001before we open the regular meeting, we have um the collective bargaining bargaining ratification public meeting. So with that, uh, the 2019 Indiana General Assembly enacted legislation SEA390 codified Indiana Code 20-29-6-9 requiring school employers to hold a public hearing to ratify the collective bargain agreement described in the Indiana Teacher Collective Bargaining Law, specifically Indiana Code 20-29-6-9. 19. Uh, therefore, the McConnell School Corporation hereby convene this public meeting in accordance with SEA 390. Roll call, please. Mr. White, >> Greg Spencer, >> here. >> Andrew Adams >> here. >> Greg Bington. >> Uh, this is Yes. >> Al Wilson, >> here. >> Tim White here. Let's record show that um Robert and Beth are not here. Okay. Uh, Mr. Jernigan, will you share the terms of the agreement? >> Yeah. Board, if you remember at the tenative agreement
002meeting, um, I shared these same points. This is the highlights. Is a two-year agreement for 25 through 27. There's some new grievance procedures, um, which you should have that also in your board packet. base salary increases uh that the base salary for new teachers will go up from 45 to 46 in year one and then 46 to 47 in year 2, 26 27. Uh, additionally um some teachers will receive an additional $1,000 uh base increase um on that as well. So that's that's good for our folks and it it helps um keep us competitive with with schools around us. Additionally, in the health savings account, um there's a match um in that health savings account of of $1,000, which hopefully offsets our uh four and a half percent increase we had on our insurance or
003at least help helps offset that. And then academic needs uh new in Senate Bill 249. Um they require you to have um that category in uh your collective bargaining agreement. So, uh, literacy endorsement, that's something that's going to be, uh, the new teachers that are now, uh, graduating, they have to have it. Those teachers who, uh, are are aging out will have to get it within, um, the next two to three years on their license. But, but that is a $300 base increase. And then those teachers who teach dual credit will get a $250 tip per course up to um $1,000 annually. So ask for um your approval when that time comes around after we do some public comment. >> Okay. Uh we uh this time is for public comment strictly for this ratification. So
004if anybody would like to speak for for this, they're welcome to do so. >> Mr. Der. All right, I guess I'm back. Thanks again for having what the third meeting now on the contract ratification process. Jump through all those hoops. Um just like before, I have like 45 minutes worth of notes here. Anyway, um so I just uh couple things I guess. So first of all, um you know, when we when we bargain these things, we are smart enough to know to be physically responsible. Um we didn't ask for a lot of recurring stuff on this one. Um, you know, as much as I don't like sitting around the table trying to negotiate a contract, I hope that we set ourselves up to be able to do that in two years um two years time
005until the state decides to uh stop the nonsense with school funding. Um, you know, it it is what it is. For example, the literacy endorsements and 80hour course that we have to take that, you know, basically is worth $300. So um you know I look for for your support in this your passage of this and in two years um you know maybe funding will be a little different. We can go in some other direction. So again thank you. [clears throat] All right that's the end of public comments. Thank you Mr. Ninger. And it wasn't 45 minutes. Thank you. Okay. May I please have a motion to ratify this collective bargaining contract? >> So moved. >> A second. >> Second. >> Okay. Um then all in favor >> I all opposed. Okay. Record. Let the record
006show. >> Okay. We need a motion to adjourn this part of the meeting. >> So moved. Second. >> Okay, that's adjourned. We're ready for our regular board meeting now. So, let's stand for the pledge of allegiance to the flag [clears throat] to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under [clears throat] God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> Damn. Our most gracious heavenly father, we thank you for this opportunity to serve to serve our students, to serve our community, and to serve our staff. We just ask Lord that you lead us to wise decisions and help us to be the leaders that um we should be. In Jesus name we pray. Amen. >> Amen. [clears throat] >> We open the meeting of
007the McConnell School Corporation Board of Trustees October 29th, 2025. Uh roll call. Rex Sperman here. Andrew Adams here. Robert Dean. Greg Bington here. Alan Wilson here. Tim White here. Let record show the same two absentee. >> All right. Looking at things. Do we have any additions or regulations to the agenda? >> None at this time. >> Okay. We need a motion for the approval of the agenda. So move >> and a second. >> Second. >> Okay. All in favor? >> I >> Okay. Excellence in education. Sure. Uh we have a student Rotarian here with us. Uh every month we take a student to to Rotary and this month we had the best one in October as always. Um with with us we have Maya Brennan, the October student of the month. Uh she is the
008daughter of Matt and Heather Brennan. Maya is a thought is a thoughtful, dedicated leader who enjoys helping others reach their full potential. She continually challenges herself by stepping out of her comfort zone. Is this out of your comfort zone? Really? And taking on new responsibilities. Maya is involved in her school. She participates in NHS, FFA, and helps manage girls swim and soccer teams. [clears throat] Outside of school, she's involved in her church where she serves on the usher and student leadership team. She enjoys creating a fun environment for students, encouraging [clears throat] them to in in their faith. Her involvement in FFA is extensive. She um has served as chapter historian and is currently the chapter treasure, participating in multiple contests such as poultry judging. Is there a judging thing tomorrow? >> Nationals tomorrow. Good
009job. Agriculture demonstrations and scrapbooking. Her [snorts] dedication has led to the multiple comp to multiple accomplishments as her poultry judging team placed second in the state and she got experience um of competing at the big e competition in Massachusetts and will go to competition nationals tomorrow. She also received a star chapter degree for participation mechanical fa chapter. Maya takes pride in her education. She uh has maintained her status as a distinguished honoral uh student throughout her high school. Uh been recognized as a recipient of academic. She is in the top 10% of her class. She has received academic excellence awards and intro to chemistry, physics, English, algebra 1, computer technology, and US history. Maya plans to attend in the fall uh college in the fall, but this time she's undecided on a major. Uh she
