001working. >> Yep. >> Okay. Welcome everybody. We'll call this meeting to order. We'll stand for the pledge of >> allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. We'll go ahead and get started. Our mission statement, [clears throat] we'll recite that each meeting. Excellence and education, preparation for life. Note that all the members are in attendance. Before we get to the public comment section here, I have a quick civics lesson for all of us. Sometimes it's good to review. Um, this meeting of the perhead school board is conducted following the Indiana State Code referred to as Indiana Open Door Law. There are provisions for public comment which we'll do here in a little bit [clears
002throat] which will have a few minutes following uh that the public comment section will be closed after that and then we will conduct our business. Public education in Indiana is considered an extension of the Indiana State Legislature. Think of it as an arm of the Indiana House of Representatives and the Indiana State Senate. And we are not an autonomous operation. And we do not operate in a bubble. It' be nice if we did sometimes, but we don't. We have to do the things that the people in Indianapolis enact as law. This [clears throat] includes everything from transparency to accountability. all the way to funding. As I'm sure you are aware, the tide has turned over the past several years, and we are well on our way toward more incentive type pay measures, different standards of
003accountability, and new ways of funding, often that require approval by the uh residents in this district prior be before implementing. So, uh it's not always fun. We can complain and criticize can even mock these changes. But one thing that we must do if we are going to remain viable is embrace them. This is what I meant the other night when I said moving forward, we have to think of ways that benefit all parties, including those that foot the bill. Local school boards have the authority to set property tax rates for things like operations and referendums if [clears throat] they are first approved by the voters. Prairie Heights did pass a referendum several years ago specifically to put toward salaries and compensation packages. This referendum is set to expire next year. And I, for one, and
004I'm not speaking for anybody but me, take this responsibility very seriously. And before removing a dollar from someone's pocket in the form of taxes, I want to be sure that it'll be put to good use and there will be accountability measures attached. I do not think this is an unreasonable expectation. I do recognize the struggles and the challenges that public education is facing, most often brought on by the apparent changing society. As an outsider looking in and having many many conversations with teachers within this district, I can see that doing things the way we've done them in the past are going to be harder to do and become less effective. I have a great appreciation for what teachers do and the training that they bring to the classroom with their expertise. I also know that
005our administrators are held to an increasingly higher standard [clears throat] and more accountability, but yet they are not always given the tools necessary to do their job to the best of their ability. More and more they have to lead with increasing precision, but yet are left with only a broad brush to from which to work. As for the specifics of the most recent negotiations process, I cannot and will not respond to the claims that's been thrown around. Both parties are actually held to a standard of ethics and in many cases legality uh to not discuss the process during or even after. Unfortunately, that's not always happened to the same degree by both parties. The only problem with that, it does embolden a lot of keyboard warriors and they are able to toss around destructive and
006toxic accusations. As to the example the other evening about increasing amount the increasing amount of sick and personal days uh taken. First of all, it is only one example of many things that could be addressed in the form of a performance measure. And secondly, I remember even as far back as two superintendents ago discussing this. I think it was 18 years and quite honestly it's only escalated in that time period. The complexities that our public school system faces have solutions that look very differently from elementary to the high school level. Currently, our administrators are faced in too many instances with a one-sizefits-all approach. I know that these ideas are not necessarily popular to say, but we must face these difficult truths together. We have to be willing and able to discuss these matters openly and
007honestly if we're going to adhere to our mission statement, excellence in education, preparation for life. So, I understand that there's some teachers here that want to respond and so I only ask that uh since you are currently representative and [clears throat] uh and bargain collectively that you simply speak with one voice. And uh we do have I did take the time to review the public policy for or the the petition for the uh public comment section and uh we we've done this at other meetings at the county level, Mr. Surveyor. And so uh this is not new, but we've not necessarily implement this. So I only request that you state your name and address and also if you are being represented by a group and also uh I didn't know this to look at this
008but we do limit comments to 3 minutes or so it could be less but not advised to be more. Is there other public comment? >> Nope covers it. >> Okay. So if there's one representative from the teachers >> I'm not I'm not representing the teachers. I'm representing myself, >> so I don't want to speak for everyone else. I want to speak for myself, right? And I knew the three minute rule. Okay. >> So, I'm prepared. It's not going to be three minutes. Deb Snider, um, my address is not in the district. I teach here. So, my address is not important to everyone else. Um, I prefer not to give out my address. Is that okay? >> I suppose. >> Okay. >> If not, I will, but I prefer not to. >> Okay. Um, hello everyone.
