, um generous in any scholarship we do through locally. Uh I also want to thank uh Danielle for setting up and attending the YMCA Kids Fair on the 25th. That was um very well-attended event. We get to share what we do well here in North Miami. Um and she takes a Saturday out of her weekend to make sure that we
033have a camping theme. >> Yep. >> This year. And so, share what North Miami does there. Um June 7th, a a Sunday is formally board um 2:00 p.m. the graduation of a baccalaureate or a prior right? Prior to that? Um >> What time? >> Um baccalaureate it will be at 12:15. Graduation starts at 2:00. >> 12:15? >> Mhm. >> In the gym, right? >> Yep, in the main gym. >> Who are they getting to do the baccalaureate? >> Um Steve Rushkes. >> Okay. >> He's Seth's grandpa. >> And then last night, I want to thank Christina. Um first time I've had to have someone pinch hit, but uh Christina represented us, and um I think Darren as well, Uh um, with the Heartland Career Center Senior Certificate Ceremony over at Honeywell. So, uh, they do
034a fantastic job of recognizing their seniors. They bring kids and their families from all five districts plus into the Honeywell's full the auditorium is full and they get everybody across the stage. Um, so, uh, want to We we have a very good representative over there and or representation of our students. So, I want to make sure um, those certificates continue to increase each year. So, thank you for that. All right, we've got the financial report. >> So, the on the monitors is our financial report for our largest funds, um, as of the end of April. Um, in April, our enrollment decreased from fall to spring. Um, that funding loss starts happening. So, that 41 just over 41,000 dollars is applied evenly and reduced from our April, May, and June payments. Um, so, that is reflected
035in our um, state sources revenue in that education fund. Um, we, you know, at the bottom down there of that education fund, um, you know, we're definitely ahead of where we were last year as far as our lost um, revenue versus expenditures in that fund. Um, still have some work to do there, but we're definitely good narrow that gap a little bit. Our operations fund and our debt service fund are waiting on property taxes. Two funds, that is their source of revenue. Um, operations fund has a little bit other miscellaneous stuff, but those are their large sources. Um, in May so far No, in April we did get I think that little bit there is financial institution. In May we've already got excise or um, commercial vehicle settlement. So, um in June we'll get excise
036and property tax. So, we will look very different by the end of June um with that revenue in there and our debt service payments and will also happen towards the end of June. So, those will kind of balance each other out and will grow some cash in that fund with those. Um our lunch fund's just chugging along in there. We're still keeping a real close eye on that one. Um if we just look at our fund balances down there at the bottom, we're still not quite where we were last year. So, even though we raised prices a little bit, we're still running a little behind. So, we're just keeping a real close eye on that. Um I know Stephanie's planning on a She had a position get opened this year that she hasn't filled and
037I think she's going to continue with that next year. They've been doing okay without that position and you know, so she's looking at it all of her parts that way, too, to see how she can get that balanced a little more. And we haven't had any activity in either one of these bond funds yet. >> And we do not have any old business. Yeah, under item A, we have the following nominations, resignations. Josh Valentine in maintenance. John Stoner as volunteer girls soccer coach. Shannon Maguire current varsity cheerleading. Carrie White as a junior class sponsor. Alan Seeger as high school, middle school math, cross country, and varsity boys assistant track coach. And Kenneth Hanson and myself as the superintendent. >> Second. Mr. Green and seconded, all those Motion passes 4-0. Um leave of absences? We just
038skip that? >> Yeah, we don't have any in there. >> Hire recommendations? >> Yeah. Yeah, we have the following um Bailey Row transitioning from the administrative position of elementary assistant principal to an elementary teacher and Leanne Echo Barker who's been student teaching as a elementary teacher as well. >> Mr. Newton Mr. Newton seconded. All those in favor? Motion passes 4-0. Higher recommendation non-cert? >> Yeah, item D here we have the following non-cert Amber Shipper replacing our retiring nurse Florence at the elementary for elementary school nurse and then the following summer workers Samantha Jones, Cheyenne Cox, Shannon Carr, Jordan Eaton, and Keaton Ford. >> Mr. Finnegan moved. Mr. Dearinger seconded. All those in favor? Motion passes 4-0. Higher We don't have any higher recommendations. >> Nope, not anything for after. >> Summer school? >> Yeah, the
039summer school's expanding some this year. Recommend approval for the 26 staff middle high school. This is for credit recovery. Carrie wants to be in this position for a while. I don't know how many summers. It's been a while. But she's agreed to do this again. IREAD remediation June 2nd through the 12th. Same thing Megan has done an excellent job with that. Autumn Stradling as the para. If necessary for transportation, we have it on here as an approval item for a bus driver for summer school as well. >> Mr. Newton moved. Mr. Mr. Finnegan seconded. All those in favor? Motion passes 4-0. Um transition services agreement. Transition services agreement. >> Yeah, what we have here is with my resignation and effective date transitioning my current contract with Inner Mountain transition services for the month of June.
