001We'll get right into it. We have a public comment and I don't think we have any. So, we're going to roll right on through and go to personnel. Dr. Windham. Thank you, Mrs. Parent, and thanks to the board for coming in for a special meeting before spring break. We sometimes do have to do these as we get into the spring and hiring season and wanting to move processes along to get great people in place. So, really honored to introduce you today to Jackie Obradovich and I'll tell you a little bit about Jackie. As you know, Mrs. Mies has led the White Oak Early Learning Center since it opened 5 years ago, but decided she wanted to return to the classroom. So, we always begin the process when we have a leadership opening in one of
002our schools by gathering feedback from our staff. So, staff at White Oak told us they wanted someone with experience in special education because 70% of the student body at White Oak are students with disabilities. They also wanted someone who understood early childhood and also the diverse staff that's at White Oak, that it's more support staff and therapists than it is certified teachers, which is very unique from our other buildings. So, we began by reviewing applications for this position. We had 31 applicants. We did first round interviews with five candidates and then brought the top two to an interview committee where they got to meet about 25 Avon teachers, White Oak teachers, support staff, administrators, and parents. And at every step of the process, Mrs. Obradovich came out on top. So, we were thrilled that she
003was interested in this position and will just be a perfect fit. She's worked in a neighboring district and has led their early childhood program since 2019 supporting both developmental preschool and a community-based preschool program. And then prior to moving into administration, she spent 18 years as a kindergarten teacher. So, her passion for early childhood and supporting the youngest students just came through in every step of the process. She holds a bachelor's degree in elementary education from Indiana State, a master's in education from Ball State, and a second master's in administration from Butler. So, thrilled to recommend Mrs. Obradovich to lead White Oak Early Learning Center. Board members, I will entertain a motion. I move that the Board of School Trustees approve Mrs. Jackie Obradovich as preschool coordinator effective July 1, 2026. Second. Motion by Mike,
004seconded by Kim. All All those in favor? Is there any discussion? That motion passes 5-0 with Mrs. Smith voting virtually online. Perfect. Mrs. Obradovich, would you like to introduce your guest and Board members, any comments? I would just say it's a really impressive resume. The The hiring process and the committee and the the panel that is created always brings the best candidate through. So, thank you for going through that whole process and shining the whole way. Welcome aboard and excited to have you. Well, welcome to you and to your family. Glad that you got the black and gold memo. That's very awesome. And thank you to Mike for making the motion because I am am a bit torn. I My daughter, my oldest daughter, is the director of communications in Plainfield schools. So, we aren't
005speaking because of this action today. And so, I appreciate [clears throat] that I didn't have to go out on the limb and be the one, but I would have wholeheartedly because your credentials, the process that Dr. Windham is outlining is just phenomenal. And we love our little kiddos everywhere, but the kids that attend White Oak really have a special place in our heart because we realize that by starting early learning and being so incredibly intentional about it and focused on it, that that we just reap the benefits of that throughout their school career with Avon. So, thank you so much for going through the process. Thank you for devoting your life to teaching students and being in charge of a building is a big responsibility, but can't wait to see the things that you'll do.
006Thank you. Mrs. Obradovich, welcome to our family and that's quite a process that you just went through and obviously you rose to the top among I'm sure many qualified applicants. Looking at your resume and your credentials, I was super impressed. And again, that you went through this entire process speaks to who you are as a person. I would I'd love that Dr. Windham has shared that you have a particular background in special education for the reason that was mentioned and I think that's exactly what's needed. Our staff usually clues us in very smartly as to what's needed and you are absolutely filling that need. So, here's to a very long and prosperous career at Avon schools. Thank you. Mrs. Smith, did you want to comment? Yes, welcome and congratulations and I'm excited to see what
007the future holds. So, welcome aboard. Yes, thank you. Yes, the neighboring dynamic there. So, I'll just say thank you for choosing Avon. I Our family had the pleasure of having our own kids receive some programming through the developmental preschool and so, having that first-hand experience and understanding the value of early intervention. I I can't speak enough to that. So, thank you. And I love that you shared about always keeping in mind your why and the value. That's a good reminder for all of us. So, thank you. Next, we'll move on to the personnel report and so, the board received that ahead of time to review and ask any questions as necessary. So, board members, I will entertain a motion. I move that the Board of School Trustees approve the personnel report as presented. Second. Motion
008by Josh, seconded by seconded by Kim. Is there any discussion? All those in favor? That vote passes 5-0 with Jennifer voting virtually. That's it? All right. Fastest board meeting ever. Thank you everyone for being here. We will