001for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> Okay. Today's Monday, July 21st, 2025, 6 p.m. I'd like to call the meeting to order. Modifications to agenda. Gosh, >> be a good meeting. I can tell her back. >> She's a task. Modifications to the agenda. We have um the recommendation to transfer the problemless drivers to temporary ECA trips. Um these drivers will not receive benefits, only receive ECA pay per trip they drive. Um, and then you have uh six of them that are listed. When you see in the the original agenda that was published, um, those six just got left off that list. So, it is an extensive list. Um, so that's why there's a modification for those to be added. And then consent agenda items for personnel.
002Um, we have the separation for Van Elementary School teacher Christine effective July 19th, 2025. And then we are removing um those two appointments that are listed um from the agenda and I can talk about it when we get to consent or personnel. >> Okay. Can I get a motion to accept the action needed items? >> I move second. >> Second discussion later. >> Doug, >> yes. >> Carol, >> yes. >> Vicky, yes. Amy, >> yes. Jenise, >> yes. Okay, motion carries. Recognition of visitors and comments from the audience. >> Anybody? Okay, we have a presentation early education center. >> Yes. So, you have a packet in front of you. It looks like this. As a reminder, in her county, we have seven preschool classrooms and a toddler room. Six of our preschool classrooms are located
003in elementary schools. And then our seventh preschool classroom and our toddler room that we currently have are located at the early education center which is in the uh educational services building. So about if you turn to that first slide in October of 24, um we wrote a grant and we were awarded half a million dollars to expand that early education center to include another toddler room for younger toddlers. Toddler age span is limited as to who can be in the same classroom. They're only months apart. So a younger toddler class and actually an infant room. Uh both much needed in Brown County. Um we have limited seats in the county uh for infants and for toddlers. So um that half million dollars and if you turn the next page is going to be uh part
004of a larger amount of money. We also through the ready 2.0 application process um are being awarded $250,000. So total of 750,000 to be able to add to that project because believe it or not for half a million dollars you cannot expand the building to what it needs to sounds like that's crazy but you need um closer to $800,000 to be able to do that work. Um so if you look at the next page you'll see in over the 2020. All the money that's gone into um improving the early education center facility itself, it's all been done through grants. And you'll see at the very bottom of that list um we've had a donation of $75,000 from a um a donor through the through the Brown County Community Foundation to give us the budget we
005need to be able to um expand the facility. Y it is. Yeah. So, um in December, uh we will begin construction. The next part of the packet is um a plan that you already had in your board packet, which just talks through the details of everything that'll be done in the expansion. So, um everything from HVAC in that end of the building to creating a younger toddler space to creating another room for a separate room for infants with its own set of qualifications that it has to meet. Um we'll be doing a few little updates to Jane Jones classroom. Um we'll have to add another a laundry room. Um a very specific kind of restroom facility. Um we'll have a room that'll kind of be flexible. So we'd like to do some uh parent education
006in that room. Plus it'll be a motor room um that kids can use when they can of the playground. So they have um >> So that's what the what's called flex and future. Is that the existing gym? >> That flex space is actually the old um music room. So if you're going down, >> turn around then. >> Yeah. So the top of the of the diagram is actually the front of the building. So you've got the um existing preschool room and the existing toddler room going across the front of the building. You've got those offices. And then at the end of the building, your former art room at National Elementary and your former music room. So that um infant room will go where the um >> art room used to be. And that flex room
007will go where the um old art room >> and that art room is larger than most classrooms. >> The art room is a good size room. Yes, it is. >> It is. So um the number of children we'll be able to take, we're going to say under the 50 mark. When you hit 50 children, fac another list of requirements that you have to meet that are pretty pretty stiff. And so, um, we're going to keep the facility maxed at 49. Uh, and we think that, um, we've had some some folks say, "I wish I could start my baby here and go all the way up through preschool." Um, we have our preschool is really full. Um, it's got post, it's got, I think, one slide open for next year. Um and then our other outline
008schools also have preschool for for two teachers out there. So u we are the solution for preschool in Brown County really. Um and and there's just this void in the toddler area and in the infant area. Um this this opportunity for us is also going to benefit our high school students tremendously because you might remember we have the career teched program. Jane Jones is the teacher there. She teaches the career teched pathway for early childhood education. Um we are actually starting our apprentice program in the fall. So we'll have two initial apprentices that will be at that facility on Wednesdays. And the goal is to give kids the experience, our high school students, the experience of caring for babies all the way up through kids about to enter kindergarten. So >> So tell me the
009ages for these rooms then. >> Yeah. So right now Now we start we have kids that are 22 months to 35 months in the existing room. We need to go one 12 months earlier than that kids up to 22 months and then the infant room I forget the exact breakdown I think might be 13 to 22. So it's like kind of like your oney olds and your early twos then your twos break. So, >> so one like one to two I see that is it's going to go in that art room and then you have 22 to 35 months in the >> in the existing room right now. >> And is there just one of those? >> Yes. >> Okay. >> Yeah. >> And then and then preschool starts at three. >> Yeah. Three years.
