001No. Right. I'd like to welcome everyone tonight. If you would please join me for the pledge of allegiance. The flag is right here. >> I pledge allegiance to the flag. [clears throat] >> All right. Again, I'd like to welcome everyone tonight uh to the March 2nd, board school trustees meeting through the Metropolitan School District burn. Start with the recognition of delegations. Persons wishing to be recognized or speak on any agenda item or to be heard as part of the section of the agenda dealing with delegations or citizens comments identifying themselves by name and the point on the agenda where they wish to be recognized. I know we do have a uh for uh we have a preliminary hearing tonight and I know we do have a sign in sheet. >> Yes, there's a separate signin
002sheet for for that. >> All right. Okay. And that's been disseminated. >> All right. We'll call the uh preliminary hearing to order. Uh the item our agenda is to hold a preliminary hearing for the purpose of the project. Uh if you're interested in speaking at the hearing, please make sure you sign the signin sheet which should include your name and address. After presentation by the administrators and adviserss, uh there will be an opportunity for the public to make comments about the project at the hearing. We will ask that each person limit their comments to three minutes and that the topic be limited to the proposed project under consideration. At this time, I would ask uh O'H Harris to explain the purpose of this hearing. >> Yeah. So, uh just want to make note that the
003notice of this preliminary determination hearing was published as legally required. Um, pursuant to Indiana code 6-1.1-20-3.1, a school corporation must hold two public hearings to adopt a resolution to preliminarily determine to issue bonds or enter a lease for a project which has a total project cost in excess of certain thresholds. These public hearings and future consideration of resolutions are the very beginning of the legal process. We note that no board action is legally required at this hearing. Rather, this hearing is solely to hear public comment regarding the project. Hey, Mr. Harris, will you continue with the process for determining the communication of the project and the community and the needs for the project? >> Yeah. So, uh just uh we'll have another hearing at the next one where we'll go into further detail about all
004this because I know everyone that's here came just to hear about this this hearing stuff tonight. But, um uh we do have some big projects that we're wanting to do. Uh the the first of which is our head to central elementary school uh that has been used mainly as parks and wreck uh and some nonprofit organizations as long as as well as a couple of school organizations. Uh we would like to renovate a part of that building uh in order to move the administrative office over there. Uh right now we're putting we're kind of at the point where we're putting hundreds of thousands of dollars in roofing every year on that building. So, we need to make a decision whether we're going to go all in on that building uh or or not. So, we're
005we're deciding to move forward with uh getting more of our school personnel in that building. Uh so, that that is the first thing. And then also uh there's some a couple other projects that we could do as well. The timing just happens to work out. Um you know, with parks and rack uses a major portion of that building. Uh they're kind of getting their own facility in the next year or so. So, timing wise, it all seemed to align for that. Uh the the next major project that we're looking at uh is a uh new wrestling facility and wait room uh which would be located in between uh the junior high and high school. Um you know we've we've had a lot of discussions with our athletics department uh with administrators and spent a lot
006of time um talking through what what this community needs. Uh and you know wrestling is is exploding right now. We don't have enough room in our one wrestling room. Uh so we really need to expand that. So it'd be um the drawings are preliminary, but it would be a two-story facility uh kind of in the Wildcat Plaza area uh with a wrestling room on top and a weight room on the bottom with also a couple locker rooms and a training room. Um as far as everything else goes, there's um you know, we're we're kind of keeping it open that there may be some smaller projects that we're able to accomplish uh if the funds are there. Uh but but that's kind of the history and where we we got to that decision making at this
007point. We've been working with uh municipal adviserss and architects and um lawyers, lots of lawyers to to get all this done. And this is not a a short process. It'll take a better part of this year to get uh just the to be able to issue the funds. But we're excited about uh what this project is going to look like both on the hedges side and the new facility. And obviously there's a uh financial consideration with this project and proposal. Can you discuss uh the proposed project, how it will be financed and the information that will how it will affect the typical >> Sure. And Baker Tilly is our municipal adviser that we're using. They will actually be present at the next meeting and can go into much better detail than I can uh on
