001Welcome everyone. I'd like to call the meeting to order with the pledge of allegiance. I pledge algiance to the flag of the United States of America to the republic for one nation and justice for all. >> Okay. I'd like to recite our mission statement. Uh Knox Community School Corporation purpose, strength and community. >> Thank you. >> All right. Number four, adoption of the agenda. The chair will entertain a motion to adopt the agenda for the January 5th, 2026 regular meeting as presented. >> Motion second. Brown. Thanks, Kirk. Thank you. All in favor. >> All right. Approval of the minutes from the December 1st, 2025 regular board meeting. A motion, please. >> Motion, Wendy's. >> Second. Thank. >> All in favor? >> Six. Championship moment. Uh, Mr. Mlitch will spotlight Mrs. Media Nita Sullivan. Sorry. >>
002I was getting my glasses on and off. Sorry. >> Okay. Well, let me see here. Uh, give me one second. I had a picture here for you, Miss Sullivan. Uh, let me see what happened to it. I see the picture. I don't see where I got to put it on, but either. Ah, here we go. Give me one second. That didn't work. Well, I'll work on this. Technology works, right? You want to jump to our second? >> No, I'll be fine. Um, so on November 21st, um, Miss Alva went to uh, Indianapolis. Um, she was recognized at the um, education excellence award gala uh, for a lifetime educator excellence award. Um, and Miss Svin, you've been with us for how many years? This is my 50th year. >> 50th year. Round of applause for that.
003She was nominated by one of our staff members uh for basically a lifetime achievement. Um so we a like to thank you very much for all the time that you put into our kids, our staff, our community. I mean that's an amazing amount of time. So thank you very much. Um Mr. Darno, would you like to say anything before I turn it over to her? I just I mean many of you I mean how do you describe Mrs. Salin? I was actually going to pull up just now. I thought I should read the letter um that was that was written on her behalf. You know Mrs. Sullivan is as committed today as she was I am sure 50 years ago. I wasn't here 50 years ago but I'm going to bet um she is really
004somebody that truly is that she's so passionate about her kids, her families. this community, whether it be a school or at large. Everything that she does, she is a servant leader in in the fullest um meaning of that word. She is hating every minute of this because she hates the spotlight. She [clears throat] is the most humble. Um she is the most caring, loving, and effective teacher. Um she is still learning anything she can to help her kids. She is a model of what it's supposed to look like. Even as a a new teacher, she is a model for everyone here. And we are so pleased that she was recognized on such a large scale because she really deserves it. And one thing that I think is so special is at the banquet when they
005were announcing her and the MC mentioned that she had been teaching for 50 years in kindergarten, the entire room stood and she had a standing ovation from an entire ballroom of people which she definitely deserves. So the list goes on and I know many of you have your own personal connections with her but we are so grateful and Knox is very lucky, very very lucky. >> Thank you. Um, I will say when I first got my teaching degree and went into teaching, um, my family and, um, especially my mom and dad and friends would say, "Mita, you you really want to do this?" Because I actually was rather shy except around children. And then I would just come out and I said, "Oh, yes." And then they would say, "Well, how long do you think
006you would you will teach?" And I jokingly said, "Oh, 50 years." Because, you know, that's a long ways off. And it was just a couple years ago, maybe three, when I realized, oh my word, I'm almost there at 50. So, I told Shannon, even though she wasn't happy, I said, "I think on my 50th year, I think if all is well, I'm I'm going to retire." Um, I still enjoy it. I want to leave on a good happy note. Um, but you know, when you do something that you like, the timely and it doesn't seem like >> I enjoyed it on the whole. I've enjoyed it. Um, and I know I've had some of you in school, so that ages me a little bit, but um, I hope everyone and Miles, you've you've made a
007great achievement. And be proud of that, but always do your best, which you do. And, you know, it's not I'm not doing it myself. It's everyone else around that helps. And remember, and I may get in trouble for saying this, but God is always with you and he will take care of you and guide you. Okay. Thank you all. >> Thank you. All right, Mr. L's, Mr. Men, would you like to spotlight Mr. Indiana football? >> Absolutely. Good. >> All right. So, when I came to Knox this school year, um, a lot of people had a lot of great things to say about Knox. And one thing that I kept hearing was, "Man, just wait till you you see the football field. Wait till you see what this what this upcoming senior can do this
008year um on the football field." And of course they were talking about Miles McGofflin. No one at that time when I started probably would have assumed that by the end of the season um what Miles would have done would put Knox on the map. Not just from the state but on a national level even an international level. In October my parents were in Hilton Head and they checked in and they said hey do you know where Knoxian is? And of course my parents parents had to talk about how they know Knox. Um not anything about how amazing Miles is, but my son's the principal there. Um and then the other thing is everyone that knows Miles is going to have a a story about him. And the story that I have is how I was
009introduced to Miles. When I was sitting in the stands at the football stadium, I saw Miles on the football field and he wasn't in pads, he wasn't in a helmet, he was escorting some of our special ed students across the stage at graduation. And um his his reach, his impact um for Knox, the community, and for himself is far beyond um the football field. He's an incredible student. He's a incredible young man and his his career is just starting. So I'm gonna turn it over to Mr. Min to let him kind of talk about all of his accolades. >> I'm pass out a sheet. >> Yeah. Thank you. You're welcome. >> [laughter] >> Uh like Sam said, um you know, Miles does tremendous things on the football field that everybody gets to see um Friday
010nights for, you know, 13 weeks in a row that we uh played. [clears throat] uh tremendous on the field, but um even off the field, just seeing him with uh our applied skills classes and things like that. Um seeing how he is with those kids and how much they adore him and uh watch them through the halls is something to watch. But um this year um I brought the trophy. That's the first one he's received um got in the mail so far, but that's a Gatorade player of the year. So it's Indiana football Gatorade Player of the Year. Um, we received the banner today for Gatorade Player of the Year. Some other awards for him, uh, Max Prep's player of the year, the Indiana Football Digest prime time top 25, IFCA top 50 all state,
011Indiana State Conference MP two years in a row, rivals Indiana high school player of the year, rivals high school football national all-American, Sporting News High School football all-American, and he's a na a Maxwell uh national finalist for high school player of the year nationally. Um some of his uh state records, most points in a game, 62 against CMA. Most rushing attempts in a season, 486. Most rushing yards in a season, 4,846. Most touchdowns in a season, 71. Most points scored in a season, 496. Highest rushing rushing average of 346.1 yards per game. Um most rush yards in a career, 11,839. most points scored in a career, uh, 1,214. Um, then his national records, national records, most rushing yards in a season ever, um, for any high school student in in uh, America, 4,846 yards. Most
