001I'll call this meeting to order. Please stand for the pledge of 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. To all very much. You may be seated. And please uh I'm pleased to welcome you to the May uh 2025 uh regular school board meeting of RBD Community School Corporation. And uh please let the record reflect that Mr. Tucker, Mr. Dural, and Mr. Kerr and Mr. Deamas are all present this evening. Um do we have any visitor comments? No. Um, I am glad to see so many of you here tonight. That is great. And I know you're going to find this so riveting that you'll be back next month and every month thereafter. And you
002know, we love a we love a crowd. So, we're so glad you're here. And so, I'll turn it over to Dr. Sanders to start us off with our Mustang moments. Yes, we have moments. Uh, you know, usually when uh when there's standing room only at a board meeting, that means it's it's a there's a problem. And uh it's all good tonight. Uh so I appreciate everybody coming out tonight. Uh we're going to start off with the Edgewood Foodies. Is that right? Now, that sounds like a rock band, but I think you're gonna find this be be a very interesting presentation. Mr. Sch. Absolutely. Got to introduce some pretty amazing people. Um, this started probably a year and a half ago when a high school student Maya Gil came to us came to me with an
003idea um about a group where she could um help kids who who may or may not have dietary needs um to help them create recipes, things like that. Um the best part about it for me was that I just had to say yes to the idea. Um, and I think it's a testament to what's going on at the high school and just kind of the the shift in how things are are going as far as being able to see a problem and do something about it. Um, so I'm going to introduce Maya and her team and let her tell you all about it. [Applause] All right. Well, thank you for having us. We are the foodies club. I'm Maya Gil. I'm a junior at the high school and I wanted to design this club for
004students in grades three through six with um gluten or dairy allergies. And we've been supported by Mrs. RG and Jill Cronin. And thanks to Mr. We've been able to be mostly funded by the EIS color run. So that was great. This year our purpose is to help students feel more confident in managing food and allergy sensitives. and to create a fun, supportive space to make and try healthy foods. Encourage curiosity and learning about food and nutrition. So, the reason I wanted to start this club is because I've been gluten and dairyf free since I was seven. And during the pandemic, my grandma taught my brother and I how to cook. So, that's kind of how I got into that world. And I wanted to give back to kids who are the age I was when
005I started having allergies because this was like a sort of club that I would have loved to be able to have when I was that age. And so I wanted to create that for them. We have meetings that are held once a week during the spring season. Those meetings include activities like snack making, label reading, and discussions and eating. All meetings have a safe and positive environment for all participants. Some of our guest expert ex experts that have come are Rachel Dogner from Indiana University who is a lead dining hall dietician for students with allergies, Molly Osgood, the VA dialysis registered dietician supports patients with kidney issues. Amanda Waits, RBV culinary special uh skills specialist, creates authentic food for Edward students Carney and John, co-owners of Bright Side Cafe. Right side cafe is a gluten-free
006dedicated restaurant with with dairyfree options and feedback and impact enthusiastic particip participation from grades 3 through six. Parents and staff report increased awareness and confidence. Club me club members enjoy learning through hands-on experiences. I like foodies as much as I like cats. I didn't want foodies to end last year. And Lynley's quote was eat, love, laugh. Our kind of next steps are to hopefully find some funding for foodies next year. And we had an idea recently of a program we could start within the school corporation where each school would have a stash of um like allergyfriendly snacks and treats for if some sort of celebration was going on in the school um so that everyone can participate. And there's even been a little bit of talk of how I can incorporate this into my college
007experience and maybe have like a gluten and dairyfree stand in on the campus or um something like that. So that is foodies and thank you for having us and especially thank you to Mr. Schaw for helping us through this year and yeah. And we have um some examples of things we've made in foodies this year for you guys to try if you would like. This is becoming this is an amazing thing, but it's I'm going to use a word that sounds kind of average. This is becoming common uh on our Edgewood campus. And by common I mean where uh instead of the teachers up in front of the classroom lecturing to the students, the students are figuring out real world solutions uh to everyday problems. And uh I'm not surprised that we have these students
008involved in in this project. And I think it's a an indication of what's to come down the road. Okay, thank you very much. You have two. Can we have two? How many are in the group? Is this the complete group right here or do you have others? This isn't everyone. We have a couple more people. Yeah, my uh wife and my daughter have bad food allergies and so I think what you're doing is amazing and it was a great idea and the fact that you took the initiative to implement it and involve so many students and uh really make a big difference in in all their lives. So appreciate you and appreciate all the all the foodies that help work with you to make these great treats. Thank you. It's been very fun. I would
009say uh yeah. All right. That's good. That's good. Thank you. Feel more energetic already. Thank you. Thank you. So, did you enjoy coming down to work with at EIS? Sorry. Did you come down? Did you enjoy coming down to work with the EIS students? Oh, yeah. It's Yeah, it's been great to kind of get a different environment as well. The trees prepared in the in the kitchen at EIS or Okay. No, we meet in Mrs. RG's classroom. So we made them during our club today. Thank you. Some of these young men and women will be at the junior high next year maybe. Yeah, we have we have Jasmine and another one of our members T come from the junior high after school. So yeah. Thank you very much. Yeah. Thank you. Thank you. [Applause] Our
010second group tonight is uh from Edgewood Junior High School and these are the uh journalism students who went to Seattle and they're giving a report tonight on on their trip. Well, good evening and thank you for having us. Uh my name is Stephanie. Um I teach English and journalism over at Edgewood Junior High School. Um this year we had our second opportunity to go to the National Journalism Convention um for student journalists. Uh last year we went to Boston and took five kids. This year uh we were able to take 12 kiddos uh out to Seattle. Um, and you know, it's a high school journalism conference, but I say I said this last year and I will say it again this year. I am just always so impressed. Sorry. Sorry. You're fine. So impressed with
011our kiddos at the junior high level. Um, they just show the same um maturity, actually more maturity, I would say. um and just dedication and um just focus and that just desire to learn things about journalism that a lot of the high school kids don't even um show at the at the convention and they are just right there in it. They they fit right in. So I'm always impressed by them. Um and this new this year was no exception. Uh so I'm just going to let them kind of tell you about their experience uh of being out there and going to the conference uh and some of the extra fun things we got to do as So, I think they prepared a little slideshow to show some pictures of the things. There's mostly the fun
