001Any patron concerns this evening? >> Patron concerns. >> Now, we're limitable standing. My name's Robert Shoemaker, resident here of Oakland City all my life. My concern is is why all of a sudden here we're having to discuss this of cutting these uh custodial workers out of the union representation. That's my concerns. >> Well, I can respond to that from the corporation's perspective. We're just exploring that as an option right now. It's not necessarily going to happen, but that if you look at the local news, there's a lot of local units of government, whether that's county, city, town, school corporation that's having to react to what your state legislators did in what's called SEA one, Senate, and Road Act One. and it's put uh all of these units of government in in a position that they've
002got to respond to the financial demands that are going to be pushed down to the local level that were once absorbed with the state. So that is kind of the big picture response to why we're exploring this. >> Is that the only place you're going to cut? >> I mean I I don't understand why you're picking on the union workers. No, it's not the only place that any unit of government they're going to be looking big picture at lots of different options, but and this is not necessarily going to be a cut. It's just a potential cut at this point. >> It's a what? >> A potential cut. It's a potential savings to the school corporation in this matter. >> So, you're not going to cut jobs? >> Is that what you're saying? >> It
003is an option. That's not something that we are committed to doing at this point. >> Is that is that the only place that you're going to look? >> That's just the only thing that's highlighted at the moment. >> Well, that's the that's what's on your radar right now. Yes. >> But there there are other uh cuts that you're going to be looking at also. >> Certainly. Absolutely. >> Uh Could I have an example of what other cuts are where you're headed? >> Unfortunately, I cannot give you any examples right now, but it we're going to be forced to look at cuts in other areas. We're going to have no choice but to look at other areas for making cuts and that's every jurisdiction, every unit of government. So, have you explored the point of uh
004or the part of where how much savings you're going to have by cutting just the custodial workers? >> I'm satisfied you got a you know what you're paying and what you're what you're wanting. >> This we're just starting this. This is we're just getting bids. So, I mean it's nothing. We don't have nothing in writing. I mean this is a done deal by no means. We're just looking to explore our options. That's all we're doing. >> Okay. >> It's it's not a done deal by no means. >> So, it'll be coming up for discussion again later on at times. >> Yes. Yes. Yes. We're months down the road. We just gave them a heads up that we're exploring. We being uh you're being transparent. >> Our employees are valuable to us. We don't want to
005lose them and we don't want to have to cut them. So that's not the point of this. >> Okay, I understand. Well, thank you for your time. >> Anyone else? >> My name is Dennis Lis. I'm also in cityville and uh I have a son who's a custodian at the department store. So you know it was lack of communication I guess and I had to find out but you know I think about different things that happened over here I don't know how much we got from it and I know but you know when it comes to cutting jobs you don't just that one person working you're affecting both their family and the people around they try to support in their community and you know a lot of times it come down to taxes people don't
006like to pay taxes on stuff but I don't know if there's a be a referendum to put it on ballot raise the taxes you know some they put stuff on it do that. But it gives people a choice to make a decision besides coming up here and boy and put it out here and it's wide open. And I tell you, I've got one grand that's in school here. You got another year to go and then the kids out of school. She said, "Oh, hell I'm done. My kids are I don't care what happens. It's a generation headach." You know, most of us here on fixed income and I'll be saying I don't like anymore support your school and I say anybody get in for some people. So anyway, that's my of it and I hope
007we're keep the community informed and you know behind somebody's back. Well, I had to find out a third person. So, let's keep an open mind about it and hopefully I'm not res. Okay. I live in Orange County, but all these workers that are here, uh, I know them very well. At one time I was state president for him and basically spent my life he sat on city council board of directors and stuff and so as you go into exploring what options there and I want to thank you for recognizing that you all are put in these tough positions not because of something you did or you wanted to do but because it was mandated out of Indianapolis that this would come You know, people were warned that that was going to happen, but it did.
