001[Music] I love the school. Um, the students are like really nice. Um the teachers they really positive and yeah like the teachers at my old school I never asked questions with my teachers and now at this school since my mom went here so I basically know all the teachers that's here. So now I can express to what I'm feeling and what I need to ask, [Music] my friends, you know. Yeah. Cuz you know the education is pretty good. The the teachers are great, you know, but my friends is the best part. I like most about H Central is definitely the students, the people, you know, all the people I met uh since I've been here cuz I moved here on uh middle school. So like the people have been great. I made a lot of
002memories since freshman year, uh sophomore year, all the years. You know, some days you going to have days where like you don't want to come, but like like the days I come like it get funner and funner as like I get in the older grade, but it's not it's not easy, but like when you do what you got to do, it become easy. So, it's really just chill for me. >> It's good. There's never any like problems or nothing and it's always like good vibes. Everybody's like chill. [Music] I like the people. I like the community. I would definitely say it's fun. It's definitely creative. Like, you definitely don't know what you're going to get coming through the door every day. In a in a good way, though. Um um I would say it's safe.
003It's loving. Um it's definitely welcoming. >> The teachers the most about the school. Yeah. Say my experience is pretty good. I don't have any complaints. Okay. atmosphere is good here and there's there's good people here because um when she teaches it like actually makes me want to actually try the things she teaches cuz the way she she does it is uh so like inspiring to me nation let's Hey, [Music] hey. [Music] I love the school. Um the students are like really nice. Um the teachers they really positive and yeah like the teachers at my old school I never asked questions with my teachers and now at this school since my mom went here so I basically know all the teachers that's here. So now I can express to what I'm feeling and what I need
004to ask, [Music] my friends, you know. Yeah, cuz you know the education is pretty good. The the teachers are great, you know, but my friends is the best part. I like most about H Central is definitely the students, the people, you know, all the people I met uh since I've been here cuz I moved here uh middle school. So like the people have been great. I made a lot of memories since freshman year, uh sophomore year, all the years. You know, some days you going to have days where like you going to come, but like like the days I come like it get funner and funner as like I get in the older grade, but it's not it's not easy, but like when you do what you got to do, it become easy. So, it's
005really just chill for me. >> It's good. There's never any like problems or nothing and it's always like good vibes. Everybody's like chill. [Music] I like the people. I like the community. I would definitely say it's fun. It's definitely creative. Like, you definitely don't know what you're going to get coming through the door every day. In a in a good way, though. Um um I would say it's safe. It's loving. Um it's definitely welcoming. >> The teachers the most about the school. Yeah. My experience in Morn's pretty good. I don't have any complaints. Okay. atmosphere is good here and there's there's good people here because um when she teaches it like actually makes me want to actually try the things she teaches cuz the way she she does it is uh so like inspiring to
006me nation let's rock Hey, [Applause] [Music] I love the school. Um the students are like really nice. Um the teachers they really positive and yeah like the teachers at my old school I never ask questions with my teachers. And now at this school since my mom went here so I basically know all the teachers that's here. So now I can express to what I'm feeling and what I need to ask, [Music] my friends, you know. Yeah. Cuz you know the education is pretty good. The the teachers are great, you know, but my friends is the best part. I like most about H Central was definitely the students, the people, you know, all the people I met uh since I've been here cuz I moved here on uh middle school. So like the people have been
007great. I made a lot of memories since freshman year, uh sophomore year, all the years. You know, some days you going to have days where like you don't want to come, but like like the days I come like it get funner and funner as like I get in the older grade, but it's not it's not easy, but like when you do what you got to do, it become easy. So, it's really just chill for me. >> Good. There's never any like problems or nothing and it's always like good vibes. Everybody's like chill. [Music] Good evening. Welcome to our Tuesday, October 7th, 2025 um public hearing and regular school board meeting. And we also welcome our virtual community as well. At this time, we're going to call for a public hearing to order. Mr. Selenas. >>