012things. We did a lot of work while we were out there, too. But, um, but yeah. So, I'll just let them take over. Okay. So, to start it off, we're going to show you the slideshow. And that's like more of the fun activities we did, but we still learned a lot at the convention. So after this introduction slide showing like where we went. This picture is from our hike. So this next slide is pictures of us starting at the Indie airport and then some pictures of us on the plane to Seattle. And that is us in the tram at the Seattle airport as it started going. Yes, please. And then this was our first full day there where we went to a mountain and we hiked up that. We had a picnic at that waterfall
013and we in the evening we made it to the famous Space Needle and to the convention center to visit differentformational booths from colleges and businesses in the journalism field. But there's not a picture of that. Next slide, please. All right. So, the next day we made it to the different breakout sessions at the convention. After almost a full day of that, we walked to the Pike Place Market and saw the gum wall. We made it to the dinner and had a debriefing session where we enjoyed hearing each other's takeaways from the day. On our last full day in Seattle, we went to more breakout sessions, went on a boat tour of Seattle, and rode on the the biggest ferris wheel on the West Coast. And these pictures show what was just explained for the last
014full day in Seattle. And yeah, this last slide here, one more. That's just our ride back from Seattle. And now we'll have some speakers tell us about like their favorite things they learned from Seattle. Uh I learned so much at the JA journalism convention this year. Uh they were in the convention was really interesting and it taught me how to be a better reporter, leader, and overall a better journalist. Uh we learned we also learned how to increase readership and so much more. This trip was so much fun and I learned so much on the trip and my favorite part was probably going to the Space Needle or going out to dinner every night with all my friends. Um, for me the Journalism Convention was a great opportunity and experience. I really enjoyed all the
015sites of Seattle and all the fun activities that we got to do. I learned so much from the conferences I went to. I learned how to be a better leader in my journalism community and how we can work together to make our journalism and media programs more viewed. This convention was very useful to our journalism and media classes. The sessions that we went to taught us things like how to better our newspaper, how to keep a productive and fun environment, and how to increase readership in our newspaper. Not only did we learn new things about journalism, but we got to see the amazing sites of Seattle. We saw the Space Needle, beautiful mountains, and lots of more amazing views. Personally, I learned a lot from the key speaker who taught about writing reviews. Uh she
016was a professional who had been doing it for I can't remember now like 30 or 40 years. um that writing reviews is my forte. So learning about that was very helpful. But I learned about um writing min or conducting many interviews uh con increasing viewership and readership of Edge Media and Colts Chronicles and how to write various different pieces for the newspaper. Uh my favorite part about the conventions convention was during one of the breakout sections there was uh people from a lot of different schools. It was mostly teachers but it was all of middle schools. Um and that helped us see like a lot of how far we've gone. And I thought it was really cool to see uh other teachers around the country and what they're doing. your favorite part. I think my
017favorite part of going to the convention was being able to learn all the new things from professionals and being able to interact because some of the breakout sessions, you like got into little groups and explained about your newspaper and stuff. And I think being able to share connections with other people from so far away was like important and special to learn. Well, I think I have two favorite moments uh from the convention. One, every day we would gather around in one hotel room and pile in there and we would do our high lows for the day and just listen to the kids. They I don't know, I think they really enjoyed that part of it. Um we really just talked about the good things and the bad things from the day that we enjoyed. Um,
018and then my second favorite was a couple of our girls were doing a um an article for the newspaper on the convention and we're getting ready to get up from a breakout session and I look over and they had pulled some high school kid over and were interviewing her. I think maybe that that picture was up there at some point, but interviewing her about the convention just unprompted. Like that's the kind of thing that just impresses me so much about them. Like I didn't tell them to do that. they just they take initiative and they've just become more confident um with talking to people and it's just it was a really proud journalism teacher moment for me to see them do that. But um we just want to thank you from the bottom of our
019hearts again. Um I I think I sent Jen a text during the trip that said it's just amazing to be a part of a district that gives kids amazing opportunities. And you know just look like listening to Maya to talk about her. She had an idea and we just we I I don't know if I want to tell this to everybody but like we work at a yes man district. Like yes, if we can do this for kids and we can make it happen, we want to hear all your ideas and we want to make all the opportunities possible for kids that anybody can think of that's going to benefit them um as individuals and in the future. So again, thank you for allowing us this opportunity and and all the opportunities that you gives
020these kids in the district to do to just follow their dreams and and follow their passions. So, um, thanks a lot. Did you guys have any questions for them or throwing the fish? We did. We We barely caught that. That was right at the end of the day and we got a video of them throwing the fish over to the gum wall. Have you heard of the gum wall? It's disgusting. It's just a huge wall. And I mean, we did it. We went up and put our gum all over the wall. It's just nasty. But you probably saw my piece of gum because I've Yeah, maybe. Oh, we like Yeah, we got so blessed with weather. I kept I kept telling these kids, "Prepare, it's going to rain." Like, it's going to rain. It's No,
021it was like 65 and sunny every day. Not a drop of rain on us. So, I think they just they knew all these kids were coming to Seattle and they ordered the weather. So, yeah, it was it was beautiful out there. So, definitely said it all right there. She said it better than I could. But I think it is pretty awesome that our kids get to do these things. And you know, month after month, uh, we sit at a board meeting. Matt and I were talking about this today that, uh, month after month, we have these Mustang moments where students are talking about, um, either some activity that they're involved in or a project or internship. Um, and so what you're seeing tonight Now, we usually don't have three presentations, but but it's every month.
022And uh it just I'm so proud of our students uh for how hard they work and they're so brave to come uh to go on a trip like that and and uh have the courage to get up and speak at a board meeting. Uh things that I never thought I could do as a kid. And I especially want to thank Mrs. her and uh for her dedication and the extra mile she goes. I want to thank Jim Barrett too because she she sees me coming. She starts to cringe because she knows I'm asking her for money and they tried to tell me no last year and I think it was uh Miss Josephine Buckley wrote a nice long letter that just convinced we they had to take kids and we all went. So no, but
023thank you Jen for always always telling us yes if I can. So yeah. All right. Well, thank you guys. See y'all back next month. What else you got for our last uh We have three big kids who are going to present. Uh we have our uh three uh school resource officers. Uh and I talked to Alec uh about this uh because I just think it's really important uh for our community to know uh all that we do to to provide uh our students and staff with a safe environment. And the biggest part of that effort is our three SRO's. And I I don't know if everybody knows this, but we we write um a grant uh through the Department of Homeland Homeland Security. And the key part of our grant uh and our program is
