001[Applause] July 14th, 2025 meeting is now called to order. We will now have roll call. Miss Dress. >> President Raglin. Do we have a full board? President. >> Thank you. And as our custom we stand for and >> 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. We will now have good news. >> Thank you very much, President Ragland, trustees, superintendent Hoover for good news this evening. Uh once again, the good news continues in the summer and been lifting these throughout the summer. We've had two more since our last meeting. That is our uh new teacher orientation that takes place throughout the summer and these just do extremely well. I think the most recent
002picture on social media has been viewed over 80,000 times. I mean, people love seeing these. So, the main story is, of course, welcome to EBSC for all of these. Um, and if you haven't heard us say this before, it does seem like a nice mix when you go down and talk to these groups. Some of us do that and there's always quite a few that are veteran educators who are coming over to EBSC to teach. So, that's always great. And then of course it's great to have an influx of new talent as well for those individuals who are fresh on their education degrees coming in to teach for the first time. So welcome to all of them. Uh and those will still continue uh here for a brief time. Also with good news uh not
003too long ago we had the annual bike giveaway. Trusty Kefir, you and everybody that you're associated with doing that and several of you were able to be there. What an incredible morning that was at Harrison High School. As you can see, and as I'm sure you heard when we had that event, that this organization has now provided over 5,000 bikes to students over the years. And it really is amazing. That gym floor was full of bicycles. Uh we even had a family show up. They weren't exactly sure about the process. Got with Trusty Kefir and some of the team and they were able to make something happen with that getting a bicycle as well. and those grandparents that were with that child. You talk about lighting up. I mean, it truly was special seeing that.
004So, just kudos again to everyone involved. Uh, also speaking of kudos to everyone involved and that is for all those individuals associated with this year's summer musical production, The Wizard of Oz. Um, and what a great uh performance again. And so many people behind the scenes on the stage. Um, people not directly affiliated but with the foundation who make this possible. What a great learning experience for students. So happy with that. Uh and then just finally, we want to say one more time, thanks uh to WNIN for our partnership. We put together the lessons for primary age students for both math and um reading language. This year, those aired on WIN daily in the month of June. We then shared them on on social media. They still live on social media. So when we've done
005these type of things before, uh people continue to go back to them to find things for their children uh to watch to just help with them. But we certainly appreciate this valuable partnership we have with WNIN and that is good news. >> And Karen, can I just say something? So back to the bike event, I just that is a a nice event that takes a lot of time and energy and resources. Uh but we couldn't do it without everybody's hard work putting that together. So, I want to just publicly thank uh some people. Kim Mc Williams and his team. Really, I couldn't deal without them. I mean, and as Garland Copelan, Rick Helms, Daniela Hudson, Brandon Griggs, I think it's Rner, Billy Richie, Cameron Chapman, Scott Diesson, Sunday Curl, Sundy Curl, Billy Dele Galato, Sam
006Swope, and Sean Phillips. But they put so much behind the scenes, time, energy, and effort. We couldn't do it without them. But that this is I think the reason we do it. Now go back to that elderly couple that was there. I think you came and got me. I went over and and I you know I said they had their grandchild there and I said well this is all you know organized and and it's an advant you know the whole nine yards. But I said I'll tell you what I'll play play a little game. You can win you know maybe a bike. And he's going okay. And I said guess how old I am. And so he wouldn't say anything. And the grandmother just guess. He goes 67. And I go, "Well, I'm 66, but
007you don't win because I thought I would look 50some, not older than I am." I said, "No, just kidding." So, we we got in the bike went got a helmet and everything and I came back and I don't know if you remember that the elderly gentleman was in and he had a walker. >> Yes. >> And he stood up. He stood up and he gave me a hug and he said, "You don't know what you've just done for my grandson." And I said, "No, I'm just glad we were able to do it." But that's really why we're doing it. So anyway, I just wanted to share a little bit of that with you and really thank these people that make it, you know, got a lot of donors and stuff, but we couldn't do it
008without these individuals. >> And I will add to Chris, some of these bikes are given out throughout the year, too, when they're in certain situations. So, it's not just this one in the summer. >> Yes, that's right. But thank you. Thank you for everybody. >> Thank you. Thank you all very much. We are now ready to move into public comment or >> Thank you, President Raglin. Um, the next item on the agenda is indeed public comment and it may behoove us to one more time let me reiterate the board's policy and the state law on this matter. Community members who have completed the proper form will be called to the microphone in the order in which they signed up. They'll be asked to state their name, address, and the agenda item upon which their comment
