001Good evening everyone. Welcome to our board meeting. If you will please stand and join me in the pledge of allegiance. >> I pledge algiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> Thank you. Our second item on the agenda is the vision and strategic goals. Um you'll see our vision displayed up on the monitors. Um, our vision for Avon schools is nationally recognized district of choice that embraces all students and prepares them to grow and thrive for their future. We summarize that with our words, all belong, learn, and grow. And now for our strategic goals, we'll have some really cute kids that will tell you about our Avon Community School Corporation goals. or you can
002read them. >> Well, they're still cute. So you see there are three Avon community school strategic goals uh become a professional learning community PLC improving student achievement uh by providing equitable experiences and opportunities for all students. The second strategic goal is to create a systemic and purposeful innovation opportunity to develop critical thinkers. And finally, to support student well-being, mental wellness, and the whole child healthy, safe, engaged, supported, and challenged. We'll move on to the next item on our agenda, which is celebrating Orioles. Um, this is always our favorite part of every meeting where we get to really um, acknowledge great um, things that have happened in our school district. First, I'd like to introduce Mr. Dave Cox from the Hendrickx County Council who will present a an award to our board. Mr. Cox, >> I'm
003here on behalf of the Hendricks County Council. Uh for those who don't know me, I'm president of the vice president of the council. Uh I'm also here representing the youth assistance program that the county council now has five employees assigned to. Um and in cooperation with the Hendrick County Juvenile Court, the county commissioners, the county council, the town of Avon, the Avon school corporation, the town of Planefield and the Planefield Food Corporation now and we're talking presently talking with other uh food corporations in the county trying to make the program county town wide. Um, a little bit of background is the the program uh has gone up and down over the past five years or so through COVID and a lot of other issues. We've gone through three directors. Our third director is here with
004me tonight. Stacey is doing a really fantastic job and has really got the program up and running good. The juvenile judge told me that his records are reflecting that referrals to the juvenile court in Henry County is down 30% because of this program. Um you can't put a dollar amount to save one kid and yet we would be happy with a much smaller figure than that. But that's fantastic in my way of thinking. So, uh, it's all about helping the kids get through all the challenges we've all had as teenagers. You know, that was a few years back for me. But uh this year at the uh annual year convention of the association of Indiana counties, they gave Hendrick County the county achievement award uh which uh we have copied and given a copy of
005it to each of the seven entities involved. and I'm here tonight to present the school board with very copy of it and we appreciate the support you give. >> Thank you. [applause] >> Thank you, Mr. Cox. That um that is a wonderful program and we're so happy about its success. We'll move on to the next item on our agenda, which is the commendation for the Avon marching black and gold. Dr. Windham. Thank you, Mrs. Woodward. I know we've got several band students here. So, if you want to make your way forward, uh we have a short video that we will show of your All right, come on. I know you're out there. >> Don't be scared. Um, we would love to show your whole show, but we don't have time to show your entire performance
006at uh at the national competition. Uh, Mrs. Woodward, following the video, will read a commendation uh from the school board. We also have a recognition from our state legislators. Um, and I do want to thank uh Mr. Abby, uh, our one of the assistant directors from the marching black and gold that is here tonight as well. Uh, but if we have the audio working, we'll try to watch a little clip here of their incredible state and national award-winning performance. >> [music] [music] [applause] >> Wow. I'd like to read a resolution of commendation. The Avon Community School Corporation Board of School Trustees would like to congratulate Avon Marching Black and Gold with passage of the following resolution. Whereas the Avon Marching Black and Gold have been crowned the 2025 Indiana State School Music Association Class A
007Marching Band State Champions, their 18th state championship in the last 24 years. Whereas the Avon marching black and gold have acred 65 total state championships across all disciplines. Whereas the Avon marching black and gold have been named the 2025 Bands of America Grand National Champion, their sixth national championship. Whereas the Avon Marching Black and Gold have achieved a historic milestone, becoming the only high school band in the country to earn the title of Bands of America Grand National Champion three consecutive years on two separate occasions. Whereas the Avon Marching Black and Gold are led by director Matt Haroff, assistant directors Carl Hartman, Matt Abby, and Jeremy Basso, and a team of dedicated and talented directors and designers, as well as countless parents and volunteers. Whereas the Avon Marching Black and Gold have shown excellent work
008ethic, determination, and commitment. Whereas the Avon high the Avon marching black and gold have earned the respect of the entire Avon community for their high standards and expectations. Whereas the highest level of distinction given by the Avon community school corporation is a commendation from the board of school trustees. Therefore, let it be resolved. The Avon marching black and gold is hereby commended for their success and achievements. Board members, I'll entertain a motion on this resolution. >> I'd move that the board of school trustees approve the accommodation for the Avon marching black and gold as presented. >> Second. >> Motion by Mike, seconded by everyone. All those in favor? The motion passes. 5-0. Congratulations. [applause] >> [applause] >> I did too. Mr. Abby, >> nice try. >> [applause] >> I will say too before you um
009sit down, uh Senator Brett Clark and Representative Greg Stirwald were not able to be here tonight, but they did share uh joint recogn nition from the office of representative Stirwald and Senator Clark. I believe their intent uh and I've talked with Mr. Haroff about that. They'd like to bring the marching black and gold some representatives down uh to the state house during session in January or February to be recognized on the Senate floor during session. But since they couldn't be here tonight, they uh issued this uh be it known that the Avon marching black and gold be recognized for the accomplishment of winning the 2025 Bands of America Grand National Championship. This achievement reflects the band's outstanding dedication and hard work required to perform at such a high level year after year. We have the
