001And we have straight from the track Andra Valleta. If you'll come up. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Stay up here, Andra. All our kids are so busy. It's a good thing. Our next order of business is adoption of the agenda. Do I have any comments, motions? I move that the agenda for the April 16th, 2026 board meeting be adopted as presented. I second. Thank you, Mrs. And second was Amy. Thank you. All those in favor, say I. I. All those opposed? Motion passes 5-1. Uh under recognitions tonight, our first one is CG spotlight, Center Grove High School. Mrs. McMahon. All right. Would Andra come up this side? It's my
002pleasure tonight to introduce our student spotlight, Andra Valleta. Andra is a graduating senior and will leave quite an impact on CGHS. I'm only going to name a few of her accolades because the list is long, but it's very impressive. She is a Lilly Scholar, an Indiana All-Star, a National Merit Finalist, an AP Scholar with Distinction, and a cross country and track academic All-Star to just name a few. But what I love most about Andra is that she's worked to leave Center Grove High School a better place than what she found it. She's the founder and president of the National the Science National Honor Society, which now has over 130 members, and they put on a huge event at the Innovation Center for our elementary schools, and that is all part of um her planning and
003leadership. She's a four-year student council member, including leadership roles as class president, and currently she is our all student body president. She's a four-year cross country and track participant, a two-time state finalist in the Samsung Solve for America engineering team, and a four-year member of HOSA, where she served as the committee chair and member educator. To me, what I appreciate most about Andra is the person that she is. When you see her in the hallway, she always has a smile, and she has a genuine willingness to help others. She's someone that teachers and classmates can depend on, and simply put, she's a really good human. Andra's college plans are currently undecided, but she plans to major in mechanical engineering with a bioengineering concentration. So, we are so proud of Andra. She's got great things ahead
004in the next month and a half, and we're excited to celebrate her. This is just the first of many. I'll do a picture after. All right. I'd like to call up Mrs. Joni Toll, please. Joni is our support staff celebration tonight. Love Miss Joni. Joni's been a staple in the CGHS athletic office for 22 and a half years, and she is deeply appreciated for all she does. She's organized, hard working, and a constant presence that our athletic department relies on every single day. I don't think the average person realizes the impact that Joni has on the success of Center Grove High School Athletics. She truly is the glue that holds it all together. From coordinating buses and officials to managing payments and ordering, her knowledge of our systems and processes are unmatched. She consistently goes
005above and beyond to ensure our coaches, our athletes, and our administrative team are set up for success. She plays a significant role in every single victory that Center Grove High School has. For Joni, this is more than a job. She is incredibly proud to be part of Center Grove and its athletic programs, and that pride is evident in everything that she does. Every interaction she has and every event she helps coordinate. She's selfless and hardworking, and she gives her all because she genuinely loves our school and our community. We are incredibly fortunate to have her as a Trojan. And next, if I can have Mr. Michael Lovett and Ms. Angela Orr come up. There are teachers that we will celebrate tonight. Two of our unsung high school heroes. If you're not aware, Mike and Angela
006are the teachers who lead our Simon Youth Academy, which is an alternative education program designed to support students at our high school whose life circumstances can often make success in a traditional brick-and-mortar building extremely challenging. They truly are the heart of this program, and the impact that they have on students every single day is evident through the strong relationships that they they build. They provide so much more than instruction for these students. They offer structure, stability, a listening ear, and support when it's needed most. Mike and Angela are intentional in creating a classroom environment where students feel seen, valued, and capable, which is so important for all students, but especially for this particular pocket of students who may have never felt that throughout school. They consistently find creative and meaningful ways to build relationships, deliver
007content, and meet students where they are. Approximately 10% of Center Grove High School seniors graduate every year from the Simon Youth Academy, and I truly believe that this success would not be possible without their dedication, compassion, and hard work. So, we appreciate everything you guys do every day. Thank you, ma'am. They are like magic makers in the classroom. It's amazing. Thank you. All right. I'm going to keep going. So, I have the pleasure of introducing our girls basketball team this year, and then Mr. Sekmeyer will talk a little bit about Miss Basketball. So, our Lady Trojans, if you had not seen them play, you which who hasn't, but if you have not witnessed like the journey of their season, um you really missed an adventure. They ended their season 29 and 0, which is the
008first in school history to ever be undefeated. And as you know with the schedule that we play, that's tough cuz everyone is coming for us every single time. They of course were the Johnson County champions, the sectional champions, the regional champions, the semi-state champions, and from a come from behind victory in the state championship where Mr. Brunkella and um I were sitting on the sidelines about ready to vomit, they came back from a 13-point deficit to win the state championship. Obviously, all of these wins are fantastic and significant. But I can tell you that the ladies who are here and the ones who aren't are a phenomenal group. Yes, good to see them win. But to me it was more important to see their connection on the court with each other and with their coaches.