010>> Okay. >> Thank you. >> I have a question. I don't quite understand. Heart service was carpet only provided as non-skid. rugs. And then on the next page, it talks about hard surface flooring option. New hard surface flooring option. So you explain that. >> Well, um, one of the rooms has carpet >> and so it we're going to take the carpet out and we'll put hard surface there. And then um I don't I don't really know if there's they ended up putting new tile in the two rooms that we have right now. I mean, I think what we had said to um the team that we met with from performance services, we want everything brought up to the same grade as the existing two rooms so that we are all um you know a uniform
011across the building. So you know those buildings have been used for a long time written hard right um and there's a lot of most of the existing cabinetry is not is not up to speed what it needs to be for for the use so the rooms will basically um the reason it's so expensive because they kind of have to be gutted, which is exactly what we had to do at the, you know, certain height toilets, certain height sinks, um, two different sinks, one for hands and one for, you know, for outside of toileting and one for for toileting. So, it's just there's a lot that goes into all of >> So, the proposed clinic looks like that's is that >> Yes. So we have to have we have to have a nursing clinic inside the
012um actual childare center. That's a childare center rule. So right now um when Debbie Hiligos wants to um meet with a student who has you know is sick, she comes into the early age center behind the glass doors and she we actually have set a classroom aside kind of partitioned off and you have like a makeshift >> um nursing room. That room will be the other toddler room and so part of that we can see is sectioned off for um a food prep space and then another toilet room and We have to treat the kids within the center. >> It has to be very autonomous in what it does. So then I just maybe you said this and I I didn't hear it. So how many will we be able to have in the infant
013room? >> Yeah. So the maximum an infant room is eight. >> That's state law. >> And what's the ratio? >> Two two people. One to four ratio. >> A one to four. >> Yes. So two adults. So, and then children and then for the toddlers it's 10 maximum of 10. So, >> and that's what we have is 10 and then it's one to five. So, you have two in that >> for both those age groups. Yeah. And then the preschool room it's like our other all of ours. It's it's 1 to 10. So, it's 20 kids and two adults. >> Okay. So that's that's your um 20 308 >> is what I added up there. >> Yeah, we have to stay under 50. So we want to make sure that we can um stay under
014that mark. >> Oh, you have two Do you have two rooms? >> Two,000. >> You will have two. >> We'll have two. >> That's the 48. I was like, >> where did you get? >> Yeah, got it. >> That's it. >> I think um just one other thing to add. Um, it's important to know that like this isn't a design build. Like we're not we won't go through the design build process like we just learned about with the last bonds. Um, this is part of the energy guaranteed energy savings contract. So >> that's why performance services um will continue the work um in this expansion and it doesn't have to go out to another company >> and because they did the other >> but because it falls with that HAR and those um those pieces
015it qualifies under that. So >> so to have it done it's going to take a little bit longer than it usually might because it feel the first um The first time we we reconfigured space, it was post pandemic and there was nobody in the building and the building really wasn't in use yet. We were just in the middle of transitioning that whole space. So now um I made real clear we can't close. Yeah, >> we have families that are so Megan and I are working real closely, Jane and Megan and I are working real closely to make sure that the high schoolers are taken care of and the littles are taken care of and our licensing person will work with us also to make sure that we don't have to close. So, it's just lots
016of plastic, right? >> It'll take a little bit of time, right? But, you know, we already have all the furniture um that was purchased through another grant. So, that is all done. We are This is This process has taken a little bit longer. um because the Indiana Economic Development Corporation was just in the transition of governor. So just a little bit of a little bit of a lag in the releasing of that 250,000. >> So that's where that comes from. >> Yeah, I get it. >> Money. Yeah. As part of ready 2.0. >> Okay. And then what's the you plan to be open for next summer or next fall? >> They tell us that that by the time we have the summer session in 2026 that we should be done. So they're telling us May.