010utmost confidence that the Avon Marching Black and Gold will continue to exemplify excellence. We thank you for representing our community with distinction at the highest levels and for setting an admirable example for all those who will follow. Congratulations on this exceptional accomplishment. Greg Stirwald, state representative and Brett Clark, state senator. So, I'll give this to Mr. Abby as well. [applause] >> Um, well, I know that you have a concert tonight. Yeah, you have something you have to get to tonight. So, we're going to keep our uh comments very short. Um, and I would just like to congratulate you on this wonderful achievement. But more than the achievement, what I would like to congratulate you on are two things. The first being that um during Bands of America, there was a band that came all the
011way from Hawaii. Um Alaska >> um they should have been in Hawaii. It's a lot warmer. >> Um and that band uh came and you relinquished your field in order for them to be hosted by Avon, who I'm sure they were a little starruck because they know your record. um and they later um commented about just how welcoming and warm our school corporation was. So ladies and gentlemen, that is um a high honor also that you are able to represent our community in such a way that not only do you win uh awards but that you are looked at by other schools as an example of a welcoming environment. The best picture that I saw was when you were at Grand Nationals waiting for the awards to be called and there was a hand from
012a an Avon student holding a hand of a Carmel student across the aisle um showing that no matter what happened, it's about the camaraderie in this program that really makes a difference. Um you come from a long history of success in Avon marching black and gold but each and every year each of you students dedicate yourself to maintaining that exact reputation from year to year. So thank you for representing your school so well. Thank you for representing your community so well. But most of all, thank you for representing yourself and what you're made of so well. We're very proud of you. >> Sure. Um, Avon Marching Band, I just want to say congratulations. There's a phrase we all know well, but we say it so cavalerely, we probably forget the meaning. And that is the
013sum is greater than the parts, right? The sum is greater than the parts. And when everything is going well in our life, it's easy to remember, oh yeah, my family was there, my friends were there. But what we often forget is it's the dayto-day. It's the trenches. It's the hard work. It's the discipline of not just enjoying the accolades together, but enjoying the hard work and the discipline. And year after year, you show that. We have a lot of state champions at Avon, thankfully. And that is an amazing thing. And we're so proud when we have state champions. To honor national champions is is such a topshelf moment. And you make Avon proud. And that you teach us through your example. And thank you. >> Well, turn on marching black and gold for once again
014winning 18 state champions ships and six grand national championships. Uh where I live is not too far from the high school and when I'm outside I often hear you outside playing and I think oh cool and I kind of get a introductory uh presentation there and um when I watch you uh perform, it just gives me the chills to think that Avon bands have come so far. And you should be very proud of yourself for all you've done and what hopefully you're going to continue to do. Uh thank you directors, parents, students for your achievement, for representing Avon High School. I'll just echo what everybody else has said. Uh congratulations. Amazing achievement. I know you guys have to be so proud of yourselves. Thank you for representing Avon so well. Just not with playing, but
015with sportsmanship. It says a lot about our community, parents, teachers, everybody. Thank you for representing Avon so well and congratulations. >> I just like to add that it was entertaining while we were watching the video to see them tapping their foot like they were there on the field once again. So, never gets old watching that. Thank you. All right. Thank you. Now, go on, get out of here. Thank you, everyone. Our next item on the agenda is a recognition for Sandra Bell. >> Yes. Thank you, Mrs. Woodward. Um, you know, in uh schools, as teachers, as staff members, every few years we have to uh go through our CPR certification and training, and it's easy for that to sometimes become wrote after you've done it a few years. And then every once in a while
016something happens that is a reminder that that's a really important training. Um and uh we had one of those situations here recently at Hickory Elementary. So Sandra, if you could come forward. Uh also honored that we have uh Chief Danny Brock here uh and some personnel from Washington Township Fire Department EMS. We've also got Deb Swinbis, school safety coordinator here. Uh and uh but Mrs. Belle administered the Heimlick to a student during lunch um and was able to save that student's life because of the training that she had received. And um she commented to me, "Oh, you're making a big deal out of this because it's a big deal." And uh she did not want the attention was not necessarily craving to come to a school board and be recognized because as she said, it's
017I'm just doing my job. Um, but that is a really important uh um action that she took uh that saved that that young student's life and we're just thankful she chooses Avon that she paid attention during that training, implemented that training and thrilled that Chief Brock is here to recognize her as well. [cough and clears throat] >> First off, um want to introduce Chief Stephanie Weer. She's our EMS chief. Uh she helps coordinate a lot of the trainings. Um and I am green so I'm on. >> Yes, you're on. um she helps coordinate a lot of our trainings that we do for uh CPR and and us. So whenever we get busy as administrators, we still have to keep up our certifications and uh there's oftent times she'll walk into my office, she doesn't have
018to knock, she just walks in, lays down the stuff and says it's time for skills. Um, so as we transition from something uh with the Avon Marching Black and Gold and their success that you hope you can replicate year after year, the success of this and the reports that come in, it's a skill and a training that you hope you don't have to use or this is a success you don't want to replicate year after year, but it's a success nonetheless. Um, whenever you come into the training, it can be routine. So those are some of the words I want to bring up up here as well. So any of the educators in the room as you come in and go through your training, understand it's going to be that moment where here it's documented
019as uh stating it was about three to four minutes uh assisting a child. Um those minutes are critical and if anybody loses consciousness it becomes more critical and at that point you refer back to your your training and the habit you've created and even though it's only a moment of training that you go through to come in and renew those searchs and it's just merely minutes of a day um that training and keeping that in your mind and going through the coursework that's assigned alongside of the CPR renewals is is critical and paying attention to that is critical. So, um, you know, just like the educators have in the kids all day, uh, whenever we show up, you have an expectation of us, but as parents, we have an expectation of the educators as well.