009My purpose for speaking tonight is to clear up some misconceptions and to ask my fellow speakers to be positive in their remarks and kind to their fellow Prairie Heights community members. First, I want to say that I'm not an eloquent speaker. So, please bear with me. Um, I want to also say that the board was correct in their refusal to let me speak at the last meeting. The public comments time had already passed and I like to follow procedures, too. Just ask my second graders. A few comments were made that left me dumbruck, heartbroken, and a little bit mad. I know they were intended as a generalization, but they cut deep. I'm a member of the bargaining team for the teachers. I have never felt that I needed to win, but I have always felt
010it is my responsibility to get the best possible outcome for the teachers while also being mindful of the corporation's position. Negotiations are always tough for everyone. As I have taught all of my students, you must talk with one another to come up with a plan that everyone is okay supporting. I did not feel that we communicated well in this process for our last contracts. The teachers did get more than I thought we would, but I was excited that PH continues to provide a competitive wage that allows teachers to provide for their families and their classrooms. As a side note, when my boys were little, they always had to ask, "Is this for us? Is this for your school kids?" My second discussion point is absences. As in any organization, people need to miss days. The
011days I miss are days I have earned. I do not take my absent from my classroom lightly. I know that I can be replaced in a heartbeat. But while your children are in my classroom, I will make sure they are loved, cared for, taught, and feel that they are important. I was discouraged that the dollar amount was inflated. I know it is upsetting to have people out, but please break down your figures and bring this information to our monthly meetings where it should have been discussed. Finally, I ask that everyone remember we are all here for the same reason, our kids. So, let's agree it is best for everyone for this to end tonight. >> Thank you. Are there others? >> Yes, I could say something. >> Um, Casey Wilhelm, I don't want to give
012out my notice either. I am here for myself um and as a parent, not just a staff member. My name is Casey Wilhelm. I am a first grade teacher. I started here at Perry High as a [snorts] substitute teacher as my children came here. I enjoy being in the classroom at school and switched my degree from an early childhood degree to an elementary education degree. Since then, our oldest graduated, attends trying, and we have a senior currently. Both students who have been very successful at Prairie Heights. This could not have been possible without the staff here at PH. In every school on this campus, there are teachers who took time out of their busy schedules, not only within the classroom, but to support our own children outside of the classroom. Prairie Heights has a staff
013that goes above and beyond. Two years ago, my husband had an unexpected seizure. The seizure was a result of an astroytoma, an incurable brain cancer. Our lives were flipped upside down. When I [clears throat] met with the administration and staff here at the school, there was nothing but a way to be supportive and ask what I could do. To this day, they take care to this day, they support us in every way. The last two years, I have had to use all of my personal and sick days to help take care of and transport my husband, but also be a mom to my own children. I will forever be thankful for the staff here at PH. They are my support when I needed to borrow from the sick bank when I didn't want to. They
014were the ones that talked me into it. Prior to last school year, I had saved up enough days in four years to use without loss of pay because of what I because I wanted to be in class. If you ask the majority of the staff sitting here, it is so much easier to be present in a classroom than to have to make lesson plans. Unfortunately, we as teachers tend to put our classrooms first. However, family is first. And sadly, as a teacher, our families tend to be put on a back burner. With that being said, our families at PH have been nothing but supportive. They send us messages, cards, well wishes, weekly, letting our family know that we are supported. In turn, as a teacher, I enjoy not only being in the classroom and school