017So, um you may or may not realize there are kids there today. We have a seven week summer session um can be eight weeks depending on when school ends. And that's another opportunity um for for families to have care in the summer. That's a difference between our other school school programs are not open in the summer. >> So, yeah. >> Um and you said there was one spot in preschool. Is that in this facility or is that in all of our Well, we have room in the other buildings. Like we don't turn anybody away. Just first of all, if if we have a student that wants to come, we add them. And if we have to get an assistant in the classroom, >> you know, then we're theoretically we're bringing in more money. So, we're
018able to pay for for um to have more personnel. So, it's, you know, since it's based on the number of students and the number of of teachers, there's a ratio there. But we I think for fall at the EEC, you know, there's only 20 spots. I think we're at either 18 or 19. Got a couple just someone said they want to be a grand because they're older siblings. So, I mean, all the whole program. Yeah. It's, you know, and it's not uncommon for folks that have little ones, toddlers, an infant to want their preschooler to go to the EEC because it's convenient. Drop one one drop off, right? But it's very common for them to want to transition um to if they have older siblings out to because it's again a one time drop off.
019So, >> so are we anticipating um concerns with the state reducing the number of children who are um going to be paid for through um on my way through? >> Yeah. So, there's two kinds of vouchers. The before your age, you know, I'm going to turn five the following year for kindergarten and then and then the ones that are on my way So, we have both CCDF and on my way PreK. The good news is they're not changing anything for families that already have vouchers. So, just to give you an idea, the EC alone brought in 133 plus,000 and in voucher money. Um, each of the other element each of the elementary programs also brought in a good sum. Emily and I did a total the other day and Eric definitely in the green when
020it comes to, you know, being able to run the program. We are definitely solid on that. So, um you know, we are being encouraged by the state to keep having families enrolled um try to enroll, apply for vouchers. Um we just had a family the other day get notified that to, you know, reapply, there's an money available for your for your two if you apply and are eligible again. So, some of these families applied in December of 24. and they were told, you know, they're put on a wait list basically. And but now they're they're having to apply again because people's circumstances change. And there used to be three qualifying factors um for being eligible for a voucher. Either you could be in school pursuing employment, looking for a job, >> right, >> in school
021or um the other one was, you know, working. Now they've taken away pursuing employment. So you have to either be in school. So we have a couple families who want to like the parents are pursuing their HSSE that's considered in school, right? Being in school and then we have others that are that are working. Okay. >> So, >> it it was just more the the future families that may not qualify, right? >> The future families, it's not about qualifying, it's whether or not there's funding or not. But what what's happening is um several different things that that that FSSA was going to do uh for the program in general, you know, launch a new platform for this and that. They're not doing that now to kind of loosen up some more money for families. So,
022um hoping it's temporary, but we've got quite a few families, especially at early education center that are on vouchers. So, yeah, we will keep pushing it. Our folders still have all the voucher material. We talked as a preschool team about encouraging families um to still apply and and get on the wait list. Um because I don't know if you realize this or not. I told Emily I was going to actually talk to you Amy. We you know don't have head start anymore in Pra County. So if you think about it um I don't know how many other counties are in this position but right now we get no federal funds for early education except for what a voucher family might get. other counties have a head start and and we don't. Maybe they have two
023head starts and we don't have any. Um so that's that's a problem. I think I think our legislators need to know about that we're kind of getting double whammy. So you know a year ago they took away our head start and now they reduced our the opportunity for vouchers. So >> I don't think I ever heard because Head Start was started out in our facility as I remember. >> Yeah, Head Start's been a lot of different places. It's been around for like years. No, but I mean when we built the facility, we build a room for them. >> Well, they get they occupied space because um now with this expansion, they would have to find a place to go. Yeah. >> But did they why did they close? We don't know. >> I'm not really
024sure. They said it was numbers, but I don't really >> Okay. Well, I thought maybe I just missed it, so I'm glad. >> All right. >> Any other questions? >> We're excited. Thank you. >> Uh that bring us to discussions items. We have none. Uh we need to get approval of minutes from June 16th 2025. We get a motion to accept >> second. >> Discussion. Vote. >> Doug. >> Yes. >> Carol. >> Yes. >> Vicki. Yes. >> Motion carries. action needed. >> The recommendation to approve a donation in the amount of $2,430 from the Brown County Community Foundation Thompson Family Donor Adise Fund. This amount is for the support development of the National History Day program. >> Can I get a motion to accept? >> I move. >> Second. >> Any discussion? >> Is this