010plans to utilize her leadership skills along with her interest in technology to help others. She is trusting God to guide her through this process. Very good. Let's give her a round of applause. [applause] >> Thank you. >> Well done. [clears throat] >> Thank you. >> Not you very well, but I like your friends. Your parents are wonderful. >> Thank you. following on after. >> Thank you. >> All right. Next on the agenda is um a budget review. >> Correct. It says data review on the on the um agenda, but it's actually a budget review. And Yep. So, Jen, over the last uh several weeks, and you should have seen this, I think about three weeks ago in your uh board packet, put together a little more detailed uh explanation of the budget. We had that
011budget hearing last um last month, and and here's some some details with that as well. So, Jen, it's all you. >> Thanks. Um so, obviously, we've [clears throat] never done a budget presentation in the past, so I apologize not received this at the last meeting. Um but just a basic overview, if you want to go ahead and next slide. Obviously, our budget entails our three major funds, the education, operations, and our debt service. Um, the next slide basically overviews what those funds um how they're used and where our income comes from. Um, and I'm not going to go through all of it, but obviously the education fund is anything pertaining to students and their education comes from the DOE um through our state tuition basic grant. And then operations [clears throat] is everything else except
012for that which comes through our local property taxes through my account. Um the next slide this just kind of a little example that we because we get less funding through our operations we can transfer the state says we can transfer from our education to our operations fund up to 15% and we do take as much advantage of that as we can. Um and then the next slide is an estimate of what our budget will be for 2026. Um of course majority of our money going to education fund as it should to um better our students, our operations and then our debt service fund which pays off our loans that we have in existence to a total of just over $22 million. [clears throat] Okay, fancy slide. Go on to the next slide. Um, of course,
013our state supported funds that we received from DOE is just a little bit of a breakdown of what we will receive um, an [clears throat] estimate um, for the next 6 months. Um, so that kind of gives you an idea for that. And of course, this is all pertains to our ADM, what that is. Um, we just received our ADM for the fall. So, they have adjusted the basic grant. And then when we receive our next numbers in February, they will adjust that again to all of that. Um, and then this is just a a basic breakdown of the education fund, where those monies will be going to. Um, salaries, benefits, all of our supplies, and all those types of things that we use, um, vocational joint services through Kasich. Um, >> that's something that's
014new for those people who are Yes. [clears throat] >> not new to the board, that $150,000 going to joint services. Uh, usually we get a part B grant that pays for all of that. uh those needs are so high now that we pay a percent out of our education. >> Correct. And go ahead. Another fancy pie chart. Um so operations is another op breakdown of how those funds will [clears throat] be spent um through salary supplies um and the different things. You can see our utility services are quite large um but that is for all of our buildings. So, and then the next two slides, but of course, this is our financial overview that we try to keep up with each month. Shows our cash balances. Um, and this is up through September, ending in
015September. Um, our education fund is doing well. Um, so we're able to take care of the new salaries that were just approved for our teachers and you should be able to handle those very easily. And then the next screen is our operations fund, our cash balance. Um, we will obviously be getting our next dump in December [laughter] hopefully from the property taxes and that'll help buffer us a little bit to get through the rest of the school year. >> Any questions? >> Well, appreciate the transparency. >> Yeah, >> absolutely. >> That is that is posted on the website and has been for the last month as well. So thank you if somebody wants to look at it. I don't know that a whole lot of people understand >> public ed finance but it is there
016for look at. >> Sorry this last set sorry this last slide is our debt service schedule. Um and of course we've added in our new bond that we will receive our funds next month. Um so that should take care of hopefully. All right. and the two slides with the cash funds, we'll present those each month. So, you'll be able to see those and see where we stand as far as those. >> If you notice last couple months, they've come through in the in a Friday update. So, those are something you get not every every week, but when they get we get them cleared through the bank, then we'll send them [clears throat] out. >> Yep. >> Thank you. >> All right. Next on the agenda, we need a motion for the approvement of minutes from
017the meeting of September 24th. >> So moved. >> To second. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I approved. Okay. Next up is financial business. >> Yeah. Uh board, I ask for your approval of the payroll claims listed in check date 926 of25 amount of $469,4385. The amount uh checks day at 1010 and 25 amount of $476,4927. Um checks day 1024 of 25 amount of 4476,590,88. [clears throat] and then accounts payable registered 911 1925 through 102925 amount of $1,210,98488. This was a three payroll um month. So that's why you're seeing that those checks. Ask for your approval. We need a motion for that. >> So moved. >> A second. >> Second. >> Are there any questions for Mr. Dernigan? >> [snorts] >> All right. I do appreciate your explanation to me on things on on
018these matters. Really good. Um, so let's uh let's take a vote. All in favor of approving this eyes. >> I. >> Anybody against say nay? >> All eyes. Okay. Okay. We have a portion of our of our meeting here that we have allow visitor comments up to two minutes per person. Do we have anybody on the list tonight? >> Yes, we do. Patrick [clears throat] Seymour. >> Okay. >> I take the podium spontaneous. [laughter] >> So, since I'm the only one, does that mean I get all 30 minutes? >> I'm joking. >> I'm going to use my cell phone for the sake of keeping a stopwatch going because I don't want to go over too much. Uh, first of all, thank you for allowing the time and opportunity. Um, I want to talk briefly about
019a subject that I'm sure goes around the schools quite often. Um, it's not an easy one and I don't have a solution, so I'm not here to um, you know, present anything I'm sure no one's heard of, but it's around the topic of um, bathroom use, the policy, which I think the policyy's written well. I've read the policy and uh be coming from a large family and hosting exchange students uh presents it you know our fair share of um talk with the kids as to what goes on in the school and instead of going to individual teachers I felt it was just better to maybe have a conversation here in in this forum because I don't think it's I don't think it's teachers uh individually that are um rogue or you know doing things nec