012rushing touchdowns in a season, 71. Most points scored in a season, 496. Some of his other notable achievements, the uh twotime IFCA uh junior 3A all state, fourtime first team all-American, three conference titles, four sectional titles, two regional titles, and then the Mr. Football of Indiana. So, um he's going to be uh they're going to send um a trophy and a jersey with the number one on it for him for uh Mr. Football. And he donated that uh trophy to us here at the school. Um, so we'll put that up somewhere. But, um, yeah, just a tremendous year, um, for him and our football team. Uh, did a great job and just watching the hard work that paid off. And, uh, want to congratulate Miles on a job well done. You know, I think Miles,
013one of the things that I've always appreciated about you is the way you handled all of the reporters and we handled all the people that talked to you. You were always professional. Um, you you always made Knox proud with what you said and I just want to commend you for that. You know, Mr. You said, you know, your first time was seeing him off the field and I agree. There's so many great things you do off the field. I want to thank you for those small things that not everybody sees. People see this, right? But it's the small things that people don't see um and the class that you have as a as an individual and your your family does and friends also. So um thank you very much. Is there anything else you'd like
014to say? >> I appreciate all the support for everything you guys do and uh let's keep going. [laughter] >> Absolutely. Is there any questions you guys may have? Any thoughts? >> Congratulations. >> Can't wait to watch you keep going. >> Yeah. Sorry I forgot to add he's be playing at Murray State next year. >> Yep. Best of luck and we'll finish out this basketball season yet, too. >> We We do have a shirt for you and we do need a picture. So, come on up. We'll get one with you and we'll get one one with the family also. Um, large or extra large? What do you want? >> That's large. Um, Mr. Kaminsky, we're going to stand right there. If you don't mind, but it's not really for >> right now. Family, let me get
015one of him and then the family can join him. squared away. Two and three. All right, family. Come on up. Been here, but he started getting sick. Right. [laughter] >> Perfect. One, two, and three. >> And and the family, thank you very much for everything you did. >> Yeah. If uh you guys want to uh leave, that's okay. If you want to sit for the rest of the meeting, you're more than welcome to. >> [laughter] >> All right. Uh, seven, a director update. Kelly, you like to update the board transportation, please. >> Good afternoon. Thank you for having me here. Um, the first thing that what I would like to do is from the bottom of my heart, thank you all for approving the department's raises for the drivers. Um, it meant a lot to
016them. um as well as the increase that we had for the field trips, the change of the rates that did some to raise um some interest, not as much as I had hoped. Um but I'm hoping next year as routes get a little bit cleaner that we'll have a better interest. Um we have been able to successfully have all field trips go off without a hitch this year except for one. Um and for that it's it's constantly fluid in my department. The second thing that I want to say is thank you for bringing me in to Knox. Um the one thing that I have seen from the top of our administration down to our prek teachers is the love and compassion that everybody has for students and that's something that hits my heart. I love
017kids. I think of all of them as mine. Um and to be in a community where everybody that I've come in contact with feels the same way. Um, it can't go unsaid that it matters a lot and it makes a huge difference to our drivers, to our department, to the kids, and I thank you for that. >> Great. >> And I just want to say thank you for for being here. She's definitely brought a level of professionalism um to the transportation department. You mentioned that word care, right? And I think of you along with your your bus drivers, we hear it every day on the walk about how the bus driver stops at a house and you know so the parents not there, they don't see somebody, they call in, hey, make sure you call
018this family. Where they at? You know, um and I can't thank our bus drivers enough for that to make sure our kids are safe every day. Um and the leadership that you have over that uh that department. So thank you. Is there any other questions that >> Yeah, I'd just like to say uh uh I read a story on from ISBA today. has said that uh there's over 50% of the uh students uh do not ride public uh buses. They're either their families take them or whatever. And if you read on down into the article, it talks about uh uh charter schools and and all that. So, uh so I will say, you know, I just wanted to say that and I do want to thank you for all you do. We're about We're about
019what 60% if I remember right. >> Yes. Ran the numbers last time we were about 65 to 60%. Um which was up from last year. Um and we have more students moving into the district which changes you know everything. Um but we're able to accommodate and and get everybody to school that wants to ride the bus. >> Is that uh 65% is that in district kids or is that count all the like going >> counts everybody. >> Okay. Do we still have a big need for more drivers or for >> We definitely need more drivers. We also need few new buses. Um but for those drivers um and that would only be to bring our routes so that our kids aren't on the bus for 80 90 minutes as well as when um when you
020bring your numbers down to 35 40 kids on a bus it's easy to double. Plus, instead of it being, you know, an hour and a half route and then coming back and doing another 45 minute route, it makes it total [clears throat] of an hour route. So, it just makes doubling a little bit easier. Um, but I have to say our drivers are phenomenal. Like, they're all willing to chip in whatever they can do to help. Um, even ones that have been apprehensive, they're like, "Okay, I'll do it." Um, and that helps out a lot. So, the goal would be to get the routes down an hour. um closer to about 45minute route is kind of hard in the country as far out as we go, but once we get that down, then that'll help
021us. Um and then we have some drivers that are in our white buses that are wanting [clears throat] to move forward and get their CDL as well. >> That is the biggest challenge is the double routing, you know, and so I'll put a plug in for anyone listening if they want to be a subbus driver, let us know. Um because we would love to have a couple people extra to be able to plug those those when someone's absent. Um and is definitely a challenge that we have every day. Um and we feel like even down to the admin who has to watch the kids from the bus that you know isn't there. So um we're working on that. >> Does that happen pretty often? The double routing >> sometimes. Um if kids get sick then
022my drivers get hit and then that causes so you see the influx as the kids get sick and the drivers get sick. Um and then we taper off and we do good for a little while and then we hit a pocket of illness and we're right back in the same roller coaster. We stay fluid all the time. Um but you know the drivers are all willing to hop in where they can. >> Got a question. It's interesting as we as the dynamics have changed with our routes probably getting spread out with students outside of the district you know as you talk ideally 35 to 40 students. You know there's 60 buses right that standard. >> So our standard buses are 72 but that's 72 kindergarten first graders >> right. Yeah. I just it's interesting because
023if we need more buses but we're not necessarily filling the buses is that need of like you almost need a 40 passenger bus or a 30 passenger bus instead of that but obviously that's not in the mix but just how things have changed with routes we're spread out more so times more but there's really no more students but it's a matter of being able to get them there that the logistics of getting them there in a timely fashion just it's interesting >> it's a challenge [clears throat] and it's a challenge because more kids you put on, the longer the route is. >> Right. And our our bus is about finished about the same time within five or 10 minutes. So, she's got the routes where they need to be, but it is it is a