008So, we're in that situation. And every school district around to do the same thing. All these brothers want to get across street is the people that are in the custodial are our union brothers and sisters. Okay? And we support them. And so, we just want to let you know that we do support looking at every aspect that's out there. And I don't quite understand your system. enough to know that once you guys get the different programs and plans over and say here's how we're going to do that. Is that then open for discussion by the citizens? Uh before you decide, yeah, that's what we're going to do. >> Indirectly, yes. I mean, this is obviously a real small community, so they're going to hear about it. this meeting open to discuss it before it's okay
009and said that's the way we're going citizens then have a right to come in and say >> I know this is the plan you're saying here's why I don't like it I'd like for you to reconsider you know but they do have that right >> well they had that right like if th if if this was being voted on tonight they would have that right during this phase of the meeting the public comment phase >> that's the question I was asking >> they have one more opportunity to come up after you've done your due d to make your decision on what what path you wanted to follow. And you know, like I said, listen guys, we we're not going to be able to vote on that. Okay? We can express our opinion. We can vote
010for the people sit on that board and that's how you express if you feel like it wasn't done well enough. Get up there and we'll see where it's at. And we just ask you to look at all aspects. I mean, if this is going to be pain, then let's let the pain go all the way across. you know, let's believe and distribute it out there. And I know that been in some negotiations with United Mine Workers, you know, you should talk with them. Let them help you try to find some ways in which uh we can lessen the impact upon any work. To be honest with you, ladies and gentlemen, even if these weren't workers, I would be standing before this board saying the same thing, telling you the exact same thing. These are the
011people that do the work down there. Man, they're they're pretty good. They do they go way beyond a lot of janitorial staff that I Thank you very much. Appreciate it. Mr. Chairman Steven agenda consideration of memorational union. So, are you in negotiation now? I guess >> I guess you could say so. Yes. Yes. >> You're not voting on that now. That was given them a year, right? >> What they're voting on this evening is basically to go to the next step of exploring outsourcing. Essentially, >> as brought up here before, there's a lot of ways to cut cost. And whoever brought this up, whoever put this in the agenda, yes, you got the right to look around. We don't like it. We don't want our people hurt. We we're and we're going, you know, we
012love our school system. I love these kids and school, but we don't want these people who've been here all this time who worked on this thing. These are local people. Young guy writing a bill. We don't want this to happen. the board and believe me I understand your position on this thing about not having money and yes this is what they they put you in this situation fully understand that as Jason knows I've been there but we don't want this for our Anyone else? >> I would just like to say I want to thank you guys for coming out and I do know uh obviously from the concerns that it's a difficult thing. Francisco was not tough easy decision to make when we had to close that down. So we hear your concerns and I
013appreciate you all coming out and sharing that tonight and um it is a difficult thing to have to sit back and try to decide do we do this, do we do that, do we move forward, do we, you know, kind of stay where we are. So thank you. As some of you probably know, uh, I taught in South Gibson School Corporation for 42 years and I was a member of their union but called an association all 42 years. My husband was a United Mine Worker and this this is a tough thing to have to look at and I want you to know that we we are all very seriously going to Look at the best way to handle this. No more patron concern. We're going to move on with the approval of the minutes. Any
014questions or comments on last meeting minutes? If not, I need a motion to approve. Make a motion to approve. >> We have a motion. Do we have a second? >> A second. >> All those in favor say I. >> I. >> You've also had a chance to look over the treasur report and claims. Any questions or comments? If not, I need a motion to approve. >> Motion. >> We have a motion. We have a second. >> I second. >> All those in favor say I. >> I now turn the meeting over to Dr. Gin. Thank you, sir. So, uh, first up this evening, um, as you know, we have been, um, approving our new policies from the OLAP. Uh, we have there on that resolution, the dates that we have approved each of those sections.