040Um so this would be the agreement to uh compensate at a daily rate for days worked through June. So plan that we worked with on this transition as the board searches for the next superintendent um is to be on an interim status in June um and then hopefully have uh the next superintendent in place by the beginning or the end of July. So if we get to that point, we'll re- reconvene on what we want to do moving forward from that point. So um >> Mr. Finnegan moved, Mr. Hudson seconded. All those in favor in favor. Motion passes 4-0. Sound system in the arena, new business? >> Yeah, this has been on our facilities list for a while, our programming. Uh we wanted to adjust the tackle the acoustics in the arena, which we did
041last year and it has made a I I think a vast improvement. Uh herd cattle I've not heard of as a descriptor when we're running PE or any events in that arena. So it has made an improvement, but um the system in there is is original um in some components. So the speakers I think in the ceiling currently are one of the four that are functional. So we want to be able to not have to use a portable system in there. So we're looking to use this upgrade for not only our programming, but for events um and even just daily the gym gets used every day. So um this will be a nice um replacement for the sound system. Stylus is the company we've partnered with for a few of our other projects as well.
042So it's it's we did get quotes uh from CSI and and Stylus came in as the most reasonable option. >> Move. >> Second. >> Motion was made by Mr. Deardorff, seconded by Mr. Finnegan. All those Motion passes 4-0. >> Yeah, the next item B is the security camera updates and replacements. So this is to put a really a bow on our upgrade our security camera systems with a Visual One. So, Visual One runs the back end. They also manage our door access. So, we've worked with vendors, various vendors, Tech Electronics. And we've found a good partner as well with Stylus. So, they they are licensed to install the Visual One cameras. And this last year, these quotes is cameras that we needed that we had once we did the initial installs where we needed some
043improvements. These are some cameras that are outdated that need to be upgraded and replaced and moving a couple cameras around. So, and some licensing fees that go along with maintaining the the back end of that software. So, I will say especially this last two years that we've we've learned a lot with the system. Our administration is is efficient and being able to monitor and not only that, being able to search and and and go through cameras as needed as well. >> So, move. Sorry. >> Mr. Finnegan move. Mr. Hudson seconded. All those in favor? Mr. Pastuszek, did you vote? I did not see. >> I did vote. >> Okay. So, motion still passes 3-2-1. All those I should say all those opposed? Are you just abstaining? >> Should I vote? >> Right now? >> I
044opposed. >> Okay. >> Mr. Young, you opposed? >> Yeah. I understand that, but on the other side of it >> Not the first time, Mark. >> I know. You You know this You know my You know my story. >> All right. Tuck pointing repairs. This has been an ongoing maintenance item. I've been very, very pleased with Jason Floyd's work. Um and we have tackled some structural masonry work that was in disrepair from window sills to bricks. I always think that it looks like it's a nightmare when he's mid-project and it always looks like it never happened when he's done. So, he's done done good work. I think this is a very reasonable um fee. He literally still gives us a handwritten quote. You don't get that too often for doing places, but um Jason does
045good work for us, so. >> Okay, Mr. Ryder, move. Mr. Finney and seconded. All those in favor? Motion passes 4-0. >> Yeah, as it as we reach May, um project-wise, we've had the elevator last month. Uh the other two projects here of significance when it comes to costs are a couple of lighting projects. First is exterior lighting updates, so this would be tackling all of our exterior lighting. So, from our entryways to the poles um and and converting over to an LED, but also increasing coverage. So, um if you've been around back with the new lighting when we put in the fuel station, it's just a significantly brighter presence that will be reflected upon all of the parking lot and outside walkways um with that quote. So, that's that's item B. That's exterior lighting. >>