009will be offered. Speakers will be required to confine their comments to the specific agenda items identified and will be limited to the time allotted which is no more than two minutes. Speakers shall at all times maintain proper decorum and civility demonstrating respect for all present and an awareness of the presence of children at board meetings. At no time shall a participant approach board members or go beyond the designated area for offering comment. If the participant has items for handout to individual board members, those items shall be given to the administrator in charge when signing in at the meeting. Due to the restrictions of state and federal law, no student shall be named individually during public comment, nor should uh any uh individual personnel matters be discussed. Board members will not engage in dialogue with persons
010making public comments, nor shall they be expected to debate any public statements made. Any person who is willfully disruptive of the meeting may be removed. It is important to remember that there are several other avenues for contacting board members, all of which can be found at evscchools.com. And with that, we have two speakers, neither of whom needed to be reminded of what I just read, but for the record, we'll call them up in the order in which they signed up. The first is Larry Samples. Good evening, everyone. Uh, want to make a few comments about PTAs. Uh, Mr. Hollingsburg's favorite subject and especially I'm going to talk about Hy Park PTA and that's Mr. Alfred's favorite PTA because his wife is a teacher there. Uh two years ago I went to Hellry Park. That's my
011neighborhood school and inquired about you what can I do to help out here? How can I volunteer? They said join the PTA and I didn't know I didn't think about it but PTA are pretty well wide open now. Anybody can can join. Uh as I said I've been member of Healthy Park for two years. I'm impressed with a lot of things they do there. Uh Megan Higgins uh treasure and also put out a nice newsletter started here. Eight page newsletter all the facts you want to know about healthy park plus a lot of their activities she lists. Uh last year I went to family fun night. This is where the kids and all and the parents both come well attended. U had games, music, food, uh entertainment for the kids, entertainment for the adults and
012teachers made comments. What I liked about the comments from the teacher was we did not have to do anything to to put this on. The PTA organized it. They ran it. They cleaned up afterwards. Everything was done by the PTA. Some other things they do, they have a sunshine committee. If a teacher has somebody dies or something bad happens to the teacher, they can sit in the car, send some flowers. They provide snacks at the staff meetings. They uh serve a breakfast once every three months, serve lunch once every three months. Uh I'm also impressed there with uh the student council teacher, Mr. Lynn, the head of the student council. He's got those kids out in the neighborhood involved in in the neighborhood. They did a neighborhood cleanup. They serve food as a rescue mission
013once every 3 months. I'm really impressed with what he's doing with the students at uh Jeffrey Parks. Also, I'm a I'm a board member for United Neighborhoods of Evansville and I'd like to see more collaboration. The United Neighborhood Associates are in the same boat as the PTAs need. They need bodies. So maybe some collaborations to improve, strengthen neighborhoods. Mayor Terry says, "Strong neighborhoods build strong cities." >> Thank you, Larry. Our next speaker is Lori Young. >> Good evening, President Raglin, trustees, and Dr. Hoover. On behalf of the Evansville Teachers Association, I'd like to warmly welcome Dr. Hoover to our very first board meeting with us. Uh we look forward to working together to support our students and our educators. Over the past few weeks, I've had the opportunity to attend three back-toback conferences out in
014Portland, Oregon. I attended the National Council of Urban Education Associations conferences, the NEA Conference on Racial and Social Justice, and alongside five other locally elected delegates, um the NEA Representative Assembly, where more than 6,000 educators across our nation and our federal territories came together to work and advocate for our nation's students and our public schools. Uh during these conferences, we learned strategies to protect and promote disability rights, both physical and mental, how to use trauma-informed practices to deepen family engagement, and meaningful ways to put the justice back into restorative practices. As we bring these insights back to our community, we're also looking ahead to the new school year with our 2526 ETA working calendar. I did share that with Mrs. Drestell, so you probably have received that or will be receiving that. It details our
015dates on when our meetings are. Um, our professional development opportunities and this year we are leaning more into um people really wanted to have technology like AI type workshops. So, we're going to be working on that. gaming in the classroom, using computers, not playing just like Uno, I guess, every time. So, we have a lot of things planned for this year and we look forward to everyone being able to join in with us. Thank you. >> Thank you. Thank you. And that all that would be all the speakers we have tonight. President R. >> Thank you. We're now ready to move into consent items. >> Good evening, President Raglin and members of the board of school trustees. We have eight consent items for your consideration tonight. They are as follows. 3.01, Consideration to approve the