008All right. Good evening everyone. Welcome. We are going to start this evening with a public hearing. After our public hearing, we will um adjourn and then we will start our regular board meeting. So, at this time, we like to call Mr. Daniel Dalton forward. >> We do have to do the roll call for the public hearing. >> Oh, Rep. I'm sorry. Roll call. Trusty Guerrera >> present. Trustee Sta Stanford >> present. >> Trusty Spencer >> present. >> Trusty Candelera >> present. >> Trusty Blake King present. We're all present. You have a quorum to move forward. Thank you. >> Thank you, Mr. Dalton. Thank you. >> Good evening board and superintendent. Danielle Dalton with Senator Dalton Municipal Adviserss. So, the purpose of this public hearing is well to hold a public hearing on the 2026 budget
009proposal. Um last week we or two weeks ago we held a workshop on this 2026 budget and I'll just brief briefly run through some of the figures for each of our funds and then we can move into the public comment period. So for the debt service fund, our budget estimate is 14,800,13 813,549 with a tax property tax levy at $15,657,640. That fund is determined by the outstanding obligations that are due next year. The referendum debt fund exempt capital budget estimate is $8,178,200 with a property tax levy of 8,562,000. >> Excuse me. Um, shouldn't it be on the screen for our public? >> He's trying. >> Okay, just a second, Mr. Dalton. Sorry. Okay, please go to the next that second page. full screen. >> Just that bottom table there where it shows debt service referendum
010debt fund, the education fund, and the operations fund. Fantastic. Thank you. So, I ran through those first two funds. the education fund. We anticipate a budget estimate of $80 million with this fund is not property tax levied. Therefore, there is no value in that column three. Under the operations fund, we are anticipating a budget of $30 million for 2026 with a property tax levy of 17,728161. If there are any questions on this levy propo budget proposal plus the levy proposal then um I would be happy to answer from the board. If not >> are there any questions from the board? >> No. >> Hearing none you may proceed. Mr. Donald >> um the far right column under column six you'll see the percentage of levy difference from year from this current 2025 budget to this
0112026 budget proposal. the debt service fund, you'll see a substantial decrease which is negative 14.883%. Um that's due to just paying off debt service every single year. As we move forward, the levy decreases. So that's good news. Um the total maximum levy that the district is allowed to levy is 17,561,826. So we are asking for 5% above that. in order to kind of force the state to push us down to the maximum that we are allowed to request. And by doing so, that allows us to fund certain expenditures that could not happen if we did not have that sort of property tax revenue. That kind of concludes my public hearing or my my update on the 2026 budget. If uh would we like to move into the public hearing comments or >> that would be
012our normal progression? >> Okay. >> Public hearing. >> Yep. >> Thank you, Mr. Dalton. >> Anyone from the audience that would like to come up and speak? You're more than welcome. >> On the budget, >> right? >> Only. If there is anyone in the audience who would like to make public comment regarding the budget that was just presented, uh you may um approach the podium. Anyone anyone wishing to make public comment regarding the budget hearing? None. Mr. Selenus, we will move uh we will do I hear a motion to adjurnn public hearing. >> I move. >> Second. It's been moved and properly seconded that we adjourn our uh public hearing meeting. All in favor say I. >> I. >> Oppose. Eyes have it. Now we're ready to move into our regular school board meeting. Call
013to order. Roll call. Trusty Gara >> present. >> Trusty Spencer >> present. >> Trustee Stanford >> present. >> Trustee Candelera >> present. >> Trusty Blake King present. We have a quorum to move forward. Uh let's stand and honor our flag. if you can. >> I pledge algiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> Thank you, >> Mr. Selenus. >> Good evening, everyone. Was no in honor of >> Mr. Selenas? Yes, ma'am. >> Let's have a I apologize. Uh >> can everyone just bow their heads in a moment of silence and Mr. Selenus will explain why as soon as we finish this moment of silence? >> Thank you very much, Mr. Senas. >> Yes.