024challenge. >> Then we do have some routes that are packed. Um, bus 10, she's at 71 students every day, daily, and you have others that are 3540. So, you know, it it's it's our so where we're growing and where we >> a lot more kids. >> Correct. Absolutely. >> Out of town is west. Exactly. So, it's just a matter of, you know, where we see our growth is, make sure that we focus on the students in that area to put more buses and squeeze where we can. So, >> your thoughts are the need for possibly a couple more to the routes [clears throat] with drivers. >> Correct. I can tell you solidly we absolutely need at least one full-time driver. um because two of our drivers where they are, they're at 90 minutes and [clears
025throat] they're both um again, one is at 71 and the other one is at 66. Pulling some of those students off of that would not only bring the routes down, but it'll also give the students home a lot. >> Do we have the buses to do that? Right now, >> we do currently. >> So, bus wise, we do have buses. It's drivers to build those buses. >> Correct. Yes. >> Okay. I was concerned when you said that. I was like, okay. And obviously we could always use newer buses. >> Correct. Yeah. And we absolutely have for one or two drivers. We just, you know, if we got an influx of three or four, then we would not have um the buses for because we always want to make sure that we have one available of
026something, you know, one doesn't start in the morning. >> And we do keep up with our bus replacement. That's part of our project that we do. >> Yeah. [laughter] So, I got So, if we cut cut those routes down, uh would it be more feasible to get a smaller bus because they do have >> like some 50 passengers or something like that or some of the smaller ones? >> That's kind of what I was wondering is as we start looking moving forward, [clears throat] >> we buying new buses whether that cost becomes costefficient or not, but do we start replacing that with if we're not filling them all the way up? The tricky part is those white buses have to go into the driveway. They can't stop on the road. >> Well, they could be
027yellow, can't they? >> So, you you have to There's some smaller yellows, but they still have to have the lights so they can stop on on the road, you know? So, it's it's I I've seen a couple of those around with other corporations before. >> Thank you. I just >> Thank you so much. Like I thought um I think we felt like you were very creative on giving the drivers um raises and and how you came about um you know of the I don't even know how >> scale and like how you did it. I think that that was >> that was really nice because it's been a struggle. So thank you. It it was um when I was asked at the beginning um I was very honest with myself like I have to understand
028it first before I can give you any information and it took me um quite a bit to really grasp and and understand it and once I did understand I'm like oh well now I know what I can do from here. So I do appreciate that and you know and I try very hard for the drivers. They're very important to me because they love the kids and at the [clears throat] end of the day that's why we're all here. So on that, have you had more interest or have you been shown more interest to pick up more extracurricular stuff like athletics and stuff like that with these new incentives? >> I do, but they're in longer routes, so they don't get back in time for me to be able to send them out. Um, but they
029have been willing to pick up on the weekends or on ones that go out later. So I do have that and that's a very positive direction for us to go. >> So we're still having to take a couple multiple sometimes white buses. the events and stuff like that. >> Definitely. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Thank you very much. >> Okay. Principal updates. Start over. You want to start us out? >> So, we end the year with a lot of Christmas fun. That's for sure. Um, if you were able to attend any of our Christmas programs, the kids stole the show as usual. And it's great. We We're really lucky. our parents, our families, their extended family really pack the house and that makes it really special for our kids. They're excited to to um show
030off for their families. So, we appreciate that. Uh one other 2025 thank you that I want to make sure to do is to Jenny Fletcher and her crew. They put on an amazing Christmas program for special needs schools that used to be the Jesse Co-op and we've all kind of broken up, but six different schools come and they work so hard and put on the entire gym is filled with all kinds of activities and some of those schools with being an hour ahead, boy, they are here at 8:00 ready to roll. And they put in a lot of time and effort and it's such a great event. Of course, Santa, Mrs. Claus makes a visit with presents for everyone and it's a great day. But it it is it is a lot of sweat equity
031that goes into that. So, I just wanted to give a thank you to them. Um, moving on to another productive semester. Uh, we're going to go ahead and continue our writing professional development. We're going to do that again this January. Uh, one Friday with Melissa Gil. We moved on to kind of looking at writing not just in a giant research format, but just those quick daily things that you can really pack a lot of instructional punch in. Um, congrats to Jamie Shimemer Shyman on yet another grant that she has received. Um, this one is pretty unique though. Um, I want to share it. It's the Indiana Arts Commission. It's a collaborative effort. All three buildings are going to be contributing to creating um a walking art gallery through our nature center. Um, the welding is
032going to do some sculptures. Um, our building's going to do some some painted rocks that turns into kind of a river in the nature center. Um, the middle school, I think they're doing some um planning for a garden, a going to get in and get in with the flower beds. There's and I'm sure there's even more to it. Um, kiosks with information, art, things that can be changed out over the years, you know, in months. Um, so it'll be exciting and I think that begin probably spring or summer is where we'll kind of get in. So I I'll keep you updated as that progresses. Um, I'm I just want to one more time if you'll indulge me because I couldn't find my phone and I really wanted to make sure I highlighted Mrs. um Sullivan.
033And so I wanted to read you when I was asked by the state um after her nomination, would I like to say anything about her? And I thought, well, it she means a lot to so much of us. So I just wanted to quickly read this letter for you so that I don't miss out on something. I could not be any happier or more confident to second this recommendation for Mrs. Ma Sullivan to be considered for the educator excellent award. Mrs. Sullivan has 50 years of wonderful experience nurturing and facilitating the growth of our youngest students. I often say Ma has forgotten more [clears throat] than most of us teachers know. She is continually striving to learn more and do more for her students. Her dedication to her craft is undeniable. She is actively participating
034in professional development, illustrating what a true lifelong learner looks like. Not only does this benefit her students, but her active commitment serves as a model of what a effective and dedicated dedicated teacher looks like for our newer staff members. Ma takes on new tasks or initiatives with positive attitude. She is still continually reflecting on her practice to ensure her students always receive nothing less than the best instruction she can provide. As a colleague, Mrs. Sullivan is happy to find opportunities to lift up those around her. Her kindness and support is often done quietly as not to draw attention for herself. In addition to her work inside the building with students, Mrs. Sullivan is committed to the families of this whole community. You will find her working at every home football and basketball game, ensuring the
035referees and visiting teams have all they need. She volunteers for so many local agencies, sharing her treasure and her talents with those in need of support across Knox. Again, I'm so grateful to have learned so much from Mrs. Sullivan and I am enjoying all our days with her and we're just excited Casey, we're making it the year. [laughter] >> Do you have any questions about the elementary at all? >> Okay. >> Thank you. >> Sure. >> You're welcome. >> That's always a tough one to follow for that. So >> I don't want to go into specifics uh about the individual things that I'm proud of or the individual people because there's just too many. So when you have a a school of 500 and some odd students and uh over 40 adults uh instead what