015on a daily basis, [clears throat] but rather supporting the children here at PH through all their extracurricular activities such as sports, plays, and dance. Thank you for allowing me to share my thoughts tonight. While at IU this past week, staying with my husband for 5 days, I came across a quote I think that everybody could live by. It's called live by your wake. Think of a boat crossing the lake. Then the wake of that vote affects everything it touches. It moves away from that boat. The words and actions you use to choose can affect everyone that it sees and hears and touches. The staff at PH is one in a million and I am a proud to teach alongside all staff and that's what makes the school system so special. I thank you and please
016remember to live by your lake. >> Thank you. Anybody else? >> I have a comment. Um my name is Grace Newell. I live at 735 Lane 101 Lake of the Woods. Um, good evening. For those unaware, my name is Grace and I'm a proud second grade teacher. Before I begin, I would like to direct this statement to the president of the school board. However, I would like to note that a statement was never shared by the remaining board members. So, I am led to believe that you share the same sentiment. While overtly minimizing, one part of your statement has stuck with me. If I may, I would like to share a direct quote. I don't know that it's necessary, wise, or prudent that because we have extra money to give it out with nothing in
017return. Just two years into my career, I have watched his teachers work through miscarriages. I've watched his teachers work through cancer, going to get chemo at 6:30 in the morning, avoiding any time out of the classroom. Even when it is not in the teacher's best interest, we come to work for no reason other than the love and care we have for our students. When you enter this profession, you enter knowing that throughout the duration of your career, there will be long days that stretch into long nights, an abundance of stressful moments, and what seems like a never-ending to-do list. However, we enter happily despite knowing that ultimately we give up our own time for the betterment of our students that we have. It is both unfortunate and disheartening to know that the school board views
018this work as quote nothing in return. Additionally, the school board explained that Prairie Heights paid $230,000 to substitute teachers last school year. When I taught third grade, there were substitute teachers in our classrooms for five days straight. You might be wondering why. I'll tell you because it certainly wasn't for personal days. When students didn't pass IAED on their first attempt, my team volunteered to have a substitute teach our classes while we retested students one-on-one. Typically, it is best for a teacher to be in the classroom as much as possible, but this situation was different. Most students who didn't pass Irene on their first attempt passed with flying colors when tested one-on-one. Why did we choose to do this? For our students. For the past four Thursdays, my class has had a substitute teacher. Again, why?
019I volunteered to get additional training to better my phonics instruction in the classroom. Why did I choose this? For my students. Again, speaking directly to the president of the school board, broadcasting this number to the public leads our community members to believe that teachers are taking days left and right for no reason when this is incredibly misleading and untrue. I, like other teachers at Prairie Heights and across the country, love this profession. Clearly, not because of the pay, but because of the love we have for our students and the desire we have to help them succeed. Going forward, rather than viewing this money as stipens and raises, I encourage the entire school board to view it as backay for all the extra time, money, resources, and most importantly, pieces of ourselves that we have and
020will continue to give happily to our students. >> Thank you. >> I have something. Um, first I have a letter from Carrie Allen that she would like me to read. So, I'm going to read that first. Hi, this is Carrie Allen. I'm a fifth grade teacher and I've proudly taught at Prairie Heights for 31 years. I would have liked to attend a meeting tonight, but I'm currently at the sports rally with nearly 100 middle school students. If you're wondering what a sports rally is, it's an opportunity for students to stay after school, enjoy time with staff and friends, and attend a middle school sporting event. Several staff members and I organize the event and volunteer our time to supervise, feed, and entertain the students before taking them to the voice of the nay basketball game.