014So, thank you very much for participating in that moment of silence. Recently we uh found out that a longtime teacher, a former teacher from Hammond High School passed away and so we just wanted to honor him. At the end of our uh superintendent announcement, we will have a little more information on his life and his contribution to the schoolity of him. So, thank you for honoring him with that moment of silence. >> Thank you, Mr. >> You're welcome. At this time, uh, in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, uh, we'd like to, uh, welcome our second grade Irving dual language immersion students. We're going to welcome Mrs. Sosa and Mrs. Vargas. With our students who are going to be performing uh, for Hispanic Heritage Month, Vamosa Benos, Mrs. Sosa, Mrs. Vargas. Let's welcome our second grade
015dual language immersion students. [Applause] >> Welcome, welcome, welcome, welcome. [Applause] There they are. It's pretty funny. No, [Music] Baby got [Music] fingers more alone. [Music] All of us [Music] Get my phone. [Music] So scary. [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] Oh my god. Thank you very much. Great job. Congratulations everybody. Thank you very much. >> We would like the parents to wave your hands. Thank you for sharing your students with us. >> All the parents. Is there another song or are we going to certificates? >> Certificates. >> Oh, certificates. Oh, wow. >> All right. So, come to the >> All right. So, our students are going to be uh presented a certificate by their teachers. So, once you hear your name, you can come up and get a certificate, boys and girls. Okay. [Applause] is like very
016[Applause] Elena [Applause] was [Applause] Anthony Martinez. [Applause] Tell me. [Applause] Romeo Garcia. [Applause] Flores, [Applause] Mason, [Applause] Emmanuel, Alonso. All right, Miss Vargas and Miss Sosa, can we please have them in the front here so we can take a picture together, please? Front of the stage. >> Oh, he go over there. Okay. Just stand up on the stage. Everybody look over here. Big smile. >> Great job. [Applause] That's a good picture. Thank you. [Applause] Yeah, I hate I got them last time. That's great. >> Okay. Thank you once again. If you would like to uh leave at this time, you may or you're welcome to stay for the meeting. Thank you once again. Yeah. [Music] Oh, there's a lot of them. Yeah. Thank you very much. Muchas gracias. >> Our next agenda item is our
017first period of public expression limited to items on the agenda. Trustee Stanford. >> Thank you. First speaker for public expression is Ed Waters. Did I get that right? Say it again. Oh. And >> did I pronounce your last name correctly? >> Waters. Okay. >> Waters. Uh, I'm sorry. I want to say good evening to the board here. Um, items on the agenda that I'm speaking to. Um, well, I've got a overall concern. I'm a longterm uh resident of the 5800 block of Erie Avenue. Um, I've moved to Hammond in the early 90s, uh, with my family from Denver. >> Mr. Waters, >> which is a nice older community. Excuse me, >> Mr. Waters. May I stop you? >> Sure. >> First period is for agenda items. >> Oh, I'm sorry. >> Issues that are on
018our agenda. Could you stay for a second period? >> Oh. Oh, I thought this was the second period. I'm sorry. >> First period. Okay. So, I stand correct. >> Thank you so much for understanding. >> I will call you back next time. Okay, next speaker is Wanda Puty. >> Agenda items on the agenda. [Applause] >> Good evening. >> Y'all can tell me if I'm wrong or not. Uh, first question I'm going to ask my parent. I need y'all help. I'm standing on the divider when the buses pull up to drop the kids off and pick them up. And >> Mr. Mrs. Bucket, again, this is first period public expression. It has to be an agenda item. >> Okay. >> Has to be on the agenda. >> Okay. Could I ask the teachers the prayer the
019prayer professional something? I would like for them to join get in contact with Mr. Gigas. all professional prayer professionals >> could you >> to get in contact with Mr. Gigas >> okay well um >> I'll do the >> let's take this second public expression okay thank you so much >> okay that ends the first session of public expression >> thank you Mr. Selenas. >> Our next agenda item is unfinished business and there is no unfinished business on the agenda tonight. So we will move on to the consent agenda. >> Trustees, what's your pleasure? Do I hear a motion for our consent agenda items A through F? >> Madam President, >> Trusty Canalera, >> I move for the approval of the consents agenda items A through F as presented. >> Do I have a second? Second.
