001Everyone, I'd like to welcome you all to the Decal County Central United School District Board of Education regular meeting. Today is Monday, November 24th, 2025. I'd like you all stand, if you're able, to say the pledge of allegiance. I aliance 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. >> Angie, could you take roll call, please? >> Armstrong, >> present. >> Tony Baker, >> present. >> Tony O'Neal, >> present. Thank you, Angie. Um, tonight we typically begin with uh presentations, but we do not have any presentations this evening. So, we will move on to item E, which is adopt and amend the agenda. Do I have a motion from the board? >> I'll make that motion.
002>> Second. >> I have a motion and a second. Any discussion? All those in favor signify by saying I. >> I. >> Oppose. Motion passes. Item F is the consent agenda. This includes items F1 through F5. This is board minutes from October, financial report, claims, personnel, and field trips. At this time, I'll entertain a motion. >> Move to approve. >> Second. >> I have a motion and a second. Any discussion? >> Yeah. Um, I got a question. When will we have the 2026 budget that we can review as in the financial format? >> I don't I'm not understanding what you mean by financial format. Sorry. >> Like to do the financial report for the funds. >> Well, we're in 1782 period right now. So, as soon as I get a 1782 back approving our budget,
003I will begin the line item. Is that what you're asking for? Like the line items? >> Yeah. As soon as 1782 is approved by the state, I will begin line items. So hopefully December or January. Should be December. >> Well, we have that possibly then for the board meeting. >> Yeah, that's what I meant. I'm sorry. I should hopefully have the start of it by the December board meeting. Line items. >> Any further discussion? All those in favor signify by saying I. >> I oppose. Motion passes. Item G is donations. >> All right. Um, in the packet you'll see just a laundry list of of donations. Once again, an outpouring of support from our community to support a wide array of um schools and activities in our district. So, just briefly, I'll just touch upon
004uh donations at the middle school from Best Deal Auto Sales, Lasses Auburn, Arise Tax, the Spencerville Order of the Eastern Star. um various different donations for uh jerseys for the robotics team, $500 donation to the media center, donation for a spook and stroll uh activity that took place at the middle school. We had uh from our innovation coach $100 from the Martha Lambert family at James R. Watson Elementary School for uh to help uh with the robotics coaching of Jennifer Kaylor uh to cover cost of new team shirts. We had another one from James R. Watson, a donation from the First United Methodist Church, donating 89 new winter hats and 97 new pairs of gloves since winter is uh right around the corner. Um, we have a memo for a donation from Aubrey Rutherford, our
005food service director. Uh, received a donation from the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 97 of $800 to help with negative lunch account balances. That helps out some of our most needy families in the community. I believe uh $200 to be applied at each of our four elementary schools. uh you'll see just a listing of different um donations to our high school uh in October, November uh supporting everything from the band to the theater to baseball uh to family, career and community um the general fund at the high school, FFA, and just a laundry list of different um um individuals and and entities supporting from Jeremiah Roberts, Hogberg, uh Orthodontics, carry a global real estate, American Endowment Foundation, Classic City Signs, New Core on a couple different occasions, Fork and Fiddle, uh, DABA, uh, Auburn Main Street
006in Auburn, Bluecollar Vending, Coington Box and Packaging, and then lastly, but certainly not the least, a couple of donations to Waterlue Elementary from New Core Insulated Panel and Newcore Building Systems um, to give the kids at Waterlue uh, Polar Express experience at the local cinema in Auburn. So, all expenses paid. So, lots to talk about, lots of great uh contributions by different people and entities in our community. A big thank you to them. >> That's wonderful. Yes. Thank you to all of our um members of the community and businesses to support our schools. >> The list from month to month seems to get being getting longer. Is there something that we're doing to promote that or are we just getting lucky? >> I I don't know if getting getting better at asking maybe. Um I
007think it's a combination. Some donations run through the foundation, the Decal Central Foundation, and other times they run through the district and so it's a combination thereof. I think maybe we're just at a higher level of the donations coming through the district at this time. >> That's great. >> Great. Thank you, Steve. Um item H is the report of the superintendent. Um H1 is DHS and DVA instructional pair professional plan. >> All right. Um at the beginning of well I guess would have been late last year moving into the summer we looked at creating our own DAW virtual academy to support students in grades 6 through 12. And so we've had a very successful launch of that program. Um, our director, Justin Lees, has done a nice job uh incorporating that program in with his
008duties at Choice. And Choice is our high school alternative uh program where students up to 60 students take advantage of uh the Choice program that Justin also leads. To date, we have 45 students who have enrolled in our Decal Virtual Academy. Uh we have seven middle schoolers and the rest are high school students. And I think that's probably the number that we really want to see a very small number of middle school and we probably knew we'd see a higher number in our high school setting. Um a reminder to the board that each of the enrollments in the DAO virtual academy is funded at 85% the regular ADM rate. Uh but I I'm very well convinced that the majority of these students we would have lost to some other online programming had we not created
009this programming ourselves. So, I appreciate the board's um support in creating the virtual academy. Appreciate those involved like Justin and others in making it a success to to date. This recommendation is really an example of that success. So, for your consideration for tonight, we're looking to add a new 35hour per week instructional support prayer professional. It's a hybrid learning position position to support the choice academy and the Cal virtual academy along with with the new position seeking approval to restructure two existing pair professional positions that currently exist to 35 hours per week to ensure consistent staffing levels aligned to student need and program demands. So ultimately we're looking to increase the level of paraprofessional structure a request of 41 additional hours and so u it's not like one pair professional is entirely um responsible for
010the working with the cal virtual academy. These pairs can work with both choice students and the virtual academy. And as we see our numbers in the virtual academy continue to rise, we're going to need more um individuals or more hours available to be able to work with those uh students and those parents as to guide them through the online portion of the Decal Virtual Academy. So, at this time, I would just ask for the board's consideration to be able to move forward with this restructure at the academy and to help provide the support that Justin and the other pairs need at the uh location to best meet the needs of our students. >> Okay. Thank you, Steve. This time, I'll ask for a motion. I'll make a motion. >> Have a motion and a second.