016minutes of the June 23rd, 2025 executive session and regular board meeting. 3.02, Consideration of the allowance of payments. We have invoices, cafeteria, net payroll, and payroll obligations. Total allowance of payments being $33,38,380.95. 3.03 03 Consideration to approve the permanent easement regarding K's Elementary School. 3.04 Consideration to approve the renewal with CW CDWG for network storage and maintenance. 3.05 Consideration to approve the renewal agreement for legal services. 3.06 Consideration to approve adult meal prices for the 2526 school year. 3.07 07 consideration to approve the renewal with Marzano evaluation center i.e. observation and 3.08 consideration to approve the agreement with Lexia Voyager Soprus Incorporated. These items are presented for >> okay >> jump the gun. >> Somebody's ready to go home. >> Okay. There has been a motion and >> consent items. Are there any questions or
017discussion? >> Okay, hearing none. All in favor signify by I. >> I. >> Same sign opposed. That motion carries. Thank you. And we're now ready for personnel. Uh, Miss Williams. Good evening, President Raglin, members of the board, and Dr. Hoover. Tonight's personnel recommendations include the following: retirements, resignations, regular appointments, position reassignments, resignations from extra duty, appointments to extra duty, reassignments to extra duty, reassignments of administrative appointments, transfers, and consideration of the administrative appointment of Jasmine Bennett, head girl soccer coach at Bossy High School. Consideration of the administrative appointment of Andrea Lado, principal intern at Hebrin. These recommendations are presented for your approval. >> Move to approve. >> Second. >> Okay. Michelle, how are we doing with the hiring? >> Yep. Nope. I'm glad you asked. Um, when I did a comparison to the same board
018meeting last year, we are currently sitting with 12 less certified teaching vacancies and 10 less classified vacancies. So, we are in a really good position. We are having lots of people apply. >> We are. Yes, we're still able to successfully fill. So, yep, things are looking good. >> Are administrative positions filled or >> um so we did have a reassignment tonight that will create um an additional opening in an elementary school, but um I don't anticipate a problem doing that either. >> Thank you. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> We have a motion to second. Motion second. >> A motion and a second has been made to accept the personnel recommendations. Are there any questions or discussion? Hearing none. All in favor? I >> I say things on that motion carries. Thank you. And we
019are ready for action items. Rick Hamley. Good evening, President Raglin, members of the board, and Dr. Hoover. Uh we bring this action item before you tonight. The Indiana Department of Education requires school corporations to annually readopt student residence verification policies. As such, we uh recommend House 10, student residence verification for readoption. No changes have been made since its adoption last year. >> Second. A >> motion. Second has been made to accept the uh student residence verification policy 4010. Are there any questions or discussion? And all in favor? sign that proposes and that motion carries. >> We are ready for um district spotlight. Dr. Hoover. >> So, tonight I'm pleased to introduce what I hope will become a regular part of our board meetings, the district spotlight. This is a way to bring forward the stories,
020programs, and people that make EVSC so special. Throughout the year, I plan to invite students, school teams, district staff to share updates and reflections on the important work happening every day across our district. To start us off tonight, we have three quick updates from our summer programs. Jana Gesler will share an overview of elementary summer school. Then, Rebecca Jarky will recap our high school summer program and Christina Le will highlight the impact of our summer food service efforts. My name is Jana Gesler and I want to thank you for having me tonight of our elementary school summer. This summer we had our program dates from June 2nd to the 27th. We had staggered start times from 8 to 12 or 9 to 1:00. We were able to provide families with eight host sites um and
021they were paired geographically serving students from all 22 of our elementary schools. Our staff that were hired to work the summer school this summer required 25 hours of the science of reading training and we provided them with an EVSC le PD. Our AM academic programming focused on early literacy and I read remediation in preparation for the summer I read retest opportunity. Dr. Brooks who is here tonight was able to work with several community partners to provide PM enrichment opportunities and the following community partners were um that worked collaboration with us throughout the summer. It was YMCA, YWCA, Dream Center, Potter's Wheel and the Boys and Girls Club. We had a survey for staff and I want to share a few takeaways with you from their feedback. Um, our targeted enrollment and literacy focused approach this