046So, that finishes our exterior lighting. >> It does. We've We We have manned We have changed some of these ourselves with some of the poles, but this will go through and make everything consistent and be on our controls. >> Mr. Finney, do you want to second? >> Yeah. >> Okay. Mr. Finney and moved. Mr. Ryder seconded. All those in favor? Motion passes 4-0. >> Hopefully we'll we'll jump on that soon. We did have a a pole not survive the storm what, two weekends ago? So, we had one. It wasn't even the one that was even leaning a little. It was the one on the side that we that we had fall over, so. Of all the storms, I was kind of surprised we had more damage from that storm than we had several others, so.
047Uh the next item of lighting that's been on our project list here as well. Um this would be to replace our football field lighting. So, it's one of those things from a a usage that's it's the current lighting we've had has been been present for a long time. So, this would be taking those controls, contacts, moving that all to ground level from a safety perspective, upgrading the lighting to an LED from an energy usage. The controls, there's there are all kinds of options, dynamic controls. We we've just gone with the basics. It'll still be the same six switches that are right inside the maintenance barn that turn those lights on and off. So. >> Question. >> Yeah. >> How important is are these lights? And can you just help out with the budget? >> Absolutely.
048I think this is coming out of the bond money that we presented. I believe we approved it. It was part of the reasoning for the bonds. Um you know, from a from a project perspective the lighting this has been you know, I mentioned an energy audit in the past, converting our lighting to LED. When it comes to football lighting, you know, these are on for anything that we hold, track meets, football games. I mean, they're they're only they're not being used as as much as the rest of our lighting, but I think the biggest need here is from a safety perspective. We've had issues the last several years um with amperage usage, lights going out. And anytime we even have to replace a bulb, you know, we have to scale those poles. Um and done
049that in house. I don't know what it costs us to to hire somebody, but this would be the I guess the last area of campus that we haven't from a lighting perspective. This would be the last of it. So. >> This was high on both priority during the meeting. Of course it is. >> Can we table this so the whole board works on it, like discusses it, or do you know? >> I mean, this is coming as a I mean, we we pushed this through the facility committee. I mean, they all met. They agreed that this was I mean, it wouldn't this was an item I would have brought to the board 3 months ago. We've just been trying to get the other quotes in order, so I'd like to be able to move on
050it just to be able to get it out of the summer prior to you know, the season starting this fall is when they'll be used heavily next, so. >> So, move or somebody already >> Nope. >> So, move. >> I'll take it. >> Mr. Gehrdorf moved, Mr. Finnegan seconded. All those in favor? Two. All those opposed? Two. So, since we have no true credit, like what's our >> We need to chat with them talk about it next meeting. I got some research to do on my own on it. I'd like to go out and look at look at it visually, look >> Yeah, I I guess my concerns is nothing's going to get cheaper. I've gotten quotes from Mohawk Lighting at 180,000, so I think Energy Harness has been a partner of ours for the
051last four or five years, so they've worked with us on this. Um I do I mean, that would be my biggest concern of just pushing this down the road is just this not It's not going to get cheaper, so. >> Could you hold it for one more month or something? >> No, I don't think a month hurts at all. I mean, I don't I I'm more than okay with that, so. Yeah, that's fine. >> Do we need a motion to table? >> Yeah, I think you already did it with your vote two two, so. >> Okay. Moving on surplus items. >> Yeah, it's that time of year as we go through. Um we put through furniture um to be replaced in the interior classrooms of the middle high school. So, this is just declaring surplus
052the stuff we need to um get rid of. Student chairs, we've got 93 of them. Tables, 37. And 76 desks that are in the inventory. >> Mhm. Okay. >> Motion made by Mr. Gehrdorf, seconded by Mr. Finnegan. All those approved? Four zero. Donations. >> No, we got item G, sorry. Not on the printed. It is here. So, yeah. Um, brought to the attention of the board last month we had a formal request by Phil O'Neal who I think was here this evening to join us. Um, he's recently purchased the property here on Meridian um, and the request came our way to see if there was any option of tapping into our septic line that is privately owned by North Miami schools that runs to Denver to JV, so um, we've had some communication back and