020>> It's been moved and properly second by Trustee Stanford that we approve the consent agenda items A through F. Are there any questions? >> Questions? >> Any discussion? >> I would like to read the accounts payable docket register. >> Okay. >> Accounts payable vure register dated October 7th, 2025 consists of 237 pages. Total for claims is 1,100,254. Total for payroll 2,418,45248. >> Thank you. Is there any other discussion? All in favor say I. >> I. >> Oppose. >> Abstain. >> One abstension. Eyes have it. Motion carried. Thank you very much, Mr. Selenas. Uh, I believe we have a few more. Oh, I'm sorry. The next item is new business. My apologies. Next item on the agenda is approval of new business. >> Item A, approval of digital learning grant. Do I hear a motion? >>
021Madam President, >> Trusty Candelera, >> I move for the approval of the digital learning grant as presented. >> Do we hear a second? >> Second. It's been moved and properly seconded by Trusty Guerrera that we approve the approval of digital learning grant. Mr. um Selena, do you want to expound on that a little bit? >> Yes. Um it is recommended that the board of school trustees approve the digital learning grant from the IDOE uh grant awarded to the school city of Hammond to continue the use of AI and curriculum mapping and the amount is uh $1,320. >> Thank you. Any discussion? Any discussion? And all in favor say I. >> I. >> Any oppose? Eyes have it. Thank you. Item B, approval of Head Start grant package February 1, 2024, January 31st, 2029. Funding package
022year 3, 26- 27. Do I hear a motion? Madame President, >> Trusty Caneler, >> I move for the approval of the Head Start Grant Package February 1st, 2024 through January 31st, 2029, funding package year 3 26-27 as presented. >> Second. >> It's been moved and properly second by trustee uh Spencer that we for the approval of the Head Start grant package of February 124 through 2627. Any discussion? Any discussion? All in favor say I. >> I. >> Any oppose? Eyes have it. Thank you. Approval of contract with Barb Butcher. Butcher. Butch. >> Butcher. >> Barb Butcher. Yes. >> Oh, I butchered her name. Okay. >> Okay. Butcher. Do I hear a motion? >> Madam President, >> Trusty Kelly Spencer, >> I move for the approval of contract with Barb Butcher. >> Second. It's been moved
023and properly seconded by trusty Candela that for the approval of contract with Barb Butcher. Any discussion? Mr. Mr. Selenas, please. >> Yes. Um, this contract is with Mrs. Barb Butcher um and she will be uh providing uh services to our special education uh department uh to promote individualized student success. and our butcher so that everyone is aware is a retired employee from school Hammond who is returning to pro provide services within our special ed department. >> Thank you. And again I must thank Mr. Seaman for having the tenacity to bring back all of these incredible people to our team. Any more discussion? All in favor say I. >> I oppose. Eyes have it. Thank you. >> Approval of agreement with Edgewater Health. >> Mr. Selinez. Yes. Um, President Blake King and board members, at this
024time I am going to uh provide you with additional information and so I am not asking for a vote at this time. There is information that I am still gathering for this item and so I would um will provide that to the board at a later time but I am not asking for a vote at this time. >> Thank you. Item E, approval of agreement between S&T Consulting and the Hammond Learning Hammond Early Learning Center. Do I hear a motion? >> Madame President, >> Trusty Candelera, >> I move for the approval of the agreement between S&T Consulting and the Hammond Early Learning Center as presented. >> May I have a second? >> Second. >> It's been moved and properly second by Trustee Spencer uh for the approval of agreement between SNTED Consulting and the Hammond
025Early Learning Center. Any discussion? Any discussion? All in favor say I. I >> oppose. Eyes have it. And thank you, Mr. Selenas. >> Our next item is the calendar. >> Our upcoming board meetings, Tuesday, October 21st, executive session, 5:15 p.m. And Tuesday, October 21st, regular school board meeting, 6 pm. That's our calendar for next month. Our next agenda item is public expression second period uh general matters trustee Stanford. Thank you. Our first speaker is Alex Sarah Jski. >> Good evening board. >> Good evening. >> All right. I am proud to announce uh this year on December 4th from 4 to 6:00 p.m. at Morton High School is going to be the first SC maker fair. So we have four great schools coming together to celebrate student makers. It is Scott, Hammond Central, Ares, and Morton