009They held themselves to high standards. They played every game with pride and generally had fun doing it. I loved watching them pick each other up when they're on the floor. I wasn't too worried at the times they were down because we knew Coach Stuckmeyer would find a way to light a fire under them and get them going. And they rallied around each other all the time. And to me, being a former basketball player, those are the memories you're going to remember. Of course, I'm sure winning the state will be one of your top ones as well. Um but what I love is that they have been role models for our youngest Trojans. Seeing the stands filled with young youth basketball players, knowing that they're looking to you as what their future could be is more
010special as a human and the legacy you left behind. They are leaders in our school building and I I no doubt that their impact will remain for the years to come. And then I also want to briefly talk about Coach Stuckmeyer and congratulate him. He was named the IBC District 3 Coach of the Year. The amount of time and energy and dedication that he and his staff put into the season, which we know doesn't start at the first tip-off of the game, it's all summer long. The hours that he often spends away from his family, sacrificing his own sleep, energy, um and again, the opportunity to give back to the school and to give back to the program. Um he puts time in day in and day out, and truly he is the most calm,
011cool, and collected coach. Gets a Gets a hard Hold on, I'm going there. Who gets a little bit of a rough rap for not smiling all the time, but that's just part of the persona. And when he gets lit up and fired up, it's like it's it's like No, just the right moment. So, we love that, and we know that you girls were going to respond to that, and there were times I was sitting there saying, "Okay, Stuck, here we go. They need it. Is he going to do it?" And he does, and then, you know, everything works out well. Um so, I want to thank him um and his family. His daughter's here tonight supporting, because I know that's a lot to have dad away. Uh we truly are fortunate to not only have
012him as a coach, but a phenomenal teacher. What you see on the court is what you see in the classroom. He is uh he's dedicated. He is on task He has those kids on task No one's getting away with anything, and to me, that's such a blessing, not only to the girls that he's helping coach, but then all the students we have in our school. So, congratulations to the girls basketball team, Coach Stuckmeyer. And then, do you want to do Grayson now? Okay. Coach, if you'll come up and talk about Grayson. We should make you stand up there, too, Grayson. Come on, sweetie. >> Well, thank you for the kind words. And well deserved to our girls and our program and our coaches that could not be here. So, thank you. Um you're only as
013good as a coach as your players and obviously we're recognizing Grayson as one of those players and um just the accolades that she has received. Um in our state Miss Basketball is the most distinguished honor um an individual can receive as a student athlete. Um in the sport of basketball for sure. Um it's a award that is awarded to the single top senior player in Indiana based on superior on the court performance. Um this recipient does not just represent their school. They represent the entire state of Indiana earning the right to wear the prestigious number one jersey for the Indiana All-Star um classic against Kentucky. Um tonight we are obviously incredibly proud to recognize our very own Grayson Gilliard as 2026 2026 Miss Basketball. Um Grayson's senior season was nothing short of historic. We went
014through several of those things um with her team and her teammates went 29 and 0 undefeated. Obviously class 4A state champs. Um as previous people were recognized, she has so many more honors that we can touch on just a few. Um she was also 2026 Indiana Gatorade Player of the Year. Um IHSAA for or sorry, IBCA first team All-State selection. Um a two-time Johnson County Player of the Year and um maybe one of my favorites and probably Miss McMahon's favorites, first team Academic All-State. So, well rounded. Um shows it through all those, many more that are there. Statistically, she set the standard with elite performance averaging 23 points, over four rebounds, and approximately three steals per game while shooting over 50% from the field. Um against the state's best competition night in and night out.