015Um, tonight is the resolution to mainly um, codify all those and put them into and resend previous um, policies. So, that resolution will present all previous policies and put the old policies in effect completely. So, So, we ask for a motion to approve that adoption resolution. >> I'll make a motion. >> We have a motion. Do I have a second? Do I have any discussion? Okay. All those in favor signify by saying I. >> Those that oppose the same. Okay, that carries. Next up this evening, you have a memorandum of understanding with uh between East Gibson School Corporation and the International Union of United Workers Mind Workers of America. Um the contract was to come up the end of December um December 31st, 2025. And what we are recommending to the board this evening is
016we extend that contract to December 31st of 2026. You have there the new wages of all of our employees as as well as their seniority and then on the back of that is the um information that extends the contract. So um so we bring forward that this evening for your consideration to ex approve that memorandum of understanding um and extend that contract to December 31st 2026. Motion to approve that. >> So all we just need is just a motion to table it. >> Is that correct? >> Yes. Motion to table. >> I have a motion to table it. Do I have a second? >> Just so we can get a different date. >> Get a different day. >> I'll second. >> Second. So, we have a motion and a second. Any further discussion? >> Okay.
017All those in favor signify by saying I. I. >> Okay. Opposed and saying. Okay. So, that carries to table. Okay. Next up this evening, uh we are asking of the board's permission to investigate and seek request for proposals to outsource custodial services due to the recent passage of SEA1 resulting reduced funding for the operations fund. All this is asking for is for us to begin to put together the request for proposal which we'll bring back to the board for your review as well as so the public can see that keep transparency with our public. So, so all I'm asking for this evening is just permission to begin to work on those requests for motion to approve that. I have a motion. Do I have a second? I have a motion in second. Any further discussion?
018>> Yes. I just wanted to comment again on what was said. Um all this is is just us looking into this is not us finalizing anything. So obviously you guys coming out voicing your concerns. U we take that to heart. And so if it's something where once we gather all the information and we say, "Hey, we're just going to scrap it or or whatever that may be, this is just um us trying to figure out ways to keep money here at the corporation more or less." >> Any further discussion? >> U I'd like to point out that the operations fund is a totally different fund that our education fund. Um the operations fund can't be used for teacher salaries, benefits, any of that. Um and there the operations fund is for the operation of the
019corporation, not necessarily not for the teacher salaries or anything like that. Uh busing anything that comes up as far as boilers going down, those kinds of things. That's the only thing that we can use the operations fund for. >> It's mainly supported through property taxes. >> Right. Right. >> Any further discussion? >> All those in favor signify by saying I. >> I oppose the same passes. Okay. Um this evening you have in um your packet um consideration for a curricular proposal from Mrs. Cruz to shift the health and human services pathway from biomed services and technology to pre-d nursing healthc care specialists. Um what this will actually do is our students will be able to uh get CNA certified which will actually because the certification it will bring additional money into the corporation through our
020CTE funding. So, um, this is with the I'm sure you all have heard and I've shared with you couple of times with the board. Um, the diploma is changing. Um, and this is in line with those changes. And so, we bring forth that for consideration this evening. I think it's it's going to be a much better situation for our kids as well. So, um, I need a motion to approve that. >> Make a motion to approve. >> Okay. I have a motion to approve. Um, I need a second. >> Okay. Any further discussion? >> Same teachers. Yep. Same teachers. Any further discussion? All those in favor signify by saying I. >> I. >> Oppose. The same. That carries. Next up this evening, it's my understanding that this has been done in the past. the consideration
021request to pay the class of 2026 $30 per varsity basketball game to assist with after game cleanup. Um, and I believe Christina Gender, I think the way this was was at the end of the season, don't they submit a bill from the ECA fund or something like that? >> They will submit an invoice. We pay it out of operations. Who's going to be over? >> I don't know. M just brought that. I'm assuming the class sponsor for the class. >> Mr. Bates and Mr. B. >> Okay. Well, they'll be well. >> I just want to make sure they >> Yeah, that was my >> I want my $30. $50 worth for 30. >> That hasn't been a problem in the past. >> I don't think so. I heard I' heard that good. >> Yeah, they