024our SRO's building relationships with uh students and uh and we certainly got the right three guys uh to do that. Uh and they do it very well. Um they're really the most popular people on campus. Uh so I'm gonna turn over to Alec, Jason, and Shannon. Well, thank you. Uh, like Dr. Sanders said, he asked me to come to the board meeting um and just kind of give a rundown of myself and then the other SRO's. Um, so before um or some of you might not know, but I've been a police officer since 2012. I've been with Ellis PD since 2014. I worked patrol until 2020 when I took the second SRO job. And then in 23 I got promoted to sergeant over the SRO division. Uh so speaking about the SRO program, it started
025in 2014 with one part-time guy. Um that later that year he was elevated to a full-time position. Um and then it was one guy from 2014 to 2020 when I was hired. Uh in 23 we were extremely fortunate to bring on the third SRO. Um, I can't speak uh how great this is. We're able to focus on building the relationships in our own buildings um versus having to cover multiple buildings at once. Um, obviously I do cover three buildings, but I feel like I do a pretty good job of splitting my time between all three of them. Uh, we get a lot of questions about what we do. Um, and to be frank, we do a lot of talking. Um, we talk uh with of course the students but staff and the admin on a
026daily basis. Uh, when I'm at work, um, I want people to know they are appreciated and they can trust me. Um, I'm a very happy golucky type of person. So when I'm talking, my goal is to make you smile. Um, of course there's lots of high fives, fist bumps, and hugs. Um, I start every day by directing or I start every start and end both uh my day by directing traffic uh at the corner of Reeves and Sycamore to get all the parents in and out safely. Um, after directing traffic, I head inside and check in with my staff at EIS, uh, since that's where my home base is at. Um, and then move my way over to EI or EPS. Um, lunches run typically between 11 and 1. Um, so I try and be
027at uh all those lunches. Uh, but the keywords try. Sometimes I get pulled a different direction. Um, I love uh checking in with teachers in their classrooms and getting to interact with uh the students on a daily basis. Um, some of the other things that I'm a part of, um, I assist the seal teams as much as possible. Anytime there's a kiddo that's out of control, I try and assist any way I can. Uh, most of the time that's just being there with the staff while they deescalate the situation, making sure that they're safe. Um, two years ago, I created the ride to school with Officer Alec program. Uh this um we give these out to or parents can bid on them through Santa's workshop. Uh the top earners for the color run at EIS
028and then I've even had a couple teachers reach out where um you've had a student that's been struggling in class and this is like a extra thing to motivate them. Uh the past couple years I've done pizza lunches with the top earners in the fund run at EPS. I'm an Alice instructor for the corporation, one of the school safety specialists for the corporation, and I'm a member of our school safety uh team. Uh I truly believe that the SRO program has done amazing things for our community and schools. I personally can't go anywhere without being noticed. Um anytime I go to Chick-fil-A, I hear somebody over in the corner. That's Officer Alec. That's the police officer at my school. Um, one of the funny stories I like to tell is last year I was camping
029down at Spring Mill. I couldn't even get my camper backed in and there was probably a group of 20 kids. That's Officer Alec. That's Officer Alec. Um, so but one of the uh the highlights that I think really shows the connections that we make here at the school is there was a group of or some sisters that would run away constantly. Um, and so two or three years ago, uh, they had ran away. We got intel that they were in Bloomington and I went to, uh, follow up on one of those leads. Uh, I found the girl and when I went to, uh, recover her, she initially resisted and when she looked up and saw who it was, she said, "You're the police officer from my school." And then all was uh, all was well
030after that. Um, and then just uh being involved in the community. Um, I'm always in attendance at the Bloomington Toucher Truck. I attend the City of Bloomington Fourth of July parade. I'm a certified car seat technician. So, I'm uh extremely excited to team up with Heather this coming school year and do like a car seat clinic offered to check parents car seats at at the open house. And then just community engagement. Um, I can't tell you how many times people love seeing our uh marked Mustang mobiles is what we call them. Um, so anyways, then I uh just thought I'd bring this in and show everyone. Uh, my wife started this uh couple three years ago, but this is just all the stuff that uh the kids have made me um over the years. Um,
031so obviously I'm not going to get all that out, but I mean it's just endless. Um, and I just thought I would share a couple uh notes that some kids have left for me. Dear Officer Alec, so first of all, I don't know how you stand outside in the cold and direct traffic. You lighten up my day and all the Eagles in this school. I think you are the best officer ever. And no, I'm not just saying this to be nice. It's all true. I really remember back in kindergarten you gave me a sticker and I uh cherished it. Uh cherished it. I still do. But basically what I'm trying to say is you are the best officer ever. And then dear officer Alec, thank you for protecting our school. You are very nice, funny,
032and cool. We are very thankful for you. sincerely. Thank you for protecting us and EPS and thank you for being cool, flexible, friendly, and funny. I feel secure when I see you. So that's all I have. I'll let Jason. All right. Hey, my name's Jason Brown. I'm the school resource officer up here at the high school. Um, I'll kind of keep mine a little bit shorter since majority of my accolades and certifications are kind of things that Alec has already said that he is as well. Um, but I will just say I'm glad that he mentioned that the SRO program started in 2014 because that's whenever I was a student here. Um, so I remember was Jared Myers at the time. I remember seeing him during the school day, whatever. And like I assume kids
033do now, I loved going up and talking to him uh just about anything random. It didn't have to be about uh being a police officer, whatever. He was just uh a good presence to have in the school. Um and I really enjoyed having him in the schools. Um, as far as my law enforcement background, uh, I've only been an officer since 2020, so I'm still relatively new. Um, and in that time, I started in the schools in the, uh, spring semester of 2023. So, this will this is my third school year, but only second full school year up here at Edgewood. Um, and as I had mentioned, I'm a student, former student from Edgewood, so very invested in the community. Uh, my literal entire family is pretty much from right here. So, uh, this is
034my home, will always be my home, and I I truly feel honored to be able to protect and serve the future members of Ellitzville, Indiana, whatever community uh, you want to put in there. Uh, this I could not think of a more rewarding position, uh, being able to interact with the students of Edgewood High School. Um, I tell pretty much everybody whenever I get to talking about what I do for a living that we've got an absolutely amazing school. Our students are wonderful. Um, and I that's really the most I can say about it. It's just there's nothing else that I could picture myself doing where I'd get as much enjoyment as working for Edgewood. Um, but as far as my relations with the kids, my biggest goal is just to be out, be visible.
