001We'll call the meeting to order and we'll start with the Pledge of Allegiance. I pledge allegiance 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. I want to welcome everyone to the school board meeting this evening. Reminder that we are live streaming the board meeting. Um and it can be viewed on the web. So, welcome those that are watching via the web as well. Um so, we'll um start by taking a motion to accept consent agenda items. So moved. I have a motion by Pat. Do I have a second? Second. Second by Travis. Any discussion? All those in favor? 7-0. Um next we'll go down to community non-agenda items. We have JCHS 2025 fall sports recognition.
002Yes, we get to celebrate some students this evening. So, Mr. Hartwell is here from the high school um to share some accomplishments of our high school students in the fall sports season. Okay, well, I want to honor three of our fall sport athletes. Um one of them could not be here tonight, but I'm still going to talk about him. Never mind. Um Parker Bales could not be here tonight, but Parker Bales had a tremendous career in tennis. And so, what I'm going to do is to ask their coaches to write a paragraph about their kiddo. And so, I'm going to just read what they had written about them. So coach Brown wrote this on November 9th Parker Bales capped off standout high school tennis career with his appearance in the Indiana senior boys North South
003All-Star Classic. Over the course of his four years representing the Panthers on the tennis court Parker won two individual sectional titles was voted MVP for all four years. He was all HCC all four years all district all four years all state honorable mention for three years and all state second team for one year. Parker finished his high school career with an overall record of 85 and 11. So he had an outstanding career and I hate that he couldn't make it here tonight but I wanted to make sure you guys heard how great of a career he had. And Gomey if I could have you stand up when I talk about you. All right. Christian Gomey Gomez is a junior at JCHS where he excels in multiple sports football and wrestling as well as in student
004leadership clubs and activities. Gomey is a high character young man that often is referenced for making a difference in the lives of students around JCHS's campus. This past fall Gomey earned prestigious recognition of being named IFCA Class 4A All-State as a defensive lineman. To follow up his stellar stellar fall season Gomey went on to the semi-state qualifier in wrestling this winter. Gomey is working hard in prime to have a fantastic senior campaign here at JCHS. So we're hoping for big things from Gomey here in his senior year. >> [applause] >> Addison Long cross country. So coach Stoner wrote this. To say that Addison Long has a outstanding rookie season is to say the least. She broke the school record not once but twice as a freshman. Um and she also appeared in a state meet.
005So the track record was 19:06 by Emma Morrison she broke it in Brown County 18:55 and broke it again in the regional 18:47 in Evansville. So as a freshman she's already crushed the the records that we're hoping to see that then keep going down. So, um her work ethic goes above and beyond the workouts I set for her. She lifts up her teammates. She is positive, a driving force on our team. The minimum is not an option for Addie. Even average isn't good enough. She wants to be the best, and she trains to be the best. She deserves every accolade she receives. So, Addison won a cross country meet. >> [applause] >> I wanted you guys I wanted you about you guys to walk around and meet all these people. >> [laughter] >> Congratulations. Thank
006you. Thank you. Congratulations. You have so much to Thank you. That was really awesome. Thank you. Thank you, good job. This is hard. That's what I think. Thank you. Good to see you. Good to see you. Thank you. Thank you. Congratulations. Thank you. Let me take a picture. Let us move so we >> [laughter] >> There you go. That's good. >> [laughter] >> Hang on. Hang on. Stay there again. >> [laughter] >> Yes, sir. I'm going to take a picture of myself and All right. Awesome. In in your honor, we have JC cookies in the hallway, so please take some. Keep them in your pockets for friends. >> [laughter] >> Great job, guys. [applause] Just want to congratulate those three students. What What a What amazing accomplishments. Um you know, I think back when my
007kids were in, you know, high school and did the athletics and the sports and how that really taught them leadership. It taught them teamwork. There's so much more um to it. So, well done. Congratulations to all three of them. Um so, next we have a JCSC information statement. Yes. So, this week I did share, actually yesterday, um with our families through Parent Square an information statement. I would like to read it aloud tonight so that community members can hear it as well. Um and there are copies in the hallway if anyone in the audience would like to to have one to follow along. Um so, I'm going to read this out loud. It is rather lengthy, um but I'm just going to read it as is, the entire statement. Um dear families and community members,
008we would like to take a moment to share information with our families and community regarding several concerns that have recently been discussed in online community forums and social media. We value open communication and understand that families want to feel informed, heard, and supported. Public schools operate under legal guidelines that differ from those of individual citizens when it comes to communication. While individuals may choose to publicly share information about themselves or their children, school districts are required to follow student privacy laws, including the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, FERPA, as well as employee privacy laws. These laws limit our ability to respond publicly to certain questions or situations, particularly those involving specific students or staff members. At times, this limitation can understandably feel like a lack of response or lack of transparency. Please know that