011Any discussion? >> So, we're going to add a total of 41 hours. Is that am I get that right? >> Yes. So, how many how many students do we have between the two programs being choice and virtual if we're going to share some of those hours? >> Well, Dal Virtual Academy to date has 45 is what I'm showing. And Justin, I'm going to look to you as far as choice. >> We've decided to >> Oh, we're at 47. >> 292. >> And how many total Do we have that >> 47 in virtual and that would be 51 choice? >> No. How many total pair of professionals? Sorry. >> It's Justin and three >> would be a total of three pair of professionals >> will be a total >> once we still have to post based
012on your approval and then hire. >> Okay. Any further discussion? >> All those in favor signify by saying I. >> I oppose. Motion passes. Okay. Item H2, the 2026 DMS Special Olympics Indiana Polar Plunge. >> This is probably something board members interested could probably contact Mrs. Weiseart at the middle school and participate if you'd like. The Cow Middle School seeks the board's approval to participate in and host the 2026 Special Olympics Indiana Polar Plunge Cool School Challenge, a statewide event supporting more than 19,000 athletes with intellectual disabilities. We are honored that Decal Middle School has been selected as one of very few schools in Indiana chosen to host this signature event, reflecting our strong commitment to inclusion and community engagement. Uh, the Polar Plunge provides students and staff a unique opportunity to stand in support
013of individuals with intellectual disabilities while fostering school unity, leadership, and empathy. This experience goes beyond a single event. It builds awareness, celebrates differences, and allows our students to model courage and compassion within our community. So, the event will take place at DAW Middle School campus during the school week coordinate coordinated in partnership with Special Olympics Indiana. The organization will pro provide the pool staff support insurance and safety safety resources. School personnel including our school nurse SRO will over I think our SRO might be participating in that too. I'm not sure but could be a possibility will oversee the safety measures. All participants will com complete the the approved Special Olympics waiver which has been reviewed and cleared by our Decal Central uh legal team. Hosting the Polar Plunge is both an honor and a a
014powerful opportunity for our students to connect service with action. This partnership with Special Olympics Indiana embodies Decal Middle School's mission to develop character, compassion, and leadership in every student. So for the board's consideration this evening. >> All right. At this time, I'll ask the board for a motion to >> approve. Second. >> I have a motion and a second. Any discussion? >> Is this just an event, not a fundraiser? just an event. >> Do we know do we have a date yet? >> I don't think she has a date yet. I think she's waiting for Special Olympics to I think they get all of their participants in order and then they schedule that host date. But I know Carrie will be sure to communicate that information out. >> Well, if I'm available, I'm in. >>
015I like challenging the other board members and the people sitting at this table to join in. >> Get that in the minutes. Andy >> bold that one please. >> Nice. She'll love to hear that. >> I'm in. >> Any further discussion? >> Or participants? >> I'm in. >> Oh, we heard it. >> Oh gosh. >> Nervous. >> I love it. Can't wor going up to Hamilton Lake. >> I hear you. >> How deep is this pool? >> It's not that deep. >> Probably a dunk tank. >> Yeah, it's not. >> It's not a pool. You can stand up. >> Yeah. >> I'll throw you on. I'll be there to cheer you on. >> All those in favor signify by saying I. >> I. >> Oppose. Motion passes. >> My granddaughter may not be thrilled. >>
016Item H3 is Decal Virtual Academy parchment instruction agreement. >> For the board's consideration from Mr. Wagner at the high school, the instructure agreement for Decal Virtual Academy to use parchment for all student transcript requests. This service is provided at no cost to current Decal Virtual Academy students as it is paid for schools by the Indiana Commission for Higher Learning. Students may create a parchment account and request transcripts to be sent to post-secary institutions free of charge. This allows for students to have transcripts sent for admission and scholarship purposes when deciding upon their goals after high school. As outlined in the agreement for and I attached the agreement if you wanted to look at that. Students who are alumni of Decal Virtual Academy will also request transcripts at a cost of $4.95 per transcript which is
017a state established fee once a student is no longer actively enrolled in high school. There is no cost to the district for adding or maintaining parchment access to the DVA. This agreement is the same that has been established for the past many years at TCAP High School. We just needed to bring the virtual academy into the fold. So for the board's consideration this evening at this time, I'll entertain a motion. I'll make a motion. Second. >> I have a motion and a second. Any discussion? All those in favor signify by saying I. >> I. I. >> Opposed. Motion passes. Okay. Item H4 is an affiliation agreement concerning placement of Indiana University student. That's me. This evening, I'm seeking the board's approval to enter into an affiliation agreement between the Cal County Central United School District
018and the trustees of Indiana University. This is a repeat performance for us, but it's lapsed. Um, we go about every three years and we haven't had an an IU uh Bloomington. We have not had a student teacher for several years. So, it was time to renew this agreement with the university and get it on record and maybe we'll get one. Bloomington's a pretty far uh placement for IU to come up here in the corner, but once in a while we get them. So, u the key terms of the agreement were listed in there for you. there is no direct cost to the district to to um partake in this agreement and any other incidental costs would be at the expense of Indiana University. And so um just respectfully recommending that you approve the affiliation agreement
019between the CalB Central Schools and Indiana University so that we can assign student teachers when and if that happens. >> Thank you Lori. At this time I'll ask the board for a motion. >> I'll make the motion. Second. >> Um, I have a motion and a second. Any discussion? >> Do Do we currently have an active agreement with Purdue as well? >> No. And I don't I don't get student teachers from Purdue. I can't even We do from Purdue Fort Wayne. We have an agreement with Purdue Fort Wayne. I guess that was wrong when I said no. I was thinking big campus, but but we do with Purdue Fort Wayne. And we do get we do get um student teachers from Purdue Fort Wayne. >> Do we have one with trying still? We I know
020we have a lot of those. >> We have a lot of those. Yeah. >> Okay, we have a motion and a second. Any other discussion? All those in favor signify by saying I. >> I. >> Oppose. Motion passes. Item H5, the acceptance of the 2025 2026 digital STEM integration grant. >> I'm bringing this on behalf of Kelly Hudson. Kelly is one of our innovation tech coaches. I think I mentioned it in my board update, but she would like to let you know that she's very pleased to inform you that our district has been awarded the 202526 STEM integration grant in the amount of $22,200 for the fourth year in a row. Um, this competitive grant is going to support our continued growth and implementation of the Portrait of the Baron competencies through PBL, project-based learning
021across grades K through 12. So, it's districtwide. She shared with you that the grant funds will be used to purchase materials and supplies necessary for the design and implementation of highquality PBL units and provide leadership coaching and professional learning opportunities for administrators and instructional coaches who are leading this work. So this evening I'm respectfully again asking that you support this acceptance of this grant. >> Thank you Lori. Okay. >> At this time I'll entertain a motion to the board. >> Move to approve. I'll second. >> I have a motion and a second. Any discussion? All those in favor signify by saying I. >> I. >> Oppose. Motion passes. >> Great. Thank you. >> Item H6, DHS old uniforms of no value. >> Now, I bring this for athletic director Chris Riker. Our unified football program
022was going through all our closets at the high school and discovered some more old uniforms that they would like to uh request the board deem of no value so they can give out for fundraising or just whatever they want to do. Either discard or try to sell them, give them away, whatever. So, I would just ask the board to deem these uniforms that are several years old of no use to the athletic department. I'll purchase the ECA funds um to deem them of no value so that the athletic department can dispose of or give away. >> Thanks, Mark. This time, I'll entertain a motion. >> Motion to approve. >> I'll second. Have a motion and a second. Any discussion? All those in favor signify by saying I. >> I. I. >> Oppose. Motion passes. Okay.