036I'd like to talk about is some generalities. So things that I'm most proud of from uh 2025, most thankful for um continues to be the strong working relationships that we foster at KMS uh student to student, student to teacher, hopefully administrator to teacher and vice versa, too. Uh you know, we recognized a long time ago that um building trustful working relationships to everything that we want and need to do. So that continues to be our primary goal. I'm grateful uh to our teachers that they've bought in uh to our vision uh to develop a collective responsibility uh that's that's not questioned uh a collective responsibility to our students that is based on these three premises. We won't blame kids. We will focus on our attention and efforts on things that we can control rather than
037things that we can't. and we will be agents for positive change in the lives of our students. So those are really the three things that we collectively agreed to do each and every day without question. Finally, I'm proud of our kids. Uh our students are really wonderful young people. You know, a lifelong secondary administrator over 30 years at high school. Got to be honest with you, I I used to joke around with the middle school principles that that I worked with here at Knox and then at Plymouth about how do you do that? Because those kids are like off the wall at that at that point. They're just full of energy and they're immature and and all that stuff. I got to tell you, I go home every night and I say to my wife,
038"What the heck was I doing? What was I doing?" At that secondary level, these kids are awesome. They're so impressionable. They're loving. There is nothing better than walking down the hallway and having a fifth grader come up and hug you and say, "I love you, Mr. Condan." I'm telling you, it's the greatest thing in the world. So, when people say to me, "Why do you do what you do?" I say, "You should spend a day with me." That's why. So, I love our kids. And I think our kids are great examples of what we expect in young people. I think they're great role models for our school and to our community. But last but not least, I'm most thankful for our parents. And I'll explain why. Takes a great deal of trust for a parent
039to allow someone else to be an ad hoc parent from 8 until 3 every day. And that's really what we do is we help raise children. Uh we teach them academia, of course, but we also teach them how to become a mature young man and young woman. We teach them right from wrong. Um and and that's our collective responsibility to do that. And I thank our parents for placing placing that trust in us because that's so important. As I look ahead to 2026, I'm super excited to continue to work with our staff and students towards developing KMS towards becoming the model middle school in North Central Indiana. And I know people are going to continue to say, "Come on, look at where you're at. Look where you want to get to." When I stop believing
040that, that's probably the last time I'll be addressing you [clears throat] >> because we have to raise that bar higher than we might even be able to attain. That's our responsibility to our kids. Thank you for allowing me to be here. >> All right. So, this year has been a lot of ups and downs at the high school. As with any high school setting, we've we've had our good, we've had our bad, we've had our ugly. Um, and the one thing I've come in and walked in on is I want I've wanted to be I wanted our office staff and our administrative staff to be visible. I wanted to have accountability not only for our staff, but for our students. Um, and I wanted to pride ourselves on being proactive and being communive with communicative
041with our staff and our families. And I feel that first semester has been a positive step in that. It has been a real pleasure and a real honor to get to know the the staff, the students, and the community of of Knox. Um, I think I've said it every time I've been up here talking, so I I I apologize for repeating myself, but I coming to Knox has been the greatest decision that I've made. Um, and I'm very proud to be here. Um some of the positives at the high school um as we have winded have wound down the first semester um you know our student success rate has gone up um students ending the school year um with Fs in a in a class um has decreased from last year at this time. Um
042whenever we see our students thrive and be successful in the classroom that's that's where we're seeing that growth. And so that's that was a good indicator to see um that that list shrink. Um we've had a lot more students in traditional setting. Um um Apex is one of our programs that we use as a a crest a course um credit recovery and um we have seen less students have to take Apex this school year. Again, that means students are in the seats. They're learning from the teachers and and that is successful. So seeing those successes means that we are on a good upward projection for our students. But then at the same time all of that is because our staff we are we are working together. We are working on building that trust as a
043group. Our PLC time has been very beneficial. Um where we have had some really good conversations about how we we we're not just looking at the data. We're looking at how we can help and get to know our students and help them thrive for that success. um our the staff at the high school is absolutely phenomenal and it's been incredible to get to know them, to work alongside them, to find areas that they want to continue to work on for themselves and to help push them for that because I think as we are looking to help our students find success, I want our staff success and I want them to be to be happy and find that purpose every single day. So, it's been incredible to see our staff work together and and help our
044students. Um, by far the students at Knox High School are phenomenal. I have absolutely loved getting to know them. Um, their their energy, their their excitement, their um they they love to give me the hard time because I'm I'm the new guy and they they they like to say that I'm not from Knox and and I get that and I love it. Um, and it's been great to get to know them and let them get to know me. So overall, it's definitely been a 10 out of 10 this school year and definitely looking forward to a successful second semester. >> Thank you. >> Is there any other questions for anybody before we let them go? >> If not, thank you guys very much for coming tonight. Appreciate you principles. And at this time if you
045like to leave and you're more than welcome to >> see you soon. >> Okay, moving on. Uh number nine, public comments. Uh there is no comments on items on the agenda, so we're going to move on to number 10, the elections of officers for the 2026 year. Uh a nominations for president. The board president will open the floor for nomination. Nominations for president. I'm going to nominate uh Kirk Bennett. Any other nominations? Okay. Okay. The board president is going to entertain a motion to close nominations. Motion bottom. Vote. Aaron. Okay. All in favor? I >> post. All right. Okay. The board president conducts a vote for the office of president. All in favor for Kirk. Opposed. Okay. Congratulations, Kirk. >> You want to finish nominees or do you want to take over? >> Go ahead
046and finish that. >> All right. Uh B. Nominations for vice president. Board president will open the floor for nominations for vice presidents. President I'd like to nominate Jason. >> Any other nominations? All in favor? Opposed? The board president will entertain a motion to close the nominations. Uh do I have a motion? >> Second. All in favor? >> I post. >> All right. The board president conducts a vote for office of vice president. All in favor? >> I post seven. >> All right. Nominations for secretary. Open the floor for nominations for secretary. I will nominate Wendy. >> I'll second it. >> All right. All in or any other nominations? All in favor? >> Opposed? Board President a motion to close nominations. I have a motion. >> Thank you. >> Second. >> All in favor? Post. Okay.