009is not our intention. Our goal is to always communicate thoughtfully and transparently while honoring the legal protections in place for students and staff. When we are able to share information, we strive to do through to do so through appropriate channels, including public meetings and official communications. Jennings County Schools offers several ways for family and community members to communicate with us or share concerns, including direct communication with school administrators or district staff, email or phone contact, Parent Square messaging, anonymous reporting through the Say Something reporting portal, family and community surveys, and information shared on our website and FAQ documents. We hear the community's request for continued transparency and communication, and we are committed to strengthening those efforts. In that spirit, we would like to provide an update on several topics that have recently been discussed. While
010we cannot comment on any pending litigation, we hope the information below provides helpful context about resources and ongoing efforts. Bullying and student mental health. Jennings County Schools takes all reports of bullying seriously. When a concern is reported, our schools follow an investigation process that aligns with both school board policy and Indiana law. When a report is received, the school investigation team reviews the concern promptly, within one instructional day. Parents or guardians of both the alleged aggressor and the alleged victim are notified. If the investigation confirms bullying behavior, an action plan is implemented and appropriate discipline is applied. If not confirmed, a safety plan to closely monitor can be implemented. Parents or guardians of both parties are informed of the outcome of the investigation. Disciplinary responses vary based on the severity of the situation and may
011include consequences up to and including expulsion in accordance with school policy. Reports to law enforcement and DCS are made by the school when applicable. Families are also encouraged to contact law enforcement when appropriate. Beyond responding to individual reports, we have worked to strengthen our proactive efforts to support student mental health and prevent bullying. Actions in 2025 include the following. Student education and prevention. Continued annual student lessons on bullying prevention and how to report concerns to a trusted adult. K-12 instruction on child abuse awareness and prevention through Aaron's Law. Digital well-being and online safety lessons for all students including social media awareness through Common Sense Media. Staff training. Continued annual staff training on bullying prevention and recognizing warning signs. Continued suicide prevention training for staff. In 2025, additional QPR, question, persuade, refer, suicide prevention training and
012mental health first aid training for school counselors. Community partnerships. Collaboration with Jennings County Health Department and Purdue Extension to provide suicide prevention training for parents and community members. Consultation with physicians from Riley's Hospital for Children specializing in youth mental health. Partnerships with local providers such as Centerstone and Firefly to host parent information sessions on online safety, mental health, and suicide prevention. Expanded reporting options. In 2025, we expanded anonymous reporting by implementing the nationally recognized Say Something system. This platform allows students, parents, and community members to report concerns about bullying, self-harm, school safety, or student well-being. It also provides a way to report concerns regarding school staff if needed. Community collaboration. In 2025, a student well-being committee, including school staff, mental health providers, law enforcement, Department of Child Services representatives, Purdue Extension, Jennings County Health Department,
013and other community family resource organizations was formed. This group meets to analyze community needs and develop action plans to strengthen support for children and families. Family communication. Throughout 2025, we shared mental health resources, student suicide prevention information, and bullying prevention resources with our families through Parent Square and information posted on our website. Student support programs. Centerstone youth programming opportunities for families interested in additional support. We reviewed and expanded classroom bullying prevention resources used by our school counselors and curriculum team. We use Second Step curriculum. And district-wide kindness campaigns in 2025-2026 school year led by student leadership groups to promote a positive school culture. While this list highlights many efforts already underway, we acknowledge the need for ongoing education and remain committed to progress. Planned initiatives for 2026 and beyond. Partner with families and community members