015Um All of this is great, but what makes Grayson truly special um is she's the perfect representative of this award, but more than that, um it goes beyond her stats and her and her accolades. Um She embodies every trait we aspire to see in a student athlete. Um she's obviously a gifted winner, gifted leader. Um but she shows it with humility, grace, and the character that we would expect and hope for. Um and that's what truly sets her apart. Um all of this led to her being chosen by the Indiana coaches and media for this award. Um She's a measure measure of success and the gold standard for our for this prestigious honor. She's represents the magnitude of this award, not just through those accolades, but through the class she displays both as a player
016and as a person. And I know her teammates, um us coaches, couldn't be more proud of her and maybe even more happy for her and know that she deserves it and she would be the first to put it back on their shoulders uh she couldn't be here without them. So, obviously all of that and all of our team success was led by Grayson, but led by her teammates and we're just super excited that she can represent the state of Indiana, Center Grove community, and our girls basketball program as Miss Basketball. So, congrats to Grayson. Just one um quick thing on Grayson, it was so funny. Well, she's from Munster originally, which is where my husband grew up. So, we we like to give a hard time to the former to the coach that used to
017be there and the principal. But it was probably 3/4 of the way through the season and watching the basketball game and it was a tough one and she was triple-teamed, getting beat up. I think I was coming out of my skin with the refs. I'm not sure. And her composure, I said to my husband, "I have never in 25 years of education seen a student-athlete maintain their composure as well as she did in heated moments, in tense game situations, all the while holding herself like you could see sometimes she'd get frustrated herself but then turn it around. Um never frustrated at her teammates and you could see how you guys just kind of lifted each other up and when I announced that um she was Miss Basketball, I went to go find her in her
018star classroom and if this doesn't embody Grayson, uh I walk into her star classroom and she is sitting with her best buddy from the Best Buddies Club talking and he's like talking all about the game and is so excited and talking about her win and is so excited, um which I think just embodies the person who she is. Um you know, so we're very proud of all of you, proud of Grayson, proud of coach, and proud of our athletic department. It's a good day to BE A TROJAN. IN CASE YOU WONDERED. THAT'S WHAT YOU KNOW, when we won the county, that was a good year. Hey Mrs. McMahon, before you sit down, I wanted to tell you that Mrs. Conrad and I were doing some research. We found that there are only 15 schools in
019Indiana that have a Mr. and Miss Basketball and we believe we're the only school in Indiana that has a Mr. Football, Mr. Basketball, and a Miss Basketball. So, great great news and Yeah. Yeah, Mr. Track and Field and Mr. Cross Country. So. Yeah. Sounds like It sounds like we need some more wall space for some more Okay. Uh very exciting. Next is reports. And we have Mr. Alexander. Thank you, Mr. Russell. Um I wanted to give an update this evening on the superintendent hiring process. Um Thank you, Bill. Um 16 qualified applicants were identified by the university search team. With the assistance of the team, the board selected six candidates to interview for the open superintendent position. The interview process consisted of two rounds. Round one included a set of questions pre-selected by the board.
020Round two included a 20 to 25-minute presentation by each candidate followed by additional questions from the board related to the presentation as well as follow-up questions tailored to each candidate based on the round one interview. As the board considered the results of the community survey and the criteria discussed with the university search team, Dr. Stahlbaum, who's with us this evening, demonstrated a strong focus on student outcomes and genuine genuine connection to the community. The board's goal was to finalize Dr. Stahlbaum's contract at this evening's board meeting. Consistent with the timeline established in January, unfortunately, the board encountered an unexpected timing issue related to the posting of the public hearing notice in the Daily Journal as required by Indiana code, so we are unable to um have the hearing um within the 10-day window. Um the
021board would like to thank all of the candidates who expressed interest in the position. The board also extends its gratitude to Dr. Stallbaum for her diligence through the contract process and for her patience as the board worked to properly establish the hearing date. I think I had three or four phone calls with her as we tried to figure this problem out. The official public hearing for Dr. Stallbaum's contract will be held tomorrow morning at 7:30 a.m. with a special board meeting immediately following the hearing to consider approval of the contract. I know that sounds crazy. It's only 12 hours, but by Indiana code, we had to have the contract posted for 10 days and we couldn't take action until the 11th day. Um do any of the board members have any other comments or information