026High School. Um we've all come together because we want to celebrate a season of making. So we invite all of the board members to come on down. Um, I have flyers and also I do have a special gift for you guys. Um, we are going to be supporting the school's maker spaces through a pre-order fundraiser. Uh, right now we have our pre-orders open till October 10th to get a coaster or an ornament. Um, that has all been designed and made by students themselves. Uh, and so I have coasters for everybody here. Um, that's been laser cut by the maker space aids themselves actually today. So, um, yeah, I formally invite everybody to attend that. >> Absolutely. >> What time was it you said? >> Uh, 4 to 6 p.m. >> 4 to 6 p.m. And
027Mr. Selenas, let's invite him to if it's possible on our WJO spot so that he can further uh announce this. >> I love it. Awesome. >> Get your radio voice ready >> and get and bring the kids and you can bring some of the students. >> That'll be awesome. >> Thank you very much, >> Mrs. Got that. Okay. Thank you. >> Thank you so much. >> Thank you. >> Wonderful. >> Let's pass that down there. >> Uh >> oh. Be careful. I do it all the time. >> Oh, thank you. >> Thank you again, everyone. >> Oh my god. >> I got a coaster, Mrs. Smith. I got a coaster. >> Okay. And this is Evangelene. >> Oh my goodness. >> And this is mine. Okay. >> Thank you. social media. >> I love it.
028>> Yes. The power of the maker space. >> Wow. >> I've never heard of this before, so this will be my first. >> It's very, very impressive. >> I will be there. Okay, next speaker, Ed Waters. Come on down. >> Okay. Hey, I'm going to try this again. So, um I'm here uh in front of the board of education today to try to come to some resolve uh concerning the citizens that live in and around the 5800 block of Erie Avenue. Um, our issues are directly tied to the school itself and the city that made appropriations when they built the school and they're after what citizens of this neighborhood have to endure, excuse me, on a daily basis. Um, I've gone to public works meetings and voiced uh complaints. um our lives are sort of
029being turned um in uh unicarious I want to say situation living next to Hammond Central High School now. Uh, I've been a long-term resident since I want to say 1992 when it was Hammond High was in place. But the problems that exist now are three-fold uh for most of the residents in and around the community. Um, in the past I've spoke with principles and administrators, uh, but it seems like it's just an ongoing problem. Every school system, every school year, um, traffic has tripled. Um, we've got individuals going one way down Erie Avenue on a constant basis. >> We've got speeding um mainly from students and parents who are picking their school their kids up from school. Um, the trash is unbearable. I pick up about a bag of trash every day in around, you
030know, on my block. Um, parking has improved. Uh, I've had the city to come put numerous, you know, residential signs. So, I guess what I'm looking for right now in short term is some type of resolve for the residents that have to reside. Uh, the noise level is crazy. You come home and you don't know what you get. For the last two weeks, we've had constant events seven days a week. And I just want to ask this question. When do we deserve some peace? Uh it's a big question because as you get older uh even on the weekends uh you can't rest. Um the noise goes on till about like 9:00 in the evening. So I'm just asking the school board to take a deep deeper look on these issues. Um I pay taxes and
031my kids went to graduated from Heyman High School 16 17 years ago but I still reside there. Uh I try to be a conscientious you know resident. So I'm just asking you guys if you look into some of these issues to try to, you know, so we can sort of live in a little bit more harmony. A lot of older people now on this block. So thank you very much. >> Thank you, sir. >> Thank you. >> Next speaker, Crystal Edmund. >> Good evening everyone. >> 5822 Erie Avenue. I want to basically ready but >> Miss Edmond, could you bring Miss Edmond? Yeah. Could you bring There you go. Thank you. Okay. Thank you. >> So, the issue been going on for since they filled the football field. Prior to that, it was mainly the
032parking because the children didn't have nowhere to park because the parking lot wasn't finished. But reason we down here today, I've been coming for the last couple of years really and um talking about the issues, but there's several issues. One of them, the main one, like you said, the noise. The noise will run you out your house. I last year did run out my house to my sister house. Had to wait till the game over and come back home cuz I had no peace in the house. On the outside, you walk out your door, there's no privacy. Soon you walk out your door, everybody on the bleaches, turn around and look back. And so you feel invaded because you're in your home, you're in your yard, but you have no privacy. So, I'm not going
