001To the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for it stands one nation indivisible with liberty and justice for all the minutes of the executive session and regular session. meetings held on October 16th, 2025 and a special meeting of November 3rd, 2025. Board, your pleasure. >> I'd like to make a motion that the board approved the executive session and regular session minutes of October 16th, 2025 and the special meeting of November 3rd, 2025. >> We have a motion and a second. Is there any discussion? If not, please your electronic vote. And we pass 70. Thank you board. Next on the agenda is financial reports of which we have none. Are there any comments on the agenda items from the audience? >> Thank you. Next on the agenda is the personnel report.
002for in your electronic packet you received a copy of the personnel report and the personel report addendum for November 6 action is requested I'd like to make a motion that the board approve the personel report as presented second discussion on that vote and we have a pass. Thank you. >> Our next item on the agenda is the American Education Week. Dr. Buffington, you're available and ready. >> All right. So, I'll ask Mr. Secretary to read the resolution here. American education week is November 17th through the 21st. The resolution recognizes all employees and volunteers and on board the administration will provide tokens of appreciation during this week. So >> we have resolution number 2025-3uc audience to read. Your pleasure like to make a motion that adopt resolution number 2025-33 commemorating American education week in recognition of
003all the districts education employees and volunteers. Second >> we have a motion and a second. Mr. Secretary, would you do a roll call vote, please? >> David, >> I electronically as well. We pass 70. Thank you. At this point, um, we will have a short recess, Dr. Buffington, for us to head to the theater. Correct. double feature of Drop Deadad Juliet and six the teen edition that premieres tomorrow evening for two weekends. Tomorrow night, Saturday night, Sunday afternoon is our senior show and then following again next weekend. So, if nobody has plans for the next couple of weekends, I would highly encourage you to check that out. >> It was spectacular. >> It really was amazing. >> Alrighty. Next up on our agenda is the collective bargaining agreement with the Hbert Teachers Association. Dr. Buffington,
004>> your packet, you have a copy of the tenative agreement with the teachers association. As you know, we a pre-ratification meeting on Monday. Um, and here we are to ratify this agreement. I would just like to go over some of the key points in the contract that you are getting ready to um consider for a vote. So, the compensation and eligibility um is um definitely based off of the new law and that would be uh considering um the instructional need. And let me get the right one up here. I have so many of these in my folder. I pulled up the one that I just second. And for the audience purposes, I did review this with the board on Monday. And so when we go over compensation and eligibility uh under the requirements of the
005new law, the The qualifier that we have are the number of points and the point value is at $167. So for an evaluation you can earn two points getting a value of $334. Experience you can have two points which would be $334. You would have to be uh in school in the school year present 120 days for that to count. Academic need uh that would be worth two points. 4 instructional leadership that would be the new literacy endorsement. That's one point and it would be worth $167. It's important to note that uh in awarding anything for the literacy end. So, uh, total amount of points that could be earned in compensation are six points for a total of $1,2 that are that's still in. Uh, and then of course if you have the early literacy
006endorsement, you would get that extra $167 bringing a point total of seven and you could have a compensation of $1,169. Uh, in addition, the insurance contribution by the school city of Hbert stays the same. No increase for the employees. An additional $100 will be bringing the total to for the matching annuity in the teachers contract and additionally there will be a 2% increase on the extracurricular schedule. So board that would summarize what we have negotiated with the teachers association and I would ask that the board ratify the agreement. I'd like to make a motion that adopt tenative agreement with teachers association for the period of July 1st 2025 through June 30th 2026 and authorize the superintendent to proceed with executing necessary actions. We have a motion and a second. And I would also at this
007time like to ask for comments from the public before we vote, please. Any comments? >> I do, Mr. Mr. President, um we we talked about this in the pre-ratification meeting the other night and it's my understanding that um looking over the contract, there is a 2% increase to all extracurricular activity, coaches, etc., whoever that would be. Um but I believe there was discussion of um eliminating the steps of how ECA is paid like there's like coaches if you have lesser experience or you're lower and discussion was to present it to the teachers union was to eliminate the steps and have everybody go to the highest tier. And I guess it's just a I mean in my thought process being that I'm I'm a union employee myself and um I just don't quite understand why where
008the disconnect was with that. Um to me it seems like it was in the interest of the people. Um and I guess that would be kind of concerning when you're negotiating. Um doesn't seem like it's uh is what's it best for the people. So, just something I wanted to put on the record and make comment that I was concerned about that from a negotiating standpoint and hopefully maybe the next time we have a contract we can work that out. >> That was our proposal. want to hold up our contract over agreeing to that proposal. Why they wouldn't agree to that, I have no idea. Um, but at this point, I can tell you that for the collective process, >> I definitely agree that it wasn't to hold up the process. I just wanted to make
009a point on the record that I, you know, at the end of the day, we all should be, you know, wanting to support our teachers and give our helpers and our volunteers and everybody the most that possible. And it seemed to me reading it, it was a way to give them more. And we we didn't we, you know, couldn't come to that agreement. So, I guess that's just a concern, but just wanted to note that for the record. >> Thank you. Any other comments? >> I'd like to thank both sides for all the time and effort they put into this. We appreciate point out that you know I think we've always changing public entities and schools and But you know it hurts some more than it does others and we're looking at prior to our
010original circuit breaker. We're number three in the state and losing most of our property taxes with the original circuit breaker. And then you look over the course of let's just look at that just passed million dollar in the fall of 2026 we have over 100 schoolorporations referendums that our legislators take a look at this $300 system because it's not for us by paying our school. So when you have to transfer 15% out of your education fund to bail out your operating budget because of these types of laws we could be giving more and we certainly would enroll there and so I feel like I said to all of the But we are responsible here. But we're committed to getting as much as we can. >> I think it's well said both sides for the work.
