001You know, I'm staying away from the table. We're live everyone. Welcome to the Decal County Central United School District Board of Education special board meeting. Today is Thursday, January 8th, 2026. I'll ask all that are able to please stand for the pledge of >> allegiance [laughter] to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. [clears throat] One nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all. >> Angie, [clears throat] could you do a roll call, please? >> Present. >> Tony Baker, >> present. Tony O'Neal >> present. >> Easter. >> Thank you, Angie. Um, at this time, I'll ask the board to adopt and amend the agenda. >> I'll make a motion. >> I'll second. A motion and a second. Any discussion? All those in favor signify
002by saying I. >> I. >> Motion passes. Okay. Next is the report of a superintendent. >> Right. So, the purpose of our special board meeting this evening is to complete the process of filling a board vacancy. The Cal Central received a resignation um on this effective December 14th and by Indiana statute, the board has 30 days to fill that seat. So, over the course of the holidays and in the midst of all the holiday celebrations and craziness uh over Christmas break and New Year's, the board put a plan together, a timeline together to accept applications. And I think we commented on Monday night just the total number of applications that were received. I think in all 14 applications were received. two of those uh individuals withdrew their names prior to the first round of uh
003interviews and then we had an additional one uh on Monday as well. So a total of 11 applicants were interviewed on Monday evening and then afterwards by statute the board was allowed to meet in executive session [clears throat] to narrow those candidates down to no fewer than three. And so the board was successful in bringing back and I I'll just say all it was just great to see the number of very qualified, highly qualified individuals wanting to fill this vacant seat on the board. Um and so three of [clears throat] those applicants were invited back tonight for the board to complete the process of filling this board seat. So throw it back to President Armstrong. this this hasn't been an easy process for any of us. So, and I feel for all of you guys
004um you know, having to come here and present in public, but kudos to you for caring so much about our district and the success. So, thank you for being here. Um so, we're going to start tonight out by uh randomly selecting our first person to come up forward and um have a seat at the table and we'll get started on questions. [clears throat] Do you guys have anything else? Sorry. No pressure. [laughter] >> Our first person tonight is Lauren Anderson. Thank you for being here. >> Thank you for having me. >> Hi, Lauren. >> Hi. All right. Our first question for you this evening is, what are the top two to three priorities you believe our district should focus on over the next three to five years and how would you as a board member
005help achieve them while representing diverse community voices? >> Yes. Um definitely the top two things that I think are a focus is you know making sure that we're doing everything that we can to ensure everyone is staying in the district that we can grow as a community um as much as we possibly can because essentially the way the funding works now is you know the money follows the students. So we need to do whatever we can to make sure um the students are staying within our district and that we're doing is appealing um to outside students and families you know that want to come and move into Decap Central as well. Thank you. >> Oh, I'm sorry. And let me add to that. You asked for two things. Forgive me. Um the second thing obviously
006is going to be um that, you know, we're focusing on teacher retention. And um you know, our teachers are our greatest asset that we have. And so, you know, I want to make sure that they're supported as much as possible. And I think those two main factors are are really critical as we're moving forward as a district. >> Thank you. The second question is what are your top three goals as a school board member? >> Um I definitely um feel like we need to ensure for advocacy you know in fairness and equity in all of our pathways that we're we're bringing to students. Um I definitely think that being as you know fiscally responsible and ensuring that we have continuous impro improvement um is is definitely the most important factors when we're you know for
007board member. [clears throat] >> Okay. The next one is what are the biggest challenges our district currently faces and what solutions or perspectives would you bring to the table as a board member? What are the biggest challenges you said? >> Um, that's a great one. Um, I honestly would have to, you know, definitely get involved to understand, you know, what are the current, you know, challenges that are, um, facing the district as of right now. Um, but I definitely could see us, you know, evolving in our trades programs. You know, I think we need to continue to diversify um, as a district. you know, I think we've done a great job um with our AP programs. You know, I definitely think that also developing and making sure that our um special special ed education department
008um is feeling very well supported as well. So, thank you. [clears throat] Number four, Decal and other similarly sized communities have experienced declining enrollment. [snorts] What do you see as the three main contributing factors to this trend? >> Um, can I repeat the question one more time? >> Yes. Um, DeCalb and other similarly sized communities um have experienced declining enrollment. What do you see as three main contributing factors to this trend >> to our declining enrollment? Well, I think what has kind of held us back, you know, to date has been some of our facilities and just lack of opportunity. you know, when um families are looking at what is available, you know, to their students and district, you know, they're looking at the whole picture, you know, and so I think some of um
009we've not necessarily had the best, you know, facilities and sports programs and some of our extracurriculars, you know, especially with the band. I think we've done a great job catching up on all of that, but I I feel like that's maybe held us back a little bit, you know, the the last few years. And so I think all the strides that this district has made to, you know, play catch-up. Um the programs I feel like have always been there. You know, our academics have have held their own across the area. Um so I think that's kind of been something that's been a little bit of a deterrent. Um you know, but I think everyone has done a great job, you know, marketing and promoting what the great things that have been approved and the advancements