023This now brings us to item H7, which is our lease bond hearing. At this time, I will request a motion from the board to pause our regular board meeting to hold our project and preliminary hearing for a proposed bond project. This time, I'll ask for a motion. >> I'll make a motion. >> Second. >> I have a motion and a second. Any discussion? >> All those in favor signify by saying I. >> I. >> Oppose. >> Motion passes. Hearing is now open. The next item on the agenda for the board is to hold a project and preliminary hearing on the proposed Bronn project. If you are interested in speaking at the hearing, please make sure you have signed the sign-in sheet signin sheet which should include your name and address. After the presentation, there will
024be an opportunity for the public to make comments about the project. At this hearing, we will ask that each person limit their comments to three minutes and that the topic be limited to the proposed project under consideration. The notice of this preliminary determination hearing was published and as legally required. The first preliminary determination hearing was held on October 28th, 2025. At this time, I will ask that Eric Long from ICE Miller explain the purpose of this hearing. >> Good evening, members of the board administration. Good to see you once again. As president mentioned, we were here about a month ago at the October board meeting um present upon the project and at that time there was no action to be taken just presentation and public comments. Um so checking two different statuto boxes this evening
025pursuing the title 20 of the code for school corporation can finance more than $1 million for any school construction renovation etc. uh there must be a hearing at which the projects and the benefits of those projects to the committee are going to be presented and then similarly pursuant to title six of the Indiana code. Um any school corporation must hold two public hearings and at the second of those hearings that being this evening um consider a resolution for a preliminary determination to enter into one or more lease agreements to issue bonds for these projects. Um again first hearing was a month ago. This represents the second of those two hearings. Happy to entertain any questions you may have. And this is for the go bond and the or is this just the project bond for
0262026? >> This is just for 2026 and beyond. So um at the October hearing we had the final bond resolution for the go bond. So this is just to talk about the BAC and the PAC. So the the impact to the debt services account for the go bond does not go into effect until 2026. Is that correct or >> that's correct. >> So when will the effect for this bond go into effect? 2026 or 2027. >> So this is just the first step in the process. Um, and if things go according to the timeline, if we were to issue bonds as soon as calendar year 2026, the first opportunity to levy would be in 2027 and beyond. I don't want to steal Steve's thunder our banker. Luke's room is here as well and he I
027believe is going to have some pretty detailed charts that will help paint that picture as well. But just to bring it back from a legal perspective, we do not have the ability to levy property taxes until the year beyond which sponsor issue. >> Okay, >> if there are no questions and I'll pass the respect president to talk about the projects. >> Thank you so much. Okay, at this time I'm going to turn it over to Steve Ters about the process of determining and communicating the project to the community and the need for the project. >> Thank you, Valerie. Dalb Central Schools remains committed to providing exceptional learning experiences and opportunities for nearly 3,600 students that we serve. This initiative represents a continuation of that commitment, an investment in our students, our schools, and the future
028of our community. The proposed improvements to the performing arts center and the construction of a new Baron activity center, both connected to Dalb High School on the 612 campus, are the result of years of thoughtful planning and collaboration. The performing arts center renovation will modernize decades old choir, band, and theater spaces and includes the addition of a new dedicated band instructional area. Enhancements that will elevate the performing arts experience for students across the district. The Baron Activity Center will provide muchneeded, safe, and flexible space to support the wide range of student activities that enrich learning and growth. Together, these improvements will benefit students throughout Dalp Central Schools. These priorities were shaped through extensive engagement with our partners at Garmin Miller and most importantly through the meaningful work of the operations committee and the facilities and
029operations advisory group. Over the past two years, these groups composed of dedicated community members, schoolboard members, administrators, and staff have provided invaluable insight, feedback, and forwardthinking guidance. Their involvement ensures that this initiative reflects the needs, values, and aspirations of the community we proudly serve. This proposal is more about than just facilities. It is about creating safe, modern, and dynamic environments where students can learn, create, perform, and thrive. It builds upon previous investments and continues our shared legacy of responsible planning and community supported improvement. Thank you. >> Thank you, Steve. We will now hear from Derek Luth with our architectural firm from Garmin Miller about how the proposed project meets the needs as just described. >> Y what do you want? Do you want the video first? >> Um we can play play video. Let's let's
030show the video and then we'll go through his PowerPoint. Heat. Heat. Heat. All right. So, hello. My name is Derek Booth. I'm one of the directors and architectural designers for Garden. Um, I just want to take the opportunity to just thank everybody um and just let you know how grateful we are to work with a community that cares about its staff and its students so deeply. Over the next few minutes, I'm going to try to explain these two projects in further detail, answer any question the school board has for the preliminary design work. So, beginning in the performing arts center, the project consists of both interior renovations as well as a new addition near the front entrance of the high school. The renovations focus on revitalizing the existing corridors through practice spaces, making them more
031functional, flexible for the needs of the program. The addition creates new dedicated space for both band practice as well as providing support restrooms, dressing rooms, and associated equipment storage for the arts as a whole. The exterior construction of the addition is a balance between matching the existing brick facade and the banding from your existing campus while also creating a new prominent presence at the campus entrance with new signage and modern design elements. Few prominent design features include the upper clear story glazing at the perimeter of the addition as well as a new dedicated covered entrance for the students events and loading needs of the program itself. The renovation scope updates the existing interior finishes in the corridors, green rooms, dressing rooms, as well as creating a new communal lounge for students to use during the
032school day as well as special events. Also part of the renovation, we're updating both the vocal and theatrical rooms and filling the existing recessed flooring elements to create accessible, flexible spaces for the future. Inside of each of these spaces, we're also reconfiguring the existing interior walls and programming to create new offices, practice rooms, and storage rooms to fit the current and future needs of the students and staff. As part of the new addition, we're adding new group restrooms, a new dressing room, and inter internal circulation corridor for new dedicated entrance. This area will also house equipment storage for varying sizes and needs of the band program. The addition will feature consistent finishes and wayfinding from the renovation to the new addition as well. At the heart of the new addition is a new 4,500 ft