020Uh, the email that was written, Dr. Windham would like to share it. I think it's appropriate. I don't know if these are anonymous or not when they're sent in. But, uh, Miss Stephanie Duda is the one that reported it. I was trying to figure out who that was. I'm not familiar with everybody in the school, so now you know that. Um, but she said she just wanted to, uh, let us know of an instance that occurred at Hickory yesterday. A student was choking during lunch. They turned to red, couldn't breathe, and was panicking. So, now this is somebody else's kid, right? You put yourself in that moment. It's it's a bit of a moment. Uh, luckily, Sandra Bell was there, witnessed this, and started performing the Heimlick maneuver. Um, she stated it was three to
021four minutes that she was assisting the child and was able to get the attention of Mark, and he went in to get the nurse. At that time, the student was able to get the food out. Honest to goodness, a hero moment. She literally saved a child's life. I know she's not one that wants a lot of attention, but wow, thank heaven she was there. Thought I'd share what amazing people we have in our district. Have a fabulous day. So, you guys have already reiterated that, but that goes to you as well. And congratulations, and we want to present you with our life-saving award. So, Miss Stephanie has that. So, thank you very much. [applause] >> [applause] >> have a picture with the board. You're Uh, okay. Wow. Just when you think you have a bad
022day, that's Um, that's amazing. Um, I'd like to move on to the next celebration that we have celebrating academic excellence from our students at Pine Tree Elementary who should be entering any moment. >> They are. We have uh so many recognitions. We had to have a staging area. So, that's a good that's a good problem to have. Uh, but we always try to recognize students that are doing impressive academic work at every board meeting and Pineree is here to share with us some information today with Mrs. Moyers and several amazing Pine Tree students. You know, it's always a production never good. Let's see. >> We're all ready. >> All right. Good evening. I'm And this evening our students are going to share with you what our staff thought was one of the best strategies for
023our so you're on. They have um data folders. So they've all have a data folder and every time we've taken an iLearn checkpoint opportunity um they have gotten their data in their data folder, sat down with their teacher, looked at it, and then created a goal based on how they scored the first time. Then we've used our program, our platform of EXL um to work through the um some of the skills they still needed to work on. And all of the students that are here tonight showed amazing growth and we want to celebrate that tonight with them. Um they're going to show you their data folder and then they're going to show you their EXL platform and some of the work they've been doing on there. So we invite all of the board members to
024come um kind of to the two tables on the side to have a seat with a Pineree student and they would love to share with you. My name's This is Addison. All right. You know what? My glasses. >> Get my glasses. All right, I'm ready. >> I'm going to start. >> Was 17. Yeah. big. >> And that was the second. >> So that's good that you get better each time, isn't it? >> Yeah. >> Okay. And what is that? >> Oh, okay. All right. So, you can be the All right. All right. Time out. Is a 5407 red. Not good. Okay. All right. I got you. just put it right in front of you. You don't have to get >> Okay, about one more minute. Got one more minute. want to come back to the
025table. >> Where my poster holders? I should have two poster holders. >> [snorts] >> Um, our guiding coalition consists of leaders, administrators, and the teachers that represent twice a month. At the meeting, we focus our data. This helps us create goals for our students and for ourselves. And here we have one of our fourth grade students, Angela, to explain one of our goals, the learning and the growth in action. >> Hi, my name is Angela. I am a fourth grade student in Mrs. Russo's class. You were able to hear some of my peers from to talk to you about their individual goal setting process. At Pine Tree, we are also setting and tracking grade level goals. As you can see on the posters, each grade level has a data board located near the classrooms. After
026the first checkpoint was taken, dots were placed on the board representing each individual students score. A grade level improvement goal was set and students had a second opportunity to improve their original score. After the assessment, students recorded their score in their data folder and placed a new dot on the grade level data. Let me share with you some of the great growth we achieved on island checkpoint one. Third grade island checkpoint one opportunity opportunity to math. 70% of the grade level is proficient. % of the grade level is above proficiency. Fourth grade is 14 had 14 growth% growth on I learned ELA checkpoint one opportunity 2. Fifth grade had 17% growth on I learned ELA check.1 opportunity 2. We have improved so much this year. >> [applause] [applause] >> All right. Um, we really started
027goal setting day one. And so for the whole school, we had a goal to make sure that all the new students to our school because of the redistricting felt like they belonged at Pineree. So that for the whole first month, we really focused on welcoming all the new students and making sure that they felt at home at Pineree. And we ended with a belonging bash and so just a celebration. Um we've seen our goal setting trickle into behavior too. Our classrooms have behavior goals. our individual students have behavior goals. We actually this the month of November we saw um a 46 um incident decrease compared to last year at this time. So behavior incidents have decreased um because we're just so intentional about our goal setting. Every day we start the day off with a
028pine tree chant. And so I have some students that are going to end our presentation today sharing the chant with you. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Navigate every day all day. The pine tree way. [applause] Yeah, I'd like them all to line up and just my friend Mattingly here that taught me all about what she's been doing. It's been pretty great. Students, just come up here and um our board members might have a couple of questions. So, I think Pine Tree sounds like a pretty cool place and I wish I could do that cool chant because I was into it. Uh, but you're all doing a really good job. And I love that at at your age, you're learning goal setting so that you can make a goal and achieve the goal,
029right? And then go on to a even greater goal. That is a lifelong skill. That is something you learn um at Pineree Elementary that when you um get to be an adult, that will still be a skill that you need. So, I am so proud of each and every one of you for learning um the pine tree way of goal setting. Um and thank you for being here and you all look really great and I think Pine Tree is my favorite elementary. [laughter] >> Okay. So, but don't tell the others. Okay. Thank you. All right, Mr. Langford. >> Yes. Well, students, thank you for joining us. I'm going to wake up tomorrow morning probably saying every day all day the Pine Tree Way. Would that be okay if I woke up saying that? because I
030might. Yeah. Yeah. But I might. I'm just telling you. Or in the shower, maybe I'll be chanting it tomorrow morning. Well, in any event, hey, thank you for sharing. And also, you know, something I thought was kind of amazing is how good you all were on your laptops. You know, working your way around and showing us exactly the goals that you've made. And many of you, I saw exceeded your goals. So, well, thank you for coming in. And I I know I hope you're having fun. We sure had fun having you here tonight. Thank you. Well, students, thank you. It was neat to see what all you were doing. I had to have a little bit of explanation because times have changed what you're doing since I taught. Um, it was neat to see the