010that, you know, this district is taking from from all different avenues. So, um I I would say that's probably what kind of has been a little bit of a a deterrent, you know, and and maybe people are just seeking opportunities elsewhere and um hopefully we can work to change that. >> Thank you. >> So, I got I got two out of the three. >> Yes. Sorry. Forgive me. Forgive me. I'll um Yes. So, um three What was the question again? [laughter] >> Just basically what do you what are your ideas of why enrollment has decreased in our area and other counties that are similar to ours. >> Yes. Uh that's that is a great question. Um the third thing that would attribute to the district leaving um I mean you know it could it could
011possibly just be diversification. You know sometimes people are just looking you know looking for a different culture and you know maybe Cal Central wasn't necessarily the fit for them. But I think that's why it's really critical to continue to survey [clears throat] and analyze, you know, actively who's who's coming into the district, who's in the district, and um who's leaving. You know, we need to continue to analyze and take metrics on why those folks are are leaving, and um hopefully work to have policy to correct that. So, thank you, Tony, for getting I didn't keep track of the three parts there. >> Tony Baker [laughter] I know she >> Okay. As a school board member, there are various obligations, commitments, and levels of involvement. How much time are you able or willing to dedicate to
012this to serving this role? >> Um, I am currently um my own business owner, so I do have a lot of flexibility with my time. I've come from a career for the last 18 years that I've been on call and in the medical device world, you know, answering to clinicians, clinicians and their staff. Um, so my family and husband has been very familiar with flexibility and taking role of of our family if I'm not able to be present. So I do have, you know, the ability to, you know, commit as much time as needed for this role to be successful. This vacancy appointment will serve from now through December 31st, 2026. This seat is up for election this year with declarations of candidacy in May and the general election in November. What are your intentions
013regarding this role? >> Um I mean I would definitely plan on you know um signing up to to run uh for the election um in November. So, you know, I would go to the clerk's office and put my name in the hat and start campaigning and definitely get my name out um in the community and kind of let them know who I am and what I'm about and um how I'm here to advocate for Decal Central. >> Thank you. >> What do you see as the key challenges in school funding both now and looking ahead? >> [clears throat] >> Um it definitely, you know, in learning about uh school funding, which is definitely something that was very foreign to me before I started looking into this process and um it definitely shows that, you know,
014the money is following the child. So every head headcount in this district matters. Um so we need to do obviously whatever we can to to maintain those that student population and continue to grow. Um, but also, forgive me, what was the question again? >> It's all right. I love twofart questions. [laughter] So, my ADHD kicks in. >> The nerves. >> Yeah, you're fine. Um, just like how do you feel that or what are the challenges now and then maybe looking ahead towards the future as well? >> School funding. School. >> Yes, school funding. Thank you. Um, so you know, obviously, you know, you have your education fund and then your operations fund. Um, so, you know, we need to be as fiscally responsible as we can. You know, if we're not being as effective and
015efficient with all of our taxpayer dollars and, um, that's ultimately what we need to do. You know, we only have so much money and our students are our greatest asset. So, we need to make sure that we're being as responsible and, you know, as fiduciary as we can. >> Thank you. The district uses a variety of methods to communicate throughout the community. How can the district improve communication and transparency? >> Um, I think definitely reaching out in multiple different modalities. You know, everybody has a different way of receiving information. Um, so I definitely think it's critical to, you know, be putting out, you know, videos or, you know, automated podcast type things as far as kind of the overall [clears throat] health and state of the district. Um, but also getting out amongst the community
016members. you know, we we need to meet people at where they're at and um you know, they can't always come to us or don't necessarily feel like, you know, the school board's necessarily approachable. So, I think it's critical for us as members and kind of the the bridge gap between um the community and the district to be able to to get out and um you know, kind of educate and communicate and just understand what people's needs and concerns are. >> Thank you. That was actually the second part to the question and I paused to say that and then I was going to ask that but you answered that as well. So thank you. Um what does student academics success look like to you? >> Well I think the reality in this day and age is
017you know we can't just focus on the test scores. You know we need to focus on the overall health of the the child [clears throat] and the individual. You know everybody's taking a different path in life. So you know like I said we need to meet them where they're at. Um so you know we need to do whatever we can to ensure that you know their post-secary readiness. It's not just about a test score but how are we developing the overall person you know are we giving them the skills to succeed moving out in life and are they having a great enough experience with the Cal Central that they're willing to come back or stay and continue to work and contribute to our community which you know obviously our our community is our greatest asset.
018>> Thank you. Okay. Did you guys have anything else? [laughter] >> I do. >> You mentioned I'm looking back at your uh application and the why you are interested in being on the school board section. >> Memorize that. >> I did not memorize that. [laughter] >> Good for you. Good for you. I didn't even It says you mentioned your heart falls on student achievement, which is kind of the last question there. As a student athlete at Macalan IU, uh, success and failure come hand in hand in the classroom as well as on the playing field. What advice would you give a parent or a student when they come to you for guidance as a possible board member? >> Oh, what are they looking for for guidance? Um, this this question I think is very important.
