001She got the cackle. How amazing. Okay, it is 7 o'clock. So, on behalf of the school board, we thank you for being here in person or virtually. I'm Heather Stags, president of the school board. To my left is Luke Jackson, vice president, Dan Conway, secretary. Jackie Deckard, member, and Matt Henkins, member. To my right is Superintendent Eric Bolan, and assistant superintendent Susie Lips. If you'll please join me in the pledge of allegiance in a moment of silence, please. 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. Thank you. Okay, Courtney, do we have any? All right. Okay. Moving on um to the consent agenda which consists of meeting minutes, payroll claims, payroll report, check claims, budgetary
002claims, and the personnel report. Do I have a motion? >> I make a motion we accept the consent agenda. >> Second. >> Any discussion? All in favor signify by stating I. >> I. >> Opposed. Motion carries. >> On field trips and professional travel. We have the National Association of Gifted Children Conference. Kathy Hall and Jessica Hosted are going to that. Um, no district expenses or how this is part of our high ability. So, I recommend approval of this trip. Do I have a motion? >> Make a motion, Heather, to approve the National Association of Gifted Children Conference. >> I'll second it. >> Thank you. Any discussion? >> All in favor signify by stating I. >> I. >> Opposed? Motion carries. >> Good evening everyone. Tonight I have the pleasure to introduce Jordan Gallion and Ally
003Miller. They will give an overview of how the district will use the $57,000 opioid grant funding that we earned this spring. Please welcome Jordan and Ally. Good evening. My name is Jordan Gallion and I am the Morgan County School Health Coordinator for IU Health and I am here tonight with Ally Miller, administrative team representative of the MSD of Martinsville. During the May meeting, the school board voted to accept opioid settlement grant funds for the item titled Building a Stronger Tomorrow. The Building a Stronger Tomorrow awarded grant funds will be used to expand current student programming in the district along with strengthening the MSD of Martinsville's partnerships in the community. The MSD of Martinsville has been selected to receive an award of 57,310 for the following programs and partnerships. Student Anti- Vaping Education or the SAFE
004program which is aimed at minimizing substance use among youth in Martinsville. The existing program is being expanded to reach more students identified to be vaping and/or using substances by providing the option to participate in afterchool education. Data from 2024 highlights the effectiveness of this programming as 94% of students who completed the course were not found to be vaping and/or using substances at school. Again, the helping your personal environment or hype program, an existing initiative designed to improve student attendance at school by create, excuse me, by creating a sense of belonging and community community for participating youth. This program will be expanded to include more opportunities for mentorship and field trips to help students build life skills, relationships, and a positive association with attending school. The district's partnership with the YMCA of Morgan County has been
005expanded to support their summer programming, which provides a safe venue and enrichment for students during out of school time. This expansion will provide opportunities for youth participating in the summer program to engage in field trip mentorship opportunities and wellness education as well as providing scholarships for summer programming. The district will expand its partnership with Youth First. The expansion will include the provision of programming for families focused on substance use education as well as providing skills to strengthen families. With the board's support for this grant funding opportunity, the district has began strengthening existing programs and partnerships within the MSD of Martinsville schools by investing in programming that helps prepare our youth to become strong community neighbors. We thank you for your time and support of these initiatives and are happy to happy to answer any questions.