031increases on your scores and that's what that's what counts. Um, it's um just wonderful what schools are doing now and what students are doing and you should all be so proud of yourself. Uh, Mrs. Moyers, thank you for bringing the students, teachers, staff, I appreciate it. Parents, greatly appreciating bringing your child here here to perform and show us what's going on in your classroom. So, thank you all and have a good Christmas and the rest of your good school year. >> Thank you for coming and talking to us today. It was very, very You guys are very smart kiddos. We were talking with her and she was showing us her improvement. I mean, that's you guys are working hard and it's showing and it's paying off. So, thank you for coming. I know it can
032be intimidating to talk to people you don't know, but thank you for coming and sharing with us. We like to hear all the good stuff that's going on in the school. >> Well, as a school board, we love numbers and we love data, especially as it relates to student performance, but even more so, we love the goal setting that you're doing. Uh that's something like a term called growth mindset which a lot of adults could benefit from uh in this day and age. So uh thank you for being here. We love when you come to visit us. So please come back. Please continue to do the awesome things and even if it's just a little growth that counts. Remember that. >> Mrs. Moyers and teachers thank you so much. and parents, thank you so much
033for being involved with your students um and helping them to achieve at a high level each and every day. Okay, don't tell the others that I like Pine Tree the best. Okay. All right. Bye. Thank you for coming. Thank you. [applause] >> I do too. Okay. It may seem like a long day, but I'll tell you that just rejuvenates me. Uh, the next item on our agenda is a resolution of commendation. Um, and this is for our one and only Cindy Simmons. Um, Mrs. Simmons has been a integral part of our school board for the past eight years. Um, and tonight is her last regular meeting. um sitting on this side of the table, but we expect that chair right there to be filled with you each and every school board meeting because you don't
034get off the hook that easily. I'd like to read this resolution of commendation. The Avon Community School Corporation Board of School Trustees would like to congratulate Cindy Simmons with passage of the following resolution. Whereas Cindy Simmons is a lifelong resident of the Avon community and has served on the board of school trustees for eight years. Whereas Cindy Simmons served at as school board president, vice president, and secretary during her tenure. Whereas Cindy Simmons served as school board appointment to the Planefield Redevelopment Commission. Whereas Cindy Simmons has maintained active engagement with the Indiana School Boards Association and during her years of service, the school board has received numerous recognitions, including the exemplary governance award on multiple years. Whereas Cindy Simmons was involved in the renovation and expansion of several schools within the district during her time
035on the school board to provide enhanced educational learning environments for all Avon students. Whereas Cindy Simmons has demonstrated excellent work ethic, selflessness, determination, and commitment. Whereas Cindy Simmons has earned the respect of the entire Avon community for her high standards and expectations. Whereas the highest level of distinction given by the Avon community school corporation is a commendation from the board of school trustees. Therefore, let it be resolved. Cindy Simmons is hereby recognized and commended for her dedication and service to the Avon Community School Corporation. Board members, I'll entertain a motion. >> I move that the board of school trustees approve the accommodation for Miss Cynthia L. Simmons as presented. >> Second. >> U motion was made by Jennifer, seconded by Mike. Any discussion? All those in favor? That motion passes unanimously. 4. Congratulations. [applause] >>
036You'll only be right there. >> [laughter] >> our honor. Okay, next item on the agenda is the comments from the board president. And all I can say is wow. It's been a great meeting so far. Thank you all for being here. Um and we are just so um pleased to um commend so many orals tonight. So thank you for being here. The next item on the agenda is the public comments to the board. This is the point in our meeting where our public can make comments uh to the board. Um, we ask that you keep your comments to three minutes or less and that you take that you refrain from mentioning any students uh or faculty by name. Uh, it looks like we have one registered individual, Mark Hancock, will be addressing us on the
037topic of the uh three- tier bus driver pay. Mr. uh, Hancock. Yes, if you wouldn't mind. That's where the mic is. >> Just read a statement. I hope I can get this done in three minutes. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Uh, thank you for having me. My name is Mark Hancock and I proudly work for Avon Transportation 13 years. Throughout my entire career, I've never been paid by the hour. I've always been paid by the run. Uh, except when I drive field trips. Every day I drive a three- tier bus route. My daily pay is $148. When you break that down, it comes down to $37 a run. Avant transportation refers to my middle run as extra pay. The three- tier pay system began five to six years ago, and at that time, we were
038told that these would be short runs. This is simply no longer accurate. Today, Avon Transportation has 53 tier runs and 10 two-tier runs. And it has become normal practice for drivers to have six runs a day. Because of this, our work agreement should reflect reality. They should say six runs, not four. We also have three tier drivers, standby drivers, who receive an extra $15 a day when they don't drive. But when they do drive, they receive their full run pay. Our CDL special need drivers perform six runs a day. Transportation has said this is oh and they get paid their full run pay for those six runs. I do not. Transportation has said this is because they work in the afternoon. But this is a choice. A run is a run. Every driver should receive
039full run pay for every run period. Right now, Avon transportation is underst staffed and drivers are regularly asked to take on extra runs to make sure students get to school and get home safely. And we take on these extra runs. We are paid full run pay regardless of how long or short the run is. And although no driver is required to take on an extra run, we step up because we understand the importance to our students and the Avon school district. I also want to address this magical 1 hour and 15 minute rule that payroll likes to bring up. Many drivers complete multiple runs and are under an hour and 15 minutes. They get paid two runs, not one. I am required to uh my own middle run, which I am required to do, is
040not even included in my work agreement. That run alone represents $10,000 required work that is excluded from my 2% pay raise because they call it extra and that's simply unfair. All we are asking for is consistency, fairness, and pay structure that reflects the work we actually do and the commitment we show every single day. We deserve accurate work agreements, fair pay for every run we perform, and equal treatment across the driver board. >> Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Hancock. >> I would like to thank my other drivers for coming out and supporting me. [applause] Thank you all. Thanks for being here. Um, and it is our practice, just so you know, that we take all of the comments made during public comment under adisement and we will be looking into everything that you've said. Um,