022summer enabled instructional instruction and support leading to improved student outcomes. We had a very positive response to the curriculum materials provided from Sandy Moore and her team. We had UFly foundations close reads and differentiated small group support. They really valued that EBSCled professional development and the student data tools that we equipped them with prior to their summer school teaching experience that enhanced their instructional effectiveness this summer. And also, we dedicated a position that I was fortunate enough to serve in this summer that provided our admin and our teachers with consistent communication, unified instructional practices, and provided responsive on-site support throughout both the planning process and through the duration of the summer school programming. We were able to serve 1,115 students across EVSC. And although I read results are embargoed at this time, we are very
023hopeful that we are going to have many additional passers through our summer school programming. Thank you so much for allowing me to share with you tonight. >> Real quick, do we have a target that we're looking to hit? You know, because they went through this summer part. Do we where we feel good that I'm just making a number of 50% more students passed or whatever it may be. Do we kind of have an idea where we want to be? >> I mean, where we want to be is that every one of them. I know >> every one of them passed. Um but I think you know we >> the state is doing quality checks so we can't share but we are going to have good news to share with you all about that. It was
024a very successful summer program. We're definitely grateful to Jana and all the teachers who work so hard >> and we look at that and we tweak it for the next year if we can do this a little bit better or change this a little bit. Okay, sounds great. Thanks. >> Was there a target percentage goal? maybe which >> I mean being very serious like the the goal was 100% of them will pass and so >> you said it better than I did >> but you know for the students who don't pass the closer we get them you know having that extra time because they'll test again and they'll test again so >> so when they go back to school is there remediation they continue to work with them >> they will they'll be in interventions
025when they get back yes and to clarify too our second graders and our third graders were provided with an addition retest opportunity at the end of the instructional um programming. And so it gives them that extra opportunity and takes off that additional stress of students and families for them to have that opportunity to to be promoted to that next grade level through the state requirements. >> For every second grader that passes, that means they don't, you know, they've got their third grade test out of the way. That's >> great. Thank you. >> Thank you. Good evening. I'm Rebecca Jarky. I am the virtual academy director and also was the principal for our high school summer school program. Thank you for the opportunity to share with you the highlights from our program. We were in at
026Bossy High School in person from May 27th to June 27th. We served over 150 students. We limited our enrollment to 11th and 12th grade students this summer who were in need of credit recovery um to gain those um graduation requirements. We utilized our Apex curriculum, which is what we use in our virtual academy for our course content. And what that really allows us to do is leverage teachers who have multiple licenses um and they're able to teach more than one class in a more than one subject area in a classroom. So, for example, a a science teacher would be able to facilitate biology, chemistry, and perhaps environmental science um while still maintaining a a a good class size of about 15 students. Um so, really allowing teachers to meet our students where they're uh where
027they're needed um to help facilitate that course progress. So, we did a had a really great success. we uh had over 172 credits earned. And so uh there are three categories of courses. We have credit recovery, which are students that need to take a class over again that they failed in their um course history, uh initial credit or grade replacement. So, the biggest difference between credits earned in credit recovery is that they're really looking to master those standards and go back and really um take that class over and the teacher is able to help facilitate that. Initial or credit initial credit, excuse me, initial credit or grade replacement is they have to take the entire course. So, we had 34 students take an entire course, which sounds like a lot, and it really is. We're
028very excited because our teachers really did a wonderful job of supporting the needs of the learner and um helping them to master those standards but also keeping the integrity of the course and the learning um and giving them a robust experience. 76% of our students earned credit um and 34% of our credit of our students um earned multiple uh credits and so that's really exciting. um we would our goal is always 100% of our students are going to earn that credit but sometimes um life gets in the way es especially for students that are at the high school level. Um and the really great news to share is that 17 students or 55% of our seniors who were enrolled um this summer met their graduation requirements and earned their diploma. So not only does that
029set them up for their success in uh life and in their future but also helps our overall EBSC graduation rate um improve. So we're really excited. Um our key takeaway was uh the ability to because we limited that enrollment um it was a very focused learning environment and um really set up the conditions for success and being laser focused on that on that course and um helping our students be successful. So thank you. >> Did you say 34 were enrolled or >> 34 students um earned initial credit or grade replacement? We had over 150 students, 159 total students enrolled in our summer school program. >> So, I'm sorry, >> they earn their credit, then they can get a diploma then and >> if they're a senior, it depends on their graduation requirements and and how
