001United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> Okay. So, we have a um quorum this evening. We have myself, Olly um and Chris and Amy and Scott present this evening. And we do not have any emergency additions to add to the agenda. So, if I can get a motion for approving the agenda as is. >> Make a motion for the >> I'll second. >> All right. Any discussions, questions on the agenda? All right. All those in favor of approving the agenda for this evening, please say I. >> I. Opposed. Same sign. All right. We have um happy new year everyone. We do have um several things at the first of the month um for the first month of the
002year uh that we have to uh do as far as the board um election and u getting our officers straight for the year. So, uh, currently I'm the board president and so we just have to reelect and reassign president, vice president, and secretary and then we'll have a couple other things we'll do after that. So, um, motion to I will make a motion if Scott would like to take presidency. >> Second. >> Okay, >> you guys are okay with what you're getting yourself into. Okay. >> All right. So, >> then all those in favor for Scott Robertson taking the president for the school, please say I. >> I oppose. Same sign. Nobody. Nobody uh went against you. So, you're good, Scott. >> Too bad. >> All right. So, our vice president currently is Chris. And
003um anybody have a motion to continue to nominate? >> I'd like to make a motion to see if Chris will continue as vice president. >> I'd be glad to. >> Okay, I will second. And sorry, I'm catching up on my notes. Um and so all those any discussions and questions? All right. All those in favor for approving Chris Dalton as our vice president, please say I. >> I. Same sign. >> All those opposed, same side. >> Okay. Um and so we have our secretary, current secretary is Amy Cop. So, um, I can make a motion to >> Oh, well, it doesn't matter. I >> stood like you were position. >> I'll be glad to take a break. Um, so I will go ahead and motion to have Amy Cupcamp continue to be our secretary. >>
004I'll second discussions. All right. Okay. All those in favor for AB being the secretary for the 20 2026, please say I. I oppose. Same sign. >> And then we now have to appoint um a legislative liaison that kind of uh does some communication with the Indiana School Board Association. So that is currently um Amy serves as that. I don't mind if Amy, if you need me to take that one, I can. Sure. Okay. I've done it in the past. All right. But yes, >> I will make a motion to appoint as a legislative liaison to the yes school board. >> And actually, do we need to switch now that we've been voted? Scott, president, does he need to take over after? >> We we can do it after the appointment and then we can take
005over the meeting. >> Sorry, I realized that as fine. >> Yeah, as I motion. Okay, so Amy motioned that um she is ing shown as the legislative liaison to the Indian schoolboard association and Scott second it. >> Any discussion? >> All right. >> Lots of activity there. >> It is I Yeah, I think I get those emails too. >> No. >> All those in favor, please say I. >> I same sign. >> And then we just have our um we elect every year two members to the capital projects committee and currently it is Chris and Ray. Um any motions out there? >> I'll make a motion for Chris and Ray to continue on capital projects. >> Okay. Um do you So capital projects, how often do you guys meet? >> Well, right now it's every
006other week. >> Right. >> Okay. I I will say that Scott has been a good alternate. So when somebody can't make it, they let him know and Scott can attend. So as long as that's still available. >> Are you okay? >> I'm fine doing that. Yes. Okay. All right. Um, so I can second uh Chris and Ray continuing on the capital projects committee. >> Your motion or your second. >> Oh, you made a motion. I missed it. Sorry. >> Yeah. >> Any discussions? We kind of did just to clarify that in the event of absence. >> Appreciate someone else. Yeah. Thank you. >> Your efforts so far there's a lot of activity going on. So appreciate the representation. >> It's interesting. >> All right. All those in favor uh please say I. I opposed. Same
007sign. >> And then we have our last appointments and it is to appoint two members to the negotiations committee. And currently it's myself, Ollie, and Scott. So um motions there. I don't mind continuing. >> I'm willing to continue. >> Okay. >> Make a motion. >> Okay. What are you motioning >> for you and Scott to stand? >> I'll second. >> Any discussions? All right. And we're on a two-year, so it's >> in all reality, there shouldn't be, but you never know. >> Yeah. Y >> All right. And all those in favor, please say I. >> I oppose. Same sign. >> Okay. So, you want to take over, Scott? >> That's fine. Okay. We're gonna do a little shuffle table shuffle here. >> Yep. Yep. >> And I am honored to let Scott >> She might
008be doing a cartwhe. >> So Mr. Robertson is now the new president because it's a new it's a new year 2026 and so he's going to move to the president's seat. Okay. So that's what just happened. >> And we as the students here we're just explaining what's going on. some young students. Maybe some future presidents. >> That's right. >> Yep. That's fine. >> Okay. So first on the agenda is a audience to the visitors on agenda items. Do we have any? >> No. >> Okay. >> Moving on to routine matters. First item up for it one minutes a regular board board meeting >> from December 15th. >> I'll make a motion regular meeting on December 15, 2025. >> Okay. I'll second. Okay, we have a motion and a second to accept the minutes of the
009regular meeting of December 15th. Is there any discussion about those minutes? >> All in favor of accepting the minutes say I. >> I same time carries. >> B2. Vouchers and financial reports. I'll make a motion for the approval of vouchers and financial reports. >> I'll second >> motion and second for vouchers and financial reports. Any discussion, questions, any >> uh no, I just point out that you would see in the transfers the transfer from the referendum fund to the education fund help support that also our debt service payments from this month. So that's why it's significantly higher. Sure. >> Yeah, >> I saw that. >> Okay. Uh motion and second. So all in favor of accepting vouchers and financial reports say I >> oppose. Same sign. Motion carries. B3 consider appointment of treasurer for 2026.