047The president board president will conduct votes for office of secretary. All in favor? Post. Item 11, personnel report. Item A, resignations. Recommends the board approve the resignations listed on the personnel report. Item B, new hires. Superintendent recommends the board approve new hires as listed on the personnel report. Item C, transfer. The superintendent recommends the board approve transfer as listed on the personnel report. And item D, extracurricular appointments. Superintendent recommends the board approve the extracurricular appointment as listed on personnel. Superintendent recommends the board approve items A, B, C, and D. Do I have a motion? >> I'll second it. >> So, a couple quick things. Uh, first of all, to Mr. Ruffalo, thank you for a great three years. If you remember, he was in the transition between principles that he that middle school. Um, did
048a really nice job there for three months. uh he kind of brought that champion idea and model to the middle school. I mean he really helped build that positive culture there. So I like to thank him for that. Um another note on here, Lizzy Griffith, she was in the graphic arts department. Uh she did graduate from school. She did take another job. Um so we thank for her for all the work that she did in our graphic arts department. Uh we welcome back Mrs. Eids um who retired last year. Uh is back in the classroom uh doing doing fantastic. Uh Mrs. was very impressed with her already and and jumping in there and having the room decorated and everything else. So, uh we welcome her back for the semester. Um as far as the transfer
049goes, Max is our swim coach. Um and anytime we get a chance to get a coach in the building, we definitely take advantage of that. Um and we were able to get him into um Mrs. H's classroom. Uh so we're excited to have him there. And then lastly, with the extracurricular, uh you know, girls middle school, girls basketball season is beginning here. Uh, so we're we're excited to get those coaches uh in there and get the students going. >> Any other discussion? >> Okay. All in favor say I. >> I. Opposed? [clears throat] >> It 12, business, appointments and membership for 2026. Superintendent recommends the board approve the following appointments and memberships for the calendar year of 2026. Do I have a motion? Aaron and Autumn. >> Okay. Any discussion on that? >> These are
050just yearly appointments that we make every January. Um, some of these are by state code that that we have to make, but it's always uh on the agenda in January. >> Discussion. All in favor say I. I treasure report. The treasur has replied to the report on page 22. Item C, vendor usage report is provided on the vendor report on page 82. Item D, claim 2.10 recommends a board of claims as listed on page 44. Do I have a motion? Makes a motion. Second, Jason. Any discussion on that Casey? Very good. All in favor say I. I oppose. Item E, excuse me, item E, legal, superintendent recommends the board designate the leader as a particular stat statutes may require the publication in which legal advertisements will be placed in 2026 with other publications used as
051is. Yes is >> necessary. Randy, >> go with that business. I have a motion. Um, Autumn and Dr. Brown >> and the the advertisement, this is where we post any of our legal documents. You know, by state law, we have to post them in a publication. A lot of times this is our construction, you know, process that we go through the process. So, um, we're happy to have that agreement with leaders. Any discussion? All in favor say I. I opposed about the conflict of interest statements. The superintendent recommends the board approve the conflict of interest statements from the board members Gary Dylan, Wendy McIntyre, Thomas Brown, and Fur. Do I have a motion? Second. All this is is just a acknowledgement acknowledgement that some of you have relatives that are being paid by Knox Community
052School Corporation kind of as a as a precaution of what's going on just so everyone is aware of that. >> All in favor say I. >> I [clears throat] opposed. >> Construction update. Superintendent will update the board on the upcoming upcoming construction project of Max High School. >> Yeah. So, high school project is just about wrapped up. They got the roof uh sealed in, which is great. Uh we had a wrong order of product, so we had to wait a little bit longer than expected, but uh if you look now, the top is sealed, but like it's supposed to be. So, uh that project project is just about completed. We got we've been through the punch list. Uh so, we're excited to get that done that one done and move on. Uh the middle school,
053we have ordered the units. Uh we'll talk about that here in the affidavit in a minute. Um we had a great turnout for the we had two bid advertisements for the first one. We had 11 different vendors there. Um which is fantastic. You know that means that all those bid are going to be very competitive. Uh we actually had another one today uh because we had one company that couldn't make it. So we opened it up again and we had five more today. Um so we're very excited about that bid process. Uh the opening of those bids is the 15th at 3:30 at the middle school. So we're excited to keep that project moving. Item H, donations. The superintendent recommends the board approve the $1,000 donation from the Knox from the KHS class of 1970
054to Mrs. Fletcher's life skills class. Superintendent recommends a board approve the $41949 donation from Stark County Co-op for the FFA. Do I have a motion? >> Motion. Second. immediate parent. >> We just like to thank those people that that donate to to our kids. You know, it's so important what we do to be able to have that little extra bit of funds um to be able to go and do some special things for our kids. So, definitely appreciate that discussion. All in favor say I. >> I post [clears throat] aid payment. Superintendent recommends the board approve the affidavit payment as listed on page 75. Do you have a motion? >> Motion. >> Second. Second. >> Yeah. So to kind of explain this, just a reminder that due to our bond that we have with this
055aid affidavit must come in front of you um each each month um for the money that we are spending out on the bond. Um the the first one here is we are reimbursing oursel for uh the next two items which I'll get to in a minute. Um for money that we had to put up front uh before the bond was ready. Um there was attorney fees for the bond so that they can look it over, get the necessary information and approve it. Um there's also Ice Miller. Um Ice Miller is our bond attorney um for the work that they put into getting that bond uh ready. You have Baker Tilly um who they were the one that came in here, gave us a financial presentation that day. So that is wrapped into uh the work
056that they did with the bond. um site logic we are now that's who's doing the middle school project we are now 100% complete with the design model um which is fantastic um the last one is the SVL if you remember back in November I brought that to you those were the who we ordered our units from uh so those are ordered um and there is a payment for that so that's what that affidavit is for >> questions all in favor say I I public comments on items not on the agenda. The board president will obtain comments from patrons on items that are not on the agenda. We do not have move on to comments and questions from administrators in the board. We've already heard from the administrators. >> U Miles isn't here, but I would
057just like to congratulate him on all of his accomp accomplishments this year and for how well he's represented Knox throughout this entire time. Um, and also thank Mrs. Sullivan and congratulate her for her year of service and the model that she's been to all of our other teachers. So, thank you. I' been sing for miles going for a long time. Congratulations. No, I I got a couple other questions. Uh wouldn't uh our ADM count uh end up help? Um so that's part of our presentation um here with the financial um aspect of it but um this because that's based upon last year which was uh 1593 I believe um and we are at um 15 82 >> 81 82 right in there somewhere um I do know that we gave some tours of some kids
058today um who are excited to talk even before break uh we had a family of four uh that's coming in so I'm kind of crossing my fingers might be it' be Great to be up 10 kids here when we start the second semester. That doesn't take into account the kids that possibly could have left, but we did get some kids in which great. >> So, uh, so when does, uh, second count? >> February 3rd. Okay. >> And, uh, also, uh, uh, how many students do we have in Reskin Academy right now? >> 35. Is that up, down? Actually, it's fewer than we have had in the last two, three years. So, >> yeah. And it's interesting because Mr. L's mentioned um Apex um and the conversation I had with him is we in the past
059actually had six pages of kids on Apex. Those are kids that probably failed the class and are retaking it online. um and he's down to two pages, you know, and the fact that we have less kids in Academy, what that tells us just by a kind of a dipstick number right here at between first and second semester is that we have kids in classes and we have kids passing classes. Um which that's exactly what what we want. >> And one last question, uh uh preschool, how many kids do we have in preschool? Does she know? >> I know that the numbers are down. Um I I know that we are going to work on advertising a little bit sooner this year to try to get more kids in. I think when we kind of run
060a ran a individual audit with with our preschool um we need we need some more kids in there. Um I'm I I know it by class um of roughly how many is in there. If I had to add it up, I could probably add it up for you. Um, but that that's an area that I think we need to advertise a little bit sooner. Um, and it's actually on my January to-do list. >> Um, I just want to um thank you for being uh so cooperative with the Krauss family for the wrestling tournament. Um they were very appreciative um um and and Neil for all your help um with that that um a couple things people didn't even realize that Knox doesn't have the super duel anymore. So it was interesting for them to to
061be able to, you know, to come and and see um especially that they haven't [clears throat] been in the building since the allpurpose room. And so they they loved being able to, you know, to look around down there. So, um I hope that that continues because they they really did appreciate it and it was a good turnout. So, um so that was that was really good. Um Shannon, I'm sure that you're on for 50 more years. [laughter] Um, and then, um, last, I I hope that I don't, um, get in trouble for it, but as a parent, I just want to, um, say how much, um, I don't know, like that I appreciate the teachers after even after the kids graduate, you know, like some some um, sometimes um, they think that they're not um,
062appreciated. or um any you know any what do I want to say monetary um but they they're they're always there you know even even after they graduate they can reach out so um I just I just want to say that we have some good teachers that that don't expect anything in return so >> I'd like to just congratulate Ma and Miles U you your guys' um [clears throat] achievement, your accomplishments um over your 50 years and milestones, whole career um not just high school, but are just incredible. Um I mean, you can't say enough about either one of you your guys' accomplishments, but and thank thank you and thank Miles for how he's represented the school um the whole time through all the pressure and publicity and everything else. He's done a wonderful job. I
063know everybody be proud of them. Um and also to our admins, they they come in and they like kill it every time with their um their uh >> presentations. >> Yes. Presentations and you know their accomplishments too that they're completing each year. So just want to say thank you to them too. >> A lot of seconds on the Mrs. Sullivan. Yes. Thank you for 50 years. That that is incredible. You are my teacher. You've been my niece's teacher. You I mean definitely you are a family member. So um I I hope that um you know your next many years are well rested and rewarded for all that you've done. So we we will uh retirement. Is that what I heard? >> I'll be in and out. I hope so. I certainly hope so >> and
064certainly congratulations to Miles. We are very very excited to see the big things that he does in the future and he always is amazing to the youth league and you know children. He is he's an exceptional young man and a good role model. Lot of proud community members for sure. Um I also wanted to thank the transportation director for her update. That was um you know very nice to have come in and know that we need some I know we need work on those long routes they they just don't seem to ever want to shorten for us and I know it's because we've got long extended you know routes out there. Um but it's it is nice to know that she's aware of it and that she wants to work towards fixing that because it
065is a long time and 80 minute ride break. >> It is agree >> for anyone. So okay, >> I suppose I could end it with that starting. [laughter] >> So congratulations to Miles, but it takes um what it take a village to raise a child and you know it's been amazing what every member of that family has done um to contribute to my success and to be the wonderful people they are. So, I'd like to congratulate you and you are [clears throat] not my um being teacher, but [laughter] I I've come to accept that and hope in my next life, you will be, but um the transportation situation certainly seems to be a whole lot better in terms of the bus driver's feelings about the school board than it was a year ago this time.