035If they want to talk to anybody about anything, I typically always try and lend my ear first. If they don't, if they want someone more specific, then I try and help them get to that person. Um, I work very closely with our admin team up at the high school. Um, whether it be sitting in whenever they talk with kids about uh, school discipline stuff or if there is anything uh, more police related that I need to get involved with, obviously they have me in on that as well. Um, but I would say with the people that are at the high school right now, we all work very well together. Um, and I guess Mr. Ules right here can kind of attest. I feel like I've done a pretty decent job of getting to know the
036students and uh being someone that they can approach and not feel scared to talk to. [Music] Um, but yeah, that's pretty much all I got on my end. So, apparently I didn't get the memo on what to wear, but uh, hi. Uh, I'm Shannon Bunger. I retired from IUPD last summer. I did 28 years. Usually when I'm in a room like this, nobody has more time on with a badge than me than insert Chief Dural. and I have no desire to get to how many years he's got so he can have that title, but um I got a phone call in January that asked me if I would be interested in working part-time as a SRO at Edgewood. And I said, "Sure." And the next thing I know, I'm hired full-time. And well, here we
037are. Um I start my morning out on 46 in Smith Pike, uh educating the public on stopping for school buses. Um Mr. Sherwin can attest that I probably have at least one or two customers a day. Um, yes. And so they they learn real quick that we need to get stopped for that because protecting our kiddos is the most important thing. Um, when I retired at IU, I was the deputy chief. Um, there's a little less stress in my life right now and I like that a lot. I can enjoy football game days. Um, but it's a different stress here because we want our kids to be safe and so I take that pretty serious. My wife is a teacher in Bloomington and unfortunately their resource officers are spread thin and so, you know, again,
038we just want to make sure all the kids are safe. So, I can't thank Chief Dural enough for for hiring me. I met him a long time ago. I was on a traffic working a traffic accident. He got out, put that campaign hat on, and walked up and said, "What do you need, son?" I'm like, "Okay, boss. Here we go." Uh, so thank you, um, Mr. Wrenchler, thank you for, uh, making me part of the family at the junior high. My first day, the sergeant took me around, introduced me, and slapped me on the back and said, "Well, I'll see you later." And then next thing you know, we had like 650 kids running through the hallway. So, uh, it was kind of on the job training, but everybody's been great. Uh, not only in
039the building, but, uh, Dr. Sanders, Mr. Irwin, you guys have been great, and it is truly a family over here, and I appreciate that. I feel welcome. I feel appreciated. Uh, I wasn't really surprised about how well the kids interacted with the police. Uh, but it did make me feel really good that, you know, even the kids that cause us trouble, we'll come up and talk to you and give you fist bumps. And so, that tells me we are doing something right. But, you know, it is it is what it is. So, I can't thank everybody enough uh for putting a little more fire. You know, I wasn't ready to fully retire and u I said the good Lord was going to take me where he wanted me and he's got me where he wants
040me and that's at uh Edgewood Schools and I'm just glad to be a part of it and look forward to a lot more years. Thank you. I I want you to know I'm so proud of our this program that we've put together. Uh Alec of course was a big factor in getting the third officer and you know I've watched Jason grow up and known his known his family all my life. Uh Alec I've known since 2015 and he's always been bubbly. I mean just he just when he walks into the room it just lights up. Shannon, we met again a long time ago, worked a lot of football games together, and you know, just so proud to have you over here. Such an honor to have you here with us. So, again, I appreciate all
041three of you so much. Jason called me one day and said, "Is there any part-time stuff going on?" And that was in November, and then we end up hiring you in December, didn't we? Or something full-time in December. So, it worked out so well. I knew Jason wanted to be in the community, and so we worked that out for him. So, we're happy with you. We're tickled. So proud of you. Thank you for coming tonight. Thank you. So, how do you building now? Is you guys feel comfortable with our staffing level with SRO's to to handle everything? You talking like the preschool? Yeah. Yeah. No, we'll be fine. Good. What's that? Yeah. So easy. No, I mean that that's one of the greatest things about uh Edgewood schools is uh yeah, we have different buildings,
042but we're all contained right here. Like it just if something were to happen at the junior high or the high school, we can skip on over there. Like it's so yeah, very close. Very close. That's that's good. When I went to my SRO school in March, there was a lot of people that was covering 19 buildings, one person. And it wasn't like it was here. I mean, it was like across town and stuff. So, I came back and I said, "We're we're lucky to have one in each building." And if something does happen, I mean, we had a allergic reaction today at the junior high. And if that would have been worse, I mean, all I got to do is get on the radio and both of these guys are going to be in my
043building or I'm going to be in their building just like that. So, pretty fortunate. I love you talking about the uh relationships uh building with the students because um I've recently started working with the city of Bloomington and I one of the areas is community and family resource department and they deal with a lot of people that are scared of the police. Um and so knowing that at our schools we have police officers that these kids can talk to and respect and you know just try to take that element of fear out of it. So u we really appreciate you guys and your willingness to interact so well with these kids. That's critical and of course keeping them safe is number one. that uh your interactions with them mean a lot. They really do. I
044hate to like give any more credit for things, but we're so proud of our Mustang mobiles. No, no doubt. And he he designed he actually designed those for us. And Sergeant did. Yeah, Sergeant. Yeah. Yeah. He he designed those. And he he's he's my fleet manager for the for uh our cars. And uh he and I are like a couple little kids when we start ordering cars, you know. So, we have a lot of fun with that. So, yeah, they're all they're all great great guys. So, glad to have you. Yeah, the Mustang Mobile. I won't take any more time, but that took a lot of convincing. I had to get a graphic in front of him and then it was then it was sold. But, and and and you might know he could sell
045it. So, well, thank you all very much. Thank you everyone. Now that I've heard you call Sarge. Yeah, that's going to stick. That's right. Thanks, fellas. Awesome. Okay. Wow. 641. See if we can get fast through this. Okay. Um we'll uh move forward um quickly. We have the consent agenda and that's the approval of minutes for the April 21st, 2025 regular board meeting. We have these treasures report for April of 2025 and Mr. Dural the claims please. Thank you Mr. President. for gross wages on April the 11th, 2025 of [Music] $816,851.91. for gross wages on April 25th, 2025. $118,84.78 for a grant for a total there of 1,628,93669. Vouchers from April the 1st to April the 30th 1,190,854 regular vouchers from 5202025 is 555,98733 for grant for a total there of 1,746,84187 for a grand
046total of 3,375,77856. Thank you, Mr. President. Thank you, chief. Uh, next we have personnel resignations, retirements, non-renewals, leaves, and terminations C1 through C19 and personnel appointments and transfers D1 through D37. Um, we luckily we have a donation this month and it's $22612 from donor's shoes to Stephanie Truax's class for classroom supplies. And there is one uh field trip which is the Edgewood High School marching band to Vincens's University for their band camp. And uh Dr. Sanders, would you like to acknowledge Teresa Steel? Yes. Uh so we have a a retirement that I would like to uh recognize tonight and that's Teresa Steel. uh 34 years as a speech and language pathologist and uh I don't know if you know this but my absolutely favorite teacher that I had when I was a kid was my
047speech teacher and Mrs. Thorp. So uh Teresa Steel is very special person and we wish her the best of luck. Yes. Uh I have known Teresa Steel for many years though she looks a lot younger than I am. um we actually graduated uh together um from high school and known her for a very long time and she's just such a wonderful person and I know she was very very dedicated to her work here at at Edgewood schools. Okay. Do we have a motion on the consent agenda? I move approval of the consent agenda. Moved and seconded. Any comments? I would uh in addition to I agree with everything you said about Terresa Steel. She's been a terrific asset to the corporation. I also want to acknowledge the departure of Jenny Alto uh department head of
048the special ed department of the high school. And I worked with Jenny for a number of years and she's been terrific. I don't uh begrudge her her reason. She's been uh commuting from Petersburg for the last year or so and I know that uh this is going to be a good move for her, but boy, we're going to miss her. So, u do we have a vote? We did. Did we vote? No. Moved and seconded. All those in favor say I. I oppose. Motion carries. Trying to hurry so fast. I'm losing track. Okay. Now, the assistant superintendent report, Mr. Irwin. Yes. So, I'll run over the cash flows with you here real quick. You have the education fund sitting there on top for you. Uh revenue in April uh was only a couple thousand dollars