014to form a community advisory committee focused on student mental health, suicide prevention, and bullying prevention. An outside facilitator will help guide the work to ensure transparency and meaningful progress. Creation of a student advisory group for grades 5 through 12 to provide student voice and feedback on well-being initiatives. Additional parent information sessions focused on bullying prevention, suicide prevention, mental health supports, and social media safety. Expanded staff staff training related to bullying prevention and response, and public reporting of district bullying data on the school corporation website to increase transparency. Expanded student education and events related to bullying prevention, suicide prevention, and mental health resources in the [clears throat] 2026-2027 school year. Additional actions may be recommended through the work of the community advisory committee. The reporting of bullying by students, parents, and community members is an essential
015part of this process. If you have concerns, please reach out using the Say Something reporting portal, Parent Square, email, or by contacting your child's school principal or district administrators. Your partnership helps us respond quickly and provide support for students. Personnel concerns. Jennings County Schools is not able to publicly comment on specific personnel matters. Employee privacy laws and district policies require that personnel issues [clears throat] be handled through appropriate internal procedures. Staff members who have concerns have multiple avenues for support, including contacting their direct supervisor, reaching out to the human resources department, contacting central office administrators, including the superintendent, communicating with school board members, and using the anonymous Say Something reporting system. When concerns are reported, the district follows established procedures to review and investigate the situation. These processes may involve individuals who are not directly
016connected to the concern in order to ensure fairness and objectivity. District policies, including those related to employee conduct and procedures, are publicly available on our website, jcsc.org, under the board section. Our employee handbook and teacher contracts are also available on our website. In closing, thank you for taking the time to review this information. Jennings County Schools is filled with students and staff who care deeply for one another and work each day to create a safe, supportive, and positive learning environment. We value the partnership with our families in the community. If you have questions, concerns, or need support, please contact your school administration or use one of the reporting methods to share information. Thank you. Then included um on now posted on our website or will be posted shortly, sorry, um is a one-page bullying data
017sheet. And so, I'm just going to briefly read through what's on that paper, but again, this will be posted online soon. We are going to keep an updated by quarter bullying and reporting data on the website. So, this is 2026 for quarters 1, 2, and 3. Um the number of reports that we've received uh regarding bullying or harassment to our tip platforms have been 14 in total this year. Six were turned in on our Google form um August-October. Once we implemented Say Something in November, we have had since that's been implemented in November to now, eight um reported on that portal. Total tips to Say Something though in 2026 have been 18. The top two categories have been uh five reports for harassment and three of bullying and cyberbullying. But other category examples um that
018could be included in that 18 have been tips about suicide, depression, anxiety, cutting, self-harm, school safety, and then there's other additional choices about student well-being. Um data on bullying confirmed bullying incidents for 2025 25-26. In quarter one, we had four confirmed bullying incidents. In quarter two, we had five confirmed bullying incidents. Quarter three, seven. For a total so far this year of 16 incidents. When I say confirmed bullying incident, that means it was reported to school staff or school staff themselves started investigation. They complete a thorough bullying report investigation several pages long talking to multiple witnesses, all the students involved, and the parents are informed. If the outcome of that is it's confirmed bullying, then consequences apply. In this year's 16 incidents, those actions included out-of-school suspension, in-school suspension, and expulsion. If the investigation finds
019that it is two students mutually participating in conflict, that they need support and help, that is called peer conflict. We have had investigated Sorry, a total of 21 peer conflict reports this school year. Quarter one, we had five. Quarter two, three. Quarter three, 11. And currently, in fourth quarter just started this week, we've had two incidents reported for a total 21. In those situations, we provide supportive measures and discipline as well, including in-school suspension, safety plans, peer mediation, counseling, conference with parents, and a variety of other measures are included in those situations. All receive a follow-up response. So, that is the data that I would like to keep for transparency that was mentioned in the newsletter that I'd like to keep updated on our website. So, I have this initial data, and then we will
020update it every quarter going forward so people can look for that on our website sometime next week. It should be able to be up and and live on the website if [clears throat] someone would like to see it. Thank you for the time to be able to share that all out loud this evening. I appreciate that. Thanks, Nikki. Next, I'll ask if anyone is present who would like to speak to any item on the agenda or any other topic. Hearing none, we'll go down to old business. We have some new Yolo policies for approval. Yes, I'm seeing for approval of this listed group of Yolo policies, please. Entertain a motion. So moved. Motion by Marilyn. Do I have a second? Second. Second by Cheryl. Any discussion? All those in favor? 7 0. Um next, we'll