033of flexible rehearsal space. Various teaching walls allow for this room to be used for differentiz groups and configurations as well. The new band room also includes solo duet ensemble practice rooms for flexible use, a director's office and independent storage equipment for music library and color guard as well as the band equipment itself. Moving on to the Baron Activity Center. The proposed design is new 33,000 square foot addition to the northwest corner of the existing high school consisting of a 26,000t activity center with connecting hall of fame corridor and new entrances at both the high school and the activity center for daily access and special event access. The construction of the center consists of a pre-engineered building with exterior brick and insulated metal panels with an end feature element of the north side and clear stories
034on both the east and the west sides of the building. The new entrances and connecting corridor are conventionally framed and clad in a complimentary middle panel to the activity center itself. New canopies, these red accent features and signage will create a new elevated focal point in the heart of the campus. On the interior of the Baron activity center, there's a new lobby consisting of concessions and event boards and glazing for visibility into the activity activity center itself. Within the activity center, you'll see clear pre-engineer building structure which allows for open and flexible use of the space for multiple different uses and activities. Court marking, wayfinding, um, and walking tracks will allow for further flexibility for different groups to use. space at the same time. The event center also houses support spaces including locker rooms, restrooms,
035equipment storage, um, and ancillary spaces for both the center and the greater campus as well. The last element of the new addition is a hall of fame corridor. This not only connects the high school to the activity center, but also creates an elevated experience for students, staff, and visitors as they use the space. At this time, I'd like to ask the board if they have any thoughts or questions on the preliminary. I had a question. Um, I believe we discussed this before, but I know you just didn't mention it, but um, this new addition with the Baron activity center, does that allow the reconfiguration of the HVAC to the oxy gym? Was that >> Yes, that will be part of it. >> So, I just wanted the public to know that because that's a very
036hot >> Yeah, hot. >> The auxiliary gym will have will have air with this project. Yes. >> Thank you. >> The athletic center is 26,000 square feet. Is that right? >> Yes, that's correct. >> And so when you're when you're kind of comparing the overall square footage that 26,000 square feet, that's subtracting all that support space. So the locker rooms, the restrooms, um the storage, the concourse So those are kind of separated out from that 3600 square feet. >> What's the total total? >> Total is 33,000 square feet overall discussion. >> I personally really enjoy the video. I don't know when the technology started for you guys to be able to actually see and like feel like you're in that space, but that's amazing and amazing for you guys to be able to share with
037us. >> No problem. >> Thanks everybody. >> Thank you Derek. >> Derek, thanks Derek. Okay, we will now hear from Luke Bugamman from Stifle, our bond underwriter, about how the proposed project will be financed as well as the information from about the effect on the typical property taxpayer. All right, good evening. Luke Brman with Steel. Uh we serve as B underwriter for the school corporation. These slides should look pretty familiar because they are the exact same slides that we walked through last month. Um so if you first thing we always start with is school corporation outstanding debt payments. You have three bond issues outstanding the 2021 bonds 2023 bonds and the 2024 bonds. As we discussed last month you have debt falling off uh beginning in 2026 uh again in 2029 again in 2031. So
038we've really been able to repay this debt back set you up to uh be able to fund this project without really increasing the the taxes among the community. This does not include the 25 GO bonds that were just sold. Uh we'll get to that here in a second. Those closed December 11th. They have been sold, but since they haven't closed yet, I I opted not to change the presentation. Uh so the next slide is the school corporation's current debt service levy. This is essentially the ask of the community in a dollar amount to make those principal and interest payments. Uh it's really just factoring in some miscellaneous revenue and cash on hand. Otherwise, you'll see it really follows the same footprint as that previous slide. We factor in the 2025 geo bonds that is in
039blue here. Again, you'll see that hits the levy beginning in 2026 and then we leave capacity beginning in 2027 for this project. In green would be the $30 million project, $30.8 million total borrowing uh for this project. And the goal here would be that we're going to maintain the 2026 debt service levy. Um, this would go out 20 years, which is longer than where your current debt is, but u, and I think we've talked about potential refinancings uh on previous bond issues, but given that this is 20 years, uh, this would give you the ability to still come back and refinance that at a later date, typically in the 8 to 10 year period. We're assuming an interest rate of 5%. If you sold a 20-year bond issue today, it's in the 375 to 4%
040range. Um, we're also assuming that you issue all 30.8 million at one time. Typically with these projects, you don't need all of the funds on day one. So, we don't want you to pay interest on those funds on day one. So, we may issue a smaller portion to kind of kickstart the funding of that project uh and then come back at a later date. And that would really help reduce the capitalized interest amount that we'll show on the next page. Last thing I'll mention here too is not only do we want to ma maintain that 26 debt service levy, but we also want to ma maintain capacity for future needs. We know this is going to take care of a lot of your needs. We all we also know that there's a lot of needs
041that just are going to come up over the next 5 10 15 20 years. So these are the maximum legal parameters. Again, these are the same parameters that we showed at the la last month's hearing. The only difference is that these numbers will be in the resolution set forth in front of you tonight. These are maximums. We can come down from them but once they are set we cannot go above them. So the total borrowing amount or par amount of the bonds would be uh 30,800,000. Uh estimated cost of issuance capitalized interest and underwriters discount of 1,260,000. Uh leaving total uh proceeds available for the project of the hard and soft project cost of 29,540,000. Estimated interest rate range of 2 to 7%. Again, uh we run everything at 5% which is uh more than
042a full percent higher than where market rates are at today. Maximum term of the bond issue is 20 years. Uh and that calculates to a total interest cost of 19,892,25. Maximum annual payments you can make in any given year on this specific project is 4 million. And if you simply divide that by the school corporation's net assessed value, you get a maximum tax rate impact of 0.2095. However, that does not factor in any debt falling off that we show on the prior page. You factor that in. There's a 0 tax increase over the 2026 debt service levy. There's a couple other ratios down there at the bottom. The first one is a school corporation's maximum annual payments as a percentage of your net assessed value is 36%. Then the second one is the direct and
043overlapping debt as a percentage of of your net assessed value. That's just taking into account the county, township, library, school corporation, all of the property tax debt uh of any municipal entity that that your taxpayer would pay as a percentage of your net assessed value. So again, you'll see those numbers in the resolution. uh tonight. So, I wanted to make sure that I went over them. I'm happy to answer any questions that the board or administration has or or go anything go over anything again if it would be helpful. >> The maximum annual payment is 4 million. Is that what we're planning on from a budget standpoint then? >> No, it'll it'll be if I go back on this, I was >> um she can go back for you. >> I made that mistake before.