022they really they really go down through there. >> Okay, I'll make a motion to accept the $30 for I have a motion. Do I have a second? >> I'll second. >> Okay, I have a motion and second. Any further discussion? All those in favor? by saying I >> I carries. Next up this evening um the school board has um the privilege of being able to recommend um members of the community to the library board member of the open city Columbia Township Library. Um this evening u the uh library director has sent over to me a recommendation for Mrs. Amanda Salman to replace Kim Yan who is concluding her four-year term on the uh December 31st as effective December 31st, 2025. Um so we would bring that forward this evening to approve to that board for
023a fouryear term. Motion to accept that. >> Accept the appointment. Motion to accept that. A second. A second. Okay. I have motion and second. Any further discussion? All those in favor signify by saying I. >> I. >> All those opposed. Carries. >> Dr. >> I misspoke. The senior sponsors are Miss Kenneth and Dr. this evening. You have facility request from the East Gibson team from Gibson County soccer club to use the high school soccer field practice field and area behind the bleachers from 41 through 516 of 2026 and then from 8:18 to 10:31 of 2026. >> This is the Gibson team from the Gibson County Soccer Club. So it's our group that's part of the soccer club. So Mrs. >> So who has the insurance and stuff? >> It would be the Gibson County Soccer
024Club. >> Yeah, it's outside. won't be on the soccer field itself just to practice. >> That's Yes. >> Okay. >> They've asked for that, but we made it known very clearly to them that they need to stay off the soccer field. >> I need a motion to approve that. I'll make a motion to approve. You guys are throwing me out of whack. You're having discussion before we do the motion. So, it's like that's what you're asking for. >> I know. I know. >> I got I got to ask question while >> I know I got the motion. I need a second now. >> I second it. >> Okay. Any further discussion? Okay. All those in favor signify by saying I. >> I. Opposed by the same. Okay. That carries. Uh we have a walk-on for
025this evening. Uh we would like to uh make a recommendation to increase the uh city route which is currently at $91 by $150 per day. So it would go to 9250. Um they were accidentally missed in our raises that we did last month. So we would like to make sure that we make things right with them. So Once again, we would like to end that. We would like for that to be retroactive back to the beginning of their contract as well. So, putting forward that recommendation. Do I motion to approve that? I'll make a motion to approve. Have a motion. Do I have a second? Any further discussion? All those in favor signify by saying I pass. Okay. Then personel this evening. >> Okay. Yes. All right. So I think to make a motion to
026>> I think we wanted to vote on separate. Is that correct? >> Everybody except for her. All right. So, we're going to pull Emma out and vote on her separately is what we're going to do. So, um personnel recommendations for this evening. Diana Smith, request for unpaid leave for an extended period of time. The following hires and transfers. Emily Hudson Memorial Primary School special education resource teacher. Josh Budge, homebound instructor for up to five hours per week through January 2026. Sandy Ingstrom, homebound instructor for up to five hours per week through January 2026. Strickland homebound instructor for up to 5 hours per week through February of 2026 in Le Falls for Wood High School boys basketball program. I need a motion to approve those personnel. I have a motion. Do I have a second? >>
027I'll second. >> I have a motion and second. Any further discussion on those? All those in favor signify by saying I. >> Oppose the same. Okay. We now will bring up Emma Real for consideration as the East Gibson Incorporation director of health services. Jason, do you want to explain how we're going to do this? >> Yes. So, we've got two board members that are related to her. She is their niece, the two board members that are going to abstain. She is their niece. And so, those two board members will not vote tonight. And those the other two that are participating in the votes, are you in favor or opposed to hiring in the real for that position? And then at the January 2026 meeting, we'll ratify that when Roger is back. Do you guys understand
028that Christina? Okay, got >> superintendent report. Um, we have had a tremendous amount of great news um this past month. Um, the first of course is Toyota has awarded us a $150,000 grant to build a brand new Little Trojans preschool playground in the uh primary courtyard. Um we will receive $50,000 probably before the end of the year and the other $100,000 will come in April. Um so we are starting to work on the concept drawings of that to get that going. But we really want I think some people have seen this. We had a tremendous amount of press release on this. We contacted Clarion as well as all the news stations and really got some good press on this. But we really want to extend our sincere appreciation to Toyota and their donation and their
029community support in this project. So the other thing too is our Little Trojans preschool is at capacity. Um it's a 10 to one and so we are at 20 kids right now. I think we have about two or three that are on the waiting list. Um so that's a good thing um to have that. As you guys are aware, Matthew Nazarine Church um closed the preschool and so we had a lot of people move over here. Um but um but we're very excited about that. We're beginning to look at what is the plans for next year and really beginning to work through that process. When's that sign up for that? We usually do that around the same time as we do the kindergarten enrollment which probably be around March. First of March. Dr. Can I