053forth. I've updated the board. We've done some research on our end over the last It was a little over a just prior to the last board meeting when he brought this request our way. Um, and so we've we've done that. We've worked with the town of um, Denver, you know, on what how that would work with them. Um, we've gone to the um, engineer installer who put that line in and shared that feedback with Phil in regards to requirements and costs and what it would take to tap into that system. Um, you know, some of the unknowns we're working with with our attorney still are, you know, liability concerns if anything were to happen to it, you know, downstream from there. Um, and we're still trying to get a few answers as well in regards
054to just being a municipality um, and really having a utility fee that we charge to non you know, a customer of ours on how that process would work. So, those are kind of the ongoing items we're still trying to get a couple answers to, but um, wanted to turn this over to consideration of the board and um, it's kind of the first request I've had of this kind in regards to I think we had put the line in in 20 13 I think it's been, so um, we've got easements all the way from here to Meridian that jump back and forth based on how that process went down and um, at the time the town of Denver, you know, there was conversation about them managing the line and over cost and requiring and other entities
055to join it, you know, this was a it ended up being a long story, so to make a long it's a private project. We ran that line. You know, knock on wood, we've we've we've flowed there ever since. Um, you know, each each night as we dump our our pit, and so um So, yeah, it's kind of in the board's hands. Phil, you have anything you'd like to share at all or >> Um, essentially what we have is the property just under uh right about a third of an acre. The current septic just daylight into the field in back. It's completely destroyed. We have to replace it in order to occupy the the residence. We found out the soil does work to put a septic, but then the well is too close to where the
056septic would have to go. And we can't really move the septic too far away without moving the well. So, now we have to do a new septic and new well prepared just tying into your septic sewer line that runs right across our front yard. So, it'd be even with the additional cost and engineering to make sure we're meeting all the requirements, it's still only cheaper than putting a stand-alone septic and moving a well head in. >> Thank you. You guys have any questions for him at all or >> I don't have enough information. >> Yeah, I'd make a motion to table this. >> We need a motion to table it? >> Second. >> Phil made a motion to table it. Okay. Mr. Finnegan made a motion to move to table this to the next meeting,
057Sam? >> Yeah, I think we need to do some research. We need to do >> Do you have a date on that, Kim? >> Um, our next meeting in June is the third as the third Tuesday here. It's Looks like it'll be the 20th. So, no, sorry, that's wrong. That's the 16th. >> Okay, Mr. Finnegan moved to table this motion to this June 16th regularly scheduled meeting. Mr. Deardorff seconded it. All those in favor? Motion passes 4-0. >> And then Phil, like we can share just from in further discussion getting everybody's input and then getting those answers I just mentioned. I think before we commit to you know what happens if that owner doesn't pay a bill? I mean, just what are those hassles we need to work out? So. >> Yeah, due diligence is
058important. >> So, that's kind of where we're at. Thank you. >> Yep. Are you intending to live at that residence? Sorry, can you ask me that question? >> we're going to make it something that the city is going to be proud of and then put it back on the market. We're going to put probably about 180 to 200,000 dollars into it to turn it around from the eyesore that it is now. >> Thank you. Donations? >> Uh we have the following donations. Um Mike and Vicky Musselman, 1,000 dollars for FFA expenses. And Tri Kappa, 200 dollars designated for art supplies. So moved. >> Seconded or Gehrdorf moved, Mr. Hudson seconded. Um all those in favor? Motion passes 4-0. Any naysayers? >> None. >> No, we do have a couple more policies though. This is um