030close they are to meeting those requirements. So, for example, some students come to us and they only need two or three classes and so they're able to quickly recover those classes and then earn their diploma. Um, it just really is a case- by case scenario where we audit those transcripts. We have a a counselor that works with us and and provides us an opportunity to hopefully get them from one credit to the next and and for our juniors really help helping to um kind of write their ship as they move into their senior year and get ready for graduation. >> So, this is for students 9 through 12, right? Historically it has been, but this summer we really we limited it to 11th and 12th grade students just to really provide that laser focused opportunity
031and and we saw the success with that compared to last year we had more students earn more credits in this if you compare 11th and 12th grade from last summer to this summer. So the the ratio was higher. Um so we're really excited about that because I think the sense of urgency was there and students that are in 11th and 12th grade they they kind of get it more. um in terms of what that deadline truly is compared to maybe some graders. >> Yeah. Only thing I was thinking, you know, freshman if they have to go through it, they may think to themselves, wait a minute, I don't want to do have to do this again next as a sophomore and a junior. You know what I'm saying? So, I better, you know, and I
032know there's a lot of different reasons why people don't do as well and need to recover credits, but that would be the benefit that I see. >> Yes. And and to the other point, an unintended consequence may be some ninth and tth grade students may feel that, oh, I won't be able to take summer school, so maybe I really should do the work that I need to do now. Um, so we're hoping that that would maybe we'll see how things go for the years, but we're really excited to have such a high success rate and students really came. Um our teachers were really positive and excited about the overall focus and uh I heard it many many times that they were just very pleased with the overall um learning environment and success rate. >> Thank
033you. My name is Christina Le and I'm the nutrition specialist with the food and nutrition department. Um so thank you for giving me the opportunity in the space to talk about some of the things we do with our summer food service program. So we have um done the su the food service program for 25 years now. It first started in um the year 2000. So, um it essentially provides free nutrition nutritious meals and snacks to any child under 18 years of age. So, really, um what we're trying to do is just kind of fill that void of children that rely on those meals during the school year for breakfast and lunch and not having that opportunity during the summer months and being able to offer those meals for them. So, this is a federally run
034program and it's state administered. Um we these are an example of a breakfast and a lunch that we served over the summer. So, you can expect with these meals lots of whole grains. We do fresh fruits, fresh vegetables. Um, and as the menu planner, I try to really incorporate some seasonal items as well. So, we did watermelon, we did uh strawberries, and really just trying to make it as fun as possible. I had hot dogs on the menu one day, so it's kind of like a picnic theme. And just really making it a good experience for everyone that does come to enjoy those meals. So the communities we feed uh we have 10 EVSSE summer school sites. So any of the children enrolled in the summer schools um benefit from the free breakfast and free
035lunch. And then each of those sites also allows a time period for anyone in the community to come in as a walk-in and they can also benefit from the breakfast and um lunch. We actually had a family of 14 that would come in every single day, every breakfast, every lunch, and she fed was able to feed all of her children that way. And they were just so grateful that, you know, we were doing that. Some of the other uh community outreach that we do that I feel like is a little less known is that our kitchens will provide the food for some summer programs. So, we do Black Lemonade, we do Boys and Girls Club, and Young and Established. And then new this year, we actually were providing the food for Carriage House Apartments. So
036they would actually come, we would prepare it, they would come pick it up and serve it right out of the apartment complex. So the children never had to even leave their apartment complex. They could just receive the food there. And then you may or may not have heard that we partnered with Feed Evansville and we also provided meals at Howell Pool. So anyone that was swimming at the pool, 18 and under, could come and also get a free lunch. So it was really just a way to make it as accessible as possible. I mean, you really can't get any more accessible than that. So we tried to meet people where they were. Um earlier last week I did a presentation for um the Promise neighborhood and someone from the Boys and Girls Club told me