020necessarily inappropriately. I think it's maybe just a systemwide they have the toughest job on earth and you have students that both abuse for the sake of getting what they they want and you also have students that are uh maybe they just have to go more often or you know maybe they have irritable bowel or you know we we have a kid that has a gluten allergy. So um who knows what's going on. Maybe they're anxious about stuff and they just have to poop more you know who knows. Um [laughter] but um so I wanted to present some of the the reoccurring themes I' I've heard and you know I've talked to our kids I've talked to other kids and it's statements like um you know you're wasting my time you know if you show up
021couple you know a minute or two late you're wasting my time instead of finding out like hey what happened well you know I'm second fourth in middle school I had to go get my trumpet and I was about to poop >> and uh or other things um such as you need to manage your time better which that is an excellent constructive um you know kids need better time management so do adults two minutes already um so anyways um there's different things being said and I I think it's it comes where I'm coming from is I I teach our children that you need to always respect the adults and if there's an emergency >> privately kindly let them know that you have you know you need to step out and then if they need to then
022let school nurse know or principal or counselor. But I think um as a as a body, as a family here at McConnell, there's probably the opportunity to maybe help the teachers with either um some strategies to help their students know or maybe just encourage them like, hey, if you're having a bad day, let's try not to shame or humiliate the kid that had to go to the bathroom. Then lastly within all that I also come from food manufacturing and I know how important it is to wash your hands at the food plant where you're putting stuff in your mouth. I mean how are kids going to adequately wash their hands or how are they going to care about washing their hands if the middle school has three to four minutes to get from second floor
023to PE or band and vice versa. So I don't have again I don't have necessarily solution. Um although [clears throat] with the changes in how uh I didn't come prepared necessarily to talk about this but how we're kind of um they have their pathways now in high school and the pathways look a lot like the real world now whether it's nursing or a and I've had food and a background I mean people get a break in a seven or eight hour day usually get a 15-minute break and a half hour lunch so maybe a strategy would be um borrowing some time between a period either side of lunch to, you know, help police the bathrooms for the kids that are violating policies and being, you know, problematic. Also providing a safe space so kids know
024this is your this is your extended hall patch. You better get it going, wash your hands, and get to class. Um, there's also other things heard like incentives with a 10-10 rule. Like the teachers would say, "Hey, first 10 minutes, it's a no-go. I got to get, you know, core information passed along. So, if the students know that, then maybe they're more likely to hold it or, you know, be more um you know, intelligent about their passing period. And lastly, um maybe offer credits. So, every quarter, offer five bathroom credits. And if they use them, great, they used them. If they didn't use them and they have all five still on the stash, maybe you can go towards participation or, you know, couple extra points of credit on their homework or something. So, again, don't
025have a silver bullet that fixes everything. um use the word [clears throat] bullet at a board meeting. Um [laughter] the teachers have the hardest job and so I don't want anyone to feel like I'm coming out in an aggressive manner towards teachers cuz they have a ton to take care of. We have six kids, three in an exchange student home. So I get it. We're fighting the same battle at home. So you know trying to get them to church on time is about possible. So anyway, thank you for your time. Well, >> thank you for your time and your comment for taking five minutes. >> [clears throat] >> All right, it's time now for a personnel report. >> Yeah, board, if you look, um personnel report. First up, we did receive a resignation um I
026think Mr. Dane received that resignation from Miss Cheney is going to resign off the board. That will be posted, I believe, after the board meeting today um in accordance with the law. Uh so that will be posted on our website under the board section. I just wanted to let you know on that. Uh 6.2 2 recommendations. Cassie Bettser, eighth grade boys basketball coach. Brett Warden, elementary wrestling. Alyssa Ramos, fifth grade cheerleading. Uh, Cali Chatterton, sixth grade cheerleading. Corey Collins, fifth grade boys basketball. Curtis Hide, fifth [clears throat] grade girls basketball. Amber Hileman, lead uh caregiver. Alyssa Ch Elizabeth Cheney, I almost messed that up. Elizabeth, sorry. Um, fifth grade elementary teacher. Uh, Tate Wagner, science Olympiad. Rachel Gil, uh, instructional assistant. Samantha Faucet, assistant caregiver, Carly Cook, um, agriculture and credit recovery. Jennifer Walker for
027our cafeteria worker. Under resignations, Brianna Butler, instructional aid. Uh, Nolan Tally, uh, athletic assistant. Uh, Brent Bowman, diving coach. Michael Summers, agriculture credit recovery teacher. Michael Summers, NHS, speech and debate. And under miscellaneous, uh, Kelly Pike is retiring at the end of the year as the assistant superintendent. Ask for your approval as presented. >> Do we have a motion? >> So moved. >> Men a second. Second. >> All in favor say I. >> I. I. >> I. All oppose. Oh, abstain. Abstain. And one extension. Yes. No. I know why. Yes. All right. Didn't want to vote for your wife. >> Okay. [laughter] >> Mike. Okay. [laughter] >> All right. Do we have any old business? >> No. >> I don't see anything. That's okay. New business. We have facility update. Catherine. >> Um, custodial staff
028made it through the fall break. Did what we usually do during fall break, deep cleaning. Did some uh LED changing of lights to save on electricity. And it it uh it was very well [clears throat] deserved and needed up at the elementary. if you can get up to the second floor and look at it. It looks really good up there. Um, we are kind of we kind of took a different approach and something that Craig had been prompting me to to take some time and do and I've spent uh a lot of hours with Steve Holland lately and we're doing some projects with his class putting a new roof on. the last metal roof that we had put on at the baseball field that's getting put on. And then we're also going to do a
029couple of they're going to do a couple small projects inside the high school just painting and drywall patching and some stuff like that. So, we're working with that class the whole first semester. And so, when we're done, I'll take some before pictures after and let you guys see those. So the it's really it's good for my staff, too. Two of the gentlemen that is on on my department. They're having a good time working with the young people and Steve Holland and and getting to know. So it's kind of a win-win and they get a second set of hands on some of their projects. So uh that's kind of where we're going and we're just kind of my staff's kind of playing along until [clears throat] the end of the uh first semester and hitting Christmas