019you know, we need to be very diplomatic as board members and um you know, we need to take the time to hear everyone out and you know, understand what their you know, needs and concerns are. Um I I ultimately, you know, have come from a career of, you know, successes and failures, you know, so um I think it's definitely important to be able to, you know, kind of let people feel like they can have a connection. um make sure that we're doing our best to advocate and um yeah, sorry, I don't know that I answered your question, but >> you did a nice job. Thank you. >> Um we've talked a lot as a board that we want our board to represent our entire community. Um how do you feel like you help would help
020that? >> The entire community. I mean, I've had the unique opportunity of being able to kind of get involved in in many different factors of um the community, whether it's, you know, coaching or, you know, working for some nonprofits. Um my my career has kind of left me in a world where I've always been at a customer service level. You know, I'm always kind of answering answering to positions. My time has always been someone else's. Um, so I I feel like I've had a lot of unique experiences in life, but I'm also a very compassionate and empathetic person, you know. So, as Tony said, I did play college athletics, you know, so I'm I'm very passionate and driven person, but I'm I'm also very empathetic and heartfelt, you know. So, I I always want to
021see and do the best for everyone involved. And I try to think of things as a whole picture, you know. I don't try to silo and and pigeon hole down on path, you know. I look try to look at things outside of the box and you know what is it that we're missing. Um so that's kind of how I typically think and and operate is you know what else are we missing? What else can we bring that that's going to you know put everything together. >> Thank you. >> Okay. Thank you Lauren. >> Thank you very much. Should [laughter] I take this water? Sure. [clears throat] Echo. [clears throat] >> I guess you're my [laughter] >> Hi, Eko. >> Good evening. >> Thanks for being here tonight again. >> Echo. Hello. >> Deep breath. >>
022Yes. part of those. [laughter] >> All right. What are the top two to three priorities you believe our district should focus on over the next three to five years and how would you as a board member help achieve them while representing diverse community voices? >> I think um I would really start like looking at long outside the box long game. Um really just attracting people into the Cal community. Um, the Cub Central, it's a great school district, but I think and sometimes we get a little competitive in neighboring communities. Um, and there's this perception that, you know, maybe we're not always the best or always have the greatest facilities. So, getting in front of that, um, leading by example, being out there, showing up for the kids every day. Um, that's just something I've always
023been really passionate about. Um, oh shoot, I lost my train of thought just that fast. I took too many notes earlier today. Um so um but yeah, just being there and trying to grow. Um I love the facilities project. I've been very passionate about that. Um I pushed for that back when my kids were in school. So I'm excited to see where we're headed. So just always having that end game in mind. Um which really the direction that we're going there shouldn't necessarily be an endgame, but we just want it to be the best place for our students to be. So, >> thank you. [cough and clears throat] What are your top three goals as a school board member? >> Um, I would probably start with getting more involved in the community. Um, whether that's
024just being out there, being available. Um, just maybe even going door todoor. I know we'll talk about the election piece here shortly. Um, but really I would love to get out in the community and help with some of the perception that is out there. I know people get really brave on social media and we have all those keyboard warriors. Um, but just getting in front of that, helping explain people the why of what we're doing, [clears throat] why we're doing it. Um, I think if you can start with the why on what our goal is and what our vision is, then that will really help bring them along um, with what we're actually doing. So, um, and then, oh, I think that was my three things. Yep. I'm gonna stick with that. >> Okay. You
025want, you want to sum up those three because I got one. >> You got one. >> I got getting involved in the community. >> Getting involved in the community. >> Explanation. >> Um, so getting more involved in the community. Um, I'd want to work on um some of the community perception that's out there. um especially social media can be our worst enemy sometimes just with those keyboard warriors. So helping get out in front of that and being a positive um influence out there just showing them what Decal is about um showing up to the games, showing up to the events, showing up to the musicals um and really helping on that platform. Um and then the last one would be explaining the why. Um, I think a lot of people get really focused in on
026tax dollars and how this is going to impact them and without understanding the entire process. So, um, those would be my three things. >> Good. Thank you. What are the biggest challenges our district currently faces and what solutions or perspectives would you bring to the table as a new board? >> Um, I don't want to get too redundant, but I really think one of the biggest challenges is the unity within the community. Um, it seems to be a lot, not saying this politically at all, but a lot of left and right. Like we have this group of people that have we want to do better. We want to have better facilities. um we really want to help our students um succeed. And then we have another group that's really focused on the financial aspect and
027how that's going to impact them, the farming community, what that's going to look like on the taxes side, but bringing that all together and helping everybody understand what our role is. So, I think unity would probably be one. Um I currently live in Ashley. Um, I actually come from a farming family, so I do hear a lot of those concerns. But I think really pulling those two groups together and letting them know we all have the same common goal um, and just helping everybody see that that is what we're trying to do. So >> along with that, what [clears throat] are your thoughts about the conflict between the number of different communities we have because of the of the overall district being Corona, Ashley, Waterl, [clears throat] Auburn, how that plays into that that piece
028of community and financial community. So, and I those are in our school district. We have um several different demographics. So, um I was born and raised in Ashley. Um I've lived in Ashley mostly my entire life. U moved away for a few years. Um so, I think having somebody that knows that common ground and can relate um and is very open to hearing different sides. Um, it's been an adjustment. Um, I'm actually going to use my son as an example. Sorry, buddy. [laughter] So, >> [clears throat] >> um, in sports, starting from elementary school and we started getting them into football and basketball, we always heard he's the Ashley kid or he can't carry the ball, he's the Ashley kid. Um, now he definitely came out and I always taught him, leave it out on
029the field. um do your thing and do your best and and I truly think that he rose above that. So um I know we look at it and we see all those different demographics and we have like the different income bases within the school district. So I think having somebody in this role that could really help bring all of that together and somebody that others can relate to. So did that answer it for you? Thank you. You're welcome. Decalp and other similarly sized communities have experienced declining enrollment. What do you see as three main contributing factors? Um from my experience as a mother of a dec um one of the major ones um was facilities, but then also the coaches that came along with that. Um, and I think over the past year, we've made