044>> Me, too. the if you look down kind of like 20 240 and beyond that the number is really clo going to be closer to likely about $3 million. We always kind of build in make add some cushion there to be conservative just in case anything changes between now and when we actually issue the bonds. This is really the the first step or I guess maybe the second step in the legal process. Uh so we always want to leave some cushion in there to not constrain the school if anything changes. >> So if if they were I'm just throwing hypotheticals. If we were able to have a fundraiser that raised million. We could apply that plus the three million that we got to the maximum of $4 million. >> Eric, do you want to answer
045that about fundraisers? I don't >> I don't know how that how that works actually. >> Yeah, we'll go back to the legal question. Um, and it's a good one too because what the presentation that we see here and the materials that are for your consideration do not account for anything like donations, grants, etc. Um from a legal perspective, donations, grants, anything of that nature do not need to go into the total project cost. Um many reasons for that because in many cases um pledges donations may be pledged over time. They may not be in hand by the time you have hearings like we're having tonight, right? Because this is just the first step in a very long process. Um and so donations could certainly be applied in the future. It would not impact what you
046see here, but it's something to to more directly your question. We could certainly apply future donations, pledges, etc. Depending upon how any donor um verbalizes that particular pledge, we could apply that to this project for sure. >> Interest income same. >> I'm sorry. >> Interest income could be used as the same. >> Yes. Um that that actually goes to what Mr. mentioned as far as not doing the full borrowing amount up front. If the construction process is going to play out over one, two, three years, um there is some strategy to borrowing only the dollars that you need so that you can invest those and maximize the interest earnings and not have to rebate anything back to the IRS, for example. Um, so that's something we we talk through when we get further on down
047the line, closer to the time of the bond sale, is looking at when are the construction draws actually going to be needed and what would be some potential investment vehicles um that are permissible by Indiana state law and according to our rating agencies um to try to be able to earn interest dollars on those bond proceeds. >> So if if we issued the let's just say we issued the entire bond in January of >> and we started the performing arts project and we waited for a year to start the athletic complex, none of this would change. >> Correct. >> Other than we would have money that we would earn interest on and then >> That's right. And actually, as you look at these graphs, like what what we're not doing this evening is finalizing that
048particular graph. As Mr. Bur mentioned, all we're doing is setting the project maximums. Um, so there could come a time when we get market um to further fine-tune exactly how many years of repayment are going to occur. It's just that the maximum underneath the law is 20 years. So that's we're showing just for sake of these graphs this evening. >> And I'll add one more thing too. So on the max annual payment, uh that also gives you the ability if you wanted to short up 20 years to 18 years or 17, your payments are going to be a little bit higher out there. So we do leave some flexibility for that in case that wanted to be shortened up later on. But then again, if we bond the full amount in 2026, that full bonded
049amount would affect the taxes, not necessarily our borrowing, but the issuance of the bond would affect the total taxes, right? >> When you say it affect the total taxes, tell us that. >> So, if if we only took 18 million out in 2026 and we took 12 million out in 2027, right? Our tax rate would still be the same as if we took out the 30 million in year one. >> Yeah. So the the difference would be if we issued all 30.8 on on day one. We'd like to have some capitalized interest because those first couple payments 27 I think we've talked about that before. The capitalized interest essentially uh the bond holder needs to get paid interest on the bonds that are due. So it's either coming from the school corporations levy or fun
050from bond proceeds. So if we did the full 30.8 we'd have to take some of the bond proceeds and and use capitalized interest to to make that. If we can split it up and I think your example was 12 and 18, if we're only paying on interest on 12 million, that interest cost is going to be less. So, we likely wouldn't have to use capitalized interest. So, then at that point, we could either downsize the the total borrowing amount or allow for more dollars to flow to the project fund. And that's just something that we're going to have to uh once we get closer to that that point, we'll have to work with with the administration and the construction team to see exactly how much do you need and what is the the right approach.
051You want to have extra interest earnings uh if interest rates are still high or does it make more sense to not borrow as much up front to reduce that capitalized interest amount? >> And a couple things I would point out, great job fellas. Thank you. As I've worked with Luke, um, as you look at this graph, as you look at the difference between 2027 to 2028, you see our existing gray bar debt drop considerably. Then you look to 2031 when the 2023 bond drops off, you see it drop even more. Couple things to keep in mind. Sorry, I know we're way up here right now, and I apologize. We try to That's why I love these guys. They they bring it down to reality for me. Couple things to keep in mind. Number one, we're
052going to lose that debt, which is going to help us with our with the needed tax rate for debt service. The other thing to keep in mind is the GO bond you guys just approved had about $1.9 million for me to use for deferred maintenance, which will also protect my tax rate for ops and would allow me to funnel more to the debt service. All that is said, my strategy has been protect our tax levy and protect the rate for our taxpayers as much as possible. The timing of this was really good from the standpoint of we're losing a bunch of debt in 2028 and we're losing a big chunk in 2031. If we can space out the financing, which it sounds like we're going to be able to do as I as I consult
053with Garmin Miller um and I'm not I'm not putting you know what is it the cart for the horse here um and FCI just trying to get some opinions from from construction companies. we will be able to tier the money coming in which will also protect our debt service rate. We won't have to take the whole 30 million like you're saying in 2026 so we can keep the rate as palpable as possible for our taxpayers. I I have approached this project um out of necessity and I've coupled that with um taxpayer paying and I don't want that. I don't want to raise tax rates. Um, obviously SEA1 is forcing our hand a little bit there as we look at property tax reform, but everything we're doing, I know this graph gets a little tricky to
054look at, but if you can focus in on that gray bar and see how it's dropping in 28 and 31, that's huge. That's that's $2 million worth of debt service payments that will drop off in 2029, and it's another $2 million of payments that will drop off in 2031 that we can then, you know, focus on. We're obviously going to have our payments with this new bond, but that won't make the rate explode as it could if we didn't have debt dropping off, if that makes sense. Sorry, I hope I didn't I I don't even like talking when these guys are up here because they're they're far more knowledgeable than me, but I did want to point that out as my strategy as we approach these two bonds. It's really important to remember that GO
055bond had $1.9 million for deferred maintenance, which means I won't be using money from the ops fund, which means 27 budget. Hopefully, I'll be able to pull back a little bit on ops and and and what I'm asking the state for in terms of levy. Um, and that can be deferred into the in the debt service. So, the rate will hopefully stay steady as his graph is showing you. >> I don't know how I did there, Luke. I always look to you guys for money. >> So in essence, we got a flexibility to pivot in case economic conditions aren't favorable. We can extend the terms or alternate the terms when we get to that point if we do divide it up into two bonds. So really gives you flexibility. >> Absolutely. And we and we
056still have debt capacity past next year. That's the other key with this. >> And it helps keep that will help you give another lever to keep the the rate steady. >> Absolutely. >> Makes sense. Done. >> Thank you. >> Thanks, guys. >> Thank you, Luke and Eric. >> Okay, we will now begin the public hearing. I did not have anyone sign up um in the hallway um for this specific hearing. But if you would like to speak, I ask you to just come up to the podium if you have anything to say. The audience It was the video. I bet the video just sent them all over the edge. My favorite part of the video was watching Josh and Chris or two of our performing arts people. >> Yeah. >> It's like the old movie
057Smile. I mean, the grin was >> ear to ear. >> The directors were both female. >> Oh, >> dang. That's a tough crowd. >> They still smiled. They still smiled. I will also point out that Chris started to get a little bored when we started talking about the money. I could tell you're a little bored. >> All right. Well, thank you all to who participated in the hearing. We appreciate your time and your interest in our projects and the future of our community. At this time, I will ask for a motion to end our project hearing and resume our regular board meeting. >> Do I have a motion? >> I'll make a motion to end the hearing. >> I'll second. I have a motion and a second. Any further discussion? All those in favor signify
058by saying I. I. >> I. >> Oppose. Motion passes. Okay. We will now begin the next portion of our meeting um to discuss the project resolution. I will ask Eric to come back up to the podium. Okay. Yes. As promised, there would be board action this evening. So, this is the first of three resolutions as you can see on the screens here in this room um related to the approval of the project. This project resolution um this is pursuant to title 20. Um again, whenever a school corporation is planning to finance more than $1 million in any project. Um this resolution is required. It contains the estimated hard and soft construction costs and establishes the total project cost as well as the tax impact which is what you saw Mr. improvements slides a few months
059ago regarding all the project maximums. >> Okay. Thank you. At this time, could I have a motion to adopt the project resolution? >> I'll make a motion. >> A second. >> I have a motion and a second. Any discussion? >> All those in favor signify by saying I. >> I. >> Oppose. Motion passes. Okay. Next, could I have a I guess do I ask you turn it back over to you? I'm sorry. All right. Um, next I will have the preliminary determination of the resolution required when a school corporation is planning to finance more than a certain amount for a given project. It contains the total project costs, maximum annual payment and lease term and other financial terms such as estimated principal amount of the tax burden. That was Eric's part. >> Oh, I'm sorry.