030break. We did get our other boiler in at the middle school. It flushed out the system, put a new filter system in that. And uh I got to say the contractor worked hard for the contractor and the head custodial at the middle school. They work for [clears throat] seven days solid and so they worked hard on that project to get it done in that time frame. Some of them hours, some of them days are 12hour days. So any questions? say thank you and um >> got a good staff right now, really good staff. So, they're working hard and >> I think these shorter duration projects for the students are great. >> Yeah. It takes pressure off my staff, too. >> Thank you. [snorts] >> All right. Uh next, donations. >> Yep. Ask for your approval
031of donations. Uh HMH contractors a team restoration. um for the musical 2250 that's $2,200 $250. Uh Peru Lions Club for the dictionaries for the third graders. Anonymous donated $25 for lunch accounts. Wagler metal $500 for Mackel FCA. Uh Laura Purdue $500 for the construction program. And then Network for good $858.70 for the girls basketball. Ask for your approval as presented. >> A motion. So moved. >> Second. Second. >> All in favor? >> I All in favor. Okay. The next device purchase. All right. >> All right. So, this that time of year where we uh talk about device purchases. So, we're going to do um upcoming first graders [clears throat] for next year. This year, we're going to go with the Dell touchscreen Chromebooks. Um we've been with Dell um for the last four or five
032years with first grade. Um really good product. We're going to we're [clears throat] going to deploy those this summer. Um we're looking to purchase 150 and that will give us a 20% overage. And what that allows us to do is without a tech at Pipe Creek. We kind of part time over there. That allows an extra three Chromebooks to be in each cart. Then if teachers have issues, they can pull one of those quickly or if they have a new student that comes, you know, to the school, they can deploy that right away to them. So that kids not waiting there for a new device. So we've kind of been running this same route. Um, usually we buy a little bit more. Um, but with our refresh plan, um, we're going to get next year's
033senior devices, which are touchscreen. We're going to bring those down to kindergarten. So we have a really good like refresh down there. So, if you have time, you want to take a look at that big refresh plan. Um, we've been on that for a few years and I think it's been a much better solution than taking out a big loan every four years and paying off that debt. So, now we can just bundle that all into our technology fund and go that route. So, I got multiple quotes like I do. Um, Dell came out at $45,000. So, little at like $300 per Chromebook. Last year was $311. So, it's come down a little bit, which is nice to see. Um, and then one thing to look at is that AUE date that I kind of
034talked about. And what that is, it allows that Chromebook to keep updating. So, a lot of vendors what they'll do is they'll try to put one in for a better price, but the AUE date is like 2031. So, you lose 2 years. So, you got to definitely keep your eyes peeled for that. So, those are the different quotes we got. Just want to kind of present, get your approval, make sure you guys are all on board. um because it's a big you know investment for our students. So any questions? >> When you say senior laptops or Chromebooks, [snorts] is it like you just use that for senior year or like follow the senior class throughout the >> Yeah. So the way we do it now is every first grader and fifth grader and ninth grader
035get a new device every year. So ninth grader is then now a senior. We're going to take that device and we'll usually bring it down to the kindergarten level. Um or we have them as loaners like in the middle school or the high school. But um like my daughter's a senior so she has a really nice Dell Chromebook. It's touchscreen that'll work really well for that kindergarten class. What we're going to make run into is the non-touch as they become to phase out. It's going to we're going have to get a little creative there. But we have some things in place for that. But but good question. Any other questions for Chris? I think that's that's good. So, um, we have a motion to accept the device purchase. >> So, move >> and a second.
036>> Second. >> All in favor? >> I. So moved. >> Thank you. >> Okay. Now, we have some fall policy updates. >> Yeah, you have quite a packet of fall policies. Um and and this is twice a year. So this is the the one time a year in the fall you get um the the policy update. Most of this is to keep up with law changes. So um Andrew, I think you asked me about, hey, what about this AED policy? Well, that AED policy went into effect this summer. We've been training our coaches how to use the AD where the ads are. Are they accessible to meet that law? So that's that's a policy catching up with a law that was passed um last uh session. So those types of things in here. The only
037change that we [clears throat] made um our um drug testing uh person is Heather McKinley because she um is the bus driver uh transportation director. That's who gets drug tested 90% of the time. So um by law. So that's in there. Um and we changed it on from CFO to treasur. So that's pretty basic. Uh you can read through those. We'll vote on them next time. If you have anything uh in the meantime, you say a what about this or what about that? It's red line in [snorts] there. Let me know and then we'll we'll uh see if we can get it changed or or manipulate around before the next meeting if we need to do that. But everything everything's pretty cookie cutter [snorts] >> question. >> Yes. >> The there was that one policy
038that criminal organizations I think that's being op becoming optional from mandatory. Are you going to drop that or keep it? you know, I don't think it hurts to keep it in there. It's it's it's boilerplate language. Um, so I think we'll maintain it. Okay. [snorts] Are there any other questions concerning this? This is of course not required to vote tonight. This is just a read. Okay. Now, we have some fun resolutions. uh that we're going to go through. The first one is our 2026 budget resolution. So, I'll just go ahead and read it and we'll have a vote. Here we go. Whereas the board of school trustees at the governing body of the McConnell School Corporation, Miami County, Indiana, whereas the assumptions, projections, and calculations used to prepare the budget and establish tax levies and