030some really great strides in improving that. Um, shoot, I lost it. Just that fast. Can you repeat the question? >> That's okay. Um, basically, there's a trend of people moving out. >> Yeah. But not just in our community and other ones similar to ours, and we're just looking for what factors you think are contributing to that. >> Yep. I And I do think it is. Um, I mean, athletes, they can go anywhere now. Um, all of the travel sports and you have travel coaches trying to recruit in other school districts. I can't even tell you how many times we were approached to take Kaden to other schools. Um, I really think with the improvements to the facilities that will be a key contributing factor of keeping people at Decal. Um but then also like having
031the right coaches in place, the right athletic director in place, all of those are really key components. Um even in the showfire program, the showfire program has become leaps and bounds in the last eight years. Um with the theater program, but then also getting that in to the community more, advertising that more, posting about that more, I think would really help attract people um into the community. Like, wow, I want to be part of that. Um, and I want to be part of what the house's got going on there. So, >> thank you. As a school board member, there are various obligations, commitments, [clears throat] and levels of involvement. How much time are you able or willing to dedicate to serving this role? >> Um, well, I am an auntie neester, so I have a
032lot of time on my hands these days. Um, I do currently work at the Family Dollar Distribution Center, but I do have very flexible hours. Um, I have options to work from home or work offsite. Um, I'm currently had wrapped up my traveling role. I was traveling about once a month, so that's put even more time on my hands. Um, but I do have a very flexible position um, where I'm at within the DC. I'm not I don't have to be there like if I have to go for training and all that and PTO time. Um but yeah, so I would be available. Um and you know like sporting events and graduation and all that fun stuff. Um I would definitely be there no matter what. [clears throat] This vacancy appointment will serve from now
033through December 31st, 2026. The seat is up for election this year with declarations of candidacy in May and the general election in November. What are your intentions regarding this role? Um if I were to get the atlarge position um I would definitely run um to maintain that. Um to me that's exciting. I have helped um several within their campaign. Um the walking in the parades, the knocking on doors, the yard signs. Um, I just really want to help promote Decal and get that excitement out there into the community. Um, now if a little twist on the question, if I were not to get the position, which is, um, that would be okay, too, because I would still show up. That's that's just who I am. Um, now eventually if somebody were to decide to retire
034that's over the Ashley Township area, then maybe I might run again. Um but yeah, just um [laughter] the future, you know, you might you just never know, but I would love to just be part of what Decal has and what we're doing here. So, >> great. Thank you. >> Welcome. >> What do you see as the key challenges in school funding both now and looking ahead? [clears throat] Um, I mean, probably the biggest challenge is just with students going wherever they can with the sports and being able to pick and choose which school and the best schools they can go to. [gasps] Um, so with school funding, I think just being able to attract and keep them in the community and then also wanting to come back to the community after they um go on
035their own path, whether that's college, trades, whatever that case may be. Um, so yeah. Did I answer that one? I lost it. Just said the biggest challenge, right? >> School funding. Yes. Um, so that would be something we're like looking into what grants or um being as resourceful as possible to try and keep some of that funding within the school um and doing what we can for that funds. And that would be something I would definitely need to learn. Um, I know from an employment standpoint, I do that all the time at work by having to write grants um, and applications and go through that process for staffing, but something definitely to look at to attract into the county. So, okay, the next one is the district uses a variety of methods to communicate throughout
036the community. How can a district improve [clears throat] communication and transparency and what role should you as a board member or could you as a board member play to help that effort? >> Um, so I think I mean I preach it community engagement is key just getting everybody's buy in. Um, I think it would be really neat like doing like alumni polls, um, alumni spotlights across uh, social media platforms, but then even maybe having like a meet the board night or having like quarterly sessions of um, or board member highlights, something so people can get to know the board members more. Um, previously I would say before Kaden got into athletics, I just I didn't know who anybody was, you know, but I never was approached on board members or who they were or anything
037along those lines. So, I think really meeting them where they are and going to them like maybe it's some of the community centers or just having a night of meet the board or things along those lines would be really good to get out into the community. um so they could meet us and figure out who we are and know that we really do have everybody's best interest [clears throat] at heart. >> Thank you. Welcome. >> And my last question for you is what does student academic success look like to you? >> That's really tricky. So, um as a mom, I never push my kids to go to college. That I mean, if they want to go to college, that's great. Um but college is not for everyone. Um we need um the janitors just as
038much as we need the doctors. Um so really student success is different for every child. We want them to feel like they have a home, that they have a place within the school district, um that they have a group that they can be part of, whether that's theater, um technology, um marching band, whatever the case may be. We want them to have a home. um like even with like unified sports, we want people to feel like they have a home within the district. So [laughter] [clears throat] >> Mr. O'Neal has a question. [laughter] >> Areas to improve the Again, I'm looking back at the application. It said you mentioned the school board and the school perception and a community buying into the vision of the future. My getting blurry here. [laughter] >> If I could
039close my eyes and you could paint a picture for me, what is your vision for our school? What's it look like for me? Um, my vision for the school would be not to have enough parking spots, to have people so involved that they want to come out that the football stands are packed so full that we might have to look into building another set of bleachers. Um, just getting more of that community involvement and that buyin that people want to be part of what we've got going on here. So, if you think about the movie like Friday or like Friday Night Lights and how crazy that is or if you see a football game down in Texas, how the stands are just packed. Um, that would be my vision for the cattle to have the
040whole community [clears throat] come out and show up for the kids. >> Thank you. >> You're welcome. >> To kind of touch [clears throat] upon it in a little different fashion again, perception of the board. What would you say the perception of the board is now and what would you like to see be in the future? >> So, I have been doing some, you know, looking on social media and reading some of the posts that people have put and questioning and [clears throat] it's great to question. I mean, we're here for those questions. We need to be able to answer those questions and explain the why. Um, but like I said earlier, I think there are some keyboard warriors out there that maybe they just don't understand that our hearts are in the right place.