066So, I'm very happy to with that, too. Um like to recognize the officers um who served this past year. I think Jason did a very very good commendable job of getting through a lot of challenges and I hope Kurt's got the energy and strength to deal with the challenges will [clears throat] undoubtedly come have to deal with it in the year ahead. So yeah, a pleasure working with all of you this past year. >> Can I say one last thing? I don't know how I can forget her, but uh meet up, you know, uh uh we've uh got things together, right, on Friday nights and Tuesday nights and Thursday nights. But but back to the teaching part, your 50 years, I don't know, did anybody say 50 years all been right here, right? >> Yes.
067>> Okay. [clears throat] And then and then uh you know basketball nights uh me always tells me when I walk in she says you know the routine. You know the routine. And her routine is she takes me to the room and she leaves and if somebody else is coming she always knocks on that door to make sure you know uh uh that we're dressed and everything. And then uh um we leave and uh then she brings popcorn, candy bar, and her [clears throat] check. And she she doesn't give you that check until she knows you're there and you're going to beat it. And then then takes us back out, you know, at halftime and uh and she brings in a hot dog for her. So, you know, she's got this routine down the path. So,
068whoever takes over that job, which I don't know. Have you given up that job? You haven't. Okay. Good. [laughter] Sounds like >> All right. So, that's it. That's a Thank you. Me. >> Um, I guess I'll start with the administrators. Jason mentioned it. it every time they come and talk to us, share with us what's going on, it just seems to get better and better and better and uh it struck a cord with me as I kept hearing listening to what they were saying, things we talked about while we were putting our mission statement. >> Fact that they love their kids, they love what they're doing, the compassion, the trust whether it's in the teachers, the students, the parents that's in there. So, and the positives and so I just again I think that's just
069something that you know we should be very thankful and proud of that that's that's being driven down all the way through. So, you know, thank you to to all the administrators, not just the ones that spoke to you. So, um Nita, I can't say anything else that everybody has already said. So, thank you very much for all you've done. It's just that's pretty amazing. There's not many people that work in one place for 50 years. >> Congratulations. Kelly, uh, I really appreciate that that the upbe on the on the buses. That's fantastic. Want to save Miles for last. And I want to say, you know, everyone said it, but no matter where I went, people talked about Miles and what a great young man he was, football, but a great young man he was and
070how he handled himself and how he represented us. And and Dr. alluded to that comes from the people you surround yourself around and how you raised you guys raised a family and a young man and and your and your siblings being a part of that and so you know congratulations to you guys because you deserve a a well round of applause for everything you guys have done. So you know thank you very much >> and I don't know is it too late for me to say something to you guys. >> So I just also wanted to say thank you. what I was telling Miles, you know, say whatever you want to say, but I also want to say thank you because it was a lot like the news, the awards. I know it was a
071lot on Neil and Amy and the coaches and um Miles. I mean, obviously, we all play a part in these kids and um the teachers and the administrators have done an amazing job with all my kids and the relationships they have with their coaches and their teachers. I mean that I think that goes a long way as well. So I mean yes it's you know I think it starts at home and then school but I appreciate everybody and all the support in the community. Um because I know there's a lot of times that there was a lot of bad stuff on the internet and I'm like please do not read this. Please do not read this. And I know like um Neil and Sam reached out and told Miles, hey if you know if you
072need anything let us know because I think it was a lot of stress. So I appreciate everybody and everything that you guys have done for him and our family. So thank and continue to do. >> Thank you. >> Um uh I guess that's it. Dr. Peg, I guess you want to. >> So you we've been looking back at 2025 and I know I won't say much because Mr. Mick, he can take over for me on that. But it has been a good year. Um we are blessed in this district. We really are. We have great students and families. We do great teachers, administration, school board. You worked so well with us on coming up with our strategic plan during 2025. And I know I won't say more because you are >> but I mean that's
073important because that's where it starts right here. So thank you for doing that. Thank you. And you know we do have the highlights and going into 2026. You know, Ma, obviously, you know, I've had it's been my pleasure. I've been able to work with you most of those 50 years. I always tease me. I want her to stay around because she she gets to be the one of the oldest because everybody thinks I am, but she's got me beat by a month and a half, right? But but we've been able to work through these last many many years together and you are a precious gem here. So, thank you for doing that. and for miles, right? I didn't have the privilege of having him in school. Um, but I have had the privilege of seeing
074him maybe in passing a little bit, just a quick talk or something like that. Incredible young man. No doubt about it. Um, and I I am so glad you said that, Kirk, because I for Suzanne and Josh, it does start there. As an as a educator for as almost many years as Mida, I always say to parents, they'll say, "Oh, our kids love you." But it's because it starts in the home. You are so right. So, thank you. Thank you for being the person, the mom that your children need and your husband to be the father. And I also want to thank Neil. Neil, this was really nice, right? Because I mean, I've heard these, I can't remember them all, >> but this is just one example, one tiny little thing that Neil, you have
075been doing through all of this year because yes, it's been wonderful for the Knox schools and miles, right? But it has put a lot more work on your plate. the athletic department. Amy, I know she helps you and I don't want to leave anybody out, Sam, etc. But thank you for going above and beyond to do all that. >> Yeah, you're welcome. And it was it was a pleasure to do it. And we we changed this up a little bit for tonight. This is the sheet we made with more stats on it that we sent to every coach and athletic director uh before the voting for the football. >> Sometimes, you know, teams down south, they don't never I mean, they heard of him. Everyone heard of him, but you know, I mean, they didn't
