001like to call the meeting to order for handover board of trustees and October 14th, 2025. Can everyone please stand for the pledge of allegiance and a moment of silence? >> I pledge algiance 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. [Music] Roll call. >> All right, here we go. Bye >> here. >> Banan >> here. >> Has >> here >> and here. >> All right. And nobody has signed up for comments or discussion relative to agenda items. Approval of agenda. I'll make a motion to approve the agenda. I'll second it. Comments or discussion? Roll call. >> Valky. >> Yes. >> Bdan. >> Yes. >> Pascal. >> Yes. Melissa. >> Yes. Board is not the five
002approve. >> Any reports? any school board reports. >> Uh just the good news, I think some some of you guys already know they St. John officially voted no on the annexation of that land. The 984 homes on 160 acres will not >> do you feel like it's tabled or >> they voted it down. So I'm >> for now it's tabled down. I think there was a that there was there was that much push back that I don't see it happening. I think that at least until the board flips or turns over or something. I just don't see the next at least couple years. >> Thanks for the update. >> Thank you. I'd like to welcome everybody to the 2026 public hearing. Uh the uh proper notices were published in the gateway website on September 26,
0032025 as well as Hanover School Corporation website. Uh as I've done in uh for the past 10 years, I will read through uh our 2026 budget estimates. I always do advise the board that these estimates are high. Uh we do this to protect against uh unexpected assessed value decreases. uh notably when assessed value appeals come in as the DGF does not actually work our budget until December of this year. So uh I I will go through all of our major funds. Our uh first is the referendum fund. Our 2026 budget estimate is 6,15,500. Our 2026 rainy day estimate is 1,310,000. Our 2026 debt service estimate is 10,714,935. Our 2026 capital referendum fund budget estimate is 2,889,000. Our 2026 education fund budget estimate is 21,168,000. And our 2026 operations fund budget estimate is 6,653,000. Uh all
004these collectively for a total of 48,840,435. I know these are a lot of numbers, a lot of estimates. The most important thing is we overestimate in the in the advertisement, but when the DLGF works our budget in December of this year, we're going to be right at about a$110 as as our total tax rate, which is exactly neutral with what we were last year. So, very proud of that. As we're able to continue to do capital type expenditures and keep our tax rate the exact same, so taxpayers and all three uh taxing entities that we have, the school's tax rate will remain identical to what it is in 2025. Uh in regard to our capital projects plan, as it has in years past, we do not have anything uh capital in capital related of 10,000
005or more expected. Uh in regard to our 2026 to 2030 bus replacement plan, we are replacing one bus in 2026. I think I' I've uh I'd let the board know it's almost two years out now to have a school bus built. Uh the price of school buses has increased tremendously. So, I'm with that said, I'm very thankful we only have one to replace this year. Uh, it is bus 15 and it's a bus that Beth is Beth has uh she will she will not miss that bus. It it it will it will not be missed at handover, but it did its job for a very long time. I did want to notate also uh next year we do have two scheduled, but they're not 12-year-old buses. This is a testament to how well Beth has
006taken care of our school buses uh as well as our mechanic. that bus uh next year will be 18 years old and 17 years old those two buses. So uh that was the idea of building the transportation center having our own mechanic is to be able to extend the life of the the school buses as we are by law obligated to keep them for minimally 12 years but getting 17 18 years out of buses that run handover routes which are pretty rough rural routes a lot of them is a testament to Beth's work that she's done. So, uh, at this time I will open the floor for public comment if anyone in the public would like to comment on the 2026, uh, school budget. Final call for public comment. Madam President, any questions that I
007can help with the board or >> what's what's the price of a purchase of a bus today? >> Uh, right at about 175,000. >> So, it's gone up. >> It It has gone up tremendously. I remember. >> Yeah. Back back >> wasn't that >> if we go back to 2020 they were under $100,000. >> Yep. And that's when they kind of spiked up a little bit honestly. So yeah, I think back in when I started in 1675,000 80,000 they they've gone up and not and you they were readily available. You could get them built quickly. Now and that's what's can create a problem with uh having the appropriation done in the actual budget year that you need it. They tell us it's going to take almost two years. So, if we call them today and