041Ultimately, we want the kids to be the best that they can be. Um, so just getting in front of that, not necessarily engaging because that's what they're trying to get us to do is engage in that. Um, but just be out there positive, showing up every day, posting, um, and just killing them with kindness. Some people just need to know that we care. Do we have anything else? >> Thank you. Appreciate you. >> Right. Are you sure? [laughter] >> Last but not least. [laughter] >> That's good. >> Hi Shane. >> Hi. >> Welcome. >> Thank you for being here tonight again. >> Yes. >> All right. Our first question tonight. What are the top two to three priorities you believe our district district should focus on over the next 3 to 5 years? and how
042would you as a board member help achieve them while representing diverse community voices? [clears throat] >> So, first of all, I think uh Decal has has a great academic stance and the students have really been thriving with all the programs that they have. So, maintaining that level of academics is probably my number one priority. Um but uh encompassing with that is all of the extracurricular activities that all the students uh enjoy. So um those are kind of the main focuses would be for me um as a board member. Um can you repeat the question because it's it's a long winded question. [laughter] What are the top two to three priorities you believe our district should focus [clears throat] on over the next three to five years and how would you as a board member help
043achieve them while representing diverse community voices? >> Yeah. So to help maintain those priorities, I think it it's it comes down to us as a board uh working together to keep a united front and making sure that we have and continue to have student success on all levels. >> Thank you. What are your top three goals as a school board member? um a lot of great momentum on uh facility upgrades. Uh continuing that momentum um [clears throat] would be probably number one. Uh the proverbial build it and they will come. Uh I like that because uh as I'm heard questions before as you will probably have another question why are the students leaving? Um it's we need to try to draw them back and getting us to a today's standard uh would be ideal in
044my mind. Did I fully answer that question? >> Yeah. Other goals, three three goals. So continue the momentum. Um [sighs] yeah, continue the momentum with the facility upgrades. Again, staying with the academic focus and keeping keeping uh those programs alive that we have and maybe potentially and I know some of the other candidates have mentioned trades. Trades is a big important. We're losing a lot of trades in today's world. As a business owner, I see it. I've uh and it's really hard to find good people that want to do um drywall for example. So um there there's an art to it. So we need to find the the folks and give them the skills and tools to succeed in life. >> Thank you. What are the biggest challenges our district currently faces and what solutions
045or perspectives would you bring to the table as a board member? >> Uh, one of I mean in this day and age we have a multitude of different options. One of the reasons I think that we're losing students um again we need to try and bring them back in. Uh we have online programs and different avenues for homeschooling, different avenues for kids to uh get their schooling, but are they getting their proper schooling at home and online? Are they being dedicated and getting the correct uh information in front of them um is in question. So um trying to bring them back into our school district would probably be number one. So, [clears throat and cough] I don't know if I fully answer that question. >> Did I >> um if you have any thoughts and
046perspectives as a board member on how to address that, but you kind of touched on that. >> Yeah, it's up to you. >> I'll leave that. >> Thank you. >> Decal and other similarly sized communities have experienced declining enrollment. What do you see as three main contributing factors to this trend? >> Uh I've touched on a little bit already the online programs and all the other different avenues. Um again I don't think I have all the answers but um again we have to work as a board to try and figure out what to do to bring students back in. So that would kind of be number one. But repeat the question again. >> Uh, decal and other similarly sized communities have experienced declining enrollment. What do you see as three main contributing factors to this
047trend? >> So online programs and facilities facilities is number part of that as well. Um, a lot of students I think are, you know, if they see other schools with newer [clears throat] facilities and higher standards, we need to [clears throat] meet that so we can retain students and potentially bring them back in. Next question is, as a school board member, there are various obligations, commitments, and levels of involvement. How much time are you able or willing to dedicate to serving this role? >> Whatever is necessary. Um, [clears throat] yeah, pretty simple. I'm a business owner. Time's flexible. So yes, >> the vacancy appointment will serve from now through December 31st, 2026. The seat is up for election this year with declarations of candidacy in May and the general election in November. What are your
048intentions regarding this role? [clears throat] >> I wouldn't be sitting here if I wasn't in it for the long haul. Um I fully expect uh if I were be part of the board uh to go after the election. Absolutely. >> Thank you. What do you see as the key challenges in school funding now both now and looking ahead? >> Um well obviously funding has been uh for the school all school districts in Indiana because of funding from the state state legislation. Um it might be one of those things in a campaign trail. We need to get more people out there to vote. Um because that's you know they're like why aren't we able to do this? Well, we don't have the funds. Um so we need more people in the community to get involved and
049talk to their state legislation uh to potentially get things turned around. Thank you. The district uses a variety of methods to communicate throughout the community. How can the district improve communication and transparency and what role should the board play in the effort? Um, as far as communicating is really outside of Decal, I think is getting involved in the community with other avenues, whether it's nonprofit organizations or uh the public library and showing up to certain events and just kind of advocating and being present at the other events. and uh um socially working the crabs so to speak to uh talk and promote Calp Central schools and be present to have questions answered at other events that are outside central I should say [clears throat] as well as being at Dal Central events. Okay, my last
050question for you tonight. What does student academic success look like to you? uh to me probably a student leaving Calum Central and being able to contribute in society on all levels whether it's uh going to be a electrician or um going to secondary education and being a truck driver, whatever it is. um as long as they're in in those individuals are happy and able to contribute to society and perform uh at a top level with whatever decision they choose to to do. >> Thank you. >> Me again. >> I'm okay. [clears throat and laughter] >> Yeah. Um again in your application you mentioned what you thought the strengths of the cowboy and I'll listen for you. Yeah, please do because I a couple nights >> sometime [laughter] because I looked at them and then forgot
051what they were so I had to type them up. Um there's four. You said strong academic achievement, >> dedicated teachers and staff. >> Absolutely. >> Community engagement and then student centered programs. If you could pick maybe the top two of those four, strong academic achievement, student or staff that's dedicated, community engagement, and student centered program, which would be probably your top two of staff and student success for sure. Um the staff I think from my experiences from I have like I said I have a middle school student I have an elementary school student um in JR Watson. Um I've been blown away at the level [clears throat] of teachers and their academics and they're great. I haven't come across that one. So, um I think that's I [clears throat] I give kudos to Steve and
052his staff and uh for um hiring great individuals and bringing great individuals into G Central. Thank you. So, I want to make sure I you have two answers that I want to make sure because I I think what I heard may they make conflict with each other. So I want to make sure that we're on the same page. And the biggest challenges for the district currently facing you said [clears throat] our online pro programs. Are you saying that you're not for the online programs? Because >> I think there's a next question. You say that what's the experience for declining enrollment and again [clears throat] you're saying online programs. So are we you think we're losing people because we have online programs or >> Yes. There's a multitude of different there's a multitude of different scenarios
053where kids parents believe that they can teach their [clears throat] students. Um, I do know that there are some students who do online programming because they're in a they're fully involved in hockey and different sporting events and they have travel programs that they're associated with and so they do online program online learning. >> Okay. I just want to make sure which side. Yeah. >> Um are you good? >> Okay. Um one of your uh answers in your uh application was something an area you thought we could improve on was open communication, transparency, and teamwork um as a board. And I'm just wondering how you feel like you personally could help us with that. Do you have ideas or just experiences that you feel like you could help with open communication, transparency, and team? Do I
054have any specific ideas? I probably would say no. It's just probably I think you guys I think you guys are doing a great job. There are again there's so many different avenues to get communication these days. Um, and it's hard to get the correct information in front of the individuals who are looking for that information. [clears throat] So, we really do I have a magic eightball or crystal ball that tells me, hey, we need to do this. No, because um you know, we may do social media posts, but there's individuals out there that aren't on social media. Um even to this day, I mean, I'm on social media, but I don't really post anything. I don't do a whole lot of stuff on it. Um but can I pick it up and do some stuff?