076see it and get to see those eyepopping statistics. So, we created this and sent it and um I remember when I was a girls basketball coach, a lot of coaches would do that for Miss Basketball. So, we did that and uh Amy um created it. Well, her and um did a nice she did a nice job and we sent it out and uh so like I said, we changed a little bit tonight, but yeah, thank you. >> Sure. But it's just it's just a highlight and it's wonderful for our entire community, too. Thank you for everyone for all your part. >> Um yeah, you said right. Um, you know, and Neil, I I wanted to just reiterate what she said. You know, I I know the time that you put in the extra travel. You
077did the here at 3:30 a.m. for the weather guy, right? All of that. Um, to make that happen, you know, to Miles and his family. Thank you for everything you got done. We we've talked and ma, you know, appreciate you and and the time that you put in, right? I can't say anything that no one else has. Um, a couple things. Um this book here it's called uh in stories inspired by numbers. Um Mr. Ratliff and Mrs. Norm uh last year with our seventh and eighth graders submitted uh 30 students to have their work published in here. It's pretty cool. Um that it's just like little short stories. U you can just see they're just real small short stories but it's all wrapped around numbers which is kind of a cool something that that our
078kids are doing and our staff is doing. So that's there if you want to see that. Um Wendy, thank you very much for bringing up the wrestling. I had kind of forgotten about that, you know, and that's something Neil, you and I talked it wasn't much after right now last year about trying to do something like that because we wanted to bring that huge wrestling tournament back to Knox and we had the opportunity. So I I appreciate you bringing that up. Uh that was a vision. >> Yeah. That we had. >> We're actually working on a middle school one for the 24th of this month. I don't know if I can do it that quick, but I had three uh middle school coaches reach out to our middle school coach and said, "We wish someone
079had a tournament." So, I sent today um information to see if we can get officials, and if so, we might end up doing a middle school one. And if we can't get it this year, we will next year and have that in place because this is very short timing to get it done. But, I thought if we can do it, we can. If not, it wasn't scheduled anyway. Um so, it's going to be a little extra work, but we'll get it. And uh hopefully we can get um at least four teams um this year and then it'd be good for our kids. You know, wrestlers, people don't see that when they go to these tournaments, they got to weigh in at 7:00 our time or sometimes six and you got an hour and a half
080travel. It's a lot on them. So I'd like to for middle school and high school to have at least one time um to uh come here, not just get to sleep till, you know, 6:30 or so and come in and get weighed in. Um and and like Wendy said, it was a great day. We had a lot of great help. um and seeing those kids that I'd had in class or different things or coached through the years. Um I showed probably six or seven at least um uh tours of of the weight room and they wanted to see it and they just couldn't believe how they have been back since then and they uh they really loved our facility. >> It's awesome. And again, it goes back to that vision, right? And I think that's
081where I just a little reflection for me, you know, where there is no vision that people will perish, right? We we've heard this before. And I think that vision, as you heard tonight from our our caring admin, our caring teachers, uh you guys in 2025 set that vision with a strategic plan. I cannot tell you guys how important that is. I just had a conversation with with someone else like, "Oh yeah, I just heard you guys redid your your strategic plan. How did you do that?" You know, I I presented that in front of other superintendents. Um thank you for the work in 25 that you did to make the norms, to make the goals, right? and and because of those that project we did together, we are pushing this corporation forward. I'd like to
082thank you for your service, not only last year, but the year year before that. Um, for everything that you did as as president. Um, and I think as we look forward to 2026, um, for me, it's it's we're not going to settle. We're not going to become comfortable. We're not going to become complacent. Um, 26 is the year that we keep the pedal to the metal. we keep going forward. We had a great 25 to get things set. Um and as I look into January here, let's just talk about the month of January. On Friday, I'm meeting with every um admin and every director of what did you accomplish in the first semester? What goals did you accomplish? Right? What do you want to do in second semester? What are those goals that you want
083to accomplish in the second semester? And what's a big picture vision that you have for our district? Right? And that's going to be every director um and every every principal um on January 21st we have a principal meeting about our district goals right we're keeping those on the forefront meeting once every month to keep pushing those three goals and you know SAT and I learn not far away what two three months away from that um so March >> SAT starts March second >> March yeah [laughter] um so we're getting right into that and then on the 28th um we are meeting with the principles and the assistant principal at each building um not only to go over to dive more in depth into the goals that you guys have created, but also what are the
084goals that they created at their individual building and how are they doing? Um so like I said, we're not going to get complacent. We're going to keep moving forward. I just want to thank you guys for the work that you did in 2025 to set us up for right now in 2026. So thank thank you for that. Um before we close, just so you guys know, we do have to close this meeting. Uh we have another uh financial indicator meeting that we have to open up by law. You're more than welcome to stay. If you don't, once we close it down, we're going to reopen another meeting just so everyone's on the same same page. So yeah, I have a motion for the bottom. All in favor say I. I. All right. See if I
085can share my screen now. >> Thank you guys. >> Oh, thank you. I put your statements there. >> So, um and Kirk will have to sign these as well. >> [laughter] >> Yes. Are you missing two? >> Yeah. [clears throat] >> So, do I sign? You alreadyed out the one, right? Yeah. minute. >> Bring them back in there. >> Well, good. >> Well, thank you very much. I appreciate that. We're working hard. >> When I was a kid here 50 years ago, >> this my school bus ride was an hour and a half. >> Yeah. >> My father was one of the bus drivers. No problems with that. >> No. Okay. >> I just have no problem with that. >> You're welcome. Okay. Well, hey, thank you for that. We appreciate you hot dogs out.