008say, "Hey, we'd like to order a 78 passenger bus," you're two years out from the time you're physically going to receive it. So, it it's created challenges on on multiple fronts. They're significantly more expensive and then having to appropriate it in the right budget year and then being able to wait two years in some cases. A lot of challenges in transportation department. If there are no further questions, madam president, if you'd like to close the hearing. Thank you. Now I'm doing the same thing. >> Yep. >> Public hearing. Good evening. I would like to welcome everyone to the second preliminary determination hearing as well as our first 1028 and additional appropriation public hearing regarding Hanover Community School Corporation proposed 3 million general obligation bond. The preliminary determination 1028, an additional appropriation hearing notice, was published
009in a Northwest Indiana Times in the South Lake County Sun on September 10 as well as September 18th. The purpose of this public hearing is to inform the public as to the proposed projects as well as the following all interested parties and taxpayers the opportunity to voice their opinion and to ask questions. The general obligation bond will be used to fund renovations, improvements, and equipment for the buildings of the school corporation, including but not limited to boilers, upgrades to chillers, paving repairs, roof repairs, and the purchase of buses. At this time, I would like to introduce Sean McIll from Baker Tilly, who will speak to the finance details and the general oper um obligation bond. >> Yes. Good evening. Uh thank you for the invitation. Happy to fill in for Tyler. Um my name is
010Sean McIll. I'm a senior manager and municipal adviser uh with Baker Tilly. We have the pleasure of serving the district as financial adviser uh and act in a fiduciary capacity. Uh this evening I'll be describing the maximum parameters and very conservative estimates that are included in the authorizing documents for your consideration this evening. Um so without any ado I'll hop right into it. Um the district has been very prudent in structuring these step downs within its existing debt service profile which we're looking at here today. So, with uh total annual payments of approximately $10 million in 2025 and a $2 million drop off in 2026, um you can kind of intuitively gather that the levy and tax rate required to support those payments would decline in 2026 without the issuance of an additional uh debt
011obligation. So moving forward, this is a um procedural um slide illustrating the calculation of general obligation bonding capacity. Uh school corporations in Indiana are limited in the amount of general obligation debt they can incur at any one time. Uh to calculate that, you take the most recent net assessed valuation, divide it by three, and multiply it by 2%. So your maximum limit is $13.1 million. Then we subtract out all outstanding general obligation debt and we see that today's capacity is uh just above or just below, I'm sorry, $8.3 million. Uh this next slide will illustrate those maximum parameters and conservative estimates that that I mentioned. Um these serve as the guard rails for the financing in the project. uh we cannot exceed these and we certainly expect to uh generate a more efficient financing than
012what is represented in this presentation. The maximum borrowing amount is $2,875,000. We very conservatively estimate uh no fewer than $2,720,000 will be available for project costs. the $155,000 difference there comprised of cost of issuance fees. So, um underwriters discount, bond council, municipal advisor, uh the bank is register and paying agent, uh S&P for a bond rating should you need that, etc., etc. Um based upon a 5% interest cost and a one-year repayment term, we're estimating uh interest no more than 123,000. Today's rate would be about 2.7%. So I think 66,000 would be a reasonable estimate there. Um there is no anticipated increase to the um debt service or total school tax rate um based upon this one-year repayment term. Um, and that that has to do both with the size of the financing as well
013as the 8% assessed value growth that you saw for 2026. I'm happy to answer any questions from the board. Um, and if there's any questions from the community, you're welcome to send those to us and we'll respond. [Music] >> Any questions? >> Thank you for helping. >> Thank you for your time and attention. Yep. >> Thank you for presentation. At this time, I would like to open the floor to public comment. Anybody with public comment? Last call for public comment. If there's no further public comment at this time, then I will officially close public hearing. At this time, I would like to introduce Thomas Peterson from TWWP Law Firm, who will speak to the resolutions that we will be considering tonight. >> There are five resolutions that are necessary to issue general obligation bonds. First