060>> But it's okay. He might be able to add something. >> Eric, do you have anything else to describe? >> Two sense that this is, as I mentioned before the hearing, this is the resolution regarding title six, which is a separate statute. A lot of overlapping information as you mentioned that talks about the financial terms of the project. >> All right. Thank you. Can I have a motion to adopt the preliminary determination resolution? I'll make a motion. >> Second. >> I have a motion and a second. Any further discussion? >> All those in favor signify by saying I. >> I. Oppose. Motion passes. And next, Eric, >> reimbursement. >> This is just a reservation of rights for federal tax purposes. It is very common that the time we have hearings and the time we get
061to closing on the bonds, there's some other work, preliminary work that needs to be done, things like architect fees, moving of the dirt, utility work, etc. Um, and so in order to allow flexibility to basically kind of temporarily pay for those expenses, this resolution basically um again for federal tax purposes grants the ability of a school corporation to front those costs before closing on the bond issue and then to reimburse yourselves out of the bonds for those preliminary costs. Just a reservation in place. >> Okay. Thank you. Can I have a motion to to adopt the reimbursement resolution? >> Motion to approve. >> I'll second. >> I have a motion and a second. Any discussion? All those in favor signify by saying I. >> I. >> Opposed. Motion passes. Thank you. All right, that concludes
062our agenda items. Um, this will bring us to our miscellaneous portion of the meeting. Um, I'll open that up to our board members if you have anything this evening. >> I got a few. >> Is the concession stand done yet? >> Very close. >> Thought the black top was >> the asphalt in. >> Yeah, >> the fences are down. So, it looks >> looks good. So basically we'll be done in December. >> Yeah. I'd say we're at 95% right now percentage. >> No, it looks good. Project looks good. >> Progress on the five to 10 year plan. >> We're getting there. We're working on it. Matt's um created the spreadsheet. We're working with the maintenance department. Um working with Garmin Miller and hopefully have something at the next FO meeting to present to look over
063to see where we're what everybody thinks of it. Again, that that's really the contingency on the bond. >> We talked about that in the committee meeting. Y that was one of the things that we had to have in place. And I'm not saying it has to be perfect. It's not what I said. Just got to have a plan because again, I I think there's been some great discussion here tonight that the committee has helped us all compromise, get an overall project goal that we all agree upon. I think the facilities that we're asking for are very nice. I think we've compromised on price by different design structures. Um, and I think the go bond is also going to meet some of the other project needs that we first talked about in 2023 when we started
064that discussion. Um but again having that plan so that we can explain it to the general public or they can go to the website if they have questions is just crucial. I think it's crucial to the overall progress that we've made in the last couple years that that progress keeps moving forward. So with the buy in of the community >> I I would say and Matt correct me if you think I'm wrong. Um, as I've looked at the spreadsheet we've created, I think we're pretty much there from our standpoint if if it's done. I'm happy to share it with the board to look over. I was just kind of holding back until we had the Fosure meeting to let everybody give me some input. Um, but big ticket items, HVAC, things like that, they're they're
065all completed and all part of it. Roofing. >> So, I'll share that with the board. I'll just put it in I'll put it in the board packet of this month. So, you can take a look at that and I'll email you all just to remind you that when I have it there, >> the next facilities meeting is Thursday, December 4th at 6 PM. >> Right. >> So, again, with that said, right, we've we've got to start, if I remember, right, I have to pull the spreadsheet up. It's been a while. I think we had $85 million worth of projects >> to complete in 2022 that we started with. >> Yeah, somewhere around there, I believe. And from 2020 when we approve this next bond from 2023 to current will have reinvested $62 million. >> Yeah,
066we've we've taken a huge chunk of it away. We've, like you said, we've uh changed a lot of the plans we've had. We're trying to be as fiscally responsible as we can. Um it's just kind of where we're at. >> The the biggest part though is we're we're not done. Yeah, >> we'll never be done. >> That list that list will continue to grow, right? >> Absolutely. >> How what's the plan to >> keep the ball rolling and keep our facilities up because now we've we've added square footage that we have to maintain. So, >> absolutely. >> Okay, let's see. Oh, last but not least, um, any more thought to a sign or some kind of posting for our community business boosters? We talked about >> Yeah, I think we talked about that at facilities,
067correct? >> Might have been facilities that we talked about. >> And I think um, each of our activities promotes their sponsors kind of in different ways. They'll list them in their programs. If you go over to tennis right now, they have banners for all the sponsors. >> And so I think we'll come together and just continue that discussion to see if we want to do something more uniform across all of our activities so that we're not just, you know, a hit and miss kind of. But we've had some some additional discussion on just we have a lot of donations. We have a lot of sponsorships and making sure that whatever we do, we certainly appreciate all the different sponsors we have like the donations we we received tonight from so many different people and and
068businesses. We just want to make sure that we're doing it in a uniform manner that we don't just have a lot of one-offs depending on the activity or the or the activi the the the team or the uh activity that's going on at the time. So continued discussion on that and what that's going to look like moving forward. >> There's just a a lot of people have serious pride in knowing that >> their employer is helping support the school district. >> And today, especially the younger generation, that's one of the first things that they look at before they go to work somewhere is whether or not they're involved in the community. And if they already know they're involved in the community because they saw it at the schools, it'll make that much easier for us
069to retain the kids that were educating in our own community. And that's going to be huge because we can't keep losing everybody in Indianapolis. >> Okay, that's all I got. >> Thank you. >> Thanksgiving break. Teachers need a break. Everybody does. So, uh, drive safe, eat light, come back next week, please. Uh, winter activities. I try to name them all, but man, in the winter time, it's Hang on. Here they come. So, we've got fine arts, practical arts, sports. It's happenings. So, just look online because sometimes they change because of the weather. Hopefully, no fog. >> Yeah. >> I'm sorry. I didn't mean to say that. um musical Elf coming up December 5th, 6th, and 7th. So, I'm curious to see how this is going to be. You know, Jed, he always has something up