049different than projected. So, that was uh about as close to on the dot as we could get. Uh so, that's fantastic. Um our interest on uh cash in the bank um was a little bit lower than projected. still um fairly high, but it was probably one of our lowest ones in well over a year. Um and I that was something that was expected we've been talking about and not continuing to count on that. So when you look forward in the cash flows as it relates to interest on cash in the bank, you see that that number is always a little bit lower moving forward. Um but again, that's something that the last couple years we've been pretty fortunate with the with the interest that we've earned on cash in the bank, but we didn't expect
050that to continue on for forever. Um I did update our expected tuition support based on um what the legislature passed as it related to the school funding formula. So I recreated that um in my um spreadsheets and then I uh pushed that out through the first uh six or the last six months of this calendar year. Um so that's reflective of that new formula. Those numbers are also reflective of everything being flatlined. And so if we took everything static as they were um from count day and what our current tuition support grant numbers are that's what that number would be. Um and then along with that built into that number is the curricular material um uh appropriation that is something that they just moved that into the formula. Um that's not actually new revenue. Uh
051so when uh you look at the um income pieces, you'll see about the fifth line down uh fifth or sixth line down there's state curricular material reimbursement. At the end of that, there's nothing there anymore because that number got pushed back into u the monthly tuition support payment and the difference of that is about $175,000 as far as um a downturn on year in cash balance. And mostly that's related instead of getting it in one big um you know drop from the state it's being built into the monthly piece. Again the the our on average if everything is static is about 1.4% of an increase on tuition support um based on what the legislature passed for us. So I've already started working on 26s as far as a detailed look like this and some of
052those pieces. But that um that is an updated number as it relates to what the legislature passed. And then when you get into um our expense side of things, those came in a little bit lower than projections, which I always like to be a little bit high on those things. Um I'd rather project a little bit high and stay on the safe side. Um but I did tweak some things as far as expenses moving forward. Just trying to key in a little bit on some of our numbers as it relates to staffing and payroll. Um and then again just u just a reminder of in years past I've typically projected some sort of uptick in salary increases already at the end of the projections. I've not done that this year. Everything is static as as
053far as it relates to what you see in the projections as far as when to look into as far as how much cash we're eating into. Um we are in a great place cashwise but I just I would rather put it like that right now so that you guys are seeing that as it moves forward. Um and I just like to remind you of that. something a little bit different than what I've done in years past. But we've been pretty aggressive in the raises that we've given the last couple of years as it relates to new money. Um, and that's just reflective of that as we move forward into into the ongoing year. Um, but again, we're in a great place with cash. Um, we continue to be mindful and strategic about how we handle
054things moving forward, but we're in a good place. So, I'll move over to the debt service fund. Um, no revenue into the debt service fund in April. Uh you guys know that that's that's very typical. We did pay a small trustee fee. And then the uh DGF released their circuit breaker report. They released that for um essentially every county in the state of Indiana. And that circuit breaker report gives you an updated expectation on what to expect as it relates to uh revenue loss for numbers that are above the circuit breaker cap. So that's the money that comes off of your levy. Um, and so I've updated our debt service fund based on that circuit breaker report, which it it we ended up a little bit better off based on what we showed uh when
055we did budget back at the end of last year versus what the circuit breaker report shows right now. And that's just updated numbers. I look back on historical trends as far as what we've seen the last couple of years as it relates to this report and what we've actually received. And in debt service, it's been pretty true. I mean, it's not to the dot, but it's pretty true. So, it is a a pretty accurate report as it relates to debt service. And then, um, you know, when you get into the operations fund, I'll just kind of slide off on that because that is one of the big differences in the in the operations fund is that is our other tax levied fund where we receive property tax dollars. And so, I did update those numbers
056as it relates to um the circuit breaker report for the operations fund. And that's just that top line at the top of the income section on your cash flows report. again, we ended up a little bit better off than what the DOGF projected and what we thought we might see when we did budget. And so, it's always good to see those numbers come in as far as the loss goes being a little lower than what we anticipated. So, that's a good thing uh for the fund. Um, as it relates to everything else in in the operations fund, um, you know, we are we are again sitting in a in a great place. um as we're we're doing working on and and we're going to ask for approval tonight to to create the position for some
057of the for the daycare, but u we're going to be ready to make hires for that here soon uh for the for the daycare. And so uh we'll layer those numbers into the operations fund. The daycare will function out of the operations fund just like what our before and after care does. The preschool functions out of the education fund. So those those exist and and account for in two different fund structures as it relates to what state board of accounts ask us to do. Um so with that um we're gearing up for summertime. We've already made our list of all the things that we want to try to get accomplished around campus um as it relates to operational and just ongoing upkeep of the school corporation. Um and so our teams whether that's maintenance or
058technology or custodial are um ready to go um for you know next week uh when the when the kids aren't in the building as much. We'll have summer school, but ready to start tackling summer projects and and gearing up for the next school year. So, with that, I'll take any questions. Operations fund projections include uh caring for the new building is Yes. So, those are layer those are those are layered in um as far as when I when I created the budget back um in the fall of last year. That was something where I accounted for um ongoing utilities to start layering in into the budget as far as it relates to appropriations. I'll come back as we get closer and reook at those numbers to make sure that I feel good about what's in
059there. But that's just something that's a continual process throughout the year as when we when we close out the month end. I'm taking a hard look at what those month end reports say and then looking at numbers if something catches my attention to say, "Hey, is that something I, you know, I miss? Is that something that maybe happened a little bit differently than what we expected?" And then we just continue to roll that forward and make changes and tweaks to it as time goes on. So, feel good about where we're at. We're in a great place. Um, and so we'll we'll take um all the all the curve balls that are coming our way and and we'll try to continue to hit them out of the park. So, um now permission to create the position
060of a daycare lead. Yeah. So, uh gearing up for that new building to open for the preschool which will include a daycare uh for our staff and so we need to create the position of a daycare lead. Um that's the only position that necessarily needs to be created because we already have positions for instructional assistance which is the other position that will exist within the structure of that programming. So, just asking for your approval to create this position. um the uh job description and everything u pay rates all those pieces are in there. Um and that's something that's been looked over um by our administration team by by Heather Kenzac our preschool director um and everyone here in central office position of daycare lead. I'll second. You can say any discussion. I just So there
061will be one daycare lead and then on your description says we need to hire three people into this position. Those are the people the actual infants one and twos. Yeah, there's three rooms and so there'll be a lead for each room for infants one and twos and then they'll have um aids that will work in those rooms at various times throughout the day as well. Okay. Thank you have to maintain a certain staffing ratio and so we'll have to make sure that we have the appropriate staffing in place to make sure that we have the right student to to to teacher ratio in those report to Miss Kinsey. That's correct. Okay. So Okay. Okay. Uh anything further? All those in favor say I. I opposed. Motion carries. Um now to renew the Alice agreement. So,
062this agreement's been reviewed uh by Christine Alice, if you remember, is our response protocol to violent uh critical incidents. Something that we've uh been implementing for the last few years. It's something that we've rolled out um with staff and students that we train with. Um we send information out to parents um throughout the year as well. Um but this is just a renewal of that agreement that allows us that um access to the e-learning course as well as we have a number of uh different people in the school corporation that are trained um to teach the programming uh to staff and and to people around the corporation. Uh so this is recommended for your renewal. Move approval. Second. Any discussion? Sergeant restrained. Um hearing none. All those in favor say I. I opposed. Motion carries.