014is the 1028 resolution which sets the parameters for where you will pay the B for the project and which in this case is general obligation bonds and what the anticipated tax impact is which you just heard from Sean. Preliminary determination resolution is necessary because you are in Lake County. Um, this project would normally be exempt from any um, preliminary determination, but because you are in five wonderfully blessed counties that are automatically put into the process of making it eligible for a petition monstrance. That's why we have a preliminary determination resolution which has the standard findings of tax impact and cost of the project. The reimbursement resolution is a standard one that we do for every tax exempt bond issue, which just sets the time period from which Adam can use bomb proceeds to reimburse the
015school should the school pay for something in advance, such as if he'd need to put a deposit on a school bus or something like that and use school funds to do it before the bonds are actually issued, he can reimburse himself to it. Um, this resolution became necessary because there's always everything that's at the IRS in a rank, you know, is because someone has abused the process. And there were folks who went back 30, 40 years said, "That's our project, and we're going to issue tax exempt bonds to pay for it, which they were really doing cash flow financings, which cannot be done tax exempt." Next is the bond resolution which the market will look for all the terms of repayment and how the bonds are actually authorized and issued out into the public. And
016finally, whenever you have money to spend, you have to have an appropriation. And so the additional appropriation resolution establishes that these uh bomb proceeds are authorized to be spent by the school corporation. a general obligation bond. The monies are held by the school corporation in a special fund. Unlike your lease rental bonds, which a a bank trustee holds the funds separate from your monies. Again, though, even though the school has it, it's restricted to those actual capital projects that have been proposed as part of these resolutions. Uh Madame President, it's my suggestion that all five resolutions be adopted this evening. uh at your pleasure. You can do them all at once or one at a time. >> All at once. All right. So, we have the preliminary determination 1028 and additional appropriation public hearing. Um
017we have the public hearing and proposed projects and additional appropriation. B. Presentation approves appropriate sorry publication. C. Discussion of proposed projects in financing. D. Public comments and proposed projects and additional appropriation. E. Request approval of resolution 2025 through 26 number 3 1028. Resolution. F. Request approval of resolution 2025- 26 number four preliminary determination resolution. G. Request approval of resolution 2025 to 26 number five reimbursement resolution. H. Request approval of resolution 202526 number six bond resolution. I request approval of resolution 2025 to 26 number 7 additional additional appropriation resolution. Anybody like to I'll make a motion to approve resolution 2526 number three 1028 resolution resolution 2526 number four preliminary determination resolution 2526 number five reimbursement resolution resolution 2526 number six bond resolution and resolution 2526 number 7 additional appropriation anybody like to second >> I'll second
018>> comments of discussion And Adam, we're paying this back in a year. Correct. >> One year. Absolutely. >> It's like one year, one month. >> 13 months then. Got it. >> All right. Any other comments or discussions? >> Roll call. >> Yes. >> Verdan, >> yes. >> Has >> KMA? Yes. >> Yes. Board is finally approved. yourformational. Tonight we have the Key Club presenting a new state of Indiana flag. >> Come up girls. >> Mary Mary Joan and guests. Come on up. >> We didn't only have one flag. We brought four. >> Wonderful. >> So at the high school there is not an Indiana flag flying. So we felt we would solve that problem. the Woods of uh Wood, excuse me, Woodsmen of Woods Insurance. They host flags through her schools, churches, etc. So, Natalie
019Samara and Natalie Pace have donated these four flags to the Hanover Community School Corporation through the Key Club. And we'd like to present them to you. And you want to introduce yourselves, girls. >> I'm a little louder than that. I know you are. You are who? >> I'm Emily Barber. I'm Alison Kirk. Okay. These are freshman members. So >> freshman. Wow. Wonderful. Thank you, girls. >> Yeah. >> The rules for the cute club. >> As long as one gets to the high school, you can do whatever you wish with the other three. >> I believe Mrs. Kar was asking for one. >> I'll tell you what, I'll just go to one goes to you. >> Thank you so much. and the rest if you want to leave here or >> thank you very much. Thank