011I know that negotiations are tough and costs are up all over the world trying to make a living especially on these kind of jobs is important but teachers have a special job you know that job is very important I wish we could pay more to transfer money from the education fund to support operations because they took all the money in the legis that they're passing out of the operations to pay more money in the way they need to be supported from state to fix these problems and create more. [cough] I think about our whole community [clears throat] and I feel like you know Senate enacted bill one It's tearing us apart and I'm just so thankful that we were able to continue and finds that took a lot of tightening our belts a little bit
012other place. And there we are. Thank you. And thank you to the teachers that went well. And again, everyone has said that I'm moving on to the next agreement between the board of school and local 73. This will be our custom maintenance. employees and we will be recommending a 2 and 12% increase their wages. As you know, we try to do something for them every I had some understanded I'd like to make a motion approve agreement with the local second. >> We have a motion and a second. Is there any discussion for it? >> It's apparent the work that they do is more than just showing up for a job. When you look at buildings, they're well maintained. Everything works. They look amazing. participants. I mean, they love watching performance. They don't really maint that
013that passes 70. Thank you. And our next item on the agenda is the support staff personnel. >> That's right. We have a whole list of uh uh rates on here that are equivalent to 2 and 12% except for perhaps the transportation department. So you have the school nutrition pay rates that are on there. Not all of those are at two and a half% simply because some of the positions were out of line with you know, like other schoolorporations in terms of being able to attract people in the kitchen, we made some adjustments and so forth. Uh, in transportation, uh, we made some adjustments uh, there as well. Uh, you have your technology rates. Those were two and a half%. Your nurses pay rates were 2 and a half%. Your classified staff 2 and a half%
014your administrative services that would be in the central office at 2 and 12%. So basically everyone on except for a few adjustments we had to make in transportation and nutrition. So action is requ That's that's what I was trying to jump in and got me. >> Um that we um approve the um or make a motion for the support staff salary increases Mr. >> I'd like to amend my motion to say that the board approved support staff salary increases as well as the director. >> I see him on there now. I apologize. Sorry, I didn't see the yellow. Sorry about that. >> All right. And the next agenda item is the personel policies regulations of the administrative staff and the administration. Policy regulations for the administrative staff. As you know, they are on contracts and
015so no less than what would get. So the recommendation would be for the administrators to receive what the teachers were receiving that pass. for the administrative staff action is requested. >> I'd like to make a motion that the board approve the personel policies and regulations of the administrative staff as >> we have a motion and a second. Is there any discussion board? I just had a question. The rest of the agreement stay the same. We did some changes with school services because that's what people call for Without further discussion, we pass that 70. Thank you. >> And next on our agenda item is the substitute teacher compensation. So in your packet, you have a copy of the substitute compensation. I want to thank Mr. on top of that is our director of human resources. Um
016it's very difficult to attract substitute teachers and so the the licensed Indiana teacher we are recommending $105 per day with a bachelor's degree or higher day with a high school diploma $85 a day position 1250. In addition, we continue to offer the siphers who accumulate a combined total of 15 work days on Mondays and Fridays. So, um that uses these increases retroactive on Monday, November 3rd and approval and action requested. I'd >> like to make a motion that the board approve the increase in the substitute pay information as presented. >> We have a motion and a second. Is there any discussion? Board. Thank you, Mr. adjustments as necessary. >> Thank you. >> And we pass 70. >> Thank you. Next on our agenda item is a listing contract and that would be for street to
017Mr. The reseruth Sale of property statute under that sale was authorized for process. Statute also indicated that any servicesing property local experience So the superintendent pursuant to authority contract property. price listed at sales price offer. If it's less acceptable, At this point, I' recommended on the board. Thank you, Mr. Walker. Your pleasure. >> I'd like to make a motion that the board approve the superintendent's actions for the listing contract. >> Second. >> We have a motion and a second. Is there any discussion? >> Thank you for your hard work over there. It takes a lot of work and we are grateful for >> it. We have a vote. So, thank you. The next item on our agenda is the 2025 summer school program reimbursement. Dr. Buffington. >> Well, as you know, this year they were
018reimburseed offer summer school for second and third graders. I would like to just point out that one of the things that I shared with the numbers that I hope that they go back on. And so I do a teris that I think children not as capable It's devastating to me. So I would simply say what was not third grade standards in a fourth grade class but typically you see a lot of that kindergarten not retain children but now it's mandated. I don't think that the rest of our state realizes that you can gradu um and just providing it as much as we possibly can. Our goal in the school city often and so that's going to be one of our strategies and we're hoping for good things. I bring that up because that will continue
019to be your summer school program will be second and third grade as as well as your high school and you look at your high school on things that are credits that are credit. Um, typically though there's not enough demand class because you only get reimbursement for 15 in a class. So, we resorted to the virtual credit recovery and we do that in the summertime. We do allow classes that allow our students to get ahead um which would be a government econ school program. The district's costs were $34,15248 for second and third grade reading. The reimbursement for that is 100% and the of the cost will be paid at approximately 53% which is $8,7186. So our total reimbursement amount is $42,8704. Last year the district reimbursement amount was $50,779 and that included high school. So they're
020rehearsing less. Um but we have to stand on the classes that we do offer. Second and third grade mandated summer school classes that I will always bring back to you are those classes that give those extra spots so that they can take their college and finish their college or it's an associates degree or they're looking for certification. So that's import So that will be your summer school. >> All right. The next thing is the Indiana Department of Education school year funding for Dr. Buffington. >> Right. So pursuant to Indiana code 20-28-927 school corporations that received an increase in support from the previous school year are required an amount for fulltime salaries that was not less than the amount they during the previous year and pursuant to school city of receipt of the notice from the
021Indiana that the fiscal year expended for