021We're here cheering on at the Panthers. For some students, this may be their only chance to attend the school's sporting event. As I mentioned, the staff and I val volunteer our time to help supervise and organize this activity. This is just one of the examples of how our staff consistently goes above and beyond their regular teaching duties. In the coming weeks, our middle school staff will also begin preparing for the annual cake raffle. Staff members donate their own time and money to bake or buy cakes for the event, and the funds raised help provide food for the Christmas food drive. Shortly after Thanksgiving, both staff and students donate food items, and once again, our staff is the driving force behind its success. They bring in countless hours and do whatever they need to support Freigh
022Heights families. These are only a few of the many ways our staff goes the extra mile for our school community. A few weeks ago, I was grateful to hear that teachers would be receiving raises this year. Many of us endured very lean years when Prairie Heights was unable to offer raises for an entire decade. It was encouraging to feel appreciated. That's why it was disheartening to hear the comments suggesting that our raise was a win for the teachers but a loss for the school or the school was receiving nothing in return. Those remarks hurt. They made me think of the countless hours teachers and staff willingly invest. far beyond what is required. We don't ask much. These races were a small acknowledgement of our many years of hard work, love, and dedication. I hope that
023moving forward, the extra time and care we consistently give will be better recognized and appreciated. Thank you for listening and thank you to Mrs. Nichols for reading this letter on my behalf right now and cheering on the boys basketball team and hoping Prairie High School brings home a win. And now what I want to say. This facility is in the business of growing productive citizens and community members. Teachers are the cornerstone of every occupation. Our attitude and the love of our job will be the fire that ignites or extinguishes a love of learning. I began my teaching career at the young age of 22. And even then, I knew that what I would be doing would have a trickle down effect that it would eventually outlive me and become my legacy. So, what's the corporation's
024return on me after 34 years of employment? I've received the Touchtone Energy Powerful Connection Award, the Deco Foundation Award for Excellence. I've been in teacher of the year twice, two times. I've mentored countless other teachers. I was the special education department chair, and I've had some of the [clears throat] highest I learned scores of any teacher in the middle school. That has been your return on me. So, what has my return been over the course of my 34 years of employment? My return has been the privilege of raising hundreds of children. I have cooked for them. I've fed them. I've mentored them. I've loved them. I've clothed them. I've cried with them and for them. I fought with them. I grieved with them. And then I educated them. I've had countless invitations to baby and
025bridal showers, weddings, and graduation. The request of my name to be added to the visitation log at the Angola and the Lraange County Jail. late night phone calls from hospitals because a sweet baby's been born and they knew that I would want to rush up and hold their most treasured gift. Last month, I received a phone call from a student that graduated six years ago. He wanted to tell me about the woman that he met and what she means to him. And on one of the most important days of his life, he couldn't see that happening without me being involved. So, he asked me to marry them. This will be the third way that I will perform for a former student. That's my return. raising hundreds of children for 11 years. I didn't receive a
026light a raise, but I stayed. Me staying and not going to another district that paid more was your return. What was the cost to me? I waitressed for many years after finishing my teaching job. I taught summer school for over a decade, not only here, but in Ambola. I've worked with a special a education cooperative. I caught the bus at the high school during migrant season and walked the fields with prairie height students. For decades, I've been a homebound instructor. something that I am currently doing right now. And every time I see this student, I send her home with a bag of food that I pay for. Having a second job for nearly 34 years doesn't make me any different than any of the other teachers here. So, what was the short-term cost to me
027working multiple jobs for three decades? The cost was missing decades of summers with my own babies, making sweet memories with them, missing part of practice or part of games because of home or conferences, family meal time, and just the presence of them being with them. Your return has been my expense. I've come to work every day for 34 years and I've chosen to make a [clears throat] difference in all the lives of my students. I know why I'm here. I know why I stayed and every administrator and superintendent that I've ever had in the last 34 years also knows why I'm here. Teaching and being a teacher is who I am. I could have gone anywhere and taught, but I chose Prairie Heights. I chose to stay here year after year through years of hopeless
028finances. I stayed. I chose this community and I chose my students over my own family and our financial growth. And just to put a fine point on the cost of me being dedicated to this community, this is my copy from Travis Schuman on my pension. If I work three more years, I will have had 37 years of service and roughly make $1,800 before taxes and before I have to find an insurance policy. That's $21,600 a year for 37 years of service and a master's degree with 13 hours towards my doctoral degree. So, at what point will your return be greater than my cost? Anybody else? >> Stephanie Gorman 10640 [clears throat] East 100 South Range. [snorts] 15 years I've been called to follow my grandmother sweeps and teach. I teach because I feel that I