063Uh now to renew the Sheldon photography agreement. Yeah, this was something we did for the first time last year and so uh the buildings would like to continue to do that. This is something that costs us no money. It actually generates funds back to the school. He donates funds back to uh each school based on um the uh orders that he gets. Um, and as well as he provides perks uh to staff in the building as it relates to uh picture packages for staff as well, which is a nice perk for for the people that work here as well that have students that that go to school here. So with that, asking for your renewal of this agreement with Sheldon Photography. I'll move approval of the agreement with Sheldon Photography. Okay, any discussion? All those
064in favor say I. I opposed. Motion carries. Now, the Ted Everett's auction agreement is next. Yep. Um, this one uh is would be the first time that we're using this auction service. Um, this is something that, uh, we feel, uh, is worth trying. We've, uh, heard good feedback from other school corporations that have used it as it relates to getting money back for their buses and or other equipment. Um, and so, uh, Christine has looked this over. Um we're going to take two of our older buses and the old um white semi-trail over there that we use for the band to see um what type of return we get on that. The funds that are generated from that, they end up coming back into the operations fund which funds transportation. Um so um when we
065had listed the white uh band trailer, old band trailer, we got zero bids on it on our old site and sometimes that's hit or miss on there. Sometimes we get great traction and times we don't. Uh so we wanted to try this option to see if we get a good good return. So asking for your approval for that please. I move approval transport trailer over to Monrovia. Right. That's correct. Yes. How long will the two buses get over there? Yes. Okay. Okay. Good. All right. Any further discussion? All those in favor say I. I. Opposed. Motion carries. Now move on to the EHS cafe furniture. Yeah. So, um, this is for the new cafe, uh, furniture for the renovations that are being done at Edgewood High School, um, with the expansion of the cafeteria seating
066area. Um, and so this is to replace all of the furniture that would be in that space, including for the new existing the new space that's being added. Some of the old furniture is definitely showing its wear and tear. We have seats that are, you know, falling apart. Um, and so it's it's uh, time to replace it. Um, we went through a couple renditions of this plan, uh, trying to work it into a place that we felt was reasonable as it relates to costs. Um, the first time we went through it, we were pretty excited about it until we saw the, uh, sticker shock. Um, and we had to quickly go back to the drawing board. U, but we feel like we have a great option here um, that, um, will create a much more
067welcoming um, environment, enjoyable environment for our high school students. the seating capac capacity on it is well over 400 students as it relates to the entire area. Um and so it it should be something that is a great thing for our kids and in in the cafe as well. Um and so um this is have this has already been competitively bid is through a co-op the Omnia co-op which we are a member of and so it's already gone through the competitive bid process. I did notate that, highlighted it in the board packet so that if it were to get pulled in an audit, they know that we've followed our our um procurement policies as it relates to just competitively bid on those pieces. So, um the total quote is $248,960.98. That does include freight and
068installation. That's turnkey. It is a more than what we had originally budgeted for in the 2023 bond as it relates to that project. But we do have sufficient funds as it relates to just interest and where we stand in current budget now that this is definitely doable. I I I didn't feel comfortable coming to you to say let's buy a portion of furniture and a brand new renovated space and then leave old furniture in there. That is has been seen better days. Uh, so I feel like if we're going to do it, we need to do it right the first time. And I think that we are in in in a place with that bond as it relates to interest that we've earned on on the cash in the bank that we can do that.
069So recommending your approval, please. Okay. Approval of the purchase of the high school cafeteria equipment furniture. I'll second. Any discussion? Was it that much? Uh, yeah. About 90 grand. Yeah. And is existing furniture of any value? I think I think think it should. We'll surplus it. Uh we you'll see that at a future meeting. We'll surplus it. Um once we um know for sure the exact timeline of when this furniture will show up and then we'll take whatever recoupable value we can because we could transfer it to the junior high probably. Yeah. Kent would love to have it at the junior high, right? I mean how how it how it is how it is the furniture? I don't know. $25 said driving a hard bargain back there. Yeah, we'll see. You said that the what
070we're talking about purchasing is more durable than what we currently Yes. Uh that was one of the things that we talked about specifically. I'm glad that you brought that up is getting into the structure of the attachments and how they function on the actual furniture itself and and and that's a much more sturdy setup than what we currently have. Uh so they've had great reviews and great uh experiences from customers that have that ordered that furniture. And so we feel really good uh about the direction that we're headed. Well, I also like the idea of having a variety of seating, the chairs with tables, the booths, the the stools, those and it can all be moved around, you know, and so all those pieces and and that'll make for that additional dining space that we
071have to be a little more flexible at times depending on how the high school chooses to use it for after school activities or maybe in in day activities outside of, you know, lunch and and and students will be eating in the lunchroom instead of the commons. Eating in the lunchroom instead of the commons. Yes, sir. Sure. Yes. Okay. That's a good thing. That'll be fun. Policing the first week of school, I'm sure. State the full amount. Um I may have posted it. 248. Give me one second. I'll pull back. $248,960.98. Yes. Absolutely. Okay. Any further discussion? Hearing none. All those in favor say I. I. I. Opposed. Motion carries. Thank you. You can take a breath now. Now we'll move over to Jerry and Dr. Sanders for the approval of the Cascade Golf Course Rental
072Agreement. Yes, sir. Uh so this agreement provides an opportunity for Edward High School golfers to participate in competitive uh team golf at a at discounted rates. Uh and except for the uh Mustang invitation and the uh Wick Conference tournaments, uh Cascade does not charge uh Edgewood High School to use the course. Uh and that's for practice and team competitions. Um, athletes can purchase a membership at a reduced cost. I think it's $150. Uh, and so we really appreciate the partnership we have with Cascade uh, Golf Course and the the opportunities that our athletes have to to go to a quality course. So, I recommend your approval. I move a second. Any discussion? All those in favor say I. I opposed. Motion carries. Now we'll look at the price increase to school lunches. Yes. Uh so
073Vicky Coffee, our director of nutrition services, uh is asking the board to approve uh a price increase of 30 cents for uh school lunches. And it's important to note that uh Edgewood schools have not increased the cost of school lunch for the last 10 years. Uh and we're just doing that by 30 cents. So at the secondary level it'll be $3 and at the elementary it'll be $2.85. Uh and uh we will still be uh offering free lunches at the elementary level for the 25 26 school year. Uh we definitely know that. Uh so I I I think it's pretty good that how well we I think we work to provide our students with uh healthy meals. uh not only during the school year but even during the summer and so I recommend your approval.