033to try to put everything on on this one short three minutes, but uh again, the parking when you try to pull in the alley coming down the street or eating where it say no parking, standing or stopping, there's cars there. So, you're trying to turn down the alley, then there's one parked in the alley. So, to turn down the alley, the only way you can get down the alley, I have a truck F-150. the only way I can get down the alley. I would have to go on my neighbor's property to keep from hitting the vehicle that's parked in the alley. They don't attempt to move. They feel they have the right away. And it's I don't know what the problem is because the school have cameras. They see what's going on and I don't
034know why they at least have someone out there to tell them they cannot park there even when they picking up their children. You know, they it's illegal. And another issue is that I have never brought up to the school board when met with the last superintendent, Mr. Miller, was that when they built the field, Mr. Miller told us this. It was a group of us. We met with him down here, uh, the 5800 block area, they took our water pressure, literally took our water pressure. He told us that they're working on getting it back. Nothing like that happened. In fact, it has gotten worse, you know, to people coming to me asking me, "Is anything going on with your water pressure?" I said, "Yes, they took it. I'm surprised you didn't know." But the people
035that came to me, they was working, so now that they retire, had more time at home, then they realized, and it's across the street from me, that their water pressure is not the same. So, like, and another issue is that we used to look forward to our Sundays. Now we can't even look forward to our Sundays because now the I guess the football is leased out or something to the popcorn or whatever going on. So we never really get any peace. So who decide to just give our peace away to where we can have rest or peace in our home not only outside but as well on the inside. >> Thank you very much. >> Thank you. [Applause] Next is Jamaica Sawyers. Jamaica. >> Good evening, board and superintendent Selenus. Last time I had four
036of these. I have a good handful, so I'm not sure I'm going to get through all of them tonight, which is a good problem to have. But I want to start with a verbal shout out to our principal, Mrs. Denny. She has been a great mentor. She has been working really hard to get everything going smoothly and introducing me into this role. So, thank you. And she's in her new role as well and she has been tackling that phenomenally. Our first shout out for a written one is also for her. You are doing an amazing job. You are so supportive and on top of everything all the time. I appreciate you so much. Sent anonymously. Second one also for Miss Denny being an awesome leader. Keep it up. You are appreciated. Our next one was
037from um Kelly Green to Sarah Feesler. Always being a cheerleader. She is so motivating. Our next one is to Mrs. Fields from Mrs. Duncin. Always being positive and excited about teaching. Our next one is to Mrs. Fuller. And this is from Mrs. Christensen. You do such an amazing job with our school's data and spreadsheets. You are the best. And I agree. Our next one was sent anonymously to Mrs. Duncan being a great win teacher at all grade levels. Our next one was also sent anonymously to uh Kelly Keltika for being an awesome win co-teer with kindergarten. The next one was from Miss Sawyers. Thank you for doing a great job in the cafe. Sent anonymously to Mrs. Jen Christensen from Mrs. Duncan for planning awesome PDs and helping everyone to do their best. This one
038was also to Miss Christensen sent anonymously. Thank you for always going above and beyond in your job. You do an amazing job sharing your knowledge. The next one is for Miss Crystal. All the technical support and wonderful spreadsheets. Also, my ride when I need one. That was sent anonymously. This one was for Mrs. Kenya Savage from Cindy Gordish. It says, "Helping me with a difficult student last week. I appreciate your help." This one was sent anonymously to Mrs. Guadana. Always helping out others when we need it. She is caring and selfless. This one was sent to Miss Sawyers for always taking the time to listen to our concerns in regards to the classrooms we work in and for addressing the situation with understanding and kindness. Sent anonymously. to Miss Green sent anonymously being open to