029make impact on lives. I'm reminded of this every day when I see the smiling faces in my classroom, emails sent from prior students, or the hellos at sporting events. These students will forever be considered a part of my life. They gave me purpose when life didn't seem so fulfilling. And each day when it was hard to get going, they needed me. Over time, I realized I needed them. Being a teacher is not my career, but who I am. It's part of my purpose. >> Sure. I want to know. Anybody else? State your name, please. >> Zach Per, 835 East Vender North, how Indiana address. listen tonight. I know people on the board. I know people that taught me here. I don't have any kids in the school district. I'm not a teacher. I am a
030taxpayer in the county. I I appreciate all the work teachers do. I want people to understand as well. This board represents us as a taxpayer as well. And not saying you guys deserve the money, but bear in mind that's a pretty big cost for everybody up. Um referendum was passed years ago. I was in support of it. I'm glad to see the teachers pay uh being raised up. My concern is how much get raised up and how much spurs from the school board or the taxpayers have got to pay it. So bear in mind when all the work appreciated in a pretty high cost uh it's 2% of my income my salary is my property tax. So it don't sound like much but still a lot. Um so when you get the raises uh you
031know you you guys more than you thought you're going to get uh appreciate them because it's paid for by like me out there who don't get school district. I don't work here. [clears throat] I don't benefit a lot from uh teachers going up except keeping good staff. Uh so I just wish everybody to be appreciative of it and don't get I don't think accustomed depending on what comes in the next couple years uh with taxes how how estate is possible. We're a good position. I think the board really wants to keep us in a good position and know that each year may not have this but it was a good year for teachers income salaries. That's good. Uh but just bear in mind that it does come a high cost to John Doe taxpayer. >>
032Thank you. One more. >> Hi, my name is Britney Johnson. I live on a gauge. I'm a keyboard warrior. Um, I'm speaking as a parent and nothing more at this point. Every single staff member in this room, administration included, has impacted all three of my children in a way that I cannot even begin to explain to anybody sitting in front of me right now. I am forever grateful for everything that they poured into my children. They loved my kids. They nurtured my kids. They gave my kids. Jeremy Swander gave my kids tough love when they needed it. and my kids are going to be productive members of society society that are going to give back to this community in the next couple decades. I maintain what I said. I maintain that everybody in this room
033[clears throat] deserves far more than any school board would provide for any of these teachers. They are grossly underpaid as a whole, not just here at Cray Heights. But I'm very proud to be where I'm at and I'm very proud that these are the people that are educating my children and helping to raise them right along with myself and my husband. Thank you. >> Are we winding down? >> Maybe. So, oh, one more. >> Alison Hall, sixth grade reading. I don't live in the district. Um, but I think it's important to know that like we all do love our kids. Um, we love all your kids, too. So, um, we appreciate everybody that keeps trying to support us and we hope that you see that impact as well. >> Thank you. Have we missed anybody?
034Tyler, go ahead. >> Uh, my name is Tyler Rand. 9435 East 750 Southville. You guys come see me anytime. I I guess I'm just here as a dad, as a taxpayer, as an employee here at the school. Um, with things that's been occurring in the last week and a half, uh, I just wanted to say that Mr. Perkins, uh, with your statement that you made, uh, not everybody took got offended by it. Not everybody took it the wrong way. Um, I didn't see anything wrong with the statement. That's me personally. I look at it as a uh, the what we're getting in return financially. We're putting a lot of money out. What do we get in return? That's the way I looked at it. I didn't look at it as slam as any teacher in
035this room is not doing their job, not caring for their kids because I graduated from here. My kids go here. There's not a doubt in my room that everybody in this room uh doesn't give it 110%. Every day um that's why I'm here. That's why my kids are here. Um, but to reference back to your statement, uh, I hope that anybody that gave you backlash, talk to you privately, phone call. Um, because that's the way we need to handle things. We have a disagreement. Uh, I think we need to stand toe-to-toe toe and dance before we, uh, get behind a computer and go to social media. That's my personal opinion. Um, I've known Mr. Perkins all my life and there's three things I think he's a man of man of faith, man of family, and
036man of community. Mr. Perkins, I won't ever question anything you ever say. I wish I wish a lot of people would give him a little bit of leeway on this one because I think some stuff got taken out of place that wasn't met. His wife has been a teacher many years. Uh Mr. Perkins has been a member of this community, served on many boards, uh many board, many more boards than any of us probably ever have served on or ever will serve on. And uh I think um it just that kind of position comes with a lot of respect that we need to give him. Same with you, everybody on that board. You're in a position where we need respect. And uh one last thing, I mean I [clears throat] two words for the board