008this. But uh in short, we currently have um a lease rental system set up for our debts that we we issued about 9 years ago. Uh that is our current payments. In 2027, that starts to fall off a little bit and then basically it's very minimal in 2028. Uh so what that means and with the way that the state law is now uh in order to take advantage of of keeping the tax uh base stable uh essentially keeping the levy stable uh we would really need to issue this debt now start making small payments in 2027 and then uh it was those payments would pick up in 2028 and beyond. Uh so this is about Senate Enrolled Act One. Uh basically in in short uh if you've heard if you're a property owner uh you
009know that there's been a a big push for property tax relief which is a good thing for property owners but also when you're funded by property taxes that can be a double-edged sword. Uh so basically what that means is they when Baker Tilly looked at this project, they took those changes that that they that we know are going into effect and what may go into effect uh whenever they uh did our projected uh cash needs. And so the point of these hearings uh that we're doing now is to set a maximum amount that we're able to go out and raise funds for. uh we don't anticipate needing to issue bonds for that total amount. Uh but in order to set the cap and to give us flexibility uh that's the point of of these hearings
010is to share that information with you guys. So our our cap is uh 15,35,000. Uh and then the maximum repayment term is 20 years. Again, we would be uh hopefully decreasing that top number and also the repayment to a much shorter time frame than that. The whole goal uh that that we have is to accomplish these projects uh without raising the amount of taxes that we need to collect. So, we'd like to keep that the amount of taxes that we're already getting for our uh previous bond uh keep that stable. And so, this this just shows on the 10-year repayment kind of how that would work. Right now, we're making, you know, two and a half or 2.25 million payments. And so we would try and keep that that level through the 10-year mark. And
011then this shows a if we were going to do a 20-year uh the advantage of doing a a 20-year um is that you could potentially do an additional project uh in 2032. Um but also the the amount of interest you'd pay back is is a lot greater. So there there's good and bad with with both of those scenarios. Uh but again, we want to present the maximum both amount that we're issuing and the maximum payback time that that we're going out for. And then this just shows kind of um you know a real real world scenario of uh if you have a property value of $100,000 uh with the new uh Senate enrolled act one uh what your net assessed value might be and then what the tax rate would be because of that. So
012again, uh the goal is to to fund these projects. The two that I talked about are the the top priorities and uh and not to have to raise additional taxes for that. >> Thank you. Uh we will now open the meeting for for public hearing. Remember, we would if you'd like to speak, please sign in. Uh the sheet is located over here with Kathy Pouch. Uh, as I mentioned earlier, we would like to ask that you state your name and address. Uh, limit your comments to the proposed project and financing. Uh, keep your comments to three minutes, please, if if if you can, and avoid being repetitive, uh, if possible. Um, and can I have the the signin sheet if there's nobody signed up? All right. Would anybody like to speak? >> Yes, sir. Dave
013Dave Pierce with Yes. So, we did the energy savings uh bond the last time. So, when we replaced all of our LED lightings and did energy upgrades and uh then some small remodels as well. So, that was about it was in 2017 and it was about $15 million that we issued at that time. >> Yeah. >> Right. >> Yep. >> Thank you, Mr. Pierce. Anything else? Anyone else? All right. Um, thank you [clears throat] all for participating in the hearing. We appreciate your time and interest in the project and the future of our community. Please note that this is just the first step in uh the legal process. No board action is legally required at this hearing. Rather, this hearing is solely to hear public comment. Uh, the board will continue to work with the
014administration and with professionals to look for efficiencies and to conserve tax dollars while meeting our educational needs. The board will hold a second public hearing in this boardroom on March 16th, 2026 at 5:30 p.m. Right. And at this time, we will close the uh hearing and we will move on with the agenda. Okay, we have recommended actions. Okay, we have presented the minutes from the February 17th meeting to the board as well as uh enclosed vouchers and electronic payments. We can take those together. >> Yes. Okay. Uh yes, we will take A and B. Is there a motion to approve minutes of the February 17, 2026 meeting as prepared or as corrected? Enter Marson to authorize payment of payroll checks through 407794, voucher checks 147382 through 147444 and electronic transfers ET003383 through ET00003396 as recommended.