039letting Miss Jones come in and for you fly lessons and observation. We appreciate you. You are a great role model. I have 19 seconds left. I have three more. So, let's see. Um, we have Miss Cwley from Miss Denny says, "Being a team player and donating her packets to another class. To Miss Sawyers always being available to answer questions. And to Miss Sarah Fesler for being so helpful and sharing resources. Thank you. W. Thank you. Perfect timing. Our last speaker, Wanda Pucket. >> This is >> Oh, Jesus. >> I was trying to [Laughter] Okay, gonna try not to time you. I'm back. I got three questions. Okay. >> My first question is >> uh we got cars is going around the stop sign when the buses is stopping and picking up. I want to know
040can we as resident video or take pictures of the license plates as the cars going around the stop sign and put it on what's going on in Hammond before somebody kid get hurt. That's a good way to stop it. If you started posting the license plates on what's going on in H when they going around the buses that'll help. The second thing is all y'all pray professional. Y'all see me in the stores, see me walking, y'all asking me what can y'all do? First of all, get in contact with Mr. Geekis. Join the union. I'm quite sure you get call Mr. Gigas. He can give you all the information you need and can help you. This is for all the parl professionals out there because y'all running. I I ain't I can't help you. I done
041retired now, but I can just pass the word on to Mr. Gigas and he can help y'all out. Now, third question is, I need all parents at the bus stops when your kid is getting on that bus and get off the bus. We got too many weirdos walking around and watching these kids. I need y'all help. I can't do it by myself. Every bus stop should have at least four parents out there with your phone on speed down for 911. We need y'all help now. It's getting dark outside. Our babies going to be walking. Especially middle and high school do not have a bus. They walking. We need y'all help with them. They still our babies. Parents, get up and walk your kids. Edgars, ham and sister. I don't care if they is 14, 15
042years old. They still our babies. Don't wait till something happened then go to Holly. Oh, should have, could have, would have stopped it. We couldn't stop it now. So, let's start doing the buddy system. Let's walk our kids. And you see another kid walking, get that one in. Walk them. Go back to the old days of Venice. You raise the kids. Let's do it. That's all I got to say. >> Thank you. Thank you. >> That ends the second session of public expression. >> Mr. >> All right. Good evening again. Thank you everyone for your um time and dedication and your attendance tonight and for your public expression. Uh this evening, I'd like to begin my announcements by thanking our Irving Elementary students for their wonderful performance this evening. Their talent and dedication bring pride
043to our school, our community, and they set a beautiful tone for tonight's meeting. Thank you also to our leadership at the building, Mrs. Ree and Mr. Fazini. Thank you very much for sharing your students with us. As we enter October, we have lots and lots of uh celebrations that we're going to embark on this month. Uh we'll be celebrating at uh next uh board meeting celebrating a special group of individuals as well. Uh however, right now we do want to recognize that it is breast cancer awareness month. And we want to take a moment to honor and acknowledge any member of our school city of Hammond community and staff who are currently fighting or who have bravely fought breast cancer. We see you. We support you and we celebrate your strength. This week we're excited
044to announce that our talented HPA students will be performing Schoolhouse Rock Live over at um Morton High School. Our show times are October 10th and 11th at 7 p.m. and October 12th at 2 p.m. And the location is Morton High School Auditorium. We invite everyone to come out and support these incredible students. Now, believe it or not, everyone, we are nearing the end of our first grading period, which means we've already completed nine weeks of school. Next week will be a short week, two days of school for our students. Monday and Tuesday will be regular school days. Wednesday, there's no school as it is a teacher work day. Thursday and Friday is our fall break and schools are closed. We encourage our families and staff to take this time to rest and recharge as we
045prepare for the second quarter. Looking ahead, Mortyn High School will be hosting a career day on OC on Tuesday, October 14th. Events like this are essential in helping our students explore their future pathways and connect classroom learning to real world opportunities. So, we look forward to that event and thank you for your leadership, Principal Wheeler. As many of you know, Hammond is the largest school district in Northwest Indiana. With this comes a great responsibility to ensure that all decisions, particularly those involving staffing, are made with student health, safety, and academic success as our top priority. As we continue our focus on improving student outcomes, we have been strategic in returning to optimal staffing levels that support these goals. Please know that these decisions have been made with careful analysis and consultation with our financial adviserss