041we don't do that in the moment, but we definitely hear everything that you've said and we will um be speaking to individuals on our staff about that. >> Very good. Our pleasure. Thank you for what you do day in and day out for our students. We appreciate our bus drivers more than you know. Thank you. Moving on, let's go on to the consent agenda. Uh this is the portion of our meeting where we will approve minutes uh approval of claims and payroll personnel report uh overnight field trips, ECA funds and accounts, administrative salary changes, administrative salary recommendations, the approval of the superintendent salary. Um board members, you were given all this information to review um in our packet. Uh I will entertain a motion on our consent agenda. I move that the board of school
042trustees approve the regular session minutes on November 10, 2025. The executive and working session minutes on November 24, 2025. The executive session minutes on December 1, 2025. The payrolls for November 21 and December 5, 2025. The many payrolls for September 30, October 31, and November 5, 2025. the November and December claims, the personnel report, the disposal of equipment, the donation report, the overnight field trips, the new ECA funds, the ECA account changes, the administrative salary ranges 2025 to 2026, the administrative salary recommendations 2025 to 2026, and the superintendent salary 2025 to 2026 as presented. Second motion by Mike, seconded by Sarah. Is there any discussion? All those in favor? That motion passes. 50. Thank you. Uh we'll move on to the next item of business, which is unfinished business. Item A is the enrollment report.
043Mrs. Alde, >> good evening. Um in your report, you'll see uh we've been very consistent with student enrollment. So, if you remember on um student count day, October 1st, we were at 10,528. Um a couple months later, we're at 10,531. So, we've been onboarding students, but we also have had students moving. Um preschool is kind of a different piece. If you remember, we serve preschool um students if they're identified as students with special needs, we start serving them when they turn three. So typically what you [laughter] see every month our um number of preschoolers increase because they start when they turn three years old. So at this point we have 283 and if you look back to last no um December we were at 292 so I'm sorry 279. So it's a it's consistent and
044we grow as the year progresses and then the beginning of the year we start over. So um so as a district we're still around that 10,814 looking at preschool through 12th grade. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> We'll move on to item B, which is cost savings and efficiencies. Mrs. Glass. >> Yes. Good evening, board members. Thank you, Mrs. Woodward. I'm happy to report that Avon received $216,822.50 in RX benefits for the second quarter of 2025. This rebate helped reduce our cost in our insurance fund, which also supported the district in providing a premium holiday for our staff who are all on our insurance plans. That is awesome news. Um $216,000 in rebates in a quarter. That's um you know, I divide everything by um teachers. So that would be about seven full-time teachers, I
045believe. Well, on a quarter. >> Yes. >> Thank you. >> Item B, uh, no, item eight. Looked like a B. Uh, is new business. Uh, the first one is the step one report for the network operations center relocation and approval of contract price amendment number two. Dr. Finley. >> Thank you, President Woodward. We have PSI here tonight to present step one for the network operating center relocation and we'll also be seeking approval for a contract price amendment. >> Thank you, Dr. [clears throat] >> Thank you, Dr. Finley. Good evening, uh, members of the board and administration of Avon School. It's been a great night to be here and listen to all the celebrations and recognitions. It's fantastic to be a part of that. [clears throat] So, I'm going to talk tonight a little bit. Oh,
046I have some others from PSI that I want to recognize being here as well. Steve Thman, business development manager, Rich Warner, who's our director of engineering, and Maryanne McMahon, educational planner. Uh, tonight I'm going to talk a little bit, as Dr. Finley mentioned, uh, about the network operations center and, um, and the district technology staff. Um I think as you know that um is located currently at middle school south. Um but we have been working with the district actually planning a potential move for probably four or five years I think now at least and been considering some uh potential locations of that and um and tonight we're going to talk about um what we have landed on in terms of the design um and construction costs for that. So the network uh technology the the
047servers area the area that is at middle school south for that is um targeted for another team growth. So, uh, so we've been seeking another location and, um, it's been important really to kind of look at the core of the campus to keep, um, this service located in this area and really, uh, landed on um, some available space that's at Willow Elementary School. when that was renovated, converted from intermediate school to the elementary here this last year, there was a portion of that building that is really just about exactly the right amount of square footage for uh for that and um it makes an ideal location for that. So, we're going to talk a little bit about that tonight. The other thing um to note as I get into this is there's some infrastructure uh
048that's namely the cooling maybe especially the cooling that serves uh that um ser central servers area that is nearing the end of its life and um uh Dr. promise has been very nervous about uh potential failure and so um undertaking this change now is at an ideal time so that there doesn't not need to be an investment of of equipment in that location before it actually moves. So um so that's kind of lays the groundwork uh for our discussion tonight. Um as you're accustomed to I'll be talking about schedule, the scope of the work and the cost as a summary tonight. those three things and uh I'll talk about schedule but I'll probably touch on and you I know you can't probably can't read this I'll touch on some of these milestones as we go
049but to begin with the end in mind our goal is to have this completed around the July 4th time period kind of we want to make that transition when there is hardly anybody kind of in the district where it makes it easy uh to do so so we're working towards that goal of getting it completed at that time and everything will be up and fully operational then following that and for the upcoming school year. As an overview, just kind of give you an idea of where we're located um the um there is the uh kind of call it an aerial view there of Willow Elementary School and Evergreen Elementary School. And the kind of outlined area there in the center of the building is the targeted location. um a great location when it comes to
050being able to service uh that group of staff and its needs because they can take deliveries at the deliveries portion of the of the building there where the normal deliveries occur. Um kind of in the back in the service area of the building. So in the view of the plan then you can see kind of the uh yellow shaded area there of the building is where those that block of space that is being converted. Um that space um is not being utilized. It was former performing arts space and locker room space. Uh the locker rooms haven't been used and are not needed to support the elementary school. And of course uh the music program is serviced in a different way for Willow. So the old practice rooms and band room and choir room that was