055Yeah, absolutely. So, um, that's one thing that I probably would say, yeah, we could improve on that. How exactly we do that, I'm not sure, but let's talk about it. Let's discuss it and let's come up with a plan. >> Thank you. Thank you. >> All right. Thank you, Shane. >> I'm exhausted. [laughter] hasn't charged. >> Yeah. >> Can I get a few minutes just to kind of look over my notes? >> Yeah, I think >> if we need to. >> Mhm. Um, >> talk or whatever. >> Yeah, we will discuss here and take some time whenever you guys feel free. You guys are welcome to sit here. You can go have a break, whatever you guys want to do. But >> step out. >> Nope. This is everything's >> you can if you would
056like to, but it's not [laughter] required. [clears throat] >> We can't require you to load. >> Well, no one certainly made any of this easier tonight. >> No. So, >> um, while I'm looking, it was I was anticipating and so were we that the Monday night was going to be much much much much longer, but we had the three questions and you had the chance to jot notes and and I think that compressed our time which made that part easier for us. Mhm. >> It's the executive meeting that was hard, seriously hard to try to figure out how we were going to narrow it down and then narrow it down again and then narrow it down a little more and then come up with questions that we thought were difficult um maybe revealing to a
057point. So, I just want to thank everybody involved that this is [clears throat] pretty serious stuff. Obviously, we're talking about kids in the future in the community and and I I can't thank think thank the people engaged enough and hope that if you don't get picked that you still somehow get engaged, stay around. Uh we need people like you who've stepped up with this to continue pushing more people to get involved. So, I I just want to thank everybody. >> I agree with you said everything. [clears throat] I um thought it was very fitting that our last question was what does student academic success look like to you? Because we have three decalb students right out here that model incredible decal academic success and I just think that's awesome. I'm so amazed and really just
058impressed. You all did a great job. You're all incredible alumni. Um, and you did what you all said at this table. You all said that you hope people want to come back to our community and get involved. Um, it's what many of us at this table have done. Um, we hope our own children will do that. Um, we hope we're creating schools that, you know, the next generation want to come back and continue to do that. So, I just, it hit me as we were sitting here like, wow, that's so cool. Our last question is, what does student academic success look like to you? And boom. I mean, you guys nailed it. So, that's so cool. And I would also like you to know that Mr. Ters dug out your um [laughter] yearbook with pictures.
059So that was pretty special. I thought >> 992. >> Yeah, that's pretty. [laughter] So >> you haven't changed a bit. >> Yeah. So anyway, we can go back to this. I just wanted to point that out that [laughter] >> side by side. >> No one is judged by their yearbook pictures because I certainly don't want to judge their mind. >> [laughter] >> Sorry, we can go back to discussing that. I just wanted to point that out that kudos to all of you and thank you. [sighs] >> You need Kate to sing? Is this break? [laughter] I like this format because I heard several really good ideas that I had not thought of that [laughter] >> that's why you needed another pen. Those are those are things that we can take from you and talk discuss
060them later and just say what [clears throat] because there are concerns that people have in the community and without people coming in and voicing them in a positive way. You don't know, you know, like you said, people with their keyboards, >> those are tough to read sometimes and it's hard to figure out what exactly they mean or what they want. Or maybe it's just they just need to something simple that just got out of control. So I I'd really like several good ideas. I don't know that I want to do this more often than >> put people on the spot, but >> I know I do say that all the time. We only [clears throat] know what we know. I mean, >> right, [clears throat] >> there were a number of comments about looking outside
061the box, right? That's very common, but it's hard for a lot of people to do to look outside the box because you always have those other people say, "Well, that's not the way to do things." So, um, again, I think that's some of the perception problem that we may have is that some of us like to do things differently and that makes people uncomfortable. So to have individuals here that say they're they want to think and work outside the box [clears throat] get ready >> because it'll be taken differently by different people just like you know it said that um which one was it? Success is different for each student. It's because they all do it differently. So, um I think that's one of the things that's always made me calibrate is that with the
062vast community that we have, we have those different aspects and those different demographics >> that make us better. So >> well said [snorts] all of you that answered your question about how much time you're willing to spend. >> You have no idea. [laughter] Well, I mean, you know, we got a lot of other good comments below about the communication because I know we keep saying [clears throat] that Steve talking about communicating anymore, but then again to say that we we need to communicate. Um, I think it's it's maybe what avenue haven't we thought of, >> right? That's what we're looking for. Yeah. So I think that that that could be a beneficial one. So and then we also have to look at all the different demographics. >> Right. [clears throat] We we have a lot
063of what I'll call [cough] [laughter] >> just checking everyone. Vietnam era individuals that still are active in the community and technology is not necessarily their friend. [clears throat] So they like to communicate differently. So um I think that's a big group that if we could get them roped in, I think that would be a huge benefit for the district. >> [clears throat] >> Well, we did this to ourselves. >> We We [clears throat] brought three excellent people to the end. So, it's a good problem to have, but I don't like it. [laughter] Can I make a motion? Okay. >> Uh, I will make a make a motion to the atlarge position for our current vacant seat. I would like to nominate Lauren Anderson. [laughter] A motion. We discuss more discuss I mean discussion if you
064want >> you want to throw out throw out your um your highs throw out your >> have to make a motion sec we have a motion right now >> yeah we have to on that first. >> So either a second. So I either have a second now or and then we can have discussion or >> or not. >> So we're looking for a second or go Okay, wait. I I got a question. If we make a second, then we discuss it. >> Then vote. >> Then we vote. >> There's a second. [clears throat] >> If we let it die, [snorts] >> then >> we can have more discussion. >> We should make another motion which would be the same motion. Could be could be any motion. >> But you you need to announce that it