010Currently Tracy Albertson. >> I'll make a motion to continue having Tracy Albertson as our treasurer for 2026. She's so choice. >> I'm sure nobody else wants to do this. >> Okay. Motion and second for the was it appointment of >> Tracy as our treasurer for 2026. Favor say >> I oppose. Same sign. Motion carries. Consider appointment of Jud Bars of Bars and Redland PC as corporation attorney for 2026. >> I'll make a motion to consider appointment of Jud Bars of Bars and Redland PC as corporation attorney for 2026. >> I'll second. Motion and second. All in favor of considering appointment of Jud Barson Redland PC as corporation attorney for 26 say I >> I >> opposed same sign motion carries communications. So we just have a few donations to look at mostly for lunch. I
011believe it is that great. >> Okay. Then moving on to C2 are fundraisers. So current fundraisers are helping hands make a date fundraiser, junior high student council for the junior high dance at the Spain trip. 27 the matchmaker survey. So it's just to let us know what's going on. Then C3 we have a principal update. This is Spitzo. >> So before I let my students come up and give a little presentation um we finished the year wrapped up our boys basketball season champions. Um followed by a little sickness but I am happy to report everyone is back happy healthy. Um we can count on one hand how many kids have been sick this week. So much better. um getting ready to start off our girls basketball season as well. So, we're looking forward to that.
012Um we're going to have our second nine weeks honor roll breakfast honoring 77 students in third through sixth grade this coming Friday. So, we're very excited about that. We did gain a few new students. So, we are up to 172 students at Otterbin. Um and we are starting a new initiative um on January 22nd. We are going we have a parent that is going to start a allp proad chapter at Otterbid and that is um a character-based curriculum that's going to help encourage communication and growth between dads or dad figures and their child. Um so we're hoping to maybe eventually build that up to just be a positive role model, not just dads. Um so very excited and we have a parent willing to do that and heard a lot of great feedback. So we're
013going to kick that off January 22nd before school. So very excited. Hopefully we'll have a lot of positive to bring up to them. Um, next I would like to bring up five members of our robotics team. Um, obviously not everyone. Maybe one that was sick that was going to come, but they have a little presentation. I believe doctors have >> you just tell me what I need. >> Okay. Click it. >> I think you can click it. All right. You guys want to come up in front of them? A couple of you can slide this one. >> He doesn't bite too hard. >> I think they're ready for you to click it, Dr. Zen. >> Okay, >> so this is our robot. I made it to state. Um, NA. Um, he has a these are
014just like the stuff on him. A hammer, sweeper, pusher, and platypus bill. And that type of thing. >> Okay. The names of our teams and robots. Team one, Lost Technics. Robot name built different. Team two, safety hazard. Robot name annihilate. >> Team three. E for excellent. Robot name Ebot. >> Time of NA. We started off by adding a long black. Then we added a hammer, but we didn't know if we wanted to use a wheel or Lego bricks. We decided to add the wheel for momentum and weight. Then we made it so both the hand back and forth. Then we add first part then longer than before. We started off by adding >> you can click that. >> Oh, I'm sorry. >> No, you're good. >> Okay. So, for our favorite parts of doing Jo
