001kids up on the front display showing what they wanted to be when they grow up. So, that was just really cute. And then some photo opportunities. So, the kindergarten team just does a really great job at, you know, making things really special and what a good experience as they kind of start our journey here. So, kudos to them. Um, the other successful event for was the roundup. We had 46 kids, which is pretty typical. Um, not less, not more red round we normally get. Um, but I'm really pleased with the turnout and it really gives us some good information about what we need to do, you know, preparing for class list next year and then also thinking about where our kids are starting and what we can do and then some also good conversations with
002parents about what can you do over the summer to get prepared for kindergarten. So, that was really great as well. Um, with the older grades, I learned has went very smoothly. We've not really had technology issues. We've been really awesome about keeping up with makeup testers. I have to thank Mrs. Beasley the reading team for that. They've been also about checking the list. Hey, we can pull this kid and this kid and this kid. And it's allowed us to do this really efficiently. We still have um two makeup testers and that's it, which is so nice that it's two weeks that really stink for everybody honestly. But that's been wonderful. In May, some fun events. We have a spelling be on May 13th that is for fourth grade. Um, if you want to come out,
003it's at 1:30. It usually is pretty quick. We go through a couple of rounds and we know who our best seller is, but it is really fun to see. Um, and then we have preschool and fifth grade graduation on the same day, but different times. So, preschool, they'll have that midday and then, um, graduation for fifth grade will be in the evening, our typical celebration. And then we are doing move up day again this year partnered with middle school. That's the next day on the 21st um May 21st. And that's when we the fifth graders get to come over. They get to have lunch in the cafeteria in the middle school high school which is exciting. And then also learn a little bit about what middle school looks like. So we're excited for that. Any
004questions for me? >> Thank you all. >> All right. Middle school. >> All right. Well, she's still a little bit thunder, but we have a lot going on and it just shows you how well we work together. I learned as Mrs. Zargo mentioned has been going very, very well. We didn't start testing until last week because teacher request they wanted just a little bit more time to work with kids. So we started last week. We finished main stay as they do. We still have considerable more um makeups to do. We have a lot of kids who have oneonone testing. So we're working on that. We're just same thing plugging through the list and getting things done there. Um we had a very successful science fair though it was considerably smaller than in past years. The
005presentation this year was optional, but we did still have some students who chose to do that. So, that was a lot of fun. I know that Mrs. White and Miss work really hard to make science important and relevant, and it certainly is as we talk about critical thinking skills. At contest, our hardworking choir received a silver and our band came out with the gold. We're looking forward to I'm going to steal some of his thunder because he's probably going to mention it. I'm um we're looking forward to their final performance at our annual spring art and art show and concert which I did not get the date of that but do you did you write that date down >> 17th 18th whatever that >> like to promote that it's always a wonderful display sticking with
006the art the Prairie Art Councils there were 130 pieces submitted to the Prairie Arts Council and we had six special winners. Um, we had honorable mention for the best of show. Our a student new to us this year. Her name is Nana Dyang. She had um her sculpture, Is it Cake? I know that's a thing on TV. I think maybe the Food Network where we could tell is it cake or is it is it purse or is it cake? They had is it cake in literally a piece of cake. So, they get to decorate. It was really cool. Um, and then the best of school, which is I think a new award that they've done, was given to Zapora Holloway for her eye that she pastel eye that she did, which was really cool. Also
007art related. I don't know if anybody's mentioned, we mentioned about the the signs at the airport. I don't didn't recall that that mentioned. This is Holloway. Apparently the the airport solicited some help in getting new airport signs and three artists were chosen and the work is being displayed out there. Alexia Blanis who's actually in middle school. Nana Dang again is also middle school and then Mr. Keller's high school student Abigail Baron all had artwork chosen on display at the Kitlin Art Park. So I thought that was pretty exciting. still to come. She mentioned move up day. We love that. We have so many kids who are anxious to be leaders to help move those kids around and um show them the middle school. Always a big deal when they come over here and eat lunch.