021go down to property. Yes. >> [clears throat] >> I'm asking the board permission to advertise a notice to bidders for the secured entrance project. This is the next phase of that we've been talking about for 6 months. So moved. I have a motion by Travis. Do I have a second? Second. Second by Kurt. Any All those in favor? 7 0. Next, we'll move down under new business. Um permission to post. Yes, I'm asking for permission to post the position for an HR admin assistant. This will be a full-time position. This is needed due to increased paperwork and regulations in that area. Um we had five classified positions marked for absorption this year. So this would be an internal only posting, which would mean that we would only need to absorb four classified positions cuz this
022would create a spot for someone in that position. Um so it would be posted internally. So asking for permission to post HR administrative assistant. Entertain a motion to approve. Motion. Motion by Chelsea. Do I have a second? Second. Second by Kurt. discussion? All those in favor? Six. All those opposed? One. May I ask you Travis. Um another permission to post. >> Yes, permission to post for JCHS summer school teaching positions. Um this is for credit recovery. Um if I do not need four, I will not post four. It'll depend on numbers that we don't have yet. I'll entertain a motion to approve. So moved. I have a motion by Marilyn. Do I have a second? Second. Second by Cheryl. Any discussion? All those in favor? Seven oh. Um one more. Yes, I'm asking for permission
023to post eight elementary school teacher positions um due to requirements of second and third graders who do not pass I read um having to take summer school. These positions are needed. Same situation if we don't need all eight, we won't use all eight. I'll entertain a motion to approve. So moved. Motion by Pat. Do I have a second? Second. Second by Chelsea. Any discussion? All those in favor? Seven oh. And we have one recommendation. Yes, please. Asking for approval for the following recommendation. Eric Kelly, Jennings County Middle School boys assistant track and field coach. So moved. I have a motion by Travis. Do I have a second? Second. Second by Kurt. Any discussion? All those in favor? Seven oh. Next, we'll move move down under support staff. Again, permission to post. Yes, I'm asking for
024permission to post one um high school summer school parapro position for the re-credit credit credit recovery summer school. I'll entertain a motion to approve. So [snorts] moved. I have a motion by Kurt. Do I have a second? Second by Pat. Any discussion? All those in favor? Seven oh. One more? And one more. Permission to post eight elementary school uh parapro positions. This is for I read for second and third graders. There'll be one at each elementary school except for two for Sand Creek Do I have a motion? Motion. I have a motion by Chelsea. Do I have a second? Second. Second by Cheryl. Any discussion? All those in favor? 7-0. And now we have some recommendations. >> Yes, please. Asking for the following approvals to be or recommendations to be approved. Regine Otterson, Jennings County
025High School Middle School Music Accompanist parapro part-time. Ellen Geringer, Jennings County High School sped parapro termination. Jonathan Kipper, Jennings County High School assistant boys track coach. Samantha Smith, Jennings County School Corp bus bus aid. And Scotty Willis, Jennings County High School volunteer assistant softball coach. We'll entertain a motion to approve those names as read. Motion by Mary Linda. Do I have a second? Second by Chelsea. Any discussion? All those in favor? 7-0. Which brings us down to finance. We have some donations. Yes, asking the board asking the board for permission to accept the following donations. For the high school, Greg Hicks State Farm $100 for the junior class prom. Jump Family Insurance $200 for the junior class prom. Outboard Technologies $500 to the e-sports program. At the middle school, Alicia Roberts Insurance Columbus $500 for
026the eighth grade celebration. And for the corporation-wide kindergarten roundup donations, Beely Family Dentistry 300 toothbrushes and Expert Eye Care 300 coloring books. And lastly, at NBE Hayden Methodist Church, estimated value of $150 of shoes, socks, and food to help students in need. We'll entertain a motion to to those donations as read. So, moved. Motion by Pat, do I have a second? Second. Second by Travis, any discussion? All those in favor? 7-0. This brings us down to summer meal program approval. Yes, I'm asking board approval for the second year of the summer meal program. As you remember last year we did this for the first time, quite successful, just shy of 24,000 meals that were handed out during the summer time at the during two month two month span and we're asking the board for a
027second go around of this. I'll entertain a motion to approve. Motion. A motion by Chelsea, do I have a second? Second. Second by Cheryl, any discussion? How is this funded? This is completely through a food service grant, so there's not a cost to the corporation. It's reimbursed. Any additional discussion? All those in favor? 7-0. What a great program. Um next we have a couple of resolutions. Yes, the first resolution is a standard resolution because of the distance between the two meet our next meeting. It's authorizing the treasurer deputy treasurer to make payments of claims without prior board action to the April 9th meeting and allow treasurer deputy treasurer to make transfers appropriation within education debt service and operations in order to balance major fund classifications. I'll entertain [clears throat] a motion to approve. So, moved.