015was having fun with my team building. Wyatt was coding and learning new stuff. Elling my friends at the competition. Now we included everyone. >> We all did some and the fun of it and the ability to enjoy and play. >> And Eli, I think yours got left off this one. Do you want to share what your favorite part was? My favorite part was um working with my teammates and um building the robot. >> Thank you to Mrs. Asher, Mr. Rumsburg, um all our Purdue mentors, Mrs. Jessica and >> professor Max computer scientist and first Lego They did have a little something they added on this. I don't think it got made on added on. Do you guys want to tell? >> It should be on the next page. >> Well, I I don't think the
016slide got updated. >> Do you want to share? What your message you were given? >> We were told to say that Mrs. Dalton is our favorite nurse. >> Make sure you got >> Oh, wow. >> But in all seriousness, the robotics worked very hard this year. They started something new with Legos. Thanks to Brandy for putting that order in for us. Um, they competed and then we're allowed to go to the semi finals or semi state and compete there. So, it's very knowledgeable experience and they all really enjoyed it. So, does do any of you want to add anything from your experience from robotics? >> Is the season over? >> Yes. >> Uh, okay. So, but do you still meet to to do some team building things to prepare for next year? No. Okay. >>
017So, it'll be a whole different like it will be a different thing next year, >> a different task, right? >> Yeah. What grade are you? >> Okay. How about a couple sixth graders? >> How about going this way and saying your name, first and last name, and your grade. Okay. >> My name is Clarence Daddy, and I'm in fourth grade. My name is Jo, and I'm in fifth grade. My name is Wyatt Gibson and I'm also in fifth grade. My name is Eli Jones and I'm in fifth grade. >> I think Mrs. Lang has another question for you. >> So, when I was taking your picture, I asked them about um their competition. So, you want to tell them a little bit about how you qualify for state? Because your robot doesn't just sit there
018and it's not a battlebot. So, it has to do things, right? What were some of the things it had to do? So, uh, the So, the so it had to first thing it did was it went and completed this mine trap thing where it basically just lifted it up. Then it came back and then it went forward, hit down two things, but on the last try that did everything right, it missed one thing. But then we have to quickly turn it and then it goes to the other side. And then they have to switch some attachments and line it up. Goes forward, turns, a couple things and then it like hits down on this thing launching out like some little gears and then it then they take it line it up again and then it
019goes and then it hits a crane thing. >> Mrs. Asher has a big what six eight foot table that they practice on and go take to all the competitions. >> Can does anyone want to explain how you qualified for the state? >> Um so we just had like a we had a pretty good four on our first competition and um two a couple teams weren't able to go so two teams were able to make it so we but only four people were able to go so we just combined teams so all three teams kind of combined but there was only four people >> and where was this competition >> the first one was just in Lafayette but the second one was in uh >> Benson's girl Okay, good job. >> Are you do you try
020out for robotics or do you just you apply for it or how does that work? Basically, what you do is you you fill out a basically a sheet and it's a pamphlet to see how well you do with like being able to work with other people and fill some things and the fact that you personally have to want to do it to qualify >> to sign in your own. >> So, can you do this again in sixth grade? >> Yes. How many of you would do it again? >> Go back to that semester. >> All right. Um, but yeah, it was an application process. >> Okay. Very cool. >> And nice job presenting. >> Good speakers. >> Yes. >> I appreciate you bringing them. You do not have to stay. >> You're welcome to, brother.