006Thank you. questions. >> Appreciate you guys work on it. >> Thank you, Jordan and Ally. Um, shout outs tonight. Martinsville schools have had a great start to the school year. Thank you goes to all parents, students, and staff. Thank you so much for a smooth start. One of the celebrations to start the year was the I read results. Our I read three performance results. Uh you can see on the screens Indiana third grade students took the i3 test in the spring and retakes in the late spring and the summer. Looking at all of the Morton County public school scores, Martinsville's third grade scores were in the top public school scores in the county and also in the top onethird of the state. The state average score was 87.3 and the Martinsville district a average of
007all seven elementary schools was 92.9 which is above the state average score. Individually, six of the seven Martinsville elementary schools scored above the state average and five of the elementary schools scored with a 90% or higher average. Peragan Elementary earned the top percentage and the district has now adopted for all K through4 students in all schools the CK CKLA curriculum that Perigan piloted to help earn those scores. The district's investment with the pilot program and the reading coach were key factors in the score achievement at Paragan. We'd like to thank the school board for their help into making that possible. As educators, we're always looking to make adjustments to positively impact student learning and achievement. And here in Martinsville, we are specifically combating gaps with the work of our professional learning communities. See next on
008the slides the district's plan for success. As highlighted, we understand that state testing provides one piece of data as we assess achievement levels and strive to maximize instruction. And we believe that Martinsville students will continue to show growth and improve improvement through our intentional planning and programming. Our game plan for success in 2026 includes a focus on writing with stamina and crosscontent writing. Second graders are now required to take the i readad test. Therefore, we can remediate earlier for target students. They now have reading goals or individualized reading plans. Martinsville continues to use the reading fluency feature with NWA adaptive assessment tool that measures growth and progress. We are committed to ensuring our primary teachers are trained to help students build a solid foundation in reading and our teachers at the elementary level are doing
009an excellent job. all of their diligent work has really paid off. So these student the teachers work so that they can make the switch to reading to learn in third grade where the standardized iLearn testing begins. Many reading tasks on the state test are non-fiction and require strong critical thinkers and we believe that our programming and course offerings will strengthen these skills. Particularly we have committed to expanding our STEM programming throughout the district. We continued our implementation of PLTW which provides highinterest non-fiction reading opportunities. Martinsville is focusing on teacher and student retention to provide stability to the learning climate through our new new teacher academy. These are some of the highlights and some of the things that we are working on to continue success and achievement in Martinsville schools. That con concludes my report for
010this evening. Thank you very much. >> Thank you, Mrs. Lips. Are you okay with me going on uh old business? Uh we mentioned in the last meeting that we were hoping to have a groundbreaking at the end of August with the uh design finished now. Um they are doing all the prep work. It will probably be here uh early part of September. We'll get that information out to you. Uh really excited to show you what what is coming. So um we will get more information out to our school community whenever that is solidified. That's all I have for the old business. >> Now we'll move right. My mic I just didn't sound like it's up very much on my Is it okay back there? Okay. Maybe I'm getting old. Can't hear myself. No comments, Jackie.
011No comments. Okay. Um, under action items, action item number one, permission to advertise the 26 budget capital projects plan and bus replacement plan. I recommend approval. >> I have a motion. >> I'll make a motion that we approve the uh permission to advertise the 2026 budget capital projects plan and bus replacement plan. >> I'll second. >> And any discussion? All in favor signify by stating I. >> I. >> Opposed. Motion carries. >> Item number two, recommend approval of the food service handbook as presented by Mr. Bodell. >> Do I have a motion? I'll make a motion, Heather, to approve the food service handbook. >> I'll second it. >> Thank you. And any discussion? All right. Motion car or all in favor signify by stating I. >> I. >> Opposed? Motion carries. Item number three is
012a recommendation for approval of a change in the John R. Wooden handbook dealing with it's the big binders. Now they're creating instead of the the classic binders that you had, they're putting straps on them, making them bigger. So they're basically book bags. So there is a, you know, the book bags are supposed to be put in their lockers. So they're wanting to make a change to uh be able to obviously combat that issue. So, I recommend approval of that. >> Do I have a motion? >> I'll make a motion we approve the John Wooden student handbook update. >> All right. >> I'll second. >> Any discussion? >> All in favor signify by stating I >> I >> opposed. Motion carries. >> Item number four, recommend approval of the Starfish Solutions contract uh which is for
013par profofessional training. Do I have a motion? >> I'll make a motion, Heather, to approve the Starfish Solutions contract. >> I'll second. >> All right. Any discussion? >> All in favor signify by stating I. >> I. >> Opposed? Motion carries. >> Okay. On item number five, we have a grant to receive in the amount of $113,800 from the Community Foundation of Morgan County. Definitely recommend approval. >> Do I have a motion? >> Go ahead, Luke. >> Uh, I'll make a motion we approve the Community Foundation and Morgan County Impact Grant PreK for $113,800. >> I'll second that. Right. and any discussion. >> Just would like to say thank you to everybody who spent a lot of time uh lobbying for that. And um I don't think Lisa's here, but I know she played a a
014big role in that, too. So, uh thank you guys. I appreciate it very much. >> All in favor signify by stating I. >> I. >> Opposed? Motion carries. >> Tagging on to what Mr. Jackson said u it's vital with what has happened and I had the opportunity to watch a little video clip of one of our former prekers who's now in kindergarten and she was reading kindergarten reading a paragraph with her mother and I told uh our staff member Ally I said that's one we need to put out is this is what can happen when you have intentional uh learning opportunities for young people and for for young kids kindergartener reading. Fantastic. So I applaud what Ally and Lisa what they're all doing and the prek teachers and then obviously as it transitions into our
015kindergarten and first second grade primary grades. Unbelievable job. The I read scores prove it out. We're going in the right direction, doing great things, and I just wanted to thank everybody for their efforts on that. Okay, moving on. We have some donations. Um, we'll do them in a block if that's okay as normal, but let's go ahead and honor these generous uh contributors. Just like the community foundation grant, it was donations made from the community that did that for $113,800. Unbelievable to raise that. Um, and we want to thank the community foundation for their efforts in coordinating for us. Now, the donations, uh, we have the donation from the Classroom Teachers Association to MSD Robotics, $500. Donation from Martinsville Classroom Teacher Association to MHS Cheer for $500. Donation from Circle of Peace to Hammonds, $500.