037as far as an employee. Thank you. I worked in a previous employment place for for 10 years. In those 10 years, I never received a raise that this school corporation is receiving right now in 10 years. Um, I think you guys have went above and beyond. I've been very gracious and uh I thank you as employee. I think my family thanks you. Um, because in the world we're in right now, every dollar counts and uh I just want to say that. Thank Thank you. If I had my preference, we didn't there. Any males have anything? Going once, twice. Public comments are closed. The fun is over. We will go on to consent items. Approval of minutes. We got the minutes in our voter packet. Any questions about questions, comments, concerns, corrections? Okay. How about approval
038of October 25 and November 10 payroll and November claims? Hopefully everybody had a chance to look through those. Any questions for Christine or Mr. Reed personnel? Mr. Reed. >> Yeah. New hires tonight. I'd like to recommend Michelle Deer, elementary pair professional, part-time. Emma Temple, elementary pair professional, part-time. Britney Wilkinson, elementary pair professional. Megan Jacobe, elementary pair professional. Randy Wthburn, varsity boys track assistant coach. Zeke Routen, varsity wrestling assistant coach as a volunteer. And Coy Blahett, middle school assistant wrestling coach. A couple resignations. Geneva Lepley, elementary school pair professional. Terresa Null, corporation permanent sub. And Jennifer Sears, our part-time nurse. Questions, comments, personnel. A motion to approve consent items. >> Motion. >> Jamie. >> Second. >> Aaron. Any further discussion? All in favor? Motion carries. Five to zero. Action [clears throat] items. Recommendation to authorize the
039district to dispose of, discard, or sell obsolete furniture and equipment from the middle school. >> As you guys know, the first part of our bond project we're doing is replacing some furniture at the middle school. And part of that process is we have to get rid of the old furniture. So, um, haven't totally figured out how we're going to do that yet, but this line item here, uh, allows for lots of different ways for us to dispose of that. We are going to offer up, um, whatever we're getting rid of to the public. Obviously, we're not selling anything. We're not trying to make any money. Um, but if, uh, people want to come in and grab some of the things we're getting rid of, we're going to post about that and, uh, make a day
040available, people can do that. So, just asking for your permission to let us go ahead and figure out how to get rid of that [clears throat] >> motion. further discussion. Any discussion in >> favor? Okay. Item >> Mr. Reed's agenda comments. >> Yeah, just we're talking about the bond project update on the financing part of it. That's about the only highlight we have right now. Um about two weeks ago we had our interview with the S&P to get our credit rating for this project. Um so basically what they do is they zoom with us and grill us for about 90 minutes on our business practices. Um I just want to credit Christine for that. She was more than prepared for that and knocked it out of the park. Um we got our credit rating which
041was a double A minus. Um which I think we were in 24. There's only four other school districts in the state above that. So um says that we're kind of doing things right around here. So, appreciate Christine's effort in doing that. Our bond sale was today. Um, I have not had a chance to read through all the emails on that, but from what I've heard, it went really well. Pretty good for us. Um, so I'll get you more details on that when I have time to take a look at that. Okay. And yeah, I'm going to end with this. Um, you know, I've said this before and I'm going to say it again. Um, I don't have to work here. I choose to work here. Um, and I choose to work here. I I've made
042Prey Heights my home away from home for the last 19 years because of the people I get to work with. Okay. And I'll start with our board members. I've had the privilege of working with 12 different board members in my 12 years as superintendent. And I will tell you that all of them have had the best interest of our school. They care about what happens here and they care about our kids. Including the guy on my left who has been a part of some pretty significant accomplishments and have supported those accomplishments over the years. That doesn't mean that I agree and defend everything that they say and do and at the same time they don't agree with say with everything that I've said and done over the years as well, but we've been pretty fortunate
043to have pretty good board members are here over the years. [clears throat] Um, but the main reason I choose to work here is because of our people, our support staff and and our teachers that I get to work with every day. I see the work that you do every day. I know the challenges that you face. I know your jobs are not easy. You know, every year at the beginning of the year, I write on your notepads, "Thank you for being here." And I sincerely mean that. Thank you for being here. I do appreciate what you do, and I appreciate all the work, all the sacrifices that you make uh to help our students be successful. And I want to kind of echo Deb's comments as I'm boring her to death right now. She's yawning