070his sleeve. So, if you're not busy that next weekend, get out and see what's going on. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Real quick on the facilities, I have to say I'm impressed. Uh it's not a pull barn and it's not over the top. So, that's why the best I think the design is good and solid. Um, again, I think the good, like Tony says, having a plan, getting this out there and communicating to the community, it's it's going to go well. And what people have to remember, this is a result of the operations committee and flag is that fog, sorry, is a result of those committees and a collaborative effort. So, I mean, you know, this is what folks are wanting and again, uh, to the point we're not going over the top and
071it's again, it's not a pull barn. So, I think from that perspective, it's good. Another thing I think everybody should be proud of, especially administration, over the last seven years, not only have we lowered the tax rate, but we've taken care of a lot of unfund infrastructure projects over the years that don't get a lot of curb appeal and that go on and nobody sees. So, I think that's a testament and thankful for everybody involved. Uh, again, as Thanksgiving comes, thankful for all the teachers, uh, staff and and volunteer students for all you guys do for our kids. >> Thank you. I would just echo that. I'm really proud and thankful today. There's a lot of exciting things going on and I'm just I'm really excited. So, thank you everybody. >> I agree. And um
072also I know we keep talking about this um advisory group FOAG operations, but I I really want to thank everyone that has given their time over the last couple years. We have so many different community members that have brought in so much insight and their perspective and their professional opinions and I I think that it was the right thing to do and have these groups. Um so if anyone else wants to continue to be involved. Um I um ask you to reach out and find out when the meetings are. Um we usually always post those on social media as well. Um, but anyone's welcome to participate if you have more insight and ideas for um, our future. I think that would be great. So, um, thank you. And I'll let our administration go now. >>
073I just want just a shout out to one of our high school teachers, Ashley Johnson. and you heard the news earlier when she was a recipient of the Milin Award which is a national award um that seeks out just outstanding teachers and the significance of that is it's not something that someone applies for. It's just this organization seeks out individuals who uh do their best make a huge impact and we we have a lot of great teachers. We're certainly uh happy for Ashley and what she has been recognized for. Last Friday evening, the Indiana Department of Education held their Indiana Educational Excellence Awards um Friday night downtown and Mr. Wagner and I had the opportunity to attend that with her and help celebrate that award down uh in Indie. There were only two Milin um
074awardees from the state of Indiana this past year. So, congratulations to Ashley. She's doing lots of different things and uh certainly proud of her and certainly she represents, you know, really all of our great teachers that we have in our staff and we're we're glad to see the spotlight on her for what she does for our students. But I just wanted to mention that. >> I just want it's Thanksgiving and and I I told Steve I never get tired of seeing that video and tapping my feet to the music and you know growing up in this community and and nearby and and watching Decal, you know, from elementary school all the way, I am so proud and thankful for the commitment and the passion that not only this board has, but our community and even
075our students and and if you think other people aren't watching and and and really excited for us, I I can tell you just just up the road a little bit, it it's being talked about and in a way that makes me very proud. proud because we've been sensible and we've been conscientious and we've been transparent and open and I'm really proud of that and I it's going to be a beautiful place. >> Geez, you guys all took what I wanted to talk about. So, I I'll stay in that same vein. Um, excuse me. I do really appreciate the support of the board on this project. It's never easy to vote yes when you're bonding $30 million. I get it. It's a big deal. Um, I can't I'm sure I'd forget people if I started to
076thank individuals that helped us through this process. Um, it's big undertaking. I would single out one person, Gina Burr, has picked up a ton of my slack as I've worked on this project and many of the other bondings. Um, she keeps our business office running like a clock and uh, I can't thank her enough for being my right hand in the business office. But I appreciate the community. Uh, the video is amazing. We're going to have it on our social media. We're going to have boards made that can be out so people can see what's going to happen with this project. Um, nothing but excitement. I don't I don't know where my wife stands on this. You know, we we had thought that I would probably retire pretty soon. But, um, I don't think I'm
077not going to see this project through. I want to see it through. I want to see this happen. Steve and I have been here 33 years. This is probably one of the most exciting moments of my career, and I thank you guys for that. >> Thank you. One thing too, and Mark brought this up in in the uh committee meeting, is that and I I guess I had to think about it after he said it, >> our middle school and high school share a number of facilities >> where other schools, middle school has their facilities and the high school has their facilities. >> And that's another way that we've been able to >> as an overall organization for a long time been able to control cost. So, >> that's a big benefit for us and
078that gives us the opportunity to do these things that we're doing now. >> Absolutely. >> All right. At this time, I'll open it up to the audience. I did have one um person that signed up to speak. Um Mr. Helms, you may take the podium. >> Good evening, Cal Central School Board Administration. I appreciate this opportunity to uh speak on a matter um that's come to my attention. Um I'm here to address some statements made by one of the board members um during last month's uh school board meeting and I have a letter prepared by my attorneys from Beers Morers's back and sail in Fort Wayne that I'd like to present the board. Uh, if you would receive it. Detective Sergeant John Helming with Fort Police Department. I am the dire supervisor of the digital
079forensics unit there. And um I'd like the opportunity to either read or have read this letter into public record uh due to statements made during last month's meeting. Your preference would be >> um you can go ahead and read it. >> Okay. >> Dear members of the board of the Dal County Central United School District, our firm here represents John J. Humpsy. Mr. Mr. Hson is a respected law enforcement professional who has spent 30 years in public service and has spent his life building a positive reputation. Mr. Helmson currently serves as a sergeant with the Fort Wayne Police Department. It has come to our attention that a member of your board of the Dal County Central United School District here forward referred to as the board Greg Glance recently made defamatory statements regarding Mr. Helming.