039rates for advertisement may vary from those on the 1782 notice. Whereas the board of school trustees wishes to impose the most appropriate tax rate on the patrons of the McCannqua School Corporation to ensure appropriate levies to fund the school budget. Therefore, be it resolved that the board of school trustees grants the appropriate authority to Mr. Craig Jernigan, superintendent, to make any necessary adjustments to the projections, assumptions, and balances used in the creation of the 2026 budget or on the 1782 notice. Whereas any changes made will be reported back to the school board of uh of trustees along with certified budget figures. This resolution was duly made, seconded, and adopted uh this day, 29th day of October 2020, 2025. And for this, we'll just have a vote. >> So, if you uh approve of the budget
040that we've been presented, um >> begging your pardon? >> Yes. I would recommend we do a a roll. >> Oh, would you like to do this? Okay. Roll call. >> Rex. >> Yes. >> Andrew Adams? >> Yes. >> Ellen Wilson? >> Yes. Greg Bington. >> Yes. >> Tim White. Yes. >> Okay. Well, we have another resolution that I'll go ahead and call for a roll call on that, too, just so we keep them all the same. Uh I was going to bring the first two just standard vote, but Okay. The next one is the resolution for anticipated 2026 transfers between the education fund and the operations fund. And that's um [clears throat] we have the amount here too. So whereas the board of school trustees is the governing body of the McConnell School Corporation, Miami
041County, Indiana. And whereas HP10009 requires that distributions of state tuition support be receded in the education fund. Whereas HB 1009 requires the governing body of each school corporation to establish an education fund for the payment of expenses allocated to student instruction and learning and an operations fund for the payment of expenses that are not allocated to student instruction and learning under uh Indiana code 20-42.5 uh.5. Therefore, be it resolved that the board of school trustees approves the following maximum amount to be transferred from the education fund to the operations fund during uh the uh year of 2026. Total anticipated maximum amount to be transferred [cough] [clears throat] up to [laughter] $2,100,000. This is a maximum up to amount and may be adjusted if necessary. This resolution was duly made, seconded, and adopted this 29th day
042of October, 2025. Roll call. >> Motion. >> Oh, do you need a motion? I'm sorry. >> So move. [clears throat] >> Okay. >> Go ahead. >> Okay. We got to figure it out. Second. [clears throat] >> Okay. Good. All right. [cough] Roll call. Rex Kesner, >> yes. >> Andrew Adams, >> yes. >> Wilson, >> yes. >> Tim White, yes. >> Okay. All right. Back on the budget resolution. I forgot to get a um first and a second on that. So, uh we will need to go back to the uh budget resolution that we did the roll call on. And I need a motion to approve it. So move. >> Okay. And a second on that. >> Do we can we can just leave the roll call? >> Vote can stand. >> Okay. Vote can stand.
043Thank you. All right. Now we have another one. Now this is the ordinance or resolution [clears throat] for appropriations and tax rates. Now you'll see those on the board. This is [clears throat] >> so I can explain that if you want me to. >> Yes. Okay. So, um, as you've kind of gone through this this budget adopting process. So, so that is that's the budget in in a nutshell. Off to the right hand side are the tax rates. Now, as as you remember those who of us who were here last year, that tax rate says it's a $130 that will go down. Obviously, when we start this process, we don't necessarily know what our um AV is. So, there's a lot of um variables in there that we don't have. So, we're looking for that.
044Um, Stifles advised us that it's probably going to go down to that 95 cent range, which is pretty uh consistent with where it is. So, last year, similar numbers in that lefth hand column were a little higher. So, it came through um when we first adopted it was 98 cents um and then it went down to 92 cents. So, we're looking for that to to come down to 95 cents, which would put it in the ballpark of where it is now. So, ask for your [clears throat] adoption of that resolution. >> All right. Do we have a motion for the adoption of the resolution for the appropriation tax rates? >> Some moved. >> And a second. >> Second. >> All right. Roll call. >> Rex Spencer. >> Yes. >> Andrew Adams? >> Yes. >> Alan
045Wilson? >> Yes. >> Greg Bington? >> Yes. >> Tim White, yes. [clears throat] >> Okay. Now on to the next resolution. Isn't this fun tonight as well? >> Yes. Anytime [clears throat] that Mr. During offers to go through it, [laughter] sympathy, that's just great. Sure. So, you you saw this on last month's uh board of general ch capital projects and this is a projection of 3 to 5 years out. So, is this what's going to happen exactly? Probably not because fix and breaks happen. Um, but you see on there, uh, the capital projects plan. Um, and what you're what you'll do this month is you'll vote on this resolution which will put that in into place. And again, like I said, it is a it's a [clears throat] rough guesstimate of what we would like
046to do, but as Katherine and I both know, when a wellhead goes down, then that takes [snorts] priority over something else that's on that plan. >> Okay. I will read the resolution, though. Uh whereas a capital projects plan has been established and whereas the board of trustees is required under Indiana code 20-40-18-6 to adopt a plan for the capital projects plan and whereas the board of trustees held a public hearing on the plan date and place below and that was on September 24th, 2025 at the corporation office. Therefore, be it resolved by the board of trustees that the plan entitled 2025 capital projects plan this resolution and is adopted as the board of trustees plan with respect to the capital projects plan. Be it further resolved that the board of trustees shall submit a certified
047copy of this resolution to the local I mean to the department of local government finance as required by Indiana code 20-40-18-6. Need a motion to approve this. >> So moved >> and a second. >> Second. >> All right. Roll call. >> Rex Ber. >> Yes. >> Andrew Adams. >> Yes. >> Alan Wilson. >> Yes. >> Evson. Yes, >> Tim White. Yes. >> So, it is it is in place. Okay. And now for our our bus replacement plan re um resolution. Um I think I could just go ahead and read that because it's pretty plain. >> [clears throat] >> Whereas a school bus replacement plan has been established and whereas the board of trustees is required under Indiana code 20-40-18-9 to adopt a plan for the school bus replacement plan. And whereas the board of trustees
048held a public hearing on the plan date and place below which is also September 24th, 2025 at the corporation office. Therefore, be it resolved by the board of trustees that the plan entitled school bus replacement plan this resolution and is adopted as the board of trustees plan with respect to the school bus replacement plan. Be it further resolved that the board of trustees shall shall submit a certified copy of this resolution to the department of local government finance as required by Indiana code 20-40-18-9. Do I have a motion for this one? >> Some moved >> and a second. >> Second. >> And a roll call. >> Rick Spessner? >> Yes. >> Andrew Adams? >> Yes. >> Alan Wilson? >> Yes. >> Greg Bington? Yes, [clears throat] >> Tim White. Yes. [clears throat] >> Now we're