025new money for industry day? Yeah, I I think this was um if I remember accurately from Mrs. Luwellyn, I think that um they had talked to her at the beginning of the school year or in the fall um about these funds coming through and and what they wanted to be able to use them for >> and it is for the development of the program specifically. So when when it came in, right, like my initial thought was um gosh, this can help the families and the parents um for their expenses for their trip >> over there. >> Um and um we called and they did not want it to be used for that. They wanted to be used for the development of the specific club. So >> great. Well, we are very grateful. >> Okay, we
026need a vote. >> Doug, >> yes. Carol, >> yes. >> Vicki, >> yes. >> Amy, >> yes. Jice, >> yes. >> Motion carries. >> The recommendation to approve a donation in the amount of $18,9 from the county community foundation prek scholarship pass through fund. >> Can I get a motion to accept? >> Any discussion? >> Doug, >> yes. >> Carol, >> yes. >> Vicki, yes. Amy, >> yes. Jice, yes. carries. >> I have the recommendation to approve the creation of the position of an assistant athletic director beginning 2526 school year to support the growing operational strategic leadership needs for the Brown County Schools athletic department. >> Do I get a motion to accept? >> I'll second. >> Any discussion? Yeah, I I mean I guess I want to take a moment to talk about um
027actually creating this position. As you know, we've made a lot of changes to athletics for Brown County schools. Um starting from the spring until now we uh before we just we had an athletic director for 9 through 12 and we had one for middle school that was 6 through 8. Um and some fifth grade I think some activities kind of got in there with middle school as well. Um, and we've combined that with the hopes that we're going to align this. We're gonna have we've hired Mr. Bolds as the athletic director um for Brown County Schools 6 through 12. We've also charged him with being able to um I don't the right word like look at our feeder programs in the elementary schools like just beyond fifth grade. What other programming can can we do?
028Um we are building a strength and conditioning program. Um, and we've removed all of the support or the help for that. So, we've increased the expectations for this. Um, and and I I believe that that Josh is going to need help in this position. Um, I think about all of the work that we've done in athletics, uh, the athletic ambassadors. I think about the whole interview process for Mr. Bolts. Um, and I think it's clear evident that a lot of people believe that, hey, we're going to need some help here. Um, we're asking Josh to do a whole lot and um and and I think we've got some momentum with athletics. Um, it's time to, I think, invest in it and this is a step that's going to help us go in that direction. >>
029How have the first three weeks been? You're here. You're sitting >> still standing up. >> No, I I mean I think like Emily said, it's just an investment in athletics, right? School districts prioritize what's important to them. And I think in my short time here, I've learned that athletics is a priority. And um that people maybe weren't pleased with where athletics was and they're ready just to see it take the next step up. And I think this is just another step in that direction. >> Yeah, we haven't had this position, right? So, there going to be questions with it um naturally. So, and I think you could look at it a couple different ways. Um tonight, you're just approving the creation of the position. I don't I don't know what applicants or candidates are going
030to show interest in it. Um if if like I I can't just say this is a $50,000 salary position because I don't know what experience we'll bring to the table. Um I I do believe that it we can either look at this as strategically um leadership alignment all of these pieces and we find the right person to help us build the program or we can say like simply it's just going to be somebody to supervise events, right? Like those are two massively different um skill sets >> and outcomes. that that we're seeking for. I think Josh and I um are are looking for um leadership and strategic partnership and collaboration to be able to build a program. It's it's always going to be people over programs and um it doesn't matter how wonderful your program
031is, it it's only wonderful because of the people that lead it. So I I'd much rather go towards this direction versus somebody to just do. >> So this is part I I mean I guess you would see this as part of the more the overall vision that we're doing as you know so that we can move forward all at once. >> I think it's great. >> Yeah. And to see what's what's out there, right? Like I think that will tell us a lot as well. I mean I don't believe that anybody on the team is going to hire somebody just to hire somebody so we can fill this position. Like we're not going to settle, you know. We we want we want to keep this going. Um a really positive and and strong. >> I
032see some of our coaches in the audience also and I think it's important to support them because it's really it's a hard job to be doing an after school uh any after school thing that you do but you know you're you're traveling and you've got kids and you know there's it's really good to support those things. So I'm I I think we sometimes forget that and I want to make sure we're supporting our coaches. >> I've got a couple questions. One's for Josh. Um I know I was pretty hard on you the first time I met you. Um you know what my expectations are and where I want things to go with our athletic department. and I need help. I think that if we want to be this, then we have to invest. You have