021You are. You are free to go. Thank you so much. Got boys. I like their the back of their shirts. >> The computer class that they are required to take now has the zero and one coding as part of it. >> They did a nice job. >> I laughed. Mrs. Dalton thought she had to get that little No, you can leave it. It's okay. >> Next up on our list is >> I'd like to put the comments. >> Okay. Well, um good evening and happy new year. Yes. incredibly um one of the seniors in the library today was talking um about her scholarship and I thought scholarship season I think but it is um so I just briefly wanted to touch base with an update um for curriculum in the elementary schools we started the
022year with messages about being intentional and communicating um we commitments using the reading curriculum uh 120 instructional minutes, K to3 90 minutes, uh grades four and six. We're using reveal math 60 instructional minutes and we're really working on building strong number sense and fact fluency. Um that math screener is coming next year, math intervention next year. And so um of course we're really intentional with um that instruction in those those two areas. At Venton Central um we're also continuing to be intentional and foster communication at our professional development next week. We have a visitor Hunter Hickman's coming in to talk with us about AI and um maybe you saw it over the weekend. they announced that Purdue will now require every graduate to have five um classes um or certifications in AI on graduation. So,
023we really feel like um for our high school students especially, it's a component that it's out there and we need to work with them to so that they are still becoming great critical thinkers, but they're able to use that that tool. So, um Rinsler's already adopted and so Hunter is he presented at Purdue. He's um probably will go to work for KIGO. I don't know. He's a great advocate of using it. So we're we're still in the investigation stage, but um the good thing about KIGO is it is free for all teachers right now and so everyone can jump in and see how they could use it as a personal assistant. Um, we will also be continuing our work with curriculum alignment and digging into and becoming those data hounds so that we are using
024our data to guide our instruction. Also, as we turn um to the spring, we are really starting to look more at iLearn, making sure that our students are as prepared as possible for that summitive ilearn and for the SAT. Both of those are um big components of our schoolwide letter grade and the accountability that we'll have. So, as much as we would love to say we're just doing such a great job doing all the things we do and we don't really care about testing, we do have to u be mindful and prepare our students as best as possible to um to be ready for those assessments. And so I'll come back to conscious discipline on the front. But um so I brought for you tonight um because we are in um SRT in our English
025classrooms and in our math classrooms, we are making sure that we're taking a look at some examples. And um just so that you can get your mind around and remember the kind of questions that students have to look at um on the SAT lots and lots of charts. Anytime we can promote and introduce charts and cycles u we're doing lots of that in our classrooms because they see it on the WEDA they see it on the um on the PSAT and the SAT. So there's there's a couple of examples of English and of math. Um, if you want to write down the answers, I I do have them just so you can push yourself. It's BDC C5. So, the more we get those kinds of questions out there, uh the more we can get our
026um teachers that aren't teaching ELA and math to incorporate SAT style questions within their content areas, uh the more practice our students have with charts and graphs and digging into them with um text and being able to dig it out with that logical thinking. um you know, this vegetable broth question could easily be tied into culinary. So, we're just trying to promote that kind of pose the question. Um get people thinking and answering and feeling confident. And um as we do head into the SAT, I thought this was great news. Uh we were looking at data. The first sheet is the math growth. You can see that this chart, these are the students that will take the SAT in the spring in March. So when they were ninth graders, their average score was 428. As
02710th graders on the PSAT in MSQT, it was 456. And in the fall, it was 479. So, this is so great for our teachers to see that um the work that we're doing every day, the practice, the homework, the quizzes, the lessons is um having such an impact on growth for our students as they prepare. And uh this slide is the ELA slide with reading and writing. again in 9th grade those students at 434 10th grade 457 and then this fall 483 so I felt like that was a good example of growth for that that's just one class and it's just one assessment but um it is over three testing periods and so that's um good news for us and finally conscious discipline uh is again for the willing but it is becoming pervasive uh
028conscious discipline skills. We have a lot of teachers frustrated with behaviors at times or frustrated with lack of motivation at times. And um so that the coach that we've had, the training that we've had on the teacher workday when we came back really the skills we're working on are noticing, adult assertiveness, composure, creating a safe place, and the five steps to regulation, which uh you'll hear more and more about. um a calming spot or a calming corner. Um this is different than you're doing a great job. Take your tablet and go over and watch a movie or read, you know, read on your own in this comfy spot. That's this spot is really um for students to be able to learn to self-regulate so that if I'm upset, I have some steps to go through
029and I start to understand how to handle it when things don't go my way. Um, and so we are just continuing uh to talk more and more and have more professional development, more interaction with our coach um about how to bring that to our classrooms. >> Okay, great. >> Thank you. I did just want to reiterate that that SRT, that student resource time, that time was created when we changed the school day. Um and BC had that extra time and so they're choosing to utilize it in that way which is intentional. So yeah. >> Yes. Two days a week we have clubs. Uh two days a week we have actually um study time time when it's called what I need. Um so kids can meet with counselors or they can have extra tutoring or um
030extra time to practice and get some things done. And then we also have our brain break on Wednesday >> which is teaching about regulation and resilience. >> Yeah. Good use of that time. So >> thank you. >> Thanks. >> Thank you. >> Thanks M. >> Okay. Item C5 projects and facilities updates. >> I I the board you know you've been uh kept a breast of things. I just brought a few pictures so that people could see this and um but the um pre-engineered meadow building is is going up right now and if you're driving this way on 52 you can see it. Yeah. So it's it's coming along well. It's a few photos of that. >> Now they have the front end on >> Oh the little the lower part. Okay. Yeah. Looks like lean
031tube. Yeah. Lean tube. >> Yeah. And then Otterbin is making progress uh with the uh block for that room. That room is going to be the new music room because the old music room will be our dining space. >> And then are they starting on the brick park up pretty quick? >> Yes. Soon. Yes. And they're um getting everything waterproof so to speak. So making good progress. And we have a meeting tomorrow. >> Next week. >> Yes. We meet every two weeks. So And it it will be at at Otterbin. Yes. >> So any questions on the >> what what remind me the anticipated completion of the annex at BC? Do we do you know >> it should be spring summer before the next school year? >> Yes. >> Oh yeah. >> Mhm. That's Yeah.