074Move approval of the proposed uh price increases for lunch. No I'll second. Any discussion? I just appreciate what Vicki has done over the years and yeah it's taking 10 years between price increases. Remarkable. I remember she took over the Oh, yeah. It was over a4 million dollars in the red. So, you know, she's done fantastic with [Music] definitely. Okay. Any further? All those in favor say I. I oppose. Motion carries. Now, we're going to look at the K12's leading Indiana cooperative grocery bids. Right. So we have uh uh joined uh a co-op uh it's called click which is stands for K12's leading Indiana cooperative. Uh and so we uh that's just a good way for us to get uh quality state approved uh bids. And uh so uh that's what we're asking for tonight. all
075the bids that uh were presented to uh the board uh in the board packet are coming from this co-op and uh so we're asking the the board to uh approve uh those list of bids is to accept the the bids for the uh grocery dairy bids. I'll seconded. Um do we need to any of these out publicly on the record or I could list the bids out uh the companies. Okay. Uh which would be uh the US foods premier company uh Piaza Pro produce and specialty foods. uh Prairie Farms, uh Claustroman Bakery, uh commercial commercial food systems, Velvet Ice Cream, and uh smart systems. Now, uh I have those here. Uh and uh they will go into the record for this meeting. that it acceptable or would you like the amount be easy to include
076or not really? It's up to you. I Well, since we have them here and anybody who wishes to look through them are welcome to do so. Um, since they are extensive, it would take considerable time. Um is there and this board uh the minutes it'll be part of the minutes right so it will be posted on our website as well with the minutes so and again they are here tonight for those who would want to go through them tonight. So I I believe we can uh move move forward with that because again they will be public record and they will be uh available for review easily. It's not easy it's not as easy as just stating those to you. Yes. I'm sorry. Individual milk cartons. Yeah. Well, and and they are already the the cooperative
077is recognized by the DOE and listed on a state approved site. Okay. Yeah. It uh I I think that's the best we can do to satisfy it in in a reasonable manner. Okay. So, we uh have any discussion hearing none. All those in favor say I. I opposed. Motion carries. Now we'll look at at the relay hub LLC service agreement. Uh and this is for Medicaid building services billing services. Right. So we uh are moving to a new company for um the uh purpose of uh helping us to bill for Medicaid. It's called a relay hub LLC service agreement. And uh so with this uh new company, it's going to uh uh really provide a more efficient way for us to uh connect uh our processes uh and be able to use our um Harmony
078uh student information system uh to be able to uh help with the entry of services and then be able to record uh for Medicating Medicaid billing. The cost for this new program will be $7,500 and that would be annual. I move approval. Any discussion? It is a very specific process that you must go through and extremely detailed. So definitely need the help with It's one of those things where you have to get it right and it could provide significant funds for the school corporation and um most importantly if you don't do it right it we would miss out on some significant funds have a good success with is that part of the reason we're switching I'm sorry the previous provider was not this just provides additional services that that'll make it a little more efficient
079uh help our the our staff who are entering that information it'll be a make a little more uh automatic. State is creating a new special uh programs IEP platform that it also will connect with. So there's already some built-in integrations that will be useful because it's a it's a timeconsuming process. So I think that our providers will be thankful for something that maybe saves them some time. All right. Any further discussion? All those in favor say I. I. Oppose. Motion carries. And our last action item of the night is to consider a contract for a death and heart of hearing teacher. So basically we're renewing a contract with Amy Green. Uh she does a a really good job for us and uh so I would recommend approving uh her uh renewal of her contract. Approval
080of the renewal of Miss Green's contract. I'll second. And how much are her services? Is it $100? $100 per hour. Okay. Thank you. No, this is a contract directly with us. With her? Yes, we pay her. Okay. Okay. All right. And it's a fairly limited amount if I Yeah. necessary, but not not something she's doing full-time for us. Uh, anything any further discussion? All those in favor say I. I. Opposed. Motion carries. And now on to the superintendent report. Yes. This really uh won't take a lot of time, but I wanted to make sure that that I highlighted uh something special that I think occurred at the honors night u last week. Uh, as you know, every year we uh we uh have a night where we honor our graduating class and we uh give
081out um scholarships and uh uh we gave uh from dollars for scholars alone uh $78,600 in scholarships from uh their efforts. And uh Mr. Acriman is uh really a active member of that that organization as well as Dennis FA. Um Britney Tucker's on on there too. Uh and they really it's a year round effort uh for that but over $78,000 and in total scholarships is over a million. So a million 38,781 in scholarships overall was given out last night. Um, that's pretty cool. Something we should be proud of. uh and the people that uh uh if you have never been to honors night, the each organization uh personally gives a scholarship and they very they do it with uh great sincerity and uh it's not it's not they know the students they and they know
082why they're getting those scholarships and so I really appreciate all the community members who uh come out and year after year and provide our students with these uh really important dollars to help them as they go off into their next career. Um and I put uh here a list of uh end of the year uh celebrations like like some of them happen like the high school was last week and then today we had second grade awards and third grade awards. Uh but there are some other uh awards ceremonies uh yet to come this week. If you have some time in your schedule, I would just encourage you to to come to to one or two of these if you can. I know it's a busy time of the year. um uh kind of broke my
083heart this morning because um I could see uh one of the students um uh who was crying and uh and I couldn't figure out why he was crying and come to find out he didn't have anybody there and uh and so uh it's very important that the children notice when there's a big crowd of people there and uh so if you could come out and support them that would be a great thing to do. Um last day of school is Friday. Uh and of course commencements um May 31st at 11 o'clock. Uh and I would like to invite each of you as board members to come to to our uh end of the year staff celebration on May 27th. Um there'll be a sandwich station in each school uh to thank our our teachers and
084our staff for all their hard work this year. And uh then at 12:15 uh 12:15ish uh we'll have a celebration uh of fiv festivities in the high school gymnasium where we'll recognize um our retirees, recognize uh teachers for years of service and uh there'll be a little bit of a competition going on there too. Uh so it's always a fun way to end the year. I really enjoy it and that's uh wanted to invite the board to that tonight. And then finally, u the Indiana School Board Association uh uh gives out awards uh to school boards for uh uh their involvement in terms of activities and um supporting uh legislation uh uh at the uh government level. uh going to uh uh training sessions. Uh we uh and our board particularly uh uh uh visits
085and participates in the uh regional meetings that we have twice a year. We also have board members who attend the uh law conference that we have every year. And so as a school board, uh, you guys do a really good job of, uh, keeping up with what's going on at the state level with the new laws, uh, what's happening in the court levels. And, uh, at any rate, uh, last week our, uh, school board was given the commendable award and, uh, for 2024. And so I just wanted to recognize that. Uh, you know, we used to have a plaque in the old building and uh I got that out and it's it's just outdated. So, we're going to get a new plaque and start brand new with this commendable award for 2024. So, congratulations to
086all of you. The ILC probably can make that for us, can't they? Oh, that's very good idea. Sounds great. Sounds great. Okay. Um, now RBBEA comments and we've got our team here tonight. Oh, we made it near the end here. Good evening everybody. Um, reflective time of year. I'll quote Dr. Sanders. We got three days left. Um, whether it's kindergarten, first grade, or I have a lot of seniors. They're either checked out or they're locking in. It's one of those two phrases they've been using a lot, but it's finals time. So looking forward to that and having good conversations with them on kind of our quote downtime as we review. Um also looking at uh some of these names on the personnel list. I can't help but mention Teresa Steel. I didn't work with her.