080Specifically during the board's public meeting on October 28, 2025, Mr. Lance made the following public comments. Yes, it was on 11:21 2024 myself, board member Jeff Johnson, board member Tony Baker got emails from a Fort Wayne PD officer with the same last name as our HR director. Also, Mr. Baker got emails to two of his personal emails. Now, they claim that this is a bot attack. Ladies and gents, I would think that they would understand who they're attacking because I work and make bots for a living. So, the only way that this bot attack and it came from the person's uh and source it was was Mr. Huming had to have my email, Jeff Johnson's email, Tony Baker's email, and Tony Baker's personal emails in his contacts list. Any IT professional will tell you that
081hands down. Through these comments, Mr. Lance clearly indicates that Mr. Helming committed or somehow orchestrated a cyber attack via email against Mr. Lance, Mr. Johnson, and Mr. Baker, and that two, Mr. Helming subsequent subsequently lied and attempted to wrongfully deflect responsibility for the attack. These accusations are false and completely baseless. Furthermore, Mr. lands had reason to know his statements were false. In November 2024, malicious email attack was investigated by the city of Fort Wayne and its IT service provider. The investigation revealed that a malicious email had been received by a number of city employees from an external contact which was responsible for the originating email. Accordingly, any malicious emails received by Mr. Lance or other members of the board in November of 2024 are understood to have originated from an external email attack and certainly
082not from any intentional or malicious conduct by Mr. Helming. Mr. Lance's accusations against Mr. Helming related to the malicious email attacks or malicious emails are completely false and lack any factual basis. Indiana law prohibits defamation which entails making statements that tend so to do harm to the reputation or of another as to lower him in estimation of the community or to deter a third person from associated or dealing with him. This is based on Newman versus the Jewish Community Center Association of Indianapolis um previous case law. Liability for defamation under Indiana law results in the following four elements are met. The speaker has made a communication with defamatory imputation. The speaker acted with malice. The speaker statement was shared via publication. And the defamed party has suffered damages. Again, noting the same uh Newman versus
083Jewish Community Center case law. Mr. Lance's accusations against Mr. Helming are destructive, defamatory under Indiana law. And further detail below Mr. Helming's demands that Mr. Lance and the board immediately retract these statements. Cease and desist from making any further defamatory statements about Mr. Helming and comply with all other demands set forth in this letter. Specifically, Mr. Hson hereby demands that Mr. Mr. Lance and the board comply with all the following. Mr. Lance and all other members of the board must immed immediately cease and desist from making any further verbal or written statements unlawfully defaming Mr. Heling within 15 days days of the date of this letter being received. Mr. lands must publicly retract the defamatory statements described above and apologize at the next public meeting of the board. Seeing within 15 days of the day
084of this letter, the board must censure Mr. Lance for Mr. Lance defamatory statements as described above. This letter is not intended to provide a full recitation of the facts and or a complete review of the applicable law. Nothing contained or in or emitted from this letter should be deemed to be a limitation, restriction, or waiver of any of Mr. Helming's rights or remedies. Mr. Helming expressly reserves all of his legal and equitable rights and remedies, including the right to seek injective relief and recover monetary damages. I'd like to address some of the statements made. Madam President, >> go ahead. >> I felt this issue was serious enough to address um during this meeting given that the statements were made in uh during the last board meeting. So much so that I'm missing my son's senior
085year banquet to be here tonight instead sending my wife um to have pictures for me to review at a later time. Mr. Lance's statements are damaging to my professional reputation. For the past 14 years of my nearly 30-year career, I've been a certified digital forensics examiner for my agency, now serving as the supervisor of that unit. This role has required extensive ongoing training and many certifications in different forensic disciplines. In this role, I have testified in federal and state courts as a subject matter expert and countless criminal trials. His completely baseless and reckless statements jeopardized my credibility and the public's trust regarding my ethics in this capacity. Part of this training included network intrusion training at the National Computer Forensics Institute through the United States Secret Service. So fishing attacks are an area I have
086some experience with. Fish and email attacks generally require an action by the user operating an attachment opening an attachment or hyperlink. However, some fishing email attacks are now using AI powered worms to exploit the user's email assistant by replicating prompts to steal personal data and launch campaigns without requiring a user's action to advance the cyber attack. A recent example of this would be the Morris 2 worm one uh for one of these attacks. Mr. Lance indicated on November 21st, 2024, my email account, as Mr. Lance indicated my email account was the a victim of a fishing email attack. Mr. Lance received an email due due to his carbon copy on an email string during which uh I was coordinating health insurance benefits of my life um and between my employer and the school district. I've
087never had any direct con correspondence with anyone other than my wife and the director of business operations, Miss Gina Burr. uh both of whom also received this fishing email. Mr. Lance indicated he attempted to contact me about the issue but received an out office reply and received no further correspondence from me on this matter. The week prior to the incident, we had a death in our family and I was on briement leave the week of this attack. The attack occurred while my spouse and I were actually receiving friends and family paying the respects at the funeral home. Upon return to work, I had over 700 messages regarding this attack. I contacted I was contacted by the school district's attorney, Mr. Shelley, regarding the incident. I provided him with all the information on this matter and
088the contact information for the city of Fort Wayne's IT provider for further information regarding the attack. Mr. Shelley stated that I need not to take any further action with m Mr. Lance's message as he was in investigating the matter. Upon also reviewing the October 28th board meeting, school board president Valerie Armstrong summarized that the results of an over $4,000 investigation paid by the school district found that the attorney general of Indiana, the state's high highest legal authority, had concluded no criminal actions in this matter. In summary, I find it horribly egregious that Mr. Lance, an elected member of the school board, would utilize his position to accuse a public servant of criminal activity, defaming their credibility through his u baseless theories supported by zero evidence. I would anticipate that his constitu constituents who elected him
089to this position would expect more professional behavior. My hope in addressing this issue tonight would be that if given the opportunity to speak further on the matter, Mr. Lance, issue a retraction of all previous statements regarding me or my wife's involvement and make a public apology to us for the damage that has caused to our reputation. >> Thank you, Madame President. I hate to kind of sell you what's been a very positive evening here. I've enjoyed watching all the positive improvements here around the school district and what you have to come. Um, my wife has really enjoyed coming into the Decal Central family and I wish you the best of luck on anything you have planned. >> Thank you for being here, Mr. Helpsing. >> Does anyone else have anything this evening? >> Okay, at
090this time um we will adjourn our meeting. I will read into the minutes that our next facility and operations advisory group meeting is December 4th at 6 o'clock PM here at central office. Our next regular board meeting is December 16th here again at central office. At this time, I'll ask for a motion to adjourn. I'll make a motion. >> I'll second. >> I have a motion and a second. Any discussion? >> Can Can we meet like real quick for one question after this like in the execession? Um, >> we do that next board meeting. >> We'll have to schedule >> next board meeting. >> Yes, we do not have an executive session scheduled for this evening. So, >> all those in favor signify by saying I. >> I. >> Oppos. Motion passes. Good evening everyone
091and happy Thanksgiving. Thank you for being here.