032We're still I mean they're they haven't really had >> any setbacks. They're very on >> Well, they were concerned when I got real cold getting ready to do the block but then it just flipped back and so now we're back. >> Yeah. Yeah, they're Yeah, they really got a lot of They just hit it pretty good with that timing of those spells. >> The one part of this project that may need to be altered or or pushed a little bit is the uh gymnasium because >> we we want to make sure that we utilize it the whole year. So that but that's okay. >> Yeah. >> That sh still should be ready by the beginning of school year. >> Yes. >> Yeah. So >> now that makes sense. >> Yeah. >> So will it be
033not started until after the school year down. >> There's been talk with Carl that if the weather's looking well um that our PE could utilize the outside area for PE class and then they do get in. >> So late spring maybe then >> if it's the last couple weeks of school make >> and and any time helps whether it's two weeks, three weeks that we can get >> I will add they needed to do some work in Mrs. Noble's office area and the custodial staff, especially those that came up from Benton Central the day they didn't have power were able to get everything moved out so that they can they knock that whatever they needed to do in that office out in a day or two while we were off on breaks at the time
034of that worked really well. >> Go ahead. >> Okay. >> So, if they start with the gym though, wouldn't that impact your your end of school graduation or celebration? >> I thought about that. >> And lunches. Well, if the lunchroom's finished, we can >> Yeah. >> Now, it'll be if graduation, >> there's nothing wrong with having it at the BC auditorium and it's kind of big league. I know it's not what you've done. Or you just wait, but that's a decision we can >> Yeah. Great thought. >> Yeah. >> Always something. >> And the water got all done too, didn't it? >> On the pressure. Yes. >> Are you talking about what happened on the 22nd December? Yes. At BC, right? Yes. Yeah. That one is scheduled. >> Yeah. >> Okay. Item C6, strategic communication
035and promotions. >> Yeah. I just wanted to put this on your radar. Um and it's it's been on your radar to some extent, but this is something that uh the uh firm uh Deler PR firm u it's the same firm that we used to engage in strategic communications back in 2020 before the referendum and uh we're looking to establish an agreement with them to continue to promote our programs. The plan evidently was always to continue to utilize them throughout these eight years to to show what we're doing with our programming and with those um those dollars uh which are the programs. And so we are going to work with them to start putting out some uh positive um highlights whether they are newsletters or um social media posts. Uh so just look for that. Next
036month we should have an an agreement there, but it's the firm that we've used before. Does anybody remember utilizing them? >> Yeah, I worked for Jeff just before us >> as a community member. >> But yeah, he he kept things organized even though it was in the height of the pandemic and we all of our meetings were online. >> We had our first taste of Zoom. So it worked out. It did work out. He he was very good at keeping us going and keeping us organized. >> Good guy. >> Okay. He's still there. That's the same. >> Yeah. Yes. He remembers us well. >> Yeah. Seems like a nice >> for good reason. >> He's cool association, right? To move him again. >> Yeah. >> Okay. Old business. We don't have anything showing up. E.