051there really became excess square foot a really flexible space for potential other program use and this that is why when we started looking at this we thought this may be a a good spot. Um and it it is just right in terms of the square footage for the staff storage and u network gear or needs that the district has. And then an enlargement of the space kind of shows you that um arrangement of what is needed. There are three teams, three tech teams that are needed. Um and we're creating an open office uh environment. I have a rendering of that here kind of later on in the presentation. It'll give you a better viewpoint of what that room looks like. Um that is um was the former band room. It's just the right size really
052for that staff and then a couple of offices for uh the directors associated with that. And then of course the brains of the entire center is the servers room that is also kind of linked right to that that staff area. So that's in a good location. It's kind of center in the building. It's well protected in terms of protection from storms um and um and in just a good central location within the building. also to support there's some storage needs uh for uh computer equipment uh that is being received into the district. Um they have their own kind of small group and large group uh collaboration needs and then a workshop as well to support the work. We will be running a new board fiber. Actually, we kind of looked at what is the condition
053of existing fiber that links through the district and connects to the building uh the current Evergreen and Willow building. As we did the investigation of that fiber, we really determined that um in order to guarantee that we had good fiber connection for the district and to the servers, we really needed to do a new board connection. And so we're going to be linking from the current location just to the east of the uh current um technology department there that is just on the east side of the middle school adjacent to the current administration building. We're going to be linking from that location and boring south and then east across Avon Avenue and then over to the uh corner of Willow Elementary School that's depicted there. And that work um we plan to do well in
054advance of when the changes occur. Um we want to get that work started over the spring break holiday. This is an artist's a rendition of the u the open officecape that I mentioned. It shows you the different teams. those those teams are really divided into three groups and we've made a separation between each one of those um with a for an acoustical separation between teams. But one of the things that was really important to the tech team and as has been an important part of the Evergreen and Willow building is to bring some natural light to that staff. They've been working kind of in the core of Middle School South and really haven't had access to natural light ever. before. And so, um, so we're adding some windows in addition to the two windows that
055exist, um, in that B, uh, band old band room. We're adding, uh, four clear story windows on that east wall then that are going to dump light into that space and kind of reach deep into the space, much like we've done already for the um, former intermediate school east, but the Evergreen School and portions as well of Willow Elementary School. And this is just another point looking the other direction. Uh that shows those teams and those divided walls with the clear story windows at the top that kind of allows that that light to reach deep into the into the room. And then a couple of support spaces that the collaboration rooms as well um that are going to be created uh to support them. Uh from a construction logistics component, there are a couple things
056I want to mention here. Um we are going to normally the Willow students will use the corridor that is going to be kind of right in the core of the construction zone to access the playground. So during construction, we kind of looked at a we [snorts] looked at several different options in terms of access. And the one we landed on that it really is best is to uh for the students to exit door 22 22 which is adjacent to the academic core of the building and to create a an accessible pathway that reaches over to the playground area. Currently, there's a section of sidewalk that's actually missing kind of right outside of the receiving area and where the walled mechanical uh yard is outside of the building. That is where we're going to be adding
057additional sidewalk and cutting ramps so they have an accessible pathway to reach the playground during the course of construction. So that'll be um that will that route uh will be established just after the Christmas holiday um and used during the um spring semester. And then within the building, we'll be building a couple of construction walls to separate off the construction, keep students out of that area and um and keep it protected, you know, from the rest of the use of this the school. And just a short summary, there's the total cost is 2,794,447 and a short desh description of the work that includes the sidewalk, the curb ramps, the board fiber optic cabling. Um, and in addition to that, um, there is an overhead line, um, that connects the SO SRO building just to the
058south of Middle School South. Um, we're going to replace that overhead line with an underground connection while we're doing this work, as well as replacing the fiber connection to the transportation building. It's kind of right on the route there um, and needs to be replaced. And then a couple of other options that we had looked at which is painting this exposed structure in the tech storage room. Um and also renovating an unused concessions stand in that building. It's not utilized. It's actually used for storage, but it's not well uh it's not very good storage because there's a lot of cabinetry uh in the way of the storage space. Um, so we're going to be removing that um that unused cabinetry so that they have just have open storage within that room. >> I'll open it
059up for questions or comments from the board. >> Um, thank you Jerry. As always, appreciate PSI's partnership with us. So, why is the new fiber necessary? Why can't we use the existing fiber? Maybe I missed that. Yeah, there's not a fiber connection to the point, so we have to connect anyway. And Oh, I see. And it's Yeah. So, so there is a connection to the building, but we would have to extend to the new location and >> the um not sure if I'm going to get this right. Dr. Ramise might be able to explain it exactly right, but um it's risky to I think from what I heard to think that you can pull out and use the current duct connection in that right Jason which is why we wanted to to re >> that's
060correct the duct work that goes under Avon Avenue at the present location has collapsed um and the fiber optic cable that needs to run to the new network operation center is a substantial size cable because all of the data connections come back to the network operations center from all of our schools and so it needs to be replaced. Uh the path the existing blue path that you saw on the plan uh that Mr. Rollson showed us is not a viable path. A new one had to be created. >> Okay. So my question then is this fiber optic um cabling serves the entire school corporation. >> It does. >> So where the yellow is on that map shows the new fiber route to the knock. >> But then how does it go to the south to
061connect with the high school cedar hickory? How does that work? Uh all of the fiber optic cable that comes from our schools now goes to our central knot that is located at middle school south. Okay. And so the main fiber trunk for all of the district is located in that central corridor between middle school south and our existing administration center and therefore can be intercepted with the new fiber. Okay. >> So they will splice into the existing fiber trunks >> and take it to the new network operation center location. Okay. I know that in the long ago there was concern about that fiber optic and it that it had to tra uh traverse across the um the railroad tracks. I mean it's tunnneled underneath and it's actually it goes and serves all of the buildings.