008We still have STEM day, which is a whole day that we love. I hear we are going to have an arcade made out of cardboard. Sounds like a plan to me. Um Ja Day is coming up. We're doing it this year in May. We have our incentive field trip for those students who actually meet the criteria for behavior, grades, and attendance. >> And um like I said, we're always looking forward to meeting our incoming sixth graders, too. We hope they're as lovely as this year sixth grade. They were this year sixth grade has really been fantastic. And I know I've talked a lot about success six, and I do credit that a lot for getting them adjusted that they are lovely kids. So, looking forward to meeting them. >> Anything for me? Are you going
009to you said for the kids who meet the criteria grades what are they what did you say what was the thing I wouldn't be able to leave the >> beer than last year's >> okay >> go Mr. Hello. >> Like everyone else, I've been super busy at the high school. Um, we have not started our other testing other than our SAT that we took in March. Um, we start that tomorrow. Um, last month we had our high school awards, um, academic awards, our national honors society induction and a bunch of things that go along with that. Um, I know we've already said it, but thank you to Wilson Industrial Sales for um, being great sponsors for that for a long time now. Um, and this year I think was our most in a probably seven,
010eight year span. I think we had 11 um, pretty pretty good group of students and then we had 13 more on top of that that were in the next level or something like that. It was a it was a really large group that day. Um, and a big group for National Honor Society. So, um it it was good to have that ceremony. Um the contest uh concert we we hosted uh at the start of the of the month and I don't know how our kids placed in their competitions afterwards, but it was good to see all the musicians 6 through 12 uh performing and then uh between the bands and the choirs. It was a nice uh little 1-hour show on a Sunday. Um and they did a great job. We had our FFA banquet
011last week. Um it went uh really well. Um lots of people. I think they said they had anticipated 280 people showing up. I think a little bit of weather kept some of those out. Um but it was still a nice showing and uh seeing those kids transition off the leadership and new ones on is always a cool thing and all the awards they give. So it was it was a nice uh evening. Last Wednesday we had prom on Saturday. Um it was long uh just if you're doing a prom, four hours is too long. So uh but um wonderful, wonderful job by our sponsors, Miss Emily Paragant and uh Kyrie McGraw and our prom committee and parents um and other staff u who showed up to help support the kids. The kids had a great
012time it seemed like. Um haven't heard anything negative from them. Um, so, um, just other than it was long. Uh, and that's probably just from us adults, but we had some kids who if we would have shut the music off at 11:00, they'd still be out there. So, um, we do have biology ilearn coming up uh, starting tomorrow. It should be a one-day test for those students. Um, they get to do it in the classroom. uh usually takes two to three hours of class time. So about an hour and a half to two hours of of of regular time. Um on Wednesday we have welding certifications. Thank you to uh uh Chief at Otto coming over. He he gives our students a good opportunity to get what is no longer considered by the state an
013industry standard but um an individual business standard. So, um, but he does a great job working with the kids and telling them how they're doing and what they need to do to get better. Um, we had our two students elected to FFA district office. Um, Sophie Duza and Liam Coleman. Um, so I know they're excited about that for next year. um on top of serving in leadership roles at our level. So local office um baseball, softball, track seasons, golf season, all in full full go. Um Wednesday we or sorry Friday we are hosting the Gene Edmonds relayers uh relay meet, but uh they had some damage in the last storm um with their uh track and their bleachers, so they've asked us to host. So, we'll have 18 here on Friday evening for uh their
014relays. It should be a grand old time. Um >> it's a huge one. >> It's pretty big. There's uh the eight teams. We are by far the smallest. We're the only one that's I think a 1A school. Everything else is 2A 3A 4. >> So, um it should be a good good mix of athletes. It's a it's a fun event if you've never seen it. Um but um we've got a lot of people helping out. It'll be pretty crazy. We got a baseball game the same night. So, I don't know who schedules all these things together. This one, this one is helping out Rinselier. >> So, um and then uh we're getting into >> uh our end of the year events. Uh next Wednesday we have our Oscars program. So, if you are available and
015would like to come, 6 p.m. you're all invited. It's a great night. It's one of my favorite nights of the year. Um a lot of our kids get dressed up. um they get chance to reuse those homecoming or prom dresses or suits. Um but um we we get to recognize the best of the best um both academically effort um athletically. There's all kinds of things going on. We have some outside presentations. We get to recognize some of our local community members and businesses as well for the support they give us. So um it's a it's a wonderful night. Um that's next Wednesday at 6:00 in the auditorium. We have uh Baloria and our scholarship night. We had to move it. I hope you guys get updated on that, but it's May 13th, Wednesday, May 13th.