033to a lot resources to get this, right? If you don't a lot resources, then you're going to be this, right? You get you get what you get, right? So that's a very general way to put it, but I think that if you go this route, you won't be disappointed in the results. How about that? >> My next question is where we stand moneywise on this. >> Okay, >> it's a good good question. I I'm never going to bring something to the board if I'm not confident that we can financially support the position or the decision or the program or whatever it may be. Um the the team Don and I have spoken in depth about this position specifically. Um we've taken it to financial advisors and um again I I would not bring something to
034you that I did not feel confident that we could sustain. >> No more questions. Gosh. >> So, any more discussion? >> Okay, let's vote. >> Doug, >> yes. >> Carol, >> yes. >> Vicki, >> yes. >> Amy, >> yes. >> Janice, >> yes. >> Motion carries. >> Have the recommendation to transfer the following school bus drivers to temporary ECA trips. These drivers will not receive benefits. Will only receive ECA pay per trip that they drive. And then you see the list of drivers um presented. >> Do I have a motion to accept? >> So moved. >> Second. >> Any discussion? >> Yeah, this is a requirement, a legal requirement from um the the Department of Transportation for Indiana. So um it is a lengthy process that a lot of people involved had a lot of
035work to do with it. Um I I do think it's important to note that some of these um people on this list are are current Brown County Schools employees already. So this them listed here is specifically just to ECA trip driving it. It doesn't have affect their other job that they do at Brown County School. So I just want to make that clear. Um, and again, it's it's something legal that we're being required to have on the books and so it's new because I don't remember seeing it in my past. Okay. I don't know about that number 25. >> Yeah, you got a board member on there. That's weird. [Music] >> You like to vote? >> Doug, >> yes. >> Carol, >> yes. >> Vicki, yes. Amy. Yes. Yes. >> Motion carries. >> We have
036the recommendation to increase the student lunch price from $35 to $3.35 beginning the 256 school year. >> Do I have a motion to accept? >> Move. >> Second. >> Any discussion? >> Yeah, we haven't raised student lunch prices, I don't think, since I've been here. Um so at least in the last four years um and I just think with raising costs um Donimer has come to us and said it's time that we need to to raise student lunch prices. So um um question about that. Um the uh I mean so I assume they're calculating out their costs and they have said this is how much it's going to cost. Um and then um I just wanted to highlight our summer lunch program because I don't think a lot of people know about it and I
037volunteered a couple of days. Um it is awesome. It is, you know, a week's worth of of um food for a ch every child in the household. You don't have to go to Brown County schools and it came every week in the summer and we just had to pick it up and there was no income requirement and I was just um I was really impressed with it. So, um I I'm just I really love that we were able to do that and Don actually assures me we'll be we have a couple more years on that contract because we're hearing a lot about, you know, cuts and in um food subsidies and things like that. So, I'm really excited about that. Then my second question is unpaid lunch from last year. >> Y so all donations
038covered it. I think it was uh Don just over 12,000. >> Yeah. and we had grant funding well donations to to cover all of that. I I will say um I mean a huge thank you to anybody that donated to it but this year we got if you remember $7,000 from Shop and >> $7,000 out of $12,000 is absolutely monumental um for this. So just incredibly grateful. I was thinking it was only 7,000 total last year. Like I feel like that 12 is a Um >> that was the amount that we had to cover that was not covered. >> Yeah, that's where that one came from. Okay. >> It's typically anywhere from 11 to 13,000 in >> debt. >> But everybody is wiped clean at the start of the school year. So we are good
039to go. >> Any more discussion? >> Doug, >> yes. >> Carol, >> yes. >> Vicki, >> yes. Amy, >> yes. Janice, >> yes. >> Motion carries. >> And the recommendation to for the overnight troop request for Brown County High School cross country team traveling to McCormix Creek State Park July 21st to the 24th 2025 for summer camp to >> accept discussion. They wanted me to go coach that >> any more discussion. Yes, >> Carol. >> Absolutely. >> Yes. >> Amy, >> yes. Jenise, >> yes. >> Motion carries. >> And the recommendation to approve the overnight trip request for Brown County High School volleyball team traveling to IU July 17th of 2022 for a team summer camp. >> Get a motion to accept. >> Second. >> Any discussion? Yeah, this just didn't get in time before
040we only have one board meeting in July and um I I just don't the people making that recommendation wasn't aware of it. So >> when it's not out of state so I guess we usually I know as a teacher I always thought it was only also overnight then the requirement >> overnight is the requirement. >> Yeah. Any more discussion? >> Doug, >> yes. >> Carol, >> yes. >> Vicki, >> yes. >> Amy, >> yes. >> Motion carries. >> The recommendation to approve the 2025 2026 Brown County Middle School student handbook. >> We get a motion to accept. >> Second. >> Any discussion? >> Question. >> Yeah. >> Um, sixth grade schedule not being in there. I just wondered I mean are we not educating sixth grade? >> Absolutely not. >> I don't care. I don't