065died in the second, >> right? >> Okay. So we second it. We discuss. We vote. I just need to understand the process. >> So I've called for a motion. We have a motion. Do we have a second? [clears throat] If Okay, that I'm clarifying. After we vote, whatever happens, can [clears throat] we can they make a motion for the same person after we vote? Like if >> No. >> I'm sorry. When we have a second and the vote has occurred and >> your motions, >> we can vote for the same person. >> We can make the same motion. >> I'm sorry. I have to understand that. >> Yes, we can make the same motion. I guess I I just want to discuss it. So I'm just saying what you're >> waiting for now is if
066there is a second. >> We can't discuss it until for failure of a second. >> No, you can you can discuss it if we don't have a second. But then we have to have another motion >> or we can discuss it after a second. We have to have a vote. >> Yeah. >> So we can discuss it either way. We can. All I have to do is someone has to say that the moers in the motion die. >> All right. So again, we have a motion. Do I have a second? [clears throat] >> Okay. Motion dies. >> Okay. >> Now I'll ask your question. for lack for lack of a >> I would just like you to tell us what give us your like >> set your why. >> Yeah, tell me your why. >>
067My >> not anti it. They're all amazing. You said it. [clears throat] >> All of them said stay in, you know. all of them. We need to get people to come back, which I think is true with all schools. Um, everybody thinks that teacher retention isn't important. I don't I don't think anybody thinks that that's not a good thing. Um, equality, advocacy for equality. That was something that Lauren said that I don't remember hearing um from the others. Um, everybody knows we need to be fiscally responsible. I I think that should be coming out of every school board member's name or out of their mouth. Um, challenges. Um, we haven't we have good programs, but she was the one that mentioned not only in evolving the trades, but mentioned people other people mentioned the AP,
068but she also mentioned our special ed, our unified part. That's something that has been around for a long time, but now it's become more in the forefront in the last five or six years. That I think is a huge plus for us. Um, they all mention facilities. If you build it, they will come. I get that. Um, I I was driving here coming in and look at the softball field and I saw them working on the soccer press box. That's progress. I mean, if you're if you got people working on the facilities, that's so um to me that stuck out. Um they all have kids were engaged. Uh Ekko's kids are gone, but that doesn't mean she's not engaged. She was involved when her kids were going through. I I appreciate that. There's nothing better
069than an involved parent that wants to make sure that things go the way they should go. Um, school funding I think is foreign to everybody. It's just it's it's a crazy animal. It's not like you're keeping track of your own house. School funding is typically not controlled by schools. It's controlled by people in Indianapolis. and and I think as long as we're responsible to that, which I think everybody agrees is the thing. Um, but she also mentioned that success is not just scores. And uh I can mention names of of kids that probably never played, but man, they bust their butt all the time from my experiences as a coach, from practicing it. And those those those people I was a volleyball coach, baseball, football, I those people are more successful than the people who
070were the players. So student success comes in weird ways. And it's not just student academics. If they're they're getting a good buzz working with Mr. Fels in the performing arts, man, they they feel better about themselves. And and I think Lauren brought that out more than the others. That's my my perspective. >> Thank you. >> My two cents. >> Yes. >> I think maybe this might be a good way to push us to discuss each candidate. But as far as war goes, again touching upon the trades programs and the special programs [clears throat] restraints, um [laughter] not so much about the extracurricular, but coaching and the administration of those extracurricular [clears throat] activities. Again, I thought she hit that one home very well. And then the diversity and different culture. [clears throat] Um, again, we're
071looking at community involvement and we're looking for [clears throat] how do we get more people involved and she didn't say it here tonight, but I know that she has that demographic that I just talked about earlier and that she has a lot of friends and family in that demographic. So there's an avenue to help pull more people into the district for involvement as well as getting their two cents as to how do we push forward in the community. So I think that's one of her her strong strengths there. So um and she has helped out with the community or the committees. So she does know about the facilities and where we're at in the budgeting that we've done and where we're at in the planning process. So I think she brings that out with us
072as well. So, >> thank you. >> What about you guys? >> I know. Are we going around? >> Okay. If you want to collect your thoughts. >> No. [laughter] Um, I [clears throat] mean, I agree with what you said. I mean, I do think Lauren talked a lot about the financials, which I thought was [snorts] good. Um, touched on special ed. I mean, I can echo what you guys said. I mean, I took the same notes, >> talked a lot about um [clears throat] not getting silently siloed into, you know, one area. I mean, you could hear everyone's passion. [clears throat] I don't question that about anybody. You're all here for the right reasons without a doubt. >> Yeah. I mean, I echo what you guys have said, too. I mean I do know like
073you know her involvement in the facilities I think was extremely helpful. I mean she provided a lot of insight um in our advocacy group our advisory board um you know things that I hadn't thought of or don't see. You know I haven't had um middle school kids in a little while and um I thought that was very insightful when we toured facilities and whatnot. [clears throat] Um, I know she's also been very involved in the Help Central Foundation and finding other ways for fundraising and um, community outreach. So, I feel like that's been important. I mean, awesome to have someone who's already been inserting themselves and being involved. I think that's a huge strength. Okay. I want to talk about that [clears throat] again. I think a lot of great answers here again the student
074athletes um the community call level um the diversification but I [clears throat] really really like your answer to number eight and even though I'm going well the hours that we are already doing are just going to go up I thought that you know there was some real thought process on this as to how we communicate throughout the community. Um, getting special events from the alumni back to school. I think that's a great idea. I really do. Um, maybe not. I mean, I know we've done stuff for like the state football team. Um, but there's a lot of other activities that I think we could bring a lot a lot of other people with that one. Um, I'm not sure about the board member highlights, but [laughter] >> I actually like that >> outside the box.