062>> It does. There are two locations where it crosses the tracks. one uh that goes under and serves Hickory Elementary School, uh Cedar Elementary School, and our maintenance facility. And there's another location that crosses and serves the high school and Pine Tree Elementary School. >> Okay. >> And those are still viable uh fiber optic. So obviously during with the belief that you'll be able to do this work in July when school is out will there be a period of interruption that um teachers andor administrators in those building in all buildings will not have uh internet access. >> Yes. Um we are through this design process we are attempting to reduce the amount of time that it will be necessary to interrupt uh internet service to Avon schools. Okay. And we are targeting the moratorum week
063so that it we can be as least disruptive as possible. >> Got it. >> Um one of the reasons that Mr. shared with us that we're starting the fiber build um early is so that our team has the opportunity to phase equipment which further helps us reduce the amount of total downtime we need to move the entire network operation center. >> Thank you. And just a note, I would say that I could have predicted that we would have natural light when Maryanne McMahon is part of the process. So I that's your reputation, ma'am. >> Uh board members, questions. >> Yes, sorry. Uh Dr. Won, what are we going to do with that space left in South? >> No, that's great. That was one of the points I was going to uh add as well. [clears
064throat] Um first off, I want to thank Dr. promise for his patience because uh Mr. Rson's right. We have been talking about this for four or five years and this is the heartbeat of the district. Um and so it's a big deal to move it. Um but he he has been stressed about how much more life we can get out of uh the the pieces. So uh this has this has been a great process, but we needed to get some of the other parts of our long-term facilities plan completed before we could do this. To your question, Mrs. Simmons. And I think it's good to to point out, we talked about this four years ago when we were holding some of those community meetings when we were determining our long-term plan. Um, we do not
065need an additional team at Middle School South right now. But if you think about when we were designing the construction plans at the new middle school and at Middle School North, we identified places where we would add on to the building if we needed to to accommodate future growth. at both of those buildings. Middle school South does not have any ability to expand the footprint of that building. And so years, four years ago when we were having some of these conversations, we determined if we could move technology out of Middle School South, that would allow us the capacity to add an additional team there without expanding the footprint of the building. So this will make sure that all three middle schools have the ability to grow in the future if they need it. Middle School
066South would just be interior construction, whereas at Middle School West and North, we would have to actually add on to the footprint of the building. >> And I have one more question or statement. I go there quite often as everybody knows, but I won't have to go now because But Jason, where's Can you get in from the parking lot somewhere to go in and bother you guys or is there a parking lot there or >> to the new network operations center? There is parking on the building. Okay. Um we will will be providing people instruction on the best means of access because we do not want to be disruptive to school operations during the day. >> All right. Thank you. >> Um I do have one other question. And so with the total cost of
0672.7 million um you just made a statement at the beginning that the uh cooling specialized cooling equipment at the current knock is ending the really its useful life. So if that had been replaced, let's say that we weren't picking up the knock and moving it, what would have been the price tag for just replacement of that specialized cooling equipment? I'm gonna defer to Rich Warner to answer that question. He's scrunching his eyes. So, >> okay. >> So, really the cost of 2.7 includes equipment that would have cost a quarter of a million dollars to replace anyway. >> Okay. >> And where will that go? Oh >> yes, >> basically. >> Okay. And what would be the cost of that? $100,000. >> Okay. All right. So about $350,000 in cost that we would have incurred potentially
068anyway had we left the knock right where it was. Good to know. Thank you board members. Other questions? Um, if not, then I believe a motion is in order on this agenda item. >> I move that the board of school trustees approve the step one report and approve the contract price amendment number two with performance services incorporated pending legal review and I and authorize the assistant superintendent to execute necessary documents. >> Second. >> Motion by Sarah, seconded by Cindy. Is there any further questions? All those in favor? That motion passes 5. Thank you. Thank you, Jerry. Um, our next item on the agenda is the end of year invoices for the 2025 budget. Mrs. Glass. >> Yes. Thank you, Mrs. Woodward. Since this is the last board meeting of the 2025 calendar year, this item
069authorizes our treasurer to pay all of our invoices that arrive in December 2025 with the 2025 funds. I recommend your approval. >> I move that the board of school trustees authorize the corporation treasurer to pay all invoices that arrive in December 2025 with 2025 funds. Motion by Jennifer, seconded by Mike. Is there any further discussion? All those in favor? Motion passes. 5-0. Thank you. Item C is the resolution to transfer funds. Mrs. Glass. >> Yes. Thank you, Mrs. Woodward. This resolution authorizes yearend transfers as we finalize the 2025 year end finances. You do this each year and I recommend your approval. I move that the board of school trustees approve the 2025 transfer resolution as presented. Motion by Sarah, seconded by Cindy. Is there any discussion? All those in favor? That motion passes 5-0. Thank
070you. >> Thank you. Board member items, Mr. Langford. >> Well, thank you. Hard to believe we've made it through another calendar year in my first year. Thank you to all my school board members and Dr. Windham and all the administration for making my first year quite a great learning experience and also one that I have thoroughly enjoyed. So, thank you for that. Uh Cindy, we will miss you an awful lot. Um you are a wonderful example of something that everyone in this room fervently believes in and that is the power of public education. and you have dedicated your life to everything about public education and you lead with your heart. Um, I would have loved to have seen you as a teacher because I bet you were something else. Uh, because as a school board