044at me. [laughter] I want to echo her comments. You know, I hope this ends here tonight. Um we need to move on and uh get back and do what we do. Um because there's kids that count on us. So, uh, again, thank you for being here and I mean that. So, that's all I have. >> Anybody else? >> Okay, Justin. >> Um, first of all, thanks to everyone that's here. It shows all the way throughout the room tons of passion about this community, about our students, and about each other. And so, I want to start off saying that um there were a few things that were said that I want to make sure [snorts] get clarified. Um the comment that was made was not Todd was not speaking, Mr. Perkins was not speaking on behalf
045of the board. It was his comment that he made and he clarified that tonight. So that came up again with the assumption of you know the board said nothing and so there was a lack of a response. The perception I heard said tonight was that the perception is assumed to be that everyone agreed with that. That was an assumption. That is not an accurate statement. So I want to make sure that we're clear about that. Um, you know, there are times that there were people here that may have agreed with that or may not have agreed with that. So, I just want to make sure we're clear about that. Um, it was unexpected. So, people were there wasn't any prior discussion about the communication that was going to take place. So, it was unexpected. There
046were some things stated that caused some confusion that some people weren't clear about and it would be very um unprofessional to comment on something like that without taking some time to think through it. So, I hope that that helps clear up that. Um, to Tyler's point about social media, I also want to make sure that we clarify that it is not board practice for us to engage in social media. And if there are concerns or questions, we ask that you reach out to us directly and have direct communication. All of our emails are on the website. those of you that did reach out to me either by email, via text, by a call, by a visit. Thank you for that. I appreciate that. Um that's so I I did want to just, you know, mention
047that and Tyler, I appreciate you bringing that up. Um but we continue to remain ava a available to all of our constituents and we need to hear that and it's and we're all different people. We all have different backgrounds which is a good thing. You don't want all of the same people serving the school. So, there's a reason that there's differences. So, please reach out if you have that. Um, I don't know anybody that has never responded to someone that's reached out. Um, and if you have a problem with that, then let Mr. Reed know. Um I personally believe it is important to take time off as some wellness and health coaching that I do and what I see from people in this world that do not take their time off to take care of
048the things that they need to. It causes issues for them as people and it causes issues for their organizations in the long run. Um again it's time they've earned off. I do have a different opinion about people that may be taking time off that they have not earned or they're abusing it in some way. Um, so I want to make sure that you understand I want you to take the time off that you need to handle the things that you need so that when you show up here that you are equipped and you are in you are the best version of yourself because you have to be the best version of yourself so you can lead these students and so that our school corporation can be a leader as well. I do want to thank
049you. What you do is hard. No doubt. I've spent some time in some of your classrooms. It's hard. I wouldn't want that job. I definitely wouldn't want that job. So, I see you. I do see the challenges um that you're facing in the classroom. Your efforts are recognized um and appreciated and you've heard that by Jeff as well or Mr. Reed, sorry. Um, it is my desire for us to continue to work together to support our staff, our to support our school, to support our community and our students. But I also want you to appreciate and understand that this board has a responsibility for to have fidiciary responsibility over making sure this school exists for a long time. And it's only my third year here, but this boards and the people that Mr. Reed has
050talked about has they've done wonderful things financially to put this school in the position it's in. But we cannot be irresponsible with our position. And I mean that. And it doesn't take long. And for some of the things that Mr. read shared before we went into negotiations and you saw where we were financially and how things have turned around. We're thankful. I'm thankful. I'm going to speak for myself. I'm thankful for where we are. So, please appreciate us looking out for the best interest of this campus existing for a long time, for generations to come. Thank you very much for all you do and for being here. win once, twice. Anything else? Jamie, >> I just like to say that Jessine basically verbatim I could show you what I wrote down. It's about almost exactly
051the same as what you said. Um, I had zero people email me. Um, which kind of surprised me. I mean, look at the turnout tonight. Um, please, if you have a problem, reach out. That's part of what we're here to do. problems can't get solved without communication. And I'm not going to post on social media. That's not I agree. I don't think that's the correct way for a school board member to uh approach the issue. Um but I [clears throat] do appreciate you. I mean, most of the teachers who are here are friends of mine, so I think they know that I appreciate what they do. Um and put and like please reach out. >> Okay. You have any announcements? >> No, I'm done. >> Good. Meeting adjournment at 6:42. Thanks for coming. >> What
052does that mean? >> 67. And it's a thing that the teenagers the kids were doing it in class driving me nuts. So I told them they weren't allowed to do it. So this is the 67th day of school. >> So this is the one day that they could say seven all day. We did all these math activities that