086Hot dogs, popcorn, hamburger pops. >> All right, so we ready department stress. >> Am I missing? Um, Okay, we're back. Uh K, you can open up the meeting whenever you're ready. >> All right, here we go. Call to order. Call the meeting to order. Uh item two, public comments. board president will obtain comments from patrons on item period agenda during the meeting. No action will be taken on any items presented. So we have no public comments. Is that correct? >> Correct. >> Item three, business. Superintendent recommends board of finance officers are the same as the officers of the current board of school trustees. Do I have a motion? discussion of that. >> This is just the same thing we just did in the prior meeting. This kind of all state um patience. >> All in
087favor say I. >> I opposed. Board investment policy. The board will review the overall investment policy of the KCSC. Um you want to read all that or we just >> just go right to five. >> Okay. um by re receive and review the investment report of the investment officer Casey Clark. >> I guess your spot doesn't have a graph that I have to look at. Do you? >> No. >> Uh so this year our interest on our checking account uh was $767,622.112. Unfortunately, it was down $200,000 from the year before. The year before was $946,66644, but that has a lot to do with our Fed rate went down, the federal interest rate went down, and also that uh we didn't we spent our um construction money, so we had less money to have in our
088check-in account. Um, our other account that we have at Everwise mainly has our money that we invest. Well, we get our rebate from our check or I'm sorry, our credit card. Uh, has $8,336.29. We don't get very much interest on there, about 40 cents a month. Um, but that's where our money goes from. Our credit card, uh, right now our rebates running about $3,600. So, it's down also. Uh, we haven't been able to use that as much. uh because a lot of the places now charge us a fee to use our credit card. So, it doesn't offset the money that we get in return for our card. Overall, that is our our checking interest. Uh we don't really invest outside of our checking because our current bank is willing to uh keep the rates at
089the same what you would get if you were to invest any other way, which is nice. So, that we don't have to move money around. and we don't have to worry about any of the other uh logistical aspects of it. Any other questions? >> Thank you. >> Move on to item six, review of the fiscal indicators by Mr. Mitch. >> Yes. So, I apologize to our viewers. Uh you can't have this on the screen because technology is not uh going with me today. So, we we can see this but at home they can't. So, um, apologize about that. So, what this is, this is, uh, DWAB, um, which this is the, uh, distress unit appeals board. Um, their job is they financially monitor the school corporations and if they feel like there is some action
090that needs to be taken financially, they will intervene. Okay, so that that's what Duab does. Uh, they create a dashboard for every single school. Uh, so this is our our school. I just kind of want to go through this briefly with you guys. We can get more in depth um on this in the future, but it just talks about here and this is all last year's numbers. So, there's nothing this year. Okay? So, know that too. Here's our ADM count um from from last year. Our net assessed value. Um this is our estimated population here in Knox. Um can I make this bigger? There you go. How about that? Start county. >> Start county. >> Yes. Start county. Thank you. Um, we've always talked about our ADM, right? AVID daily membership. It has been going
091down over the years. That's nothing new to you guys. We've talked about this uh multiple times. Uh, what this shows here is the blue is our free and reduced lunch students. Um, we're going to start there with that. Um, as you can see, this is 60%. That's right about where we fluctuate at. We had a little paperwork issue here last year. Um, Peggy, what are we up to now? It's right about 60%, isn't it? Do you know? >> Did we get those numbers back yet? >> No, we're back. We're still like around 50%. >> 50%. >> So, it's up from here because this is 43. Um, you know, I know there's some going on with the government side of the world that is affecting these numbers. Um, but this will give you an idea of
092where we are at with the free and reduced lunch. Um, and then this is our special education numbers. You know, we've had lots of conversations about this. our numbers continue to climb in special education. Um so as you see this is last year's numbers um and we we have added um 15 20 more this year >> um 24 um on to last year's numbers already. >> Those just our students or through the through the >> ones that are that we have on our record. >> Yes. So we have others that are that come in here. Yes, those are on our books. People our our special education in in the the land has such a great reputation for caring for the kids and working with them and seeing improvement that that community talks. So they want
093their kids to come here, right? Which is which is great for us, but we also have to be able to which we have put the resources to help support them, right? So that's that's the challenge there. If you have any questions on these as I'm going, feel free to to ask. So, here's our fund balances. Uh, I'm going to start here, right? This is your your capital projects. Um, this is the go. That's what I wanted it to do. Um, you can see in 2020, that's when we took the bond out for the career center, right? We had three bonds since then. Uh, we have our education fund. Wait for it. Wait for it. Come on. There you go. Um it's a little slow today. Uh as you can see um the education fund has
094been growing which means that we are fiscally responsible right we we have been doing a a good job. Um it is a little high in 2024 because we moved some of that money to rainy day which I'll show you here in a minute. Um to to offset that. Um [snorts] here is your rainy day when it gets to it. So you can see it's actually a little bit of a decline, but some of that 2024 we replenished us right there to bring that back up. So it brought that education fund down just a hair. And then our operations funds, as you can see, right, they have been have been growing, which means that we are being fiscally responsible with with our money. We're not just spending it, you know, uh on on whatever we need.
095So we're happy to see those numbers. And again, these are last year's numbers. Uh what this shows you here is the get clear. There we go. The green is the money that we bring in, the revenue um that we have um and the blue is our expenditures, right? So in 2020 part of that bond project that we had for the career center, you can see how much higher it is there um with our revenue. That's why. But if you kind of compare, right, we go in debt these two years. Um, but it's offset by this up here in 2024, you see we just about spent what we brought in, right? That's really where we want to be. What we're bringing in, we are spending. Um, if you kind of go since 2020 and you were
096to average these out, you're going to get about the same thing. Pretty close uh to being equal there at that questions. This is a fun one. Um, so fund balance as percent of expenditure. So what DWAP does is they have this formula that that they put together and it shows the financial health by indicating how many months of operation funds your district has in case of an emergency. Right? Senate Bill one, right? We know that that's coming up. um if the state decides not to pay us, how long can we pay our bills? How long can we pay our staff? Um if we have some type of emergency, right, there's a tornado and something happens, you know, we have some funds there. So, what this is showing us is that uh where's my cursor? There
097it is. Um over time, this has been growing, right? and and we're I'm happy to report that to you because there are some schools right now with Senate Bill one coming out that are down here in these 20s and they're kind of going, "Oh boy, what are we going to do here?" Right? So, um with Duab, we are financially responsible with our funds and what we are doing. And this last one is just by revenue type. So, uh this is your local tax revenue right here is at the bottom in the whatever pink orange that is. um that's part of our our income. And then the blue of course is the state revenue, our ADM numbers that we get. Uh the spike here, this was COVID money that we got from the state. That that's
098what that spike is. Um and you can see all the other little um funds that we get um from different areas. Last one is our the operating referendum which we don't have. So um that is the DOAB report um that they sent to us. Um and again we can dive into these um more in depth you know down the road. Is there any questions that I can answer right now about that presentation? Um the uh the interest money that we get does that go into the where general fun >> operations so we don't have to transfer as much as education operation. >> So the numbers would indicate that we're financially very sound but should we be spending some more of that money? Oh yeah, that that's a conversation we have we have to have, right?
099You know, as as we worked on our strategic plan in 25 um you know, we have our executive session, you know, uh next Monday. Um that's going to be part of that topic of of conversation of, you know, yes, we have to be fiscally responsible. Yes, we have two days from now. Is that >> yeah, two days from now. Um but if we do have a little little bit extra, what is our priorities, right? What would we like to do? Um, so absolutely >> Senate Bill one though we got to obviously be cautious of >> correct. So we're losing $200,000 in 2028, >> right? So that's right. Right off the bat um you know with the the tax and everything else that they're doing. So yes, you're absolutely right. We have to be cautious. Um,
100I think every school corporation is having that conversation of how can we prepare for that that cliff, so to speak, that we're going to fall off of. Um, but what I'm showing you here today is that we're we're in a better position than most most school districts are. >> Any other questions? Discussion. Okay. Take a motion for adjournment then. >> Aaron and favor say I. I always mean true.