015Voided payroll and voucher checks not listed on the vouchers listing in the above sequence are not approved for payment by this action. So >> moved. Second is made by Messi, seconded by Mr. Williams. There any comments, questions or concerns? Seeing none, we will move to the vote. All in favor signify by saying I. >> I post the same sign. >> Motion carries. Unfinished business. >> We are at the place where we are um going to talk about the enclosed policy 4041. And this is our technology responsibility um policy that was included in the previous meeting. >> Is there a motion to adopt revise policy as recommended? So moved. >> Secondly second. I >> have a motion by Mr. Williams, seconded by Miss Puddler. Any comments, questions, or concerns? >> Seeing none, we'll move to the
016vote. All in favor signify by saying I. I I oppose. Same sign. Motion carries. And we have some new business, >> some new exciting business. >> We have some employment recommendations for you all. Uh we'll start with Michelle Branson Bob. We recommend her as a curriculum coordinator for the 2627 school year. We recommend Brad Higginson as our head football coach for the high school. Mark Hosteder, director of human resources and operations. Hannah Cipher, assistant coach for volleyball the junior high. Alyssa Sharper, assistant coach for the volleyball at the high school and Kelly Tuck, newspaper yearbook sponsor for the junior high quarter to threequarters of a stipen. Right. Is there a motion to conser to confirm the employment as read by Dr. >> Sorry. Second motion is made by Mr. Isaac, second by Mr. Williams. Are
017there comments, questions, or concerns? >> You said quarter to 3/4. Is it half? >> Half I'm sorry. Yes. half to 3/4. >> Okay, we made that correction. Any other comments? Seeing none, we'll move to the vote. All in favor signify by saying I. >> I same sign. Motion carries. >> Congratulations. Do we have a nice moment? All right. And uh unfortunately we have to follow that with some retirements. >> Probably nice moment for these two individuals. They've given us most a big chunk of their lives are these two individuals. >> So it's pretty impressive. We have Michelle Johnston who is a sixth grade teacher in our junior high. She'll she will retire at the end of the school year and she has given us 36 years here in Mount Vernon. So um long time. and
018Jacqueline Meyer, the director of special education, will retire at the end of this school year. And she has given 26 school years here and or 34 years of service. >> I'm sorry, I said that wrong. Let me say that again. >> Go ahead. >> It was effective at the end of the 25 2025 26 school year. She has given us 34 years of service. >> Yes, that's correct. >> All right. Is there a motion to accept the intent to retire from those listed above? So moved. >> Second. >> Motion by Miss Butler, second by Miss Sessi. Are there comments, questions, or concerns? >> We appreciate all their years of dedication. >> Absolutely. And >> very impressive. >> Right. We would like to send that written notice as well. >> Yeah. >> Right. Any other? Seeing
019none, we'll move to the vote. All in favor signify by saying I. >> I. Same sign. Motion carries. And we have some educational meetings we need to approve. >> Kristen L and Vicky Rigger will attend the USI CAP English instructor workshop at the University of Southern Indiana on March 30 31st, 2026. >> There's a motion to adopt a resolution permitting personnel listed above to attend the educational meetings uh as read. >> So move. >> Second. Motion is made by Mr. Isaac, seconded by Mr. Williams. comments, questions, or concerns for the board? Seeing none, we'll move to the vote. All in favor signify by saying I. >> I. Same sign. Motion carries. And we have some spring and summer camps. >> We have enclosed information regarding a planned spring and summer camps for the 2026 season.
020Coaches have been conducting camps for several years. They're responsible for conducting the camp as well as for setting and collecting fees, advertising of the camp, etc. The fees collected by the presenters go directly to them and from these fees they pay for expenses plus any salaries involved. The district does not charge for the use of facilities. >> I do want to point out there's many of those camps are for free this year which is which is an awesome opportunity for absolutely kids in this community. >> No. >> Yes. Great. And we hope we have many take advantage. >> Uh is there a motion to approve the use of facilities for the spring and summer camps for 2026 as recommended? >> So moved. Second >> is made by Miss Pesi, seconded by Miss Butler. Comments, questions,
021or concerns. Seeing none, we'll move to the vote. All in favor signify by saying I. >> I. >> Post same sign. Motion carries. And we have some Sunday activities we need to address. >> Lee Lshaw, the athletic director at the high school, is requesting permission for wrestlers to attend the locking camp at the junior and senior high school on June 5th through the 7th, 2026. Since this activity involves a Sunday, board permission is required. All >> right. Is there a motion to grant permission to the member and wrestling teams to attend the lockin camp that includes Sunday, June 7th, 2026 as requested? So moved. >> Second. Motion is made by Mr. Williams, second by Mr. Isaac. I don't know that lock in. >> Brave people, huh? You have anything to add about that, Coach Law?