037New business. Consider stats report. personal items. A motion to >> I'll make a motion to approve the consider the staff report and other personal items. Consider normal staff report items. >> I'll second. >> Have a motion and a second to consider normal staff report items. Any discussion? Any questions? >> I get a motion to or a vote. All in favor of Staff report say I >> I >> oppose. Same sign. Motion carries. >> Consider approval for the following field trip request. Betton Central choir students to all state choir competition on January 16, 2026 through January 17, 2026 at Purdue University Fort Wayne. and also B Central boys wrestling team to Spartan Classic at Centerville the Centerville High School December 29th 2025 through December 31st 2025. >> I'll make a motion to consider the approval for
038uh the field trips for the BC choir happening on January 16th to the 17th um at Purdue Fort Wayne and then the boys wrestling team the Spartan Classic which have already at Central High School and that was December 29th through December 31st. Second motion and second. All in favor of this. >> I opposed carries. E3. Consider approval for IRS travel reimbursement rate of 72.5 cents effective January 1st, 2026. Get a motion for that. I'll make a motion consider approval of the IRS travel reimbursement rate of 72 cents or 72.5 cents effective January 1st 2026. >> I'll second. >> Okay. Motion and second. All in favor of this say I. >> I. >> All same. Motion carries. Consider approval of the 20 26 2027 Indiana ESC school fund co-op member annual contract. Get a motion for
039that, please. >> I'll make a motion to consider approval of the 2026 2027 Indiana ESC school food co-op member annual contract. >> I'll second >> motion and second. All in favor say I. >> I. >> All those time carries. Consider approval of the updated student service coordinator job description. I get a motion for that, please. >> Motion to consider approval of the updated student services coordinator job description. >> I'll second. >> We have a motion and a second. All in favor say I. >> I. All oppose. Same sign. Motion carries. Consider approval of the board resolution on compensation. I assume we'll have some discussion. So, we need to start with getting a motion in a second and we can discuss what we're thinking. >> So, I can make a motion a motion for approval of
040the board resolution um with possible changes on >> Yes. And we can always motion we choose. >> Okay. So, I'll make the motion for the approval of the board resolution on compensation >> and then so I'll I'll second that. But I would like to Are we tableabling it then? Is that what we're doing? >> You can so you can discuss and then depending on the discussion you can amend or you can table. You can you can not vote on it. Yes. Okay. >> Because that's what I I personally would like to take. That's what I was wanting to do. >> I didn't feel like Ray is has had much in the discussion to me. >> Well, let's go ahead and discuss it just to kind of at least give us a >> run. I'll second
041it then to get the discussion. >> Okay. >> So, we have a motion in a second. So, we have discussion on that. Do you have a >> I just I'll just remind everybody of why we're at this point. Uh state statute uh beginning July 1st of 2025, so this summer uh upped the maximum amount for board compensation. And so that is 10% of the lowest starting teacher salary and then they give maximum rates for uh regular board meetings and special board meetings. Now just a little context in was the original amount and that's what Benton community gets and um has not changed since then. So I appreciate the uh legislators understanding that things have changed since 1983. Um and so that's why I am recommending what it is that they're proposing. But it is a
042change. uh the PDM that was available in 1989 but Benton Community Schools has not done that. So Benton Community Schools has always um done the maximum amount that the state allows. So now that maximum has gone up uh and you can choose to do that. uh it can't exceed 10% of the lowest teacher salary and you can also uh board members can be awarded a pdium uh for each meeting they attend they understand all the meetings that people go to. So >> that's kind of where I had a question on that that say that because I'll forget to ask probably more of a Tracy question HR but so I know you have to tend to be here but like how does that go with tracking like is that going to be a nightmare like trying
043to No, >> because that was the only I mean why >> it would be part you would use the minutes to verify that you guys were here because the minutes >> do we have to submit something like kind you would if you go to a meeting or something? I mean, we could do something like that, but >> perm for the regular meeting and and then I know there's there's a different one for >> special. >> So, the minutes could serve as the documentation, right? >> But then are you talking though like like if you go to a a state meeting or >> No, I don't think those count. But like we have executive sessions and stuff like on top of our regular meetings. So what they consider special meetings would be executive session, uh work
044sessions and committee work. >> Yeah. And our like we have a financial committee. >> So like on a capital projects committee and then you >> and we would have to uh because currently we just show up. We would have to we could do a signin sheet but there is a tracking component. You're right. >> That's why it's like that kind of just sounds like a nightmare. But >> I mean that would be my hesitation of that. I would be in favor of the base compensation and the school board meeting compensation because like you said >> the attendance and school board is already taking care in the minutes. That's no no additional work. But I would hate to create a job for somebody to track that and maintain it and calculate it and >> you know