016Um that'll start at I think 5:00 p.m. for Balor if I remember correctly. Um we had to move that because the IHSA and all the postseason baseball softball stuff not cooperating with our schedule. Um which that's their choice and how they do that. Um, so it was just a something to be preemptive, not cause a last minute change. We'll go ahead and move it and so that we can give everybody the chance to be there. Um, and then graduation on May 31st at noon or sorry, at 1 students will be >> which is different than usual. >> It's an hour earlier than usual. >> Okay. >> So start planning now if you need to. And there's a lot going on between now and then. Uh we have AP testing next week, biology I learned uh
017this week. Those are our two big sets of tests. So questions lot >> there's always a lot every building here. Yeah. >> Do we know across the board when we'll get results on >> we won't get them until August for sure. What they're doing is they are putting new pet scores in. So, because they are changing the cut scores, they're going to take all summer to look at the data, analyze the data. They said we would get some raw data in July, but we won't be able to we'll be able to look at the number to see whether the child went up or down, but we won't be able to we won't know if it's proficiency, above proficiency until they set those test scores. And that's the same time we usually get our uh AP
018test results sometime in July as well. >> Thanks. >> All right, we'll move on to what from the Indiana Department of Eds. We received our teacher appreciation grant for $29,80020. And from the Indiana Attorney General, we had some unclaimed property that we were able to collect. 1,89136. >> Thank you. >> That's awful. Sweet. >> I always hear those advertisements and you wonder who >> they actually they reached out to us. They sent us a letter, didn't they? >> They did. It's a lot of paperwork, but >> Oh, is it? We We got it. >> Was it more than one thing and then added together to get that or was it one item that was that much money? It was it was one item but it wasn't quite that much money and it was a credit
019balance we had with Google >> that appeared and but they do pay you uh >> interest added to a little bit of interest. It >> was worth it. >> Very good. >> That's a good laugh. >> We're recording so >> I know that's exactly right. happy. Yep. >> Okay. Um, we talked about um obviously a lot of my fun has been stolen, but I do want to thank the or the community, the organizations, the businesses for for um yeah, for the donations to all the different southern organizations. So, it's greatly appreciated. Uh, since last meeting, we did get an update on summer school, how it's going to be, how it is going to be funded this summer. Um, it is going to go to an ADM like style just like per people like it is
020like our regular uh funding. The only difference is instead of getting $7,000 x amount of dollars per kid, we're going to get $135 per student for summer school. >> Cool. >> So, I want you to stop and think about that. >> We pay our teachers. They're >> $135 >> per per kid >> down from 700. Now, our regular funding for school for the school year summer school summer school is going to be $135. >> If you There's I just want to put this out there. There's no doubt. >> I don't care how many kids we have, unless we stack those classrooms, >> you're not wall. >> Yeah. >> Folks, we're losing money on summer school. >> How many days of summer school? >> 20. the 20 days worth paying >> 20 days >> and we're
021getting $135 >> per kid. >> Okay. >> Attendance is >> spotty and that that'll that'll be that'll be factored into because it'll be through it'll be through the report from Power School. Um how how it's so so I I think the writing truly is on the wall. We we will have it this year. We will take a hit, no doubt. Um, I think I've told you this before, we're about the only ones that do summer school around here the way we do it. >> Um, most just do it for the I read kids that don't pass anymore because they're required to. Uh, those those classes are going to get $160ome dollars per kid for for the IE. Um, but most of your classes get 135. >> Uh, I I truly think the state's trying to