041have going back to elementary this year. >> Don't start. >> No, it'll it'll stay exactly the same as it was last year. We didn't put it in because we were still making tweaks to it. Um there's a small change that we may make to their schedule, but >> they're still going from 8 to Yep. It'll be the same >> specific information gets sent to sixth grade families. >> And then question on enforcement of dress code. Is it heavily enforced? >> We dress for success. >> Okay, I read that. I did read that. I just have to have this discussion later with my seventh grader as to what's appropriate and what's >> We would love every family to have that conversation >> as we dress for success on the first day of school. >> And it
042is a perennial struggle. >> Yes. T-shirts. >> Any more discussion? >> Vote. >> Thank you. >> Yeah, no problem. >> Dog, >> yes. >> Carol, >> yes. >> Vicky, >> yes. >> Amy, >> yes. >> Motion carries. >> I have the recommendation to approve student services physical therapy contract for Paul Leer. I say it right. Leer. uh DPT for the 2526 school year at the hourly rate of $65 per hour not to exceed 15 hours per month without director student support services approval to accept second >> discussion what do they do >> she's physical therapist and what's the DBT is doctor of physical therapy Thank you. >> So just working with any students that >> not any students students with uh IEPs that call for them to have that service. Yeah, that's why it's 15
043hours a month >> unless we have you know students. >> Any more discussion? >> And this isn't this isn't an athletic trainer kind of meeting. This is this is a >> she's got training in those particular areas. >> Yeah. Okay. >> Doug, >> yes. >> Carol, >> yes. >> Vicki, >> yes. Amy, >> yes. Jice, >> yes. >> Motion carries. >> And the recommendation to approve student services contract for Tommy Ro to serve as blind vision teacher of record for the 2526 school year at the hourly rate of $90 per hour not to exceed IEP frequency of services for identified BL students. >> Motion to accept. >> Second. section >> discussion. >> So is this a regular thing that we do as well? >> So um in the past we had a contract with Columbus
044and we were cooperative agreement with Columbus. So when we separated we still are obligated to provide those services. So um right now I'm looking for educator but um you know this Tommy's been with us for third year. Um, and so you they work just with the blind and low vision. And I remember we used to have a similar contract for hearing. >> Yeah. So So that's why I'm looking for a death educator right now. So So we can do last year, but um something changed with the the services that the center for and heart of hearing are able to give provide legislatively. They took the ability of them for them to be teachers of record out of there which is interesting more challenging. >> All right. Thank you. >> Doug, >> yes. >> Carol, >>
045yes. Vicki, >> yes. Amy, >> yes. >> Motion carries. >> I have the recommendation to approve the adjunct permits for John Elmore and Cheyenne Dinsour for the 2526 school year. >> Motion to accept. any discussion? >> Yeah, these are um all the parameters are the same for their permit. Um just updated with the school year dates. Um we did add a couple courses for Johnny. Um he will be working with middle school. Middle school kids are going to get to come up to the high school and take some courses with us. So we're expanding that program and then Cheyenne will continue to um support Eagle Manufacturing. >> Any more discussion? >> Vote. >> Doug, >> yes. >> Carol, >> yes. >> Vicki, >> yes. Amy, >> yes. Janice, yes. >> Motion carries. >> I have
046the recommendation to approve 2526 Brown County High School student handbook. >> Motion to accept. >> So move. >> Second. >> I'll second. >> Any discussion? Doug, >> yes. >> Carol, >> yes. Vicki, yes. Amy, yes. Janice, yes. >> Sorry, I don't have a high schooler yet, so I'm not like, >> we've got to give Gavin something to aspire to. So, >> you're just the dress code. We will move forward with consent agenda items and personnel starting with the separation from Brown County High School varsity softball coach Jonathan Sanders effective July 15th, 2025. through the transfer of Brown County Schools Maintenance. Dennis Mills, Brown County Schools Transportation Department administrative assistant effective August 2nd, 2025. >> We get a motion to accept. >> Second. >> Any discussion? >> I don't want people sleeping on the job. So,
047do we want to make this a discussion? >> We're just gonna say we're glad Dennis is here. >> Yeah. I also like to welcome Austin. >> He is here tonight and he's going to serve two roles for us. Um, one will be um at the high school teaching and um the other is varsity girls basketball. So, we want to welcome you to R County Schools. Um we're so glad that you're here. Thank you very much. >> Awesome. We'd like to hear a little bit about you. >> Yeah. So, uh grew up in a small town um called Milton in Indiana. Um oddly enough, I came from a high school and just worked at a high school where we were the Royal Blue and Gold Eagles. So, go from >> one Royal Blue and Gold Eagles
048to the next. But, um anyway, so I worked the last three years there. Um, I actually didn't have a background in education. Um, so as I I told them, they'll hear the same story, but actually didn't have a background in education. So I went to a small college called Wilmington College in Ohio where I ran cross country and track. And then I helped out um I broadcasted for their college games. I broadcasted for uh the Richmond, which is the big high school around me for their basketball program. Um, so I worked there and then I I had sports management and aggra business were my two majors. So I didn't know exactly what I wanted to do out of high school. Um, but I knew I love sports and then I grew up on a farm.