049coming to um an overnight field trip request. >> Yeah. >> Carrie, >> do you want to say something? Yeah, >> sure. >> Um the fifth grade teachers um wanted to take a field trip in lie of um cancelling our space camp trip that we normally take. It's gotten very expensive. It's about $1,400 now for a weekend. And so, >> yeah. So, we've been trying to find an alternative. And last year, we went to Chicago. We took kids to um a group. I think we took like 30 kids to Chicago with five or six teachers and stayed in a hotel. We went to the zoo. Um we did the m field museum, went to um the park and we saw feed and we went to Will's Tower and it was a great time. And then on
050the way home on that Saturday, we attended the um space center in the Challenger Center in Hammond, Indiana. And it was an excellent experience. It [clears throat] kind of gave us that same feeling of going to space camp. Um it was a great opportunity, especially since all the kids looked forward to going to space camp and now we can't offer that anymore. And um the cost of it is a lot less. It's about $580 [clears throat] for a weekend for the kids including food and transportation and accommodations. So if there's any questions from >> that's um this as an alternative. Is this the first year you've that you've done this >> the second year we went last year. >> So it worked out really well. >> It worked out well. Yeah. >> That's great. >>
051Yeah. >> That's great. Do we have a motion to accept the field trip? >> So move and a second. >> Second. >> All those in favor? I >> I. Those opposed? [snorts] Okay, it stands [clears throat] as approved. >> All right, you're up. We're at the end. Okay. Um, want to thank the MEA uh for contract negotiations, smooth process. Also thank Tim and Robert for being part of that process as well. We we I thought came up with a a very uh good agreement um to where we can give uh some money. I know that's not the case in a lot of a lot of school districts, but that speaks to this board and looking at those finances um and being frugal um spending money moving forward. So, so thank you very much for that.
052Uh Beth, welcome aboard. Um sorry you're not up here anymore, but glad to have you in the classroom um being with our kiddos. Uh ISBA fall meeting if you've not gotten with Montana on that. Have you gotten everybody or not yet? >> I have not got everybody. Okay. If you've not gotten with her, get with her after the meeting today so we can make sure to get that. >> Uh, speaking of out of district um, trips, kids [snorts] left from Washington DC yesterday, >> Last night, uh, we got a text this morning at about 6:00. Hey, we're in Gettysburg. So, um, looking forward to a fun-filled fun-filled trip. Mr. Seymour, I appreciate your, uh, comments tonight. I've never heard poop or bullets mentioned in the evening. So, great job on getting those on the microphone.
053And they'll be recorded and um >> for the next 90 days. [laughter] >> They'll be up on the website. >> Yeah. >> Um November board meeting is the day before Thanksgiving break. So, Greg and I talked about a little bit. Is that going to be problematic? >> I think there's a >> What's that? I don't think there's any athletics. There is on the Wednesday, but not the Monday or Tuesday. >> I I would suggest we do move it uh back off of that Wednesday to a Monday. It would seem like it would fit the schedule better because of the busyiness of the Thanksgiving break. So, you're talking about Monday the 24th. >> 24th. Does that look good for you guys? We might have an issue with that. I might add that would also be an
054opportunity um to have an exec session real quick afterwards uh to discuss assistant superintendent. That's something we want to look at and get posted sooner rather than later. Um so is everybody okay with doing that that way? >> I'm good. >> Okay. >> We'll send it out. We'll definitely [clears throat] send it out. We're good. Um >> you looked at that. Yeah, >> I would recommend to maybe we want to >> as we go into this next year, let's just hammer all these things, spend five minutes in a meeting and do the whole year's worth so we don't have to do this every time. >> Oh, you mean get them. Yeah. >> Not now, but coming in. >> Sure. Yeah. >> Different dates. Sure. >> Okay. That's a good idea. >> Yep. We can do
055that as we do reorganization. >> Yeah. >> Yep. [snorts] Um last thing is Kelly Pike put in a retirement. Uh Kelly and I came to this district oh I think within six months of each other. Um we came up through the ranks as principles. Um [clears throat] and when I came over here I said hey I'll I'll come over superintendent if you'll uh be the the assistant and she she agreed to that. So with her leaving uh definitely emotional for me. Um somebody I've learned to trust um over the years. She's done a great job by her kids. Um whether it's special ed kids or elementary kids or just kids kids. Um now it is kind of funny watching her at the high school sometime cuz every kid there is bigger than Kelly [laughter] and
056sometimes at the elementary. So um but no I appreciate her and I'd be doing this if I didn't I didn't say that and thank her for her uh many years of service here at Meccan. So thank you. >> All right. Principal comments [clears throat] first things first. As soon as you lose. [clears throat] >> Uh well, first off, good to be back from fall break. It was I think everybody got away or got projects done over fall break, so that was good. Uh just a few things are coming up. Tomorrow, our girls open their uh varsity basketball scrimmage. Correct. [clears throat and snorts] Uh, and that's at Winnac. And then their first game is slated for next November 8th. >> November 5th. Okay. Sorry, I got eight wrote down. Written down. Sorry. Um, this weekend
057the marching band is in the semi-state. And if they finish in the top 10, they will go to the state >> uh the following week. So, that is something that Mr. Burn has told me he's very excited for this uh this group. He's really had a lot of fun with this group of kids and stuff. So, uh, our new [clears throat] hires, uh, Mr. Studebaker in the welding area, he has come in, he has fixed machines, he's got them up and running, uh, bringing a new energy and, uh, talking with him and Mr. Holland, I mean, they're they're Mr. Holland's his mentor, [clears throat] doing a lot of good things, uh, down that area and a lot of good ideas moving forward. Tammy Hersburgger is doing a great job. Uh I don't think we really
058understood how much having somebody that knows the IvyTech side and then the high school side. Um she even kind of opened her eyes and said, "Wow, I didn't know the the school side of this had so much going on." And but when she knows the IvyTech side, it really has helped our our kids and our programs moving forward. It's uh it's been really good. been really positive. She's right now they're onboarding our kids for the uh the 21st century scholar. There's a a part two and three they have to do for that. Sydney Ward has come in uh finally got her full time starting Monday and she is uh she's doing awesome. Um again, she's she is uh making sure people know what what's expected and uh that's that's good. She's out in the hallways.