022rid summer school. And I just want to put it out there. Unless we're willing to continue taking a go in the red on summer school, >> right? >> We're probably going to be at one of the casualties. >> I want I want to put it out here. If we're doing this, I want numbers and I want it on the agenda for our work session because I'm not canceling summer school without looking at this casually. >> You know, based there's just a lot of reasons. This needs to be a real discussion >> whether it's at a separate work session or whether we do it. We need to know the numbers. Well, we're going to have it this year. We're going to have it. But I want I want I just want you to know >> as
023superintendent, it's my job >> Sure. >> to tell you where we are financially. And if we're going to continue taking a hit, it is going to be my recommendation that we need to do something different. >> But I'm saying, >> well, I'll get it to you. >> We need to know the numbers. There's been a $10 hit, $100,000 hit. >> That's all I'm saying. >> It'll be before we come with >> it'll be more It won't be 100,000, but it be more than 10,000. >> So, we need We just need to know. I just I just wanna I mean you can do the math if you have 10 kids at$140 per kid >> and some of our teachers are making3 $4,000. >> But along with Candace if if you provide more information if we could
024provide tutoring and pay teachers to do that like one-on-one or one on 10 or whatever versus >> trying to house >> the state wouldn't fund that. >> Right. But I mean, is that something we could do? Because if there is a if there's a definite >> need for this and we and we need to >> look at it that way, not just it's going to take a, you know, whether the state funds it or not. If if it's in our best interest to provide something for these kids and the teachers are going to do this, then maybe we should look at alternatives. you know, whether it's >> a tutoring session in the summer rather than a whole summer school for kids that aren't really committed to coming or >> Well, I will tell you this
025and principles will hard to get people to come anymore. People don't come as far as the kids. Kids don't come >> attendance and we get >> So, we're sitting here saying, we think it's important and I do I I'm an advocate of it. >> But if parents aren't sending their kids, >> what are they saying to us? because those two right there are beating down the doors to get to get the kids. >> But that's what we need is the numbers because I don't want it to be we're having a regular meeting just kind of like oh the numbers are we might not have it like we have summer school so let's find out how much do we get from the state how much we pay the teachers and what's the attendance like those are
026three >> I want the numbers of the number of people you ask >> compared to the number of people to come I want I want that >> sure it's Yeah. >> Yeah. I mean, I just like it's hard to talk. I mean, it's not it's not the time to talk now. Like, we don't want to do it in a vacuum of like this side. >> But I I said we're going to do it this summer. I'm planting the seed for next summer. >> This summer we're not going to we're going to have every teacher that was that was approved, >> but I want to plant the seed that next summer could be vastly different. So we if we're planting the seed, I'm just responding with, hey, let's get all the numbers after the summer because,
027you know, we want to look at real things to make a real decision because this is a drastic change. >> So we need to have the whole picture. >> And I agree with Kenis because if people come to us and ask us why are you not doing it, we could say well we would have lost this much money if we don't have it or you know that that's something that we need to know for the public if they come to us. Do parody provide reasoning as to why not? I mean, we have buses, we have meals, we have, you know, we have >> although sometimes it's custody arrangements. I think more often than not, they just want their kids to have a summer. >> They don't want them have a break. >> I even have
028parents where their kids are required to do the, you know, I read testing and I have handful of parents that have even refused to have them come to summer school before that testing. So, >> so they just I'm glad you brought that up. >> We pay the bus drivers. I mean, so we don't get any of that reimbured. The only rings getting reimbured is our teacher out of pocket. >> So, we're I mean, so I'm glad you said that cuz we're going to we're I'm going to have you keep track of that, too. >> We need to know the whole We need to know all the stuff. >> And like I said, if it's something that there are parents that really need this that or let me take that back that really want this for