016Donation from Allen Akuff Construction to MHS cheer for $500. donation from Brooklyn community members, Brooklyn Park Ward, and Aracasa uh to Brooklyn Elementary School. Uh we have a donation from Candy Kitchen to MHS Athletics, $250. Donation from Wells Marvel and Hall to MHS Athletics, $500. Donation from Subway to MHS Athletics, $1,000. Don donation from HNR Block uh to Martinsville High School athletics, $1,500. Donation from Dairy Queen to MHS Athletics, $1,500. Donation from Neil and Summers to MHS athletics for $1,500. and an anonymous donation to MSD Robotics in the uh amount of $8,000 and a donation from the MSD of Martinsville or Education Foundation to the MSD prek program for $20,000. I recommend approval of all these generous donations. >> Right. Do I have a motion? >> I will make a motion, Heather, to approve all
017these generous donations. And also just a comment that we just have an awesome community and um we so appreciate all the donations that everyone gives us and it's certainly put to good use and we couldn't do it without them. So appreciate everybody's um donations every month. It's just fabulous. >> Go visit these these visit these businesses. >> I'll second it. >> All right. And all in favor signify by stating I. I >> I opposed. Motion carries. Do we have any public comments? You can do that. All right. Um, now is our public comment section. So, a visitor that wishes to speak regarding any district topic may do so according to policy 167.3. The visitor will be required to state his or her full name and address and will be given a threeminute aotment of time.
018Feedback or answers to questions will be provided before the next board meeting and/or during the old business section of the next board meeting. It shall not be permissible to orally present or discuss complaints against individual employees. Such charges or complaints shall be presented to all board members in writing and shall be signed by the person making the charge or complaint. We appreciate everyone's cooperation and look forward to working together for the betterment of the district. >> Hello, my name is Daniel. I am an There was a thud to the back of my head and I saw the textbook hit the floor. Tackling behind me was the class bully taking another shot and had enough. And I picked up the desk I was sitting in. I heaved it in his general direction. I followed that desk
019and began to let him know that he was never going to treat me like that again. My home room teacher, Mrs. Maguire, saved us both on that hot Georgia afternoon. Her oily face and piercing blue eyes went from fear to concern to approval of what I did or she never said it, but I know she cared for me. There are many reasons why people bully others, often using threats, insults, and physical intimidation if they are not doing it. for enjoyment that it can usually be usually be traced back to feeling jealous, insecure or powerless. Their end goal is to humiliate and intimidate by ruining a person's reputation and or harming their selfworth. Sophisticated adult bullies will even attempt to confuse and shame children about their abilities or their gender for undisclosed purposes. It is usually
020not the fault of their children, the way they are raised. They didn't choose their parents or many of the adults who impact their lives. It is though their responsibility to learn and choose between right and wrong and respond wisely. But who is going to help with that? Mrs. Maguire was that person to me. The sign reads green township school in partnership with the home provides an educational environment in which all students become successful learners. This is yet another shout out of encouragement for true educators who will stand in the gap for them and their families. Our students, our children are not punching bags. They are not sex toys. They are not weapons used against other adults. They are not agenda items for indoctrination and exploitation. If you are doing this, stop it. Remember what Jesus
021said about the millstone. Parents, true educators, please, please protect our children where you should and where you can. >> Thank you. Be blessed. >> You have any more? >> Mr. Bowling. >> Okay. Uh echoing what Mrs. Lip said a little earlier about the great start to the school year. Big shout out to um students, parents, guardians, staff. Fantastic job. um our departments, bus drivers, food service, maintenance, uh the custodial staff, technology, they all did leave anybody out. They all did an unbelievable job. The directors and the principles, um the front office staff, it's it's been a smooth start. I've talked to many of the buildings and so is Mrs. Lips going around and they're like, "This has been the smoothest start uh that many of them can remember." Uh we hope to keep that train