059Kids are talking about it. She's in the hallways. She's doing things. And uh um so uh she's really [clears throat] taken off. 38 has been completed, which that is a huge deal. Um especially since we've got somebody that was really just focused on that was able to finish. That was uh Tammy Hersburgger. U Josh Hancock. I want to mention we've got core and we've been doing core at the that's at the school for a while. um it was established before I was here, but working on uh how to help help kids through uh tough issues, you know, feeling and it's a little bit of the social emotional uh learning, but but it's also just how how to be a good person. Um and he has taken that and really is running with it and putting
060it out there for the teachers. And so he's doing an excellent job there. This [clears throat] weekend we got Mr. Walsh with the the black box. It used to be called the radio show, but uh it's going to be in Mr. Walsh's room this weekend. Uh and tomorrow we start our uh our new uh A computer uh computer foundations course, which is the required class, new class for the state of Indiana. And our Adventum teacher, Carly Cook, is going to start tomorrow. And so we're excited to have her uh and again bringing smiles. And I think that uh you know it's uh we're really starting to gel together as a staff and so really happy with what we're doing. And again, hats off to the uh the custodians there. You know, I mean Mike sometimes
061Mike Chis, you know, [clears throat] you'd see him he might be a little hot. Well, Mike might be a little hotter, having a little bit more sweat around him sometimes because he is uh he's putting in some walking. So uh hats off to him. So thank you >> [clears throat] >> evening. It's always uh exciting at the middle school and there's rarely a doll moment. I got a few things to tell you about. Um and as I was thinking, it's kind of it's always amazing this time of year cuz in 3 days it'll be November. Um good part of that is it starts basketball season which used to be my favorite kind of still is my favorite time of the year. Um, at the middle school before break, the Thursday before break, we had our
062annual career day. Uh, and it went it went fantastic this year. It's probably one of the better ones in the last few years. 25 different careers were represented and we had welding, we had nurses, we had police, we had uh Army Corps of Engineers was there, fire department was there. I mean, there was a lot of different things. And this year, we we added a little bit to it. We we had our high school come and help us with some of those pathways. So some of those kids [clears throat] that are in those pathways going into the nursing or the welding or some of those careers were there and and they actually did a really good job and and it's fun to see them because when you when you bring high school kids in, you
063don't know how are they going to interact with the middle school kids and it it went really really good and our kids have forms they have to fill out and those kids were answering the questions and it was just great to see the interactions between our our middle school kids and you know especially those eighth graders who will be at the high school next year and those high school kids that were were telling them about their program and how excited they were about the nursing program, welding or constructions and all those different things that they did. So, it was a really it was a really good career day and it worked out and I'm glad we added the high school in on that. Um, as M. Jan said, we had about 45 eighth graders that
064are in Washington DC. Well, on their way to Washington DC, spent the day at Gettysburg. Um, the shutdown did cause a couple issues. Fortunately, most of the things they can still attend, um, they're not going to be able to go to the Smithsonian museums. to still be able to go to the Holocaust Museum. Gettysburg was still open. Um, and so they're not going to be able to get the the tour of the cap pavilion either >> because because the aids are not working. That's who usually gives those tours. But all the other things, Arlington and things like that, they're still able to do. STEM days, it got real exciting today. We started our annual or fall STEM days. Um, that started today and it last through tomorrow and then they'll culminate on Friday with their
065final activities. Um, kids were pretty excited. we turn off the bells. Um, and so it gets a little They like it a lot because it's different. You know, they're used to doing this class, this class, and all of a sudden we're in different rotations with different kids, and it's not just [clears throat] a short period of time, and they're doing different activities, and it's not just all I have to learn this or this. Um, you know, it's a lot of hands-on things, and the kids really do enjoy that. Uh, boys basketball triyouts are starting and then continuing into next week, and then girls will be starting pretty soon. We have a a large Veterans Day program on November 11th and this is has grown a little bit and they have a new wing commander at
066Gri that just came in I think this week >> and he's agreed to come out uh commander B or Colonel Bergam. So he will be uh Bergman he will be our speaker at our um veterans day program and then the honor guard's coming with him as well to do a flag folding ceremony. So, every year we've kind of last [clears throat] few years we've built this this red vest day program up and so we're honored that that the the Air Force and Gerson has agreed to let them come over and do some things even even though the shutdown's going on. Uh they've committed to still come. Hopefully, it'll be done by then, but uh and last thing, Friday is Halloween. We'll have our annual trunk or treat at the middle school 5 to 7. So,
067please bring your kids or grandkids or yourself and be some candy. Thank you. Thanks. [clears throat] >> Good evening everybody. Um last but not least hopefully. Uh so um we have a few things that are kind of going on. First off, I just want to say um huge thank you to all of our parents that showed up for parent teacher conferences which was the day before break and we had an excellent turnout uh for both Pipe Creek and Mackel. Uh, and that's always a great time because they get to really communicate with the teachers and find out what's going on with their students. We've actually had a great transition back after fall break as we know that can be a stressful time for kids as they kind of have had their break and, you know,
068getting back into the routine and we've had two really good weeks going on. So, we're really pleased with um how they're working together and how they're remembering their routines, that kind of thing. We've had um some math learning walkthroughs we had with um working with curriculum associates that they are coming through um and their trainer is walking we're walking together as a team to kind of observe some of our uh math instruction as this is kind of our new adoption that we have uh for our math for ready math and uh it's been fantastic to be able to work with the teachers and figure out what our next um professional development is so that we can continue to improve our math instruction um our tier one core instruction for math. So, we're excited about that.