030speak to that a little bit? >> Yes. Yes, you may. >> Um, one of the programs that got cut through Senate Bill one was a program that allowed underprivileged children once our preschool reached a certain level. And I think we're there. >> Am I right? >> So, we're getting close. We're still going through all the state paperwork. >> Yeah. then their parents could have applied for vouchers to pay for their students to come to Little Trojan's preschool. That was one of the things that got cut. Uh I've been reading that it could possibly be put back in as something that would be supported uh from the state. And it would be great if everyone who's here could an email to our legislators and say, "We need this here." You know, those are the kids that
031are most needy. Those are the kids that we need here as soon as we can get them here. And you know, we can't do it alone. We need the help of our community to make our legislators understand this is important to us. This is important to those kids. this is important to those kids parents and I I just needed to say that. >> The other thing too and Amanda is not here this evening but uh the Indian accountability model is still being considered by the state board of education. Um they pushed they were supposed to vote on that in December. They pushed it back to January to allow more public input but um that is definitely going to change. We will receive letter grades again as a corporation and as schools. So, just kind of
032want to make everybody aware of that. >> But we don't know what the criteria is yet. >> No, we do not know. We're sort of we kind of sort of know, but yeah, we're getting we're halfway through the year that we're supposed to be measured on already. So, um couple of things that I'm focusing on right now is a corporationwide plan for a multi-tered system of supports. This is our special education program. Um also continue to work on the facilities audit and renovation plan. Um I'll be talking to the board about to have some working sessions probably after the first of the year to meet some architects and then as well I've been doing some financial analysis for state of the corporation uh board presentations in January just so you guys are aware of that
033and um tomorrow I will be doing our admin team Christmas party I provide a meal so board members you are invited to come get a free lunch I know Stephen how much you like free lunches so anyway but >> I know I know so if you guys want to join us Tomorrow be about 12:00 down in Steve Roden's office. Uh, but we'll be doing that tomorrow. And then Christmas break starts uh December the 22nd. We'll go through January second. I cannot believe we are halfway through this school. And then finally this evening, I want to take a moment and extend my sincere appreciation to Ginger. Um, I really appreciate coming in and her assisting me in the transition coming in and helping me with to understand this corporation better to learn more. And then as
034well, it has been really honestly, it's been a blessing watching her and Christina work together and her extending her knowledge to Christina and really bringing Christina underneath her wing and showing her how to make sure that this corporation stays where it needs to stay at. And um I just, you know, it was I told her last week and we We wanted to do something for her because um I do I I've told her many time many times I don't think this corporation would have been here without her and her sacrifices that she's made over the past several years. And so I just wanted to say this evening is as she gets ready to head off to retirement. Um and we wish you the best. >> Thank you very much. We've been here 18 years. >>
035Great job. Great job. I'm not principal report. >> That's me. >> Yeah. The other one's got ball games. >> Yeah. We've been very busy. Lots of seasonal activities. Um, we had our Christmas program last week. We had lots of families in the building. Um, we had literacy night in November and that went well. And we're still taking we have an enrollment for a preschool next semester already. So, we got that on the list and our next school year. Um, and so we're just next few days and working things out. Thank you. Great job. The lady that feeds our children. >> Um, yes. I guess you guys, Sam, you got your email a week early because I forgot that you Roger. >> Yeah, I was But no, we've had a lot of awesome things going on
036in the cafeteria. Um, last month we had our big Thanksgiving feast. It was probably the best we've ever had. We had great compliments. Just really great day. Um, then we've been trying out some new things. We've been trying to offer some new fun things for breakfast to get the kids to come in and eat the free breakfast. Um it's been going really good. And then um we had our Christmas feast on Friday. It went really well. Um our new head chef there, Shelby, that girl can cook and it's delicious. So she's done a great job making really good recipes but staying within the guidelines and stuff. So should come and check it out one day. Um we've been bringing in some new lunch menu items today. Um as well today we had a proper burger.