022>> They're locked in. >> All right. >> Okay. >> We'll go vacation. >> Any other comments or cons? Seeing none, we'll move the vote. All in favor signify by saying I. >> I. Same signs. Motion carries. And uh we have some information to deal with concerning summer school. >> Yes. Please see the enclosed information for Mr. Hagen recommending a summer reading remediation program for third graders who did not pass the spring i3 Indiana Department of Education assessment. Reimbursement of instructional salary is anticipated from the state's 2026 summer school program and a summer credit recovery program for high school students who did not pass required courses. These courses will be offered in an online setting with instructional assistance from at most one teacher and or teacher assistant. Reimbursement of instructional salary is anticipated from the state's
0232026 summer school program. >> All right. Is there a motion to grant permission to offer a summer reading remediation program for all third graders not passing the I read three test and a summer credit recovery program for high school students who did not pass required courses as needed. >> So moved. Second. >> It's made by Miss Butler. Second by Miss Pessi. Comments, questions, or concerns? We're actually taking Ireie this week. So, let's hope they all do great and >> yes, >> wish them the best. >> Right. >> Any other comments? Right. We'll move to the vote. All in favor signify by saying I. >> I. Same sign. >> Motion carries. And we have some lease agreement or a lease agreement that we need to deal with at Hedges. >> Yep. So, uh, please see the
024enclosed renewal leasing agreement for sections of hedges, uh, by the community action program, which known as CAPE, uh, for one year beginning March 1st, 2026 through February 28th, 2027, uh, we're recommending the board authorize the leasing agreement renewal as presented. And as a side note, based on our earlier information that we had, uh, this will probably be the last yearong lease. Uh we don't know the exact timing of our next project, but we'll uh be talking with the tenants and moving more to a month-to-month basis as they as they come for renewal. >> And I'm going to change that date down there in the motion. >> Oh, 2027. >> Yeah. >> Just looking ahead there and saw that. Okay. Uh is there a motion to authorize renewing the current lease for section of Hedges Central
025School as per the leasing agreement for community action program Cape for one year beginning March 1st, 2026 through February 28, 2027 as recommended? So moved? Second is made by Mr. Williams, seconded by Mr. Isaac. Comments, questions, or concerns? Seeing none, we'll move to the vote. All in favor signify by saying I. I oppose same sign. Motion carries. All right. Uh we have information and proposals. Uh is there anyone that wants to make comments? Usually this is Lois's time. So uh I I know that's a tough job to be filling in on. >> Uh right. No one. Okay, we'll move on. Uh non-staff communication and reports. >> Nothing. Uh and uh from superintendent and staff, do we have reports? >> We've enclosed our March menus or yes, our March menu menus in our scholarship committee. I'm
026having trouble talking. I am so sorry. >> We have that summer school program that way, Jess. >> Yeah, I know. [laughter] >> I know for Yes. You want me to take us out to the >> Yes. If you would, >> please help me. Do me a favor. [laughter] >> Okay. Our next meeting dates are Monday, March 16th at 5:30. Monday, April 6th at 5:30, Thursday, April 23rd at 5:30. And they are all held here in the high school. We have some other dates we want to report. March 12th and 13th at 7:00 p.m., and March 14th at 2:00 p.m. and 7 p.m. in the Mount Burning High School Musical, Big Fish in the Pack will take place. March 17th, uh, 2026 is our eighth grade night and it starts at 6 PM and it will
027start in the high school cafeteria. So, all future freshmen should come and enjoy that night on the 17th. Spring break, I know the kids are upset about being out of school for 5 days, but we do have that coming March 23rd through the 27th. Um, and that is all we have, >> right? Uh, well, we certainly uh enjoy having a a packed house in here tonight. not not a pack packed house, but a a full house. Uh we would ask that you if you'd like to stick around, talk to uh our new football coach. Uh we have no further business to discuss, so we will be adjourned. >> Thank you. All right.