049So that's and those were the two biggest majors there. >> So um, then I minored in coaching. So that one I actually do obviously but and then business administration. >> Um, but anyway like my story. So after I went out of college, um I worked and I was actually a seed salesman. So I sold corn and soybeans and I just basically decided that that just wasn't for me. Like I grew up I grew up on a farm and like it was recommended by my dad over here. But um just wasn't me. I just didn't feel like I just didn't really feel like I had my purpose I guess in life. Um so originally I was kind of confused and my cousin he actually worked in the oil field industry in Texas. So he kind of
050mentioned that I should go over there and I'd make over $100,000 a year immediately going over there. But then he was like, "Yeah, you'll be a semi-truck driver for the first year and be mostly like an apprentice." And I was like, "Yeah, I just don't know if that's me." But um so anyway, I went back. I coached AU basketball for Luke Cer um who was a McDonald's All America and then played in the NBA. So I worked for him. Um and then I decided I was like, "Well, I want to go back to that program." Then I also worked local YMCA at home. Um, and it was there basically I I realized I was kind of going through obviously a tough time in my life. I didn't know what I wanted to do and I
051was like, "Wow, the kids really like making an impact on me and made a difference." Um, so I I worked at the goal and I was getting ready, that was the local YMCA, but I was getting ready to actually um go to Texas. So, I was like a week out and um this is four days before school started and uh I had I basically was asking some of the fifth grade kids that were there at the time. I was like, "Hey, I just saw like our school just had a fifth grade spot open." And it was literally four days before school. And I was like asking them all like who their teacher was. They all were saying their teacher. And then uh one one little girl, she said, "Oh, I don't have a teacher." And
052I was like at the time kind of jokingly. And I was like, "Well, why haven't I be your teacher?" She was like, "Do it." And gave me like a big hug. And there there's something after that. I was like, "My purpose is in education." So, uh, I've been basically coaching teaching uh, elementary education ever since. I had to get a transition to teaching program. Um, so I got a license for that for elementary ed. And then after that, I I started coaching. So, I've been a middle school boys and girls track and field coach for the last three years. Then I worked my way all up in basketball. I've coached every single level from third grade and then I was a varsity assistant the last two years. Um so I'm just very thankful to be
053here and to be a part of the program and um I know like last year was kind of a struggle just looking at the schedule, but I just know with my dedication, work ethic that I pledge to do my very best and I'm there for the kids. [Applause] I only seen one issue with that. It doesn't have school bus drivers. >> I'm working on that. [Music] >> That's right. >> And make sure that you work on the free throws. >> Yes, I will for sure. >> High school college basketball player. >> And are you teaching English for us? High school. >> Okay. And your book? >> Yes. >> Yeah, that that's one of my favorites. So, um, yeah. So, talk to me and we'll talk about yearbook. >> Yeah. Say, at first I was a
054little bit intimidated for yearbook. I was like, well, never done that one before. But after talking to a lot of people, they were like, "Yeah, I think you'll really like yearbook a lot more than you think." So, the beginning might be a little interesting just because obviously a little bit different than my background being elementary ed, but I know with my dedication and putting the kids first that I'll succeed. One of the great things about high school kids, when you don't know what you're doing, they teach you. >> Yes. >> And so therefore, you let them be the teachers and say, "Hey, let me show you how to put this together." >> We're welcome here. We're really glad. >> Thank you very much. >> Okay, let's vote. >> Doug, >> yes. >> Carol, >> yes.