045it's it becomes a nightmare. >> Yeah. >> It's just for for what it is >> and I don't I don't see that as being necessary. It's just in my opinion. >> But the other thing that I've thought a lot about with this and uh you know I I think a lot of us the same feeling of feeling weird about voting our own grades. >> You just kind of get that >> easy. >> I'm honestly not very comfortable with it. >> However, the state has thrust that into our laps just like they've done with the TAG grant this year. It used to be across the board award for for good teaching and now now we're we're kind of having to butt heads on how to award that. So they just don't consider >> they don't consider
046the personal aspect of this sometimes. Now if this came down as a mandate, okay, every school board member in the state of Indiana gets $5,000 or x amount of dollars, whatever it is, it would be different because that's a statemandated thing. But here now they're putting it into our laps and saying, "Well, you can have up to this amount. You decide what you want." >> Well, that's a croc. I mean, come on. >> How fair. Um the other thing with the different funds is this operations. >> That's because it's not referendum money. >> Correct. >> That's the thing that I've been thinking about. It's not referendum money. It's operations. Our operations is been holding its own currently. But um and I just and I just think I mean this is my sixth year and I've
047seen a lot of raises come through in the six years from teachers and staff standpoints and I mean it's about time the state does something to kind of compensate the board members. So I'm in favor of it knowing knowing six going on six years and like what we've seen in the six years and we have a very active board. We've got I don't know how many hours of us going to ISBA amongst all of us. We're over 90 hours easily. Some of us are 90 alone. So, it's not like we're not doing our job. >> We have a lot going on, too. >> Yeah. And so, I just have I have no problem. >> And I just want to emphasize 1983. >> Yeah. >> I mean, we're talking 40 years. And just a few years
048ago, they upped the uh minimum that teachers get. So when the state recognizes the need to deal with inflation or to make sure that we are compensating all of our people, I I don't know how this is any different except that hasn't happened very often. >> And it's a cap. It's not like we get, you know, and we don't even have to go for it all. considering we've had the same our board and it's going to change you know I mean this year and in two more years it's going to change so we're setting them up for good people to come in and you know at least get somewhat compensated right now it's you know >> and they changed the they changed the language to a percent uh of the base salary I see that
049as so they don't have to keep changing it and that it does keep up with whatever the It correlates. I see an effort there to to recognize that. >> So it's not staying stagnant. >> Correct. Whereas that cap since 1983 was 2000. >> Yeah. >> Which I didn't really run to get paid. I didn't >> Honestly, I didn't even know you got paid when I ran until I dr. >> I was still in the PTO for 18 years that you got you didn't you didn't get paid for any of it. Yeah. So, >> I know we we've all served on many committees, communities, >> and that's just part of it. >> Yeah. >> U BA, how many how many teachers do you think are are in our corporation for the pay? How many how many
050people go into education for the pay? >> Not many. >> No, it's it's just something that you kind of accept. However, show of hands with you guys. How many of you have missed family events by coming to attend a >> board? You have. >> So there there needs to be some >> even though it might be small some compensation for that. But I I think the uh taking that class we watched on Robert's rules. >> I think from what I I got from that part of what I got from that meeting is when you table an item tableabling still needs to happen the same meeting. So if we wanted to move this to another meeting, I think the technical term is postponed. Is that I think >> I believe that's right. >> Okay, >> that's
051correct. >> So if we don't want to deal with it this meeting, I know we've had some good discussion, but if we still, you know, if we want to talk about it more, see what Ray feels about it. I don't think we should make a decision without his input. I agree with that. So if we want to postpone this for a future meeting, then we can do that. If somebody makes a motion to change that, I make a motion to postpone. >> Okay. So, we need a motion to postpone this. >> I'll I'll make a motion to postpone this item. >> I'll second. And then will that automatically go in like the minutes for not minutes, but the uh agenda for next meeting, right? Because I know we've tabled and like it kind of did
052get lost in the shuffle. Okay. If we don't >> Yep. No, I agree with that totally. >> So, we have a motion and a second to postpone this E6 for the next meeting. >> All in favor? >> I opposed. >> Okay. Uh now we're F1 for public comments on non-aggenda items. Do we have anything? Not that I'm aware of. >> No, nobody trust me. >> End of the road here. >> Board and superintendent comments. >> I just had a couple more that I didn't add in time here. Sure. >> Um, as you're aware, the before and after school that champions kind of care does, uh, Prairie Crossing only had four or five students. And so as as I told you a couple weeks ago, they are no longer at Prairie Crossing. If those students needed