037that their enrollment that they're able to have as high of an enrollment as they are because we do this and they're able to rely on us for those meals because normally that wouldn't be something they'd be able to provide. So that was pretty cool to hear and just to really understand that impact. >> Um and the numbers speak for themselves. Uh we serve tons of breakfast, lunches, and snacks over the summer. Um, so it's just a really great opportunity for us to, like I said, meet the our community where they are, be able to feed as many people as we can. Um, and we're really just so grateful for all of our staff that, you know, is there in the summer helping prepare the meals, all the communities that we're able to partner with. Um,
038and also just looking forward to different ways we can make it more accessible in the future. >> Thank you. >> I got a quick question. So with all the things going on at the federal level because this is federal funding. Will that impact this particular program? Do you know? >> As of right now, we don't have any answers on that, but we not that we have in the pipeline right now. As far as we know, this will continue to move on and we have high hopes for next summer to make it even better. >> Thank you. ready for information and 7.01 Michelle Williams uh consideration of the agreement with the Indiana testing. >> Good evening, President Ragland, members of the board, Dr. Hoover. Tonight, the Office of Human Resources is rec recommending approval of the
039utilization of Indiana Testing Incorporated as the new vendor for the required drug and alcohol testing of all EBSC CDL licensed holders. This transition will ensure compliance with Department of Transportation regulations and allow EBSC to obtain the necessary annual reporting required by the Indiana State Police for audit purposes. Indiana Testing Incorporated is a trusted provider serving the majority of school districts in our region. Recognized for its expertise in DOT regulated testing services, high level of customer service, and proper handling of all required documentation and testing protocols. The shift supports our continued commitment to student and staff safety while enhancing operational compliance. The per screen cost will decrease slightly, resulting in an approximate savings of $2,000 over the course of the contract. The funding source is the operations fund. Thank you for your time and consideration and
040I'm happy to answer any questions you might have. >> This is all random, of course. >> Correct. >> How long do the drivers have before they have to come in and report? >> Uh like from time of notification, >> I believe he Ryan just has them report after their routes complete that morning. Okay. Dr. Carl Underwood 7.02 through 7.08. >> Thank you, President Raglin, members of the board, and Dr. Hoover. Do have month end and quarter end financials for you this evening. Uh for the education fund, we've expended 56.37% leaving a remaining balance of 50,125,98542. The operations fund is 49.77% expense uh with a remaining balance of 33,76,27.78. Summary of cash balances by fund. This report provides the current cash balances for the debt service, education exempt debt service and operations funds. Expenditure ledger summary
041report by function and object. Detailed report of expenditures categorized by both the function and object code for the period ending June 30, 2025. Revenue ledger summary. This is summary provides an outline of revenue received as of June 30 for the education operations debt service and exempt debt service funds. Expenditure analysis. Uh this is an analysis of expenditures through June 30 for the education operations debt service and exempt debt service funds. The self insurance quarterly analysis. This is uh the second quarter analysis of the EBSC self- insurance fund and wellness clinics. And finally the three revenue analysis. It's a comparative analysis of revenue received for the education operations debt service and exempt debt service funds for the past three years as of June 30. Happy to answer any questions items you may have. Underwood, in regards
042to revenues, I I just recently read that there might be a delay in payment to Indiana. Uh the governor did not seem, according to the article, not seem concerned about that. Do you have any concerns of when our payment will be coming in and if it's going to be delayed, what effect it might have? >> Yeah. So if we're talking about the federal dollars being examined right now been working with our title departments and so we are positioned to handle a delay for a while. Um so I'm not overly concerned. We do have a little bit of a runway so if money is withheld or not uh provided at all we'll have time to make those kinds of decisions that won't impact our families or students. Will you keep us updated as to whether or
043not that's getting better or worse? >> Sure will. >> Thank you. >> We've taken quite a hit, haven't we, for our insurance? Um, is that going to get better? I I guess that's not a fair question, is it? >> It's It's a very fair question. Um actually so in looking at our self- insurance uh analysis our cash balance um as of June 30 was in a negative position which has uh not been the case for many many years. Uh we started to experience a little bit of trouble uh in the first quarter and it's really uh for self insurance it's really for us it's because of high cost claimants. We've averaged over the past uh 10 years or so maybe six or seven of those and we've more than doubled that this year. So it's
044it's a bad claims year for us. So we are monitoring it very closely. Uh I had to borrow some money and if you remember we uh moved money from the rainy day fund to the self- insurance fund in May and it we're in a position again where I'm having to borrow and watch it closely. So we will have to make a decision uh before the end of the year. Uh Michelle and I have been working with our benefits consultants to provide some strategies so that we can make a recommendation to this board about a couple of things. One reducing our claims uh expense and the second one being to uh make a recommendation on increasing our revenue in the fund so that we can support these claims. >> How would we reduce? >> So uh