046to ensure sustainability and effectiveness. Our goal is to provide optimal staffing for safety, health, and student outcomes in all of our schools. In closing, I'd like to thank everybody for their continued support and commitment to our students and staff. At this time, I'd like to invite our director of human resources, Mrs. Luter Smith, who will share a few words in remembrance of a former teacher who has recently passed. >> Good evening. Thank you, school board trustees and uh Superintendent Selenas for this opportunity to acknowledge the passing of Mr. Ronald Galassich, affectionately affectionately known as Mr. G to his students. He was a beloved retired teacher who touched the lives of countless students during his many years of service at Hammond High School. Throughout his career, Mr. G was not just an educator, but a mentor,
047a friend, and a guiding light to all those who are fortunate enough to learn from him. His impact is evident in the success and growth of the many students he taught, many of whom car continue to carry his wisdom and lessons with them today, including myself. We take comfort in knowing that his legacy will live on through the countless lives he enriched. To his family, friends, and former students, we extend our deepest condolences. Thank you for this opportunity. Rest in peace, Mr. G. >> Thank you for that tribute, Mrs. Smith. Those conclude my uh reports this evening. >> Thank you, Mr. Selena's. Board members, do you have any reports, comments? >> Um, I have a couple. I'll keep it short. Um, just a couple things to look forward to. Um, we have our first uh
048kindness coffee and conversation uh at Harding Elementary. We're going to host it at Harding on November 6th at 4:30. It is open districtwide. um come and be a part of our first um our opening session uh as we spread kindness. This is um anti-bullying month, so we're kicking it off. Um I know I've seen a lot of good stuff coming out of some of the schools. Um and then we actually will be at um the city's trunk retreat Thursday. Um so if anybody is there, they will see. Um, but our next date to look forward to is January 22nd. Um, if you are familiar with the Harlem Globe Trotters. Um, we are bringing the Harlem Wizards. That is a group just like the Globe Troters. Um, but they are geared towards PTAs and schools. Um,
049we are very very excited for that. Uh, that will help us with our kindness initiative um, to be able to fund and and do more things um, with that. So, we'll we'll be putting more out um for that soon as well. And then our um reflections due date is Halloween. Uh we've already had some wonderful submissions. Um music comp is always my favorite to look to look at. Um and they're getting better. This is only the second year, but it's already getting better. Um so, have your kids get those in. We've got a little over three weeks. Um, and then the exhibition for that will be December 5th. >> Thank you. Any other board members, any reports? I have a couple. I first would like to thank I believe it's the media department or Mrs.
050Weekes who uh put under the School City Hammond website all of the good things. I I see there is National Custodian Appreciation Day uh October 2nd. So, let's give them a big round of applause. I wouldn't have known it had it not been on the website. and uh they noted so many wonderful things. There was an uh our scholarship fair Indiana University and all the students were there. Uh they're talking about Oliver Morton and all the wonderful athletic things that are going on. So I really appreciate this page because it it lets everybody know, you know, what we're doing because we are 10 times better. And uh secondly, I would like to thank everybody who wished me a 77 birthday. My birthday was Sunday. I think I was 77 years old when I well years
051young or whatever you call it. I'm glad to be here. And uh finally, I never acknowledged uh the career and technical education uh CTE district number two department for uh pro um honoring me with this wonderful plaque. I can add it to my others at home uh for continued support of the career and technical education CTE district number two Hammond Area Career Center. And that was none other given by the staff there and I appreciate that Mr. Hicks and his team. Thank you so very much. That concludes my report. Anything else? Do I hear anything? >> Second. >> Move the journment. We're over. Bye. See you next week.