028Motion by Pat, do I have a second? Second. Second by Kurt, any discussion? All those in favor? 7-0. Um next resolution. Next I'm asking board to approve the following resolution. The superintendent of schools is specifically authorized to pay the early retirement incentive payments to teachers specified in the attached document titled JCS E2026 early retirement payment in the amount specified in the attached document. The document is incorporated into this resolution by reference. This is a one-time payment and it's for the following people: Ed Ertel, Karen Field, Gina Gallion, Luanne Gant, Todd Hearn, Emma Lovegrove, Elizabeth McGuire, Roxanne Norton, Jennifer Posey, Lori Shepherd, and Susie Webster. We'll entertain a motion to approve the resolution as read. I have a motion by Mary Lynn. Do I have a second? Second. Second by Pat. Any discussion? All those in
029favor? Six. Abstain. Travis abstains. One. And I'd like to point out two things there. One, this is still available up to March 20th. So, we went ahead and brought who we have at this point. So, we could be bringing back more names our next meeting. And then, I just would be remiss if we didn't take a moment to pause and say what a wonderful group of dedicated individuals that are retiring and recognize the positive impact that they as a group have had on this community. And I know Karen's here with us this evening. Um and it gives me chills to read and look at this list of names because they are people that are just phenomenal and they have dedicated their lives to the children of this community. So, thank you to them. Thanks for
030pointing that out. Thank you. Um next, we'll move down under operations. We have an application Yeah. So, this is an inform this time and I'd like to bring a resolution back to you the next meeting. I would like to apply for a what they call a 1003 flexibility waiver. Um this is a waiver that we would apply to the state and I would like to ask to use two designated school days next year for asynchronous e-learning. Um so, one in the first semester and one in the spring semester. Those days the students will be working on their own asynchronous learning at home while all of our teachers spend the day in full day PD, professional development. With our shift from building instructional coaches to district instructional coaches, we're cutting seven instructional coaches positions. This would
031allow us to keep our momentum on staff training and updated um materials. We have a lot headed to us next year with math particularly from the state and this would allow our teachers some time to really delve into that and work um on learning that updated information. So, we would ask the state for approval. If they approve our request, then we would add those days in the calendar and get that information out to parents before next school year so they can plan around that. Um, another advantage to this model and approach is we use a significant amount of money on substitutes for professional development for teachers and while this wouldn't eliminate that cost it would be a cost savings um that would be available as well. So, I think it is a win-win scenario of
032those two perspectives. So, I'd like to bring that back as a resolution. That would be the next step in the process and at our next meeting I bring that asking for approval. If you approve that resolution, then I would apply to the state and we would wait to hear back if they approve our our recommendation. Or sorry, our proposal. Again, that's an inform. So, if you have questions, get with Nikki um to make sure you get those answered and all that at the next board meeting. Um, the next under operations we have a calendar update. Yes, I want to give you two calendar updates. This first is for the entire corporation. Um, we missed on February 26th due to inclement weather and it was a weird weather day um not expected. We had a two-hour
033delay and then we ended up having to cancel. Um, so we were unable to do online learning and we've had multiple It's been a rough winter. We've had a lot of different days this winter. So, I did reach out to the state and ask for a waiver that we wouldn't have to make that day up tacked on to the end of the school year. They have approved that waiver. So, I will send an update out to parents before spring break and staff letting them know that that day was approved as a waiver. So, students will not need to make up that date. And then in addition to that, I also asked for a waiver for the day that Graham Creek, only Graham Creek, was out and they approved that as well for 2 16 26.
034So, both of those were approved by the state. Um again, that's only for one for the board. And which brings us down to other. I don't have any other. Hearing nothing else to come before the board, we'll entertain a motion to adjourn. So moved. Motion by Chelsea. Second by Travis. All those in favor? 7-0. Meeting adjourned.