045claims are what the claims are. Uh but what we could do is uh put some strategies in that would possibly look at moving claims to another provider. Uh there's a couple of strategies that we're looking at. Uh not prepared to make a recommendation just yet. Uh but we will bring that to this board very soon. >> Do do you foresee us not being we haven't been selfinsured that long? Correct. uh 20 years >> 200 >> foresee us do you foresee us going back to any other >> are we still we're going to keep our status as self-insured >> yes I I think the strategy that we put in place uh withm wellness clinics and being self-insured and we do examine uh our benefits uh every year with our consultants um this is one of those
046things where I think if you're in the market long enough, you're going to have a bad year. And I think we're just experiencing a bad year. I think it's very possible that u next year claims would reduce uh would go back to normal and we'd be right back on track. But we want to prevent and put some strategies in place should that not be the case. >> So it's like the scripture, not not if the storm hit, it's when the storm hits and the storm hit. Huh? >> It is. Okay. Yes, sir. Hey Carl, but we we are we do have a secondary insurance for those large claims though. What is it? 300,000. >> Yeah, we have a couple of things. We do have a specific stop loss which is set at that uh 350,000.
047We also have reinsurance which is uh something that insurance or something that we put in place for this very situation. So our ex our uh liability is capped at a certain amount. So, um, we are covered in that in that regard as well. >> Are we in the middle of a contract now or are we coming toward the end? Where are we at? >> We're in the middle of the contract right now. >> So, it matures when >> it's one year from now. >> That contract is really just if it's within it's it's to do the administrative portion. >> Correct. >> Okay. >> So, we start negotiating. We start looking at it probably after the first right at the first of the year. >> Correct. >> Thank you very much. >> Continue business and other
048board members. >> I have a few things. Uh Jason in good news talked about new teacher orientations. We have had five sessions and we have three more before school starts. I did get a chance to pop in on the group last week to hold them because they're first year. It's also my first year superintendent, so that's neat. At last count, we have hired 97 certified staff and 64 have gone through orientation. This is part one. Part two is closer to the start of school and really focused on those essentials for welcoming students. Also, as part of my entry plan, I have been able to meet with each of you individually to hear about priorities, and I appreciate your time and thoughtfulness. Uh, I've also been able to spend time with department leaders in the EVSC,
049learning more about their priorities, their challenges, their key initiatives. Um, it's been good learning. I've also started to meet with community members and civic leaders. I have several um the next few weeks as well. Uh, those meetings are going really well. Just having an opportunity to listen and learn from people has been very advantageous. Congratulations to the cast crew and orchestra of Oz and to Melanie. Melanie is here tonight. Um I know the matinea that I attended on Saturday was awesome. And I know those young people, everybody puts in so much time and effort for a great show. So congratulations. Bravo. And then lastly, a town hall is scheduled for Monday, July 28th, 55 p.m. Uh, legislative play is on, Miss Lissa. >> Good evening to everyone. Um, as we know, the 1st of July
050has now come and gone. Um, so our state of course there are new laws that have went into effect and one that we know, the Indiana attendance law, which if I can say, I'm quite confused. So there is a question I should say or two that I have, Dr. Hoover. Um, do we know what criteria will be used to determine whether a student's family is needing mentorship, contracts, or referrals? And then the second question, is there any way that we can educate our families about the new law? It is quite confusing. Um I don't know you know if there's a webinar or some type of video that we can upload to our page because just seeing some and reading some of the chatter right with some of the parents and or guardians or just community
051members um alto together it's very confusing and uh kind of targets some things. So I didn't know if there's a way that we can address those issues and some type of video or just just make it known as well. >> Yeah, I think we absolutely can. Is Kim here tonight? No. Uh, we'll work with Kim Mc Williams and Jason to to talk. I do think we've had some calls at the office. Just some confusion around what does that mean if we have a doctor's appointment or what if it means if we're taking a vacation and so I think being really clear on I think the language around exempt versus excuse and what that adds up to be I think is confusing and alarming to people. So, we can absolutely do some some videos and also