059just a couple first readings here. Um working with ISBE. I think we've um needed to tackle our enrollment. This was something that's been really out of place since we discussed this over policies for homeschooling in the past. We needed to update our practice to we need to update our policies to what we've been practicing. So, if you look at this first reading, where the changes come into play are in red. Um this is for you to review for next meeting. It would be second reading. Um but we've we really looked at that full-time half-time status. We've added a component that addresses homeschooling to be able to participate in extracurriculars. Um whether it's the IHSA guidelines, we'll be consistent with in grades 9 through 12. And then we've removed removed language that just was obsolete in
060regards to driver's ed education that we don't offer anymore. Um so really what that practice has been for at least the last 8 years and I think prior, I don't think we have maybe one student that's taking advantage of this right now. And then, it's actually a sixth grader but taking a middle school class. It would be that requirement to take at least one course enrolled. And then, allowing them also to attend Harlem Christian or half time. Here at Meridian, we we've had these policies of making policy reflect that. So, uh the other one is the state put through an updated wireless device law. Um so, this is in a handbook revision. So, we need to update our policy to reflect the law. Um this is really coming straight from the ISBA. The only part
061they recommended was how we administered it. So, in that second statement in that during the school day, the wireless device must be stored away as instructed by administration, powered off, and inaccessible to students. So, um it's worded that way intentionally. It gives us some flexibility. Gives us some time to still set those things in place of what we want to do. Um but, it will be a step um in a more strict environment for for cellular devices. And so, the exceptions A, B, C, D, and E and F are straight from the law. Um those are the exceptions the state provided. So, as opposed to those, you know, this year they were allowed to be used during lunch, during passing period. The expectation next year or during or at the they are Anyways, they weren't
062allowed this year. But, this next year they're not even allowed to be off, um not accessible, um and so, it's from a school perspective, I I think we took the last state law um and implemented it. I think we've done a pretty decent job. It's not perfect, but I think this will be a less growing pains for us than a lot of districts. It's probably the best way to put that. So, um but, it will be needing to be compliant for for next year. So, that's the first reading um in regards to the cell phone wireless device update. >> What do you do with 400 cell phones? >> Well, that's why we got to come up with a plan whether it's um pouches or technology or lockers. I mean, there's a few we're trying to
063get to the bottom of what's best practice. State will still give us some more details um from a memo perspective of Yeah, I mean it's going to be a challenge for us with, you know, 300 and some kids in the building. I can't imagine a large school that's got, you know, tens of thousands. it would be very challenging. >> I think it's good. It's just a shame. >> Yeah. Yeah, it's just another, you know, I I think what we had in place was probably you know, it was definitely a step in the right direction and sufficient. I think this is just taking it even further. >> It's sad that it took the state to make it. >> Yeah, and I I think it was a shift in, you know, how they were used, what they
064were used for, and uh we live in a day and age, I think, from a contact and communication standpoint, it's just it's just different than it used to be. So, this also includes, you know, other devices, you know, watches, AirPods, all those things as well. So, it's all encompassing there. >> I don't have to worry about eating there. Just remember your chips. >> Um One summer trip request, I think this has been an annual event for the football team overnight uh team camp in Manchester June 15th through the 18th. >> Hello. Second. Mr. DeGarmo, Mr. Finnegan second. All those in favor? passes 4-0. Um future meeting date June 16th. >> All I do is look down the list earlier. >> Sorry, I didn't mean to interrupt. Um so >> Yeah, and I I'll I'll share