022rolling as Mr. Bell often says. We got to keep that train rolling, but we can't do it without everybody's support and help. And uh Mr. Jackson earlier this evening said we're a community school system. And I think that sums it all up. It takes the entire community uh to bridge the gap and help our kids and to help our families. um that I'm proud to be a part of this community for that very reason. So, I thought that was a great point you made, Mr. Jackson. Um we have some great things happening on the horizon. Um we'll talk more about these as they are unfolded. I already mentioned the uh groundbreaking that we're going to have. We have some big activities that going to take place projectwise, but we also have some partnerships with some
023local business uh leaders and community members. And you're going to see something. I think it's going to be it's going to put Martinsville on the map at the Marsh building. Um Mr. Clemens, I wish he was here tonight, but I'm just going to give a little tease some stuff that he's doing and we're working uh handinand glove with him. um you're going to see some great things there uh occur. So, we really appreciate that. Operation football sunrise is going to take place tomorrow morning at 6. If you want to be there at 6 o'clock at the high school football field, we'll see you there. Um one of you can bring biscuits and gravy. I'll let you and I'll be the taste tester. Um but I think the first break for the uh channel 13 is
024going to be at 6:15. So, if you got an opportunity to get out there and support our uh football team, our band, our kids that are going to be performing out there, they bring a lot of spirit. This is going to be our home game opener, season opener, and uh we're excited for the season upcoming and excited to see the kids back to enjoying the experience of high school. And uh last year was a great ride for them. We want to see that happen. We won the spirit award for channel 13 last year and they're starting off with us this year. So we get to set the bar and set the standard for everybody else to aspire to. So come out and support our students. That's believe it or not, that's all I've got. >>
025Have any board comments? Yeah, just to echo some of those uh thoughts and comments too, Eric, that going back to again our donations that we've received not only this month but in the past, we we're just blessed to have a community that we have and um just so appreciative of that. And I think another huge blessing that we were able to offer the free lunch and provide free lunch and free breakfastes this year to our students. What a savings to our families. And I know um may not be a whole lot sometimes, but that little bit might help them provide something else for our students. So, we're just blessed that we can we can offer that and I think that's went really well so far uh this year. Appreciate Kurt and food service and and
026uh everyone involved in that. I've got I got a couple things with it being a new year. I would just ask people to stay curious, get involved, ask questions. If there's something that doesn't make sense, I got an email a couple days ago as a as a dad that didn't make sense. And the first thing you need to do is, you know, pay attention what you're getting. And and then also don't be afraid to ask questions. The first thing I do is reach out to Jeff and Eric and ask a few questions and try to make sense of it. So if something doesn't make sense, when we look at 3,700 kids and as a as a dad and as well as a board member, our goal is to make it better and there's a lot
027of time invested like Eric mentioned. There's a lot of moving parts to get a school up and running just like it is in the business world. There's many moving parts is what I call it and you hope it goes well. So so far it seems very very good. But you know, you got to be involved and you got to ask those questions. Don't feel like you can't approach us. I don't have a ton of phone calls or emails, but we do get a few. And I think it's important for us to understand if something bothers you, you need to say something. If something doesn't look right, you need to say something. As a parent, as as a board member, I'm I stay very curious. I guess the nice way to word it is ask those
028questions and be involved. So, please do do that this year. So, thank you. >> I'd also say if you say if you see good things, share those. We do always hear the bad. And I was just telling Mr. rolling earlier. Most of our community and our district and students and staff do the right thing every day. They're great. So share positive too. We love that as much more so. So >> there's uh if anybody's interested in reading, I know a lot of the schools are still looking for readup volunteers. It's about an hour a week. So, I I know Peragan does it, Poston does it, and I'm not sure if there's any others on the top of my mind that that do it. Does South do it? No. No. So, I I do know that
029Poston and Paragan do have readup programs. I'm not sure if any others are, but if you're interested in it, reach out to them. All right, that's going to wrap it up so we can all get to bed so we can be at the high school at 6:00 a.m. >> Do you have a motion to adjurnn? >> I'll make a motion we adjourn. >> All right, I'll second that. >> Thank you. And all in favor signify by stating I. >> I. >> Opposed. Motion carries. Thank you all for coming.