069Uh, on the fun side of things, we have two Halloween parades on Friday. One is at Pipe Creek in the morning, and so the kids get all excited and get to dress in their costumes and go around and see each other um as they dress up. I can still remember mine back from when I was in elementary school, so I know that that's something that sticks with them. Uh, and then in the afternoon, we'd like to thank the seventh grade STEM classes because they are going on [clears throat] a kind of a trunk or treat for Matt Gel. So, our kids will be going over to the middle school and trick-or-treating through there. So, that's kind of exciting. They're excited to get to go to the middle school and do that and participate in that.
070So, that'll be a fun thing for them. Uh coming up in November, our Veterans Day program, we have one as well. So, our second grade will be putting on a musical performance for Veterans Day uh at 9:30 on the 11th, and the third grade will be putting on a performance at 1 pm that day. And so, it's nice because the community can come and um observe that. the all the patriotic songs and recognizing the individuals um the veterans that we have in the audience as well. And so that's always a a really kind of a heartwarming um presentation and a program to watch for the kids. So that's kind of where we are. We're getting into that busy season between now and the second, you know, the second marking period where you're really getting important
071things accomplished when it comes to learning for students, but it's also sprinkled with all the other things that distract them throughout this particular marking period. So, we've got lots of good things ahead and we're looking forward to a great next parking period. So, that's all. >> Oh, wait. No, one more thing. So excited because we're going to be having a new fifth grade teacher who's going to be a great addition to our staff. So, we're thrilled to have all right. Well, we're nearing the end of our meeting and before I turn it over to the school board for comments, I'd like to know if a certain Mrs. Pike has something anything she'd like to share with us tonight. >> Sorry, Jen. Um, I do. So, thank you for obliging me for just a second. I
072do have to tell you that while we were sitting here, not 5 minutes after you approved my retirement. My sister sent me a screenshot of the retirement announcement that apparently Marco [clears throat] and Dreddy made today from Indie Car and all I said at the bottom was Marco retires. So I screenshotted her the agenda of and said Kelly retires. Um so and then she responded defend the legacy. So if you guys know me and know my family well you know that the Indy500 holds a special place in our heart. So um [clears throat] I'm going to try to get through this. I shared this with principles a couple weeks ago. It took me several weeks to write this letter. Um, [laughter and clears throat] after 30 years as a proud public school educator, 18 of
073which as a Mcccon brave, I am informing you of my intent to retire effective June 30th, 2026. This decision comes after much reflection and with great excitement. I have some grandb babies that are waiting for me to pick them up from school. It is also somewhat bittersweet. When I first joined this school community in 2008, which seems like yesterday and forever ago, I can never have imagined the profound impact it would have on my life. [clears throat] Over the years, I've had the privilege of working alongside many dedicated, passionate, and caring individuals. Together, we have weathered challenges, celebrated [clears throat] milestones, and mostly most importantly, made a difference in the lives of our students. What I will carry with me are not just the accomplishment, but their relationships, the laughter, the teamwork during difficult seasons,
074the spirited conversations, and the countless moments of pride and seeing our students grow and succeed. These memories are treasures I will always hold close. Although I am stepping away from my role, I will never stop cheering for this school corporation, its teachers and staff, and most importantly, its students. This community has been my professional home for nearly two decades and I am forever grateful for the trust, support, and friendship I have found here. [snorts] Thank you for making these 18 years such a meaningful chapter in my life. Go [applause] and thank you, Kelly. I enjoyed going to meetings with you. You're a lot You're a lot of fun at meetings, too. >> [laughter] >> Yes. Yes, I do. [laughter] >> Lord, do you have any comments? Let's start with Rex. Nothing tonight. >> A couple.
075Um, so one, congratulations, Mrs. M. Pike, on a well-deserved retirement. Uh, obviously it's not yet. Uh, Jen, thank you for putting the financials together. I really do appreciate the transparency uh with from that standpoint. Uh, and I I don't remember all the teachers involved, but I appreciate the um the play, the teachers who put on the play. My daughter did the play. First time any of my kids have done a play, and it was really awesome to see it come together. So, appreciate that. Other than that, I think that's all the comments I have. >> All right, Tim. >> Just as always, thank you. And I can see I see a team that is coming right out of fall break when it's an easy time to slip into being in holiday mode already. No, it's
076not happening with you guys. Appreciate that. >> Me. Um, let's see. Yeah, Mrs. McPike, thank you so much for your service here. Really appreciated working with you in the role of interim superintendent where she [clears throat] stepped up and and really saved the day for us. So, and that's just one instance. I'm sure everybody has a lot of. So, you're just a go-getter. We appreciate it. Um, and then on a personal note, want to thank the school corporation, the school board, and uh for the uh flowers and for your presence at my mom's funeral last week. Thank you, Mrs. Tid. If you didn't know, the TIDs and my parents, our next door neighbors. [clears throat] >> Um, so we look over the corn and wave from time to time. But but yeah, thank you all
077very much. Appreciate it. We were very uplifted by all that. Thank you. Well, thank you once again, board, for your participation in this. I got to spend some time with with Nigel at the middle school during lunch periods today, and I I just never ceases to amaze me the amount of excitement that STEM classes and STEM activities uh create. U these kids were couldn't wait to tell me about what they participated in that morning and couldn't wait to go back that afternoon. [clears throat] and uh it was quite a good time. I appreciate the invite. Um outside of that, thank you for changing the date of the next meeting. I think that will help all of us, including the staff here. And I know Robert will appreciate that, too. Hi, Robert. I know you're watching.
078[laughter] >> So, with that, I need a motion to adjourn the meeting tonight. So moved >> and a second.