055>> Vicki, >> yes. >> Amy, >> yes. J, >> yes. >> Motion carries. >> Superintendent report. Um, I will try really hard to keep it brief. Um, but I do feel like I have a lot of things. Um, I want to thank Debbie Harmon with all of your hard work in that um, early education center and um, preschool across the entire district. There isn't anybody that works harder at ensuring that that program is successful. Our people are supported and um, you continue to find funding to grow it and expand it. So, um that's really um I again want to welcome Austin. So glad that you're here. Um Dennis is here. So I I just want to say thanks for staying with the district. Um I think I started out this meeting at one point saying
056it's always people over programs and um I am Dennis is a prime example of that. Um for Brown County Schools and Austin, I am most certain that that you're going to evidence of that, too. So, really appreciate um that you're here. We're happy that you're here. Um we have gosh, lots of work at the middle school going on. Um remember from the the middle school project, right? Um that second phase is is all of the HVAC and then we were able to paint the in the other parts of the building, paint all of the walls and put carpet down. Um, we were able to paint some different accent walls in the cafeteria and do some tile work at the fountains. Um, it it really does look absolutely >> changed. Um, I I think like last
057year it was like there was a definite difference between sections of the middle school and this year it feels like it's all just becoming one. So, um maybe um you guys can if you have time um call us and we'd love to take you through it. And I I don't know where they at with carpet, Gavin. As of today, >> um they have finished all the classrooms around to the science wing. Um so the only carpet in the classrooms that are left is kind of the sixth grade academy hall. >> That's they prepped all that tonight. So, they'll put that in tomorrow and then finish the sixth grade hall and then they'll be done with carpet. >> Yeah, it looks looks really really good. >> So glad to come visit when it's done. >> Absolutely.
058>> Yeah. Um gosh, the custo team has worked really really hard in this building. Um I really encourage you if you didn't notice walking up to the Goldberg room, but just walk down one of those hallways. Um it was evident to me the day that I came in the back door back by the math department and I was like it's glowing, it's shiny. Um you can see all the way through. So um it it does it just looks a world of difference and I think it's it's been a really big challenge on the team this summer um across the board. So a lot of hard work um from a lot of people to make that happen. Um, we have uh I don't know if you remember or or saw on social media, but Cumins has
059provided free school supplies, like a backpack full of school supplies for each kiddo in each of the elementaryaries. Um, so >> we don't like before previously, right, we had these supply lists and parents had to buy supplies and put kids names on them and everything and um, you know, that that changed and it was to just donations if people wanted to donate supplies for kids and so this was a really really big deal I think for a lot of families. So um, again Cumins was was the partner with that. So >> yeah doing that school supplies too because they normally have a big back a big school supply drive as well. >> You know what? I'm I'm not sure. Um we do have the back to school bashn night out which um is this Wednesday
060at Deer Run. So we will our county schools will be there Wednesday evening and I know they're doing a stuff the bus with school supplies. Um and I I don't know where all of those go or who they're dedicated to. So anything out all of that is in addition to or outside of what happens to school supplies. >> Yeah. >> Um Oh, I did have a question about the common though. How do parents get those? >> Is it like the first day of school or registration? >> I believe that they will be at their open house. Um so >> elementary open house is August 4th um from 5 to 6. It's the same for each of the buildings. Um if I assume that are going to be there at open house night. If they are
061not there at open house night, they will be there on the first day of school. And secretaries all came back today. So, if parents or if you have people that have questions about any of it, um all offices should officially be open as of today. Um registration for middle school and high school is um like it usually is. We have it on two dates. It's on July 29th from 11 to 7 or uh families can come in on August 31st from 8 to 2. >> I'm sorry. July 30th 31st. >> July 31st. >> What time? >> Anytime from 8 to 2. >> Yeah. Feels feels like a lot. Like it's here. It is absolutely here. super excited to to welcome everybody back. That's all I have. >> Thank you. Brings us to claims. >> I
062get a motion to accept >> second. >> Doug, >> yes. >> Carol, >> yes. >> Vicki, >> yes. >> Amy, yes. >> Yes. One more thing before we adjourn. Um I um am on the legislative committee again for the Indiana state um say that Indiana school board association um and uh I think August 1st we'll be meeting um all across the state to decide um what our priorities are for the next legislative session. And you guys know I love this stuff. So, I'm excited to be there and to be in the room as we decide um representing all 10 regions of the state and putting together, you know, what our legislative priorities are for education in Indiana. So, this is one of those forward thinking things like what is it that we think is important
063and as we go into it'll be a short session, but as we go into that, you know, what is it is important to us as schools and school administrators and school board members. So, I'm excited to do that and it will result in a uh document that we we will have in our state meeting at the end of September that we will approve. Anyway, I'm excited to do that. >> Grateful to serve in that capacity have the voice specifically for Brown County. >> Yes. Yes. Happy happy to do it. I love it. >> And congratulations. >> Yes. Somebody got married. >> Yes. >> That's why she August and July. And she has a new name. For those who don't know, >> she has a new name. >> Yes, >> it's Emily Calahan. >> Congratulations. >>
064I forgot already. >> Congratulations. >> Yes. Congratulations. >> Okay. Can I get a motion to adjourn the meeting? >> Second. >> All in favor? >> Double. We got step to sign. beside her.