053um support, we we are handling that and taking them over to Otterbin and Oxford Library is doing a good job with after school. But the bottom line is we will need to come up with a solution. I have another organization that is interested. I have an idea that that's going to be similar to Champions in Kinderare. So, uh, in all honesty, I'm working with our staff right now to see if we can't organize that again, but make sure that we have parameters in a much more solid place. So, in the upcoming weeks and and u month or so, we'll try to get a decision on how we're going to support Prairie Crossing with that. Um, and I'll keep you uh posted, but I hope by spring break we have a solution. I don't want to
054jump to do something too soon and and not have it ready to go. >> Yeah. So, just wanted to give you the heads up on that. And then update on where we stand regarding the snow makeup days. Okay, so we put that all into place and we're ready to go and we haven't had any. That's okay. Remember, we still have one more inclement weather day before synchronous learning, but Otteran had to use synchronous learning and um worked out pretty well. >> Yep. Overall, I had a lot of great feedback from all of our staff members on it. Granted, it was two days before Christmas break and everyone was kind of eager. Um a lot of the students, they weren't wanting to get off those Zooms at the the and date. Um, I know you you
055have some people who were negative about it, but overall I think it was very positive. We are having grade level meetings tomorrow where I'm going to meet with each grade level and we're going to talk about say what went well and what sports do you need for me. Um, and then with that I want to encourage my staff to be that resource for prayer crossing because we've been there, we've done it, we kind of got thrown into it. Hopefully we can help crossing as anything comes up. >> Was there any specific parent concerns? >> I mean, he had a couple. Um, nothing that came across to us. um just some things we saw on social media and such. Overall, again, it was very positive. I think parents appreciate knowing when the end date is going
056to be and um realize it's not the best instruction, but it's better than going June. Um and I will elaborate too. I think um I had a staff member I think email all of you guys, but a lot of the non-surgative for being allowed to work um remotely on those days. It kind of helps give them some training that they enjoy, that they find useful in their jobs, but also helps um realize that they have bills and stuff as well. And letting them still get paid while working is been great. >> Good. It's good to have a sampling of that before we feed. >> Hopefully, we don't need it, but it's early yet. >> And we have to be traction trainer, athletic trainer. >> We uh we have a possibility. There's some student now is
057the time that students will be graduating. I just met with uh Mr. Rob and and Mr. Hall and so we have some leads and uh we probably will be posting here in the next month because it's a good time to do that. >> So we still partnered up with Francis Skinner as if we break that. >> No, we are because they provide that um uh after school taping and their w Mr. Hall does some of that. Um but we have the person come over every Wednesday to do some um assessments and then we have them at the main events. >> Okay. >> So we still have them in that capacity. We just don't have them all the time. >> Gotcha. >> So we're still attached to Franciscan right now. >> I did. Yes. >> So
058I'll keep you posted. >> And the cell phone policy survey I I as a parent got that. Um that's kind of stems from some of the pending legislation that's out there right now. even further um restricting the use of cell phones within the school day. So that was a um prompted to kind of see where people stand. And I think it's I think the kids will will survive. But >> from an admin standpoint, it's really nice not having those. You don't have to worry about that gray area and what are they using it for? I know elementary is a lot different than high school, middle school, but it's been a nice that it's hey, this is not a school. It's not a building. It's Good. >> It'll be interesting what transpires across the state. >>
059Yeah, we'll see the >> Yeah. Yeah. >> Like you said, I think the students and the staff are okay with that. I think I think it's just a new learning curve for the >> for the parents and being in contact. >> Yeah, >> I would agree. >> So, I get more information. Well, >> or when we get mandates, we'll >> Yeah, that's probably the biggest thing out there right now that's pending. There's a lot of things happening, but that's >> that's the big talk right now. Yeah, pretty lots of interest there. >> I think it's important to note like the reason isn't because of uh discipline, it's because of mental health. >> Yes. >> Like if parents realize mental health is the reason we're trying to >> get them off of it so much more
060than what they are, >> then like who doesn't want their child to be mentally healthy and not depressed? So like I think there's some misunderstanding of why we're doing it. Like oh they're always on it and they're you know whatever. There's some good research out there that shows um anxiety and some um >> very alarming. >> You can't you can't focus if it's constantly you know >> and reading and academic progress. >> Yeah. Yeah. >> Yeah. Definitely some good good reasoning behind it. Anything else before we >> are