029their kids because they need it. There are parents that don't care sadly whatever. But if there are a handful that do feel it necessary and do feel that it is important and we can provide some type of tutoring instead of a large summer school program. I think you know we can look at that as well. Whereas we pay it we still provide that but you know >> and I feel like we've had a good thing going with still providing it over the years. So, a question I have lawwise, can students from other schools come to ours? Does that can they not is that they're not enrolled or how does that work? Because if we have the system set up with teachers, >> we wouldn't get money for those kids. It's only going to be you're
030only get money for some million kids. >> Okay, >> good question. >> Because it's also going to affect the teachers and bus drivers that counted on that income that the community counted on the income and then It's just it's just one of those things where we've talked about this for three or four years and when this came out last month I'm like >> oh boy >> yeah abs I'm really nervous about the hit we're going to take this summer well we're going to provide it >> but I'm really really nervous about speaking of that um as Mr. Mulling and Mr. D talked about I learned it is it's a lot. It's stressful for staff, students, them. Um I do want to see our scores continue to rise. I want to see a state average. But
031you know how I feel too about kids are always going to be more in the freaking test score. They are >> but I but I also I also look at those scores. Um teacher staff appreciation week is next week. Um nobody appreciates educators like I do, especially our south educators. Um, I just want them to know how much they mean to me. I want to thank them for all they do for South Newton, our students, our community, and society in general. And just tell them how how appreciated they really are. And hard to believe it's only five weeks left. >> That's all I got. >> Thank you. That was fast. >> Let's move on to action items 5.01. Consideration to approve the recommendation to purchase a 14 passenger class A 1C H C H C
032H C H C H C H C H C H C H C H Collins bus from Midwest Transit at the cost of $112,729. >> Ouch. I know that's that's that's a we get them from restaurants. Are there other bus companies to I mean that do we get a quote from them? There's just probably one other bus company that will service us called >> and we go Mr. Bell. He goes through the state bid process >> to get our bus. So >> we don't actually bid specifically bid our buses anymore, but we use the state bid price. So it's basically the same. They've just done the work for us. Yeah. >> Now, I know in the past we used to um get a chart of how many buses and where are they at on the
033years and we used to get that. I don't that wasn't in the packet this time. >> It comes with the budget though >> with the budget. >> Okay. Yeah, it is in there. >> Yeah. >> Um but I just remember that was nice to have it described how you know it kind of gave a chart of the fall off of when that one would be in years. >> Remember this year we didn't we didn't purchase a big bus. Usually we do a big bus and and a Y bus, but this year we decided huh >> just doing this one. >> But we also spent money on the camera system for instead of buying a big bus, we want a new camera system, up to date camera system on the big bus or on all buses.
034I'm sorry. >> And we I I know we got paper in the our packets, but I didn't understand. Was there any trade in at all or we just purchasing? >> And I know the trade's nothing when we do because that's always the together with a book tip. You'll get out of going somewhere, right? >> I don't um >> I don't think I saw it in that we were trading. >> I'm not sure any of this. >> I'm not sure. >> And I know it's like >> it's minimal >> 2% of what very little. >> Yeah, exactly. Yeah. >> Okay. >> Yes. >> It's just another >> So I will move by. >> I'll second. >> My make the motion with a second. All in favor say I. >> I. Opposed. >> 50 Z in favor.