065first here if that's okay. Um couple of updates speaking, I guess, for the board in this transition process. I think they've got an executive session scheduled for June 1 um to review applications at that point. Um and then the rest of June will be scheduling interviews and you know, hopefully making an offer and with with the intent with the goal taking feedback from the survey that I think we pushed out another reminder today. And taking that feedback into consideration in the hiring process. So, with my resignation being on the table this evening, I just want to express my sincere gratitude. I sent a letter out to our staff here. I I feel like it's it was a long time ago. It was the 27th of April. So, just the timing of this has been dragged
066out a little bit for my formal resignation to go through, but I have thoroughly enjoyed and been very thankful for the opportunity to be the superintendent here the last 8 years. So, it was as an alum, it was a job that I didn't take lightly. I never signed up to deal with COVID. I will admit that. That was a good kickoff to the job. But, I I've got a lot of people come my way and um I had our I had our last director's meeting uh last week and you know, it hit me in that meeting. We've We've got experienced good people in place through this transition. And I've got to tell a lot of people I do I hope I've handed this position off this district off uh better than I found it. That
067was my goal. And uh you know, public school I'm not going to lie, you know, statewide is you know, has challenges that they've never dealt with. And and I think locally we're a proud community. We're we're proud of this school. And just thankful that the board had belief in me to lead it the last 8 years. Um always be a a warrior moving forward. And and I will help out in any way I can through this continued transition process. So, I'll say thanks. Thank you. >> I go next? I don't know. >> I'll go last. I'm good. >> Yeah. >> Okay. Um I really like seeing the high school kids mentoring doing things with the elementary school kids. I don't think high school kids realize how important that is that those little kids look up
068to them. So, I think that's great all the things you're trying to do. Especially in like child development class over there. I mean, the FFA has been doing things before, but or the egg program, but yeah. So, the more the better in my opinion. Um and I appreciate Carrie's comments kind of like telling us things that you know, you guys You already have a whole list of things to tell us, but Carrie had some more interesting things in them. So, keep up the good work. I know schools it's getting closer to being out. So, keep up the good work. Standing here on the spot. >> You know, the FFA or FFA department you know, we've been winning since this school started. And people kind of take it take it you know, like oh, well, it
069must not be too tough or this or that, but but the new Paris paper, I don't know how many of you guys get that paper, but they had a and I think my wife saw this on Facebook. They had a picture of these kids. And I go to I always go through there and they have the little Miami cuz they have North Miami and there's a lot so as other schools. That's represents the north. There's a lot of Amish, but it it represents the north part of the state. The Farmers Exchange or it's called the Farmers Exchange. >> Yeah. That's a good one. But as I read those names I got to think of 3 years ago those kids they thought dirt was a four-letter word. So, now it's soil. And where would we be
070without soil? You know? And and poultry you know, like these kids think of those little cute things in those horse tanks, water tanks and >> Farm stores. >> And those farm stores, you know? But now they're it's it's different. And uh It's judging is not easy. I I don't want to talk about me too much, I guess, but 60 years two years 60 years two weeks ago Um I was on a team that went down. And we placed second. We had high individual and fourth high individual. And you don't know if you're going to win or not until the banquet. And they announce your name. And and that feeling you have when you go up on that stage to get your award there in front of kids from all over the United States, that's really
071memorable. I don't if it's And and it's something you don't forget. But it is work. Cuz I mean, we got these kids start they start uh practicing before school, after school, weekends. And you have administrators or teachers who are willing to do that. And yes, we have good horses. They're all graduates from here. So, I mean, it's it's a tradition that we have, but it's not easy. I mean, the people I don't want people to think, "Oh well, they won again, you know?" But it's it's really a a accomplishment, so. Looks like things are shaping up good down the year, and I like some of the share some of the ideas for the new year. And looks like we're on the right track. I spoke too long. >> I forgot to thank Kenny for his