020you very much. >> Thank you. Thank you. Yes. Thank you guys. >> This is uh usually where Dr. McCauley says they can leave our >> meeting almost stay. Okay. Yep. >> Um so underformational there are uh six board policies that will be a first reading tonight and those will be uh brought back for consideration and a vote and approval next board meeting. Uh the first is revised policy 8120 volunteers. This policy has been revised to be consistent with policy 1521 on personal background checks. Volunteer coaches have been added to this policy. Revised policy 8121, background checks, contracted services. This policy has been revised to be consistent with policy 1521 on background checks, references, and mandatory reporting. Revised policy 8330 is on student records. Student records has been revised to include a drafting note about determining
021what information is included in the definition of directory information and to ensure that each option is delayed any aided appropriately. Technical correction on policy 8400 which is school safety information. This is just a technical correction to correct the cross reference to policy possession of firearms and weapons by visitors. Revised policy 8405, environmental health and safety issues, indoor air quality, animals in the classroom, and idling vehicles on school property. This policy has been revised to incorpor incorporate the requirement of um IC164121.2 for child care facilities, preschools to test the drinking water for lead. And last but not least, revised policy 8451, parasitic in infestation head lice. This policy has been revised to incorporate terminology changes, use of the term parasitic infestation to incorporate provisions for managing bed bugs which are becoming more common. Those are the
022six policies that will be brought back. Any questions? >> Scott doesn't have a question. Maybe next time. >> Our loan action item tonight. I'd like to request approval to accept Reflective Codings LLC's quote of $124,8151 to add a membrane to the Hanover Central High School's Best Gym Fieldhouse Group. This will require formal board action. I'd like to make a motion to request approval to accept Reflective Codings LLC's quote of 124,8151 to add a membrane to handover Central High School's West Gym Fieldhouse roof. Anybody want a second? I will second. Comments or discussion? >> So, if we approve this, it means that the repair is going forward cost of 124,000. >> Yes. for the new membrane. So >> much cheaper than a34 million whole roof >> and it's a 10year warranty. Absolutely. >> I'm looking forward
023to putting this problem to rest. >> I'm sure everybody else is too. >> Yes. >> So Mr. M. >> Yes. >> As Mr. Peterson so eloquently described your ability to reimburse projects. Is this 124,000 coming out of current capital project funds or is this going to be advanced off of the geo bond? >> It will be advanced off the geo bond via the reimbursement resolution. So, thank you sir. >> Exactly for comments, questions. Roll call. >> Valky, >> yes. >> Verdan, >> yes. >> Haskell, >> Yes. Melissa, >> yes. Board of 50 approved repairs. >> We have nobody signed up for comments or discussion for items not on the agenda. Board of trustees have any comments or discussions? >> Thank you everybody for all your work on all that. Thank you, Adam, for everything. I
024know it's hard to figure out how to fill out those boxes and make sure things get paid, but >> a lot of forms go into those little boxes at the end. >> Sure. But thank you. >> Absolutely. >> I also like to remind everyone who lives in Hanover Township that we're asking to renew our referendum. Um, election day is November 4th, but um, early voting is open. You can go to the St. John Trustes Office or you can go to Lake County Courthouse and vote yes for handover. This is for operation referendum. We're just asking to renew it again. Um we're not asking we're not increasing your tax. It's going to stay the same. And as you heard tonight, we are staying the same, which is good, but we need it. We need it for
025a lot of programs for the kids including transportation, our security, um over 125 um employee employee and um CTE classes and keeping our class sizes smaller, not larger. Um it's very important for our school district considering with um Senate Bill One, we'll be losing 6.1 million in the next three years. So, we do need to renew our operation referendum. Anybody needs any signs, let me know after the meeting. I will make sure they're in your yard tomorrow. Um, anybody wants to help going door to door, we'll get you guys door hangers and stuff to help. But that's it. Thank you for the flags. >> Thank you. All right. Anybody want to make a motion to make a motion to adjourn? Everybody approve. Say I. I. I. A turn.