0355.02. Consideration to approve the following Wednesday events for the 26 27 40th. >> I will make a motion to approve them as they're printed in the publicly available document. >> I appreciate that we still do this on Wednesday and it's nice to have families that can on this. Okay. >> Candace has made a motion. Do we have a second? >> Second. Go ahead. >> Oh, no. Go ahead. >> All in favor say I. >> I. >> Opposed. >> I don't even know that we have to vote on that. Like, it's been done, but I don't think it's in any of our rules. You can't do something. >> We always have done it. >> I know, but there's like 19 of them. How many weeks are in this group? >> I know. Two in every month
036for March. >> Vote on every every Wednesday of March. And I don't think we used to have as many of these events, but like the FASA night years ago, I don't think we ever had that. So that's something new. And so, >> but anyway, >> great. Thanks. >> Okay. 5.03. Consideration to approve the 2026 2026 technology project bid of April 9th, 2026 from Roing Company or Incorporated for school years 2026 through 27 through school year 2029 through 30. This quote includes Lenovo Chromebooks, Chromebooks for grades 2 through 12. That would be a total of 750. And Lenovo Windows laptops for all staff members who currently have a staff laptop, 99 of those. Each device is covered under a 4-year accidental coverage warranty. The total quoted price is 462,680. >> So the bad news is we
037only got we really only had two bids. And of those two, only one was actually under the specs of the bid. Um, so that's the bad news. We really only had one bid. The good news is this came in way less than I thought it would. I thought we're going to be closer to 600,000. So, >> um, this will almost, if not totally, close out the 22 bond. Um, and then we'll just have the 25 on it should it'll be really close one. >> Yes. So it it'll come from the bottom. >> So second the motion and you would second. >> All in favor say I. >> I have zero in favor. 5.04 Is there for consideration to approve the reclassification of heat and material into the class of 2027 from the class of 2028?
038So moved. >> Thank you. >> I'll second. >> Second. All in favor say I. >> I oppose. 50 in favor. 5.05 05 consideration to approve the recommendation for early graduation of Lindsay Laauo at the conclusion of the fall 2026 semester contingent upon successful completion of all required coursework. >> Second Kathy made a motion and a second all in favor say I >> oppos 5 in favor right along to 5.06 06 Consideration to approve the recommendation for early graduation for Diego Compost Compost at the completion of the fall 2026 semester continuing upon successful completion of all required coursework. >> Second. >> Thank you, Angie. Second. All in favor say I. >> I oppose. >> 50 in favor. 5.07. consideration to approve the recommendation for a new high school ECA fund called dance team to house and
039dis disperse funds for the newly created high school dance team. Yay. >> Kathy has made the motion. Do we have a second? >> I'll second. >> Andy with a second. All in favor say I. I oppose. If I in favor has to have the dance team return, right? because there wasn't any club. >> I don't know. >> I was a Dixie Darling. Yes. >> That's why Kelly made the motion, right? >> Okay. >> Back in the stone ages. >> I think we need a picture for that. Okay. Moving on to 5.08. Consideration. Is it in that book? >> Okay. 5.08. consideration to approve the recommendation to offer driver's education program for the 2026 program in 2026. With my call as the instructor, you'll be paid $35 an hour according to the master contract. >> Thank
040you, Candace. >> Second. All in favor say I. >> I oppose. I have zero in 5.09 09 consideration to approve the recommendation to hire Brad Vivas as the driver's education instructor. If additional instructor is needed, he will be paid $35 an hour according to the master contract. >> So moved. Kathy's made a motion. >> Second. All in favor say I. >> I oppos favor 5.10 zero consideration to approve the following high school summer experienced teacher and prepare professional. Um, this is saying that we've had for years. Angela Vina for $3,271 and Ellie Gillifer for $2157 an hour. >> Second happy with the motion. Candace with a second. All in favor say I. >> I oppose. 5 in favor. 5.11. Consideration to approve the recommendation to hire Emily Peran as a middle school assistant track coach.
041She'll be paid $998 according to the master contract. >> Thank you, Angie. >> Second. >> Thank you, Kathy. With a second. All in favor say I. I oppose. You zero in. Moving on to information, announcements, board comments. Just just to follow up on the art show comment from earlier, it is on Sunday, March uh Sunday, May 17th. >> Yeah. >> Um from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. and the answer is typically from 3:00 to 4. >> Thank you, Mr. >> Just want to piggy back on Mr. hall with appreciation with you know those things have already started with library and office and administrative all that's coming up and I just want to personally say how much I appreciate all staff in every category so we kind of loop it together at the end but appreciate that
042>> move Kathy has made the motion for adjournment and we have a second all in favor say I >> oppose