075That's the outside of the box. >> It is outside the box, but I liked that idea because meet the board members because when I first came on the board, I I don't remember who said maybe it was echo about wanting to know who the board members were and didn't know, >> right? >> I agree. When I first my kids first went to school, I had no idea who the board members were and I didn't know how the process worked. I didn't know how the chain worked. And that was one thing that I as a board member wanted to be able to do was, you know, make sure you you have a face and you can connect that face and to that board member. And that's why my goal has been to attend events and be
076at everything and support everyone. I mean, not just my own kids things. And sometimes it's convenient because my kids's there. But I mean, just to be there and be a part of things and you [clears throat] know, and I want to try to get more to those younger families so that they know and you know, if they know as their kids are younger, which was an awesome thing that we had on Monday night, how many people were here interviewing that had kids that not even in school yet and they were already wanting to get involved. >> So awesome. I loved that. Um, but yeah, just, you know, making it known like who are our board members? we should be known and we should be faces that people recognize. >> The other thing that I like
077is is that she is from Asheville and again it's not necessarily because she's from Nashville but being a water kid all my life I know what that comment is when they say well you're a national kid or you're a [clears throat] water kid and I had to deal with that when I was in school. So, you know, I think that's one of the other opportunities that we have is again, how do we draw the run of the community in and we [clears throat] got to get those rural kids involved just as much as we do the kids that are living real close to the schools. So, I think that's I think that's a big positive because again, we have more [clears throat] representative representation throughout the demographic of the district. So, that's all I got.
078So, when I go to sleep tonight, thank you. Echo, I'm going to close my eyes and see the stands packed and people standing around the track trying to find where we're going to put all these people and there's they're parked in the field over here and then we have the tow trucks to pull them out because it's >> muddy. >> Well, val there's plenty of bathrooms now. >> Well, the bathrooms are amazing. So that uh that made my hair and my arms stand up a little bit. Okay, we're going to pack this place again. And that's that it's a compliment to the community. I think the community wants that. I think they see that things are moving in the right direction and and all three of you want to keep that push going [laughter] and
079we're excited to be here. >> All right. Um Shane Um, I appreciate his uh lots of mentions about the academics and continuing that momentum. I mean, he's clearly aware of, you know, what's going on in that area and that focus. Yeah, I know you mentioned like the online programs, but it's not just our online program, but [snorts] like the home schools and I mean we have options in our community for you know private school and online and there's a huge um homeschool community and you know what you know what do we continue to do better to draw those kids in and want to be part of the >> Yeah, I think when I asked in his four strengths. He mentioned the dedication to from the teachers and the staff and the students in our programs.
080I don't think he's leaving out the strong academics because he came to be like all three of them and when his kids get older and older, he will get more engaged in that and see that our programs academics are way up there and I think that's huge that many people in the community don't know. I don't know how you don't know but our academics it's tough here. We're not going to make it easy for anybody. It's just you come into Cal the expectation is here. We're not just going to get you here and push you through and say, "Hey, thanks. Our graduation rates up maybe paper or up." Um but we're not here just to to get you in here so we can take your money. We're here to make sure that you're pushed because
081as we know, life is not easy. And it's not how you handle the successes in life. It's how you handle those failures. And you need to pull yourself up and and that's what school's about. Being in house, things don't work out right. That's that's just the way it is. And you you got to figure out a way. And that's whether it's academically or athletically, you got to pick yourself up and not expect someone else to do it for you. And that's that's what I like. [clears throat] >> I'm going to turn to the board and ask anyone. Do we have any motions? I would like to make a motion [clears throat] to vote on echo cartel as our next program. We have a motion. Do we have a second? [laughter] Just give me a second.
082Okay, motion dies. >> I'll make a motion to nominate Lauren Anderson. >> We have a motion. Do we have a second? We have a motion and a second. Any discussion? >> All those in favor signify by saying I. >> I. >> Motion passes. Congratulations, Lauren. >> Thank you very much for the opportunity. I appreciate going through this process with you all. >> Thank you. [clears throat] This is rough. This is really hard. >> Oh, we have to. >> Yes. Oh, sorry. I was ready. Thank you guys. [clears throat] [laughter] >> Oh my gosh, it was bad being on that side of it, but the being on this side of it this time, this was rough. Like hard, >> very qualified people and it's really hard to make this decision. So, um, thank you all for
083being here and being part of this tonight. Um, at this time I can open it up to miscellaneous. Um, if any of our board members have anything else to speak to tonight, now's your time. >> I'll save mine for Thursday. >> Next week coming up or Tuesday. >> Tuesday. >> Whatever the f >> is the agenda. >> Yeah, she just sent it out. >> Yeah. Okay. >> The board the board updates or tomorrow the board packet, >> right? Okay. So, well then I got one question. I'm going to talk about budget on Tuesday. >> We can if you want to. >> Well, I just I want I want to know >> the board of finance. >> What's the 2026 budget look like? What's our revenue and our expenses look like as a comparison? >> Touch
084base with Mark to make sure that he knows exactly what we'll do. [laughter] >> Anything else from the board? [clears throat] >> Okay. Administration, >> I just thank you all three of you for being here. Just a great representative of the bears. So appreciate all of you. >> And now I'll open up public comment. Does anyone have anything this evening? Thank you all for being here tonight. Um, I'll read into the minutes that our next organization and regular board meeting is January 13, 2026 here at 6 o'clock p.m. Um, we will have a special swearing in ceremony that evening as well for our newest board member. At this time, I'll ask for a motion to adjurnn. >> I'll make a motion. Second. >> I have a motion and a second. Any discussion? All those in
085favor signify by saying I. >> I. meeting and journ. Thank you all.