071member, you've been something else as well. And I mean that in all the wonderful ways. So, you um you are passionate and um you make us better. So, thank thank you. We're going to miss you a whole bunch. >> You too. >> Yeah. So, uh, I guess with that, I'll turn it over to you, Miss Simmons. >> Well, I don't have a whole lot to say to go out with the bang here. >> I'll do that for you, though. >> Um, well, wow, what a busy meeting and lots of successes. Uh, I enjoyed the kids being here. Uh, they are so cute. And the little girl I was with, she told me like it was and I was asking her questions and she knew her stuff. Uh, one thing I wanted to mention was um,
072thank you for the donations and uh, Dr. and Wendham and I got to see that being in use. We helped serve the Thanksgiving lunch for the academy students and Dr. Winnham there were about what 80 kids and boy did they have the food and it was all donated by um, Tarbonos and we thank for that. Uh, the kids loved it. Uh, Dr. You were on the desserts. >> Yeah, I had the fun table, the dessert table. >> You did that. I cut up in a mess. And then I don't know what I was doing, but I was everywhere. But the kids were so appreciative and uh thank you. Um I like talking to them and they just spoke up and talked. Scott and I were laughing about the one little boy came up and he
073asked Dr. Windham, "Can I get extras?" And he just extra extra extra. And we asked him, I think I did. I said, "What are you going to do with all this?" He goes, "I have five brothers or sisters I'm going to take this home to." And that really just melted my heart. Uh, but the kids were great. It was fun to do that. And I thank the Rotary Club for that donation of And there were a lot of Rotary members there to help serve. A lot of fun. Um, what' I do? Well, thank you. performance services. Uh, I can't wait to see this going up. Um, now that I'm done, they're getting a new one. So, yeah. But I can't wait to see this going up and I'll have to come over and try it
074out. Um, now that I'm not a member longer, the move happened after I Bye-bye. So, hopefully Jason, you'll be good and I'll leave you alone. Uh, technology. Yeah, techn [laughter] technology in me is my worst nightmare. Uh I even have house calls made to my house for uh technology, these two guys. So, thank you for that. Uh thank you board members, staff, staff, administrators, students, and parents for all you do. Brave [snorts] on schools. Go Orioles and happy holidays. [applause] Um, what a great meeting this was. I appreciate the award that we got. It's amazing to hear about the decrease in referrals to the juvenile system. That's always an achievement that I think we should always be proud of. Um, once again, congratulations to the marching black and gold. Um, amazing achievement and I assume
075that we will keep this tradition going each year. Um, and then Cindy, I don't know. It's been great serving with you. It really has. >> Thank you. >> Um, go beef. >> I love that you did that. One of many nicknames that Cindy shared with us from her her childhood. [snorts] >> Cindy, thank you. Um, one of the many, you know, just top of- mind things, the news articles that you would bring in to share with the board. Um, the little thoughtful gifts, >> how you're always, um, you know, looking out for the extras, always thanking the SRO that is, you know, who, you know, always making sure that everyone is acknowledged, everyone is seen in the room. Um, we're going to miss you. Wow. >> Please come and and sit in that front row
076and uh give us some laughs and smiles. >> Yeah, it's a it was a great meeting. We honored a lot of um our orioles that have really uh excelled. Um and you know, we did a lot of business in the meantime as we wrap up this year. Um so Cindy, I just want to say it's been a pleasure and an honor to serve with you. Um, I truly meant what I said about I don't know that prior to you being here that we really thought about the teacher perspective. Um, I think that was missing on our board and you certainly brought that to us. Um, always being mindful of um, what teachers needed. I thought it was interesting that um your friend came and said that that was actually something that happened in Wayne Township,
077too, that you would tell administrators this is what teachers need. Um and so we're going to still rely on you to tell us that and to keep us honest in that. Um and the the only other thing that I can say is that, you know, we're all transplants to Avon. Um, we all came here after being educated in me and Wayne Township. Um, um, Mr. Langford in Newcastle. Um, we all came here um, from somewhere else and we fell in love with the Avon that we know. Um, but you're the OG, man. [laughter] You're the one that um, was the north star when it came to what is the way that Avon would do this. um we had to look at you because you've been here, you never were educated anywhere else. Um and so
078you have been an example of what this community was and what this community is and what this community will be in the future. I thought it was a kick to see your um three little grandkids um that I feel like I'm glad that they're attending school in Lafayette, right? >> Yes. But I wish they'd come to >> Avon [laughter] everyend opening and I said, "Hey, you know, they just want it." >> Well, you keep on them, okay? Because those little boys and that little girl need to be here and be orals just like their grandma. Um, so thank you so much. Um, it's been, as I said, an honor and a privilege, and we will miss you, but we'll have your seat right there, and we'll want you to be right here helping keep us
079honest and especially, please call on us if we're not doing for teachers what you think is right. >> I will. >> I know you will. Thank you, Dr. Windam. >> Great meeting. I just want to thank uh the board. As I've told you before, we have uh we are so blessed in Avon to have such an exceptional school board. And Mrs. Simmons, it's been an honor to work with you since my career as a superintendent started. So, uh, I appreciate all that you have brought to our district and thanks for a great meeting. >> Thank you. will be adjourned at um