022to add? I'm sure we'll have some opportunities tomorrow to add anything additional as well. Well, I'd just like to say when this process started and Scott suggested that maybe he handle cuz this is what he does. Uh it took me about 10 seconds and I'm sitting here yeah. That would probably be a good idea. He has done wonderful in all the communications. Things have been on time uh and moved right along. Uh appreciation to Rob for getting us a great place to have the interviews. Uh they're we could we're able to do them very professionally. All the tech worked. That's That's Scott too. Oh, okay. We're back to Scott. Between the two of you everything worked uh really well and and I just want to commend the board. We're we're five diverse people from five
023different backgrounds. We brought all that to the questioning uh and to the discussions. And I'm telling you after uh 7 years being in ISBA and hearing some of the things that goes on with school boards, I am so proud of our school board. We're able to and respect each other's opinions even when we may disagree on it. It's respectful. We talk it through and we come to a consensus and that's that's what you're getting. So, very proud of the board and appreciate everything that everybody did to get to this process. Anybody else? 7:30 tomorrow morning. And I will stop and get coffee. I was going to say, you getting Amy's coffee? Okay, so we Thank you, Mr. Alexander. We will move on here to consent items. Any questions? You mind saying that there's no public
024comment? Oh, I'm sorry. I skipped over there's no I I already checked it off. There's no public comments tonight. Now, consent items. Any discussion or questions? Seeing as there are none, do I have a motion? I'll move that we approve the consent agenda as presented. Thank you, Mr. Alexander. Thank you, Mr. Smith. All those in favor, say I. I. All those opposed? Motion passes 5-1. Down to action items number 8.1. 5-1. 5-1. 5-1. What did I say? >> 5-1. Oh. I thought it was 5-1. By the way, I forgot to tell you there was a six-member board. Okay, 5-1. We got that straight now, Christian. Action items 8.1. Accept bids for the middle Maple Grove Elementary School special education renovation. Dr. Long or Dr. Taylor? Thank you, Mr. Russell. After thorough review of an evaluation,
025the administration recommends awarding the contract to cross this contract for the construction at Maple Grove Elementary School special ed. Uh awarding the contract to Crossroads Builders LLC for general trades, Grinder Brothers Incorporated for mechanical plumbing, Maverick Electrical Solutions for electrical and technology, and Guardian Fire Systems Incorporated for fire protection. They are the lowest responsible and and responsible and responsive bidders. The total bid amount is 400,000 440 446,000. I can't read tonight. $446,771. This recommendation's based on the bidders qualifications and experience with We've experienced have experienced with three of these four vendors um this evening. Um pending the board approval, the selected contractors will begin work on June 1st and will complete it by July 26th with a little buffer room there. Funding for this project will be sourced from the bond funds that we sold
026um last year, the $50 project that's to span multiple years. This is to give us some elbow room in our essential skills program at Maple Grove Elementary School. Um and uh it's uh will be completed with those funds and uh we look forward to working with these group. And um we're looking for a motion to approve. I apologize. So, Dr. Taylor, I assume numbers was what pushed this. Numbers was key. >> Yeah, and and honestly the logistics of the space. We need to give uh some some access to the restrooms for two classrooms now. We'll have access for one. Okay. Yep. On that one. Any questions? Okay. Uh this takes a uh motion. Do I have a motion? Mr. President, I um motion to approve the bids for MGES special education renovation. Thank you, Mrs.
027Counts. Do I have second? Second. Thank you, Mr. Alexander. All those in favor say I. I. All those opposed? Motion passes 5-0. We're back to a five-member board. Okay. Look. I said I would have voted yes on that one if you had allowed We needed six. >> Yeah. Okay, if you on the back you'll see where our upcoming meetings uh April 17th, we have a public meeting on superintendent's contract tomorrow morning at 7:30 a.m. See you all bright and early. On May 21st, there's public work session starting at 4:00 at the learning hub over by computer. Uh May 21st that night we'll have executive session at 6:00 and a regular board meeting at 7:00. Any questions? Mrs. Counts, do you have anything to add? No. Mr. Danders? Not tonight. Thank you. Okay. You're saving it
028all for Sunday. Um as a as a former Red Alert Robotics mom, I know that the team made it to state, so I'm going to go see them this weekend. >> It's just making sure it's at the state Cuz I was trying to figure it's at the state fair. >> It's at the state fairgrounds, yep. A- in the morning? It's Saturday and Sunday. >> So it's I know how it goes. So Sunday's kind of the last of the qualifying rounds, they'll pick the alliances and then the afternoon's the playoffs. Okay. So you don't want to get there too late. It is the most interesting thing you've ever been to. I always had to have a mom sit next to me and explain what was going on. Okay, Mr. Alexander. I appreciate you filling in for
029me at the C9 uh board meeting last month. I had a work commitment I could not get rearranged, so thank you for filling in. As it turned out, we just had enough cuz traffic and an accident, it was we didn't think we were going to have meeting. >> the text stream, so. Okay. Seeing there's no further to do day's over. Adjourned. All right.