087My wife did forever. So I knew her forever. Uh very beautiful person without a doubt. So I congratulate her. Obviously Jenny Alto Gzo Pete um an advocate for her kids. I'm sure Mr. Aman could say the same. He's had many more conversations with her than I care to to want, but uh she was always there for her kids. Can't say enough. But I congratulate her on her move. She always said it was a was a difficult decision without a doubt. And also Becky Myers who is moving away from our sped department as well. We have big shoes to fill. Uh without a doubt. Um appreciate all your professionalism, all that. as I'm stepping down from co-press. Um, we have a more than capable person here. I've done this way longer than I thought I would
088was going to do. It's probably Larry Deas's fault. Um, but anyways, I appreciate all your help. Um, I think good relations are a vital part. Like Dana Kerr always says, it's we're a family. So, I think that's a big part of it, keeping the communication going. So, that's the big piece I wanted to say. And, uh, there you go. They have to vote me in first. I keep saying that. No. Um I just want to extend my gratitude to Doug because yes, he he has been such a support for all of us and those are big shoes to fill and I know he's been trying to find someone to fill that spot, but it could could be me for a while. Um so speaking of new people, we uh have a relatively new bargaining team
089this year. We had a few members step down and so um with legislation things are kind of on hold. I know that we've submitted our first formal bargaining which is due at the end of June and at that time I'll start working with Nancy on future plans but in the meantime our new team will be and it's only consists of two I mean this will be my second year so I consider myself new as well but we will be attending trainings that na Nancy Gott will be holding so to educate and I hope a lot of us they're virtual so I'm hoping that the whole team can attend a few of those before we start meeting in July um to really really get things started. Um yeah, I've I've got plans to to hopefully have
090a survey to give to teachers when we get back to just get the ball rolling on that. Um a couple things from this evening. I had Maya Gail as a first grader when she started experiencing those health issues. And so it's just amazing to see where she's at now. That was such a huge shift for her and her family. um as is they're they're they've been good friends of ours for a long time. So, it was just great to see her up here. We are really excited um to have the seniors walk through our building on Thursday. I'm excited to see some former first grade friends of mine, but we've been wanting that for a long time. So, that'll be great. And then finally, I couldn't be here last week to um welcome Matt to
091our team, but you know, today was our um or welcoming him into our new his new position, but today was our retirement party for Brenda and Vicki, and that was very bittersweet, but um I I know we are just so ecstatic to have Matt stepping into Brenda's shoes. You know, I was on the interview committee, and again, thank you, Mr. Irwin and Dr. Sanders and um Matt's interview was two hours, but it was just mesmerizing. You know, Matt is very thoughtful in what he says. He um very eloquent in the way he speaks and his answers were so genuine, very humble, too humble at times I think. But um what really hit it home for me was when someone asked how he is going to separate himself from Mrs. Whitaker because I think we all
092know they have a very long relationship working and p personal relationship and he said I share the same values as Brenda but my leadership style will be different and you know to me it takes a lot of courage to um share your convictions of your values and those values are at the heart of what our school has at the heart of our school for 18 years. So, it's peace of mind for me and I think everyone else to know that those values will continue to be held at our school. So, welcome Matt. Thank you so much. Thank you so much. Um, now it's board member comments. So, we'll start with Mr. Deas. Well, first I'll echo what Brandy said about uh welcoming Matt. Uh, and I agree with you. It was he is a very
093thoughtful person. his his answers were very genuine and well thought out and and well well placed. I was very impressed with him and u and I've known him for a long time but it uh it was just it was quite an experience listening to what he had to say. So I I'm looking forward to his his coming on board as the principal at EPS. Uh thanks for all the thanks for the donations from donor's choose. Uh welcome to the other new folks including our basketball and wrestling coaches. Um goodbye to others. It's always a a bittersweet time, but uh a lot of people are going on to bigger and better things. And congratulations to Mr. Ules. Uh he's he served with me and he was it was just so great to have him with me
094and uh he's continued to to lead the teachers well and uh they I'm sure Brandy will do very well, but he's he's done it with a great deal of class over the years. Um, on a a a sad note, u I want to mark the passing of Sarah Robinson, Sarah Bruner. Uh, but she was Sarah Robinson to all of us who worked with her. She died on Good Friday. She was a longtime chair of the English department at Edgewood High School, good friend and mentor to me and others. Uh, and um, she uh, she was just a very special lady. And, uh, uh, she she was 89 years old. grad, she graduated. She retired in uh 2000, which was the year that my older son graduated. And uh I was glad he got to have
095her. My poor second son had to put up with me. But uh anyway, um I do have to report that the general assembly completely failed in their mission this year. They uh uh they will tell you that they raised uh raised funding for education. That is a halftruth. They raised the basic grant, but they cut uh what schools can get in property taxes, and that's going to be, thank goodness, we are in better shape than many of our neighbors. And uh it's still going to be painful. But uh uh they did manage to find a way to give welfare to the wealthiest of Hoosiers, $90 million, so that people that are already going to private schools don't have to pay for it anymore. So, I think it's disgusting and uh they should be ashamed, but
096the ideology of ignorance is alive and well in our general assembly. Um, I am looking forward to graduation. Uh, I'm glad to hear about scholarships welld deserved and over a million dollars is great. Uh, dollars for scholars. Thank you, Mr. Acriman. And also, just want to note that Mr. Tucker was in instrumental in getting that going here at RBB. And so, thank you, Brad. Um, uh, founding member. Yes. And um and just uh watching the students this evening and uh it it's as we approach graduation, I can see the school moving to what I think I always dreamed it could be and uh it's just so exciting that it's moving in that direction and I'm just I'm so grateful to be here. So that's all I've got. Mr. Thank you, Mr. President. Uh Doug, thank
097you so much for all you've done for us. Appreciate that. Not that you're retiring, but you're getting up. I wish Mrs. Whitaker well as well. I didn't make it up to her party today, but I'll try to get up and see her before she leaves. Um Dr. Sanders and I had several talks over the years about safety. And one day he told me sometimes he has a hard time sleeping at night worrying about our safety. And that's what initiated the extra uh SRO's. And then he was successful in doing the third one. and Matt, thank you for your involvement in that as well. That's all I have. Thank you, Mr. Tucker. U what Lar Larry or Mr. Deamas and Mr. Dural said, and I do want to thank Mr. Yu for his leadership with the
098uh the ISTA over the years. Um follow Mr. Damas's place, correct? Yeah. And they were good to good work with. Mr. Moss, you were good to work with back in the day, too. So, I appreciate all you do. And Miss Miss Ael, I know you fill the shoes well. So, u I am not going to repeat what Mr. Deas said because I'd say something I probably shouldn't say. So, I'm going to pass on that regarding the legislature. Um, but I do want to thank also thank all the local businesses that gave back um at the senior honors night. Um they give back to help these kids out and hopefully the kids take the time to thank them and we'll continue to grow the dollars for scholars, look for ways to to help the the kids
099as well. So, um everybody be safe. the last week of school and administrators, catch your breath this summer. Rest a little bit, but don't forget you still got to hire some people too, a few of you. So, so have fun with that. Thanks. Well, I do agree with everything that's been said uh tonight. Mr. Deamas said it very appropriately and I agree with him 100%. Um Matt, I'm sorry I wasn't here last week. out of 18 years, I've only missed two or three board meetings, but I would vote for you. So, I want you to know it with 5, you know, so uh you have my support, too. So, I just wanted you to know that. Um I uh just ask that they be blessings on all the staff and teachers and students and graduates
100and that the graduates um you know excel at the their next step in their lives. and we just appreciate them and uh appreciate all of you who made them who they are. With that, we will adjourn Heat. Heat. [Music]