037It was great. Um, and then Santa Claus is coming to visit for breakfast. On Wednesday, we'll be at the intermediate school and Thursday we'll be at the primary. Um, getting pictures taken and eating donuts with the kids. It's really fun. We've done this a lot. This will be the third year, but we normally bring the intermediate over to the main campus, but this year we're separating it to give us a little more time and not so chaotic with all the kids on campus. So, we're very excited. Santa is a very friendly guy who we all love dearly. So, but it will be a lot of fun. And then we'll have everything cleaned up and shut down for the two weeks. And I am pretty excited. >> How many kids are we getting for uh free
038>> free breakfast? Uh we do about 80 or so as intermediate and our biggest day we've had at the Oakland City campus was 308. And I am very happy with that. Um getting the high schoolers to come over. But we've been some different things. Bringing more protein to the older kids over in the pizza room because they like the sausage biscuits and stuff. We've been bringing in uh croissants and things like that. Just little fun things that make it a little different. And when we have our hot cocoa day, kids lose their mind and get free hot coco. >> So you p them all up for the teacher. >> Oh yeah. We we get them all hyped up and we're like, we'll see you at lunch. Don't come back. >> I remember last year around
039last few years at Christmas time, we got Christmas cookies. I didn't get any this year. It's like I had cookies ready last week and you know >> Steve Roden. >> Yes sir. transportation director. >> Um, yeah, today was the day. We had a lot of heat issues today that are all fixed as of now. Pretty significant one that's fixed. Got a boiler stack issue today. Probably look at some um but yeah know just getting ready for uh Christmas break. We got the pump replacement that >> no down here. So that's everything in that other thing. Most of my staff will be off break. So I'll have three or four people here. most days for the white. >> Uh, let me give again. I know they sent me a quote. I'll give it to you. I'll
040give it to you guys. They sent me a quote. >> Ladies, you got anything you guys want to say? ginger speech. >> I I set aside 30 minutes for you. >> I just want to say thank you um to board members, administrators, um past, present, co-workers. I've had a lot of them in my 18 years. Um but I would not change a thing. Um I'm very fortunate to have lived and worked in my hometown and my home school and East Gitson means a whole lot to me and my prayers will for all of you here and in all the positions because it's important. It's very important what you all do here and um I'm thankful to be a part of it. >> You're in great hands. The girls will be great. >> How long is
041it going to take you to train your husband? >> I don't know. You know, he works from home, too, so that's going to be a challenge. It will be a challenge. >> I'm looking forward to it. >> But good luck. >> Thank you. >> Other ladies down there. I say thank you for training me as best she could big to do. It would probably >> keep her on speed dial. >> I have her on speed dial. You probably have no idea. I didn't have any idea how much goes into keeping everything going. So, I will do my best. >> Great. You're welcome. >> All right. Board members, any questions or comments? Not. I need a motion to >> Thank you, Ginger. >> Thank you. >> I'll make a motion to have a motion. We have
042a second. Second. All those in favor say I. >> Merry Christmas. Don't let me down there. heard school and we