052help schools be ready to talk to families. Attendance work, I think, is really personal work and there's so many unique circumstances. So, we'll get the message out, but then also know that we're available and welcoming to talk to any families that are that are concerned about that. >> Thank you. I'd also suggest that as students start gathering those uh absenteeism days, so to speak, that there be benchmarks to where their parents and everyone are contacted so they understand that, you know, it's getting serious and look at what the situation is. >> We um we absolutely will do that. our counselors. We have systems in schools now where a counselor, the teacher reaches out first, then it moves to the counselor's office, then it moves to the principal or assistant principal, but really it's going to
053be talking through individual circumstances because excused absences are still excused absences. And so there there are definitions in that for habitually truent and chronic absenteeism and some of the language I understand can be it feels very legal and very official. So >> we'll work with you. I don't know if you can give a short summary I know possible of that bill to maybe those that are watching or listening just just a little. >> Yeah, it really I think the biggest change is it it requires a definition of chronic absenteeism and it talks about what a habitual treatment is. It's really getting out the importance of attendance and it lists what what constitutes an excused absence and we have that also on our website. There's information that's there that talks through what does it mean to
054have an excused absent. A a child is excused if their parent calls them in sick and uses our automated system. But after a certain number of those occurr there are certain things that then have to have to happen. I think you're habitually true at 20. But chronic absenteeism is a 10 days. And so I think it's really just being clear with families what happens by this time. And some of that language has caused people alarm because before exempt, one of the things that was exempt was a doctor's note for an absence. That was exempt before which didn't count in your attendance at all. But that's now an excused absence which will add into that day. >> But u the unexcused and excused are counting as part of the 180 instructional days. And >> they do.
055Yeah, they do. Now, but having said that, we understand that there are circumstances and so if we're talking to families at five and we're hearing like here's what's going on at 10, here's what's going on. Work, they'll work with their medical provider if there's a medical issue as example to start um bringing documentation and there's something that happens at 20 that that changes the way it's reported. And so, >> but but if they're sick for whatever a week, that is that still one or is it five days? >> That's five. >> Five days. Okay. >> It is. >> I just want to say, Dr. Hoover, I couldn't tell if this was your first meeting or your 50th meeting, so you did a great job. Thank you very much. Thank you. >> The suckups are It's
056harder to say something nice and ducks got >> I expected from shoulders but my >> Okay. Uh I don't know if there's any anything else any board members >> art look at the work uh for the artwork I think it's still >> strckled we had um I wanted to um just share kind of like the thought and word of the week and uh compassion came to mind when this happened uh after I was leaving uh Dr. Smith's retirement uh reception. I had stopped at a traffic light and to my left there was a man. He was face down in the street bleeding and he was all entangled in his wheelchair. So without thinking and I just jump out of my car, run to the man. I check around him, ask if he's okay, if he
057could stand. And at that time a young man, he got out of his car. He ran over and he asked, "Should he call 911?" Then another young man in shirt and tie, he approached and together we were able to like stand the man up, get him back in his wheelchair. And um the man said that he had tried to go off the uh ADA ramp uh for handicap, but he missed the curb and he got his wheel went into the rain the drainage and so I mean he fell fa blood was everywhere and uh he said it got stuck and he fell face first out of his chair. Um, of course, his face was bloody, blood in the street, on his wheelchair, and two young ladies uh walked up and began to ask the man
058his name, what hurts, and began looking for uh something to wipe the blood off his face. So, I had some wet napkins in my car, and I got them quickly for the girls. And so, they're cleaning up his face, and they told him uh he had probably broken his nose. And again, they began asking like, "What's your name? Are you okay? Are you hurting? How is he feeling?" And so he kind of like you know kind of got came to it and he said what's your name? So uh but by then the ambulance EMT and fire and rescue had arrived and you know they took charge from there. But I you know I wanted to share this story because um I couldn't help and I asked the you know young man and young lady if
059they were medical students and they said yes they were med and nursing students and uh in that time a few adults you know they kind of came and went but the students I mean they were there like take charge you know and go action and I just wanted to share that it really made me extremely proud the education that EVSC provides to our students and the great menu of programs offered to and for our students to experience and uh I try to boast wherever I go um district, local, national, state um of our good district. So, so in closing, I just leave this quote um when our time on earth is done, money or material things will not matter, but the love, time, and kindness we've given others will shine and live forever. So if
060there's nothing else to come before the uh July 14, 2025 meeting is now a journ.