072service. I thought about that after, but I forgot. >> Uh we're going to wrap it up with you. >> Yeah. Congratulations. It's it's almost over this year. Um I will say overall academic, athletics, I think this has been the best year that we've had since I've been on the board, kind of known the inner workings of the things, so I appreciate you all for that and yeah, publicly Kenny thanks and best wishes. >> My whole thing and usually I have two or three things to hit on, but my whole thing tonight was that the FFA thing and you and Kenny is exactly right. Everybody takes it for granted, but why wouldn't you? You won 60 years ago or or was at the national contest 60 years ago. You must have graduated in '66 because 50
073years ago I was there. >> I was trying to remember. I won the state poultry contest and I'm trying to remember what year that was. >> I was six uh 16, so I've been 60 >> And and and I realize that kids probably go more places than where we went 50 or 60 years ago, but um the trips that I took through FFA was either Washington D.C., Washington D.C., Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, Madison, Wisconsin, and um Oklahoma. Those are trips that you may, you know, fortunately I've been in a lot of places and I've met a lot of different people, but the go through there that that's the only time they ever get that opportunity. And it really is a it really is a great thing. And and then the the other thing is with Kenny, I
074was here when you came. I guess I'm going to be here when you leave and I've told you before I don't want to be >> I didn't live up to my end of the bargain, Mark. >> Yeah, I told you before I didn't I don't want to be here when you my time is about run out anyhow, but but thanks for all you've done and and uh I think I can say this, I shouldn't, but you'll be the first one I've seen four come through here that I'm going to miss. For the record. >> I and I will I I brought it up in a couple it's been a couple months ago, but we've been working with all the regulations the state highways and county, but you know, we want to recognize what we accomplished
075in this community, be proud of it and you know, we had the state championship the last two years in wrestling. We've got you know, our '93 football state championship, our 2014 softball and so we're working on those signs and I I think Amy had mentioned, you know, our other side of that is all of our FFA accomplishments and so we are in still in the process of you know, putting those recognitions up formally in the the gym, but also we have some sign decor and so we went to the ag, you know, and asked them and you know, the biggest challenge is just fitting out what what do you share and not share, you know, and so we've got like five signs that are just jam-full of you know, what accomplishments we've won, you know,
076it's it's not even listing them out, it's just how many state championships, how many national championships, how many award winners um and and I think we're going to be able to do it, but our goal is to be able to update that number cuz we know we're going to be those signs are going to constantly change. So, be like one of those you know, flip flip charts maybe that we can update those numbers each year, but um you know, that's something as people come into our district that we want to brag about and so those are those are both in the works and I mean literally trying to figure out how strong the poles need to be to hold the wind. I mean, that's that's what we're that's what we're looking at right now, so.
077>> Well, also in the FFA, when you hear FFA, you think I mean, obviously when I was here it was Future Farmers of America, but FFA doesn't stand for Future Farmers of America and Austin has been out of school since 2005 and when he went in as a green hand as a freshman or so, there was only two kids in his class that were actually off a farm out of I think it was 17 that year or something like that, but but there's a lot of those kids that are probably out in Oklahoma they're not farmers, but they understand and they know how to stand in front people and there's just a lot of great things there. >> Yeah. >> You got it? >> Given her all reasons, it sure makes you like >> Yeah,
078it does. >> Makes you a little tougher when you got to plead your case. Yeah. Um one last motion? >> So moved. >> Second. I guess you probably need a second again. >> I don't know. Mr. Finnegan moved, Mr. Segura seconded it. Oh, I like that. I don't know. We were talking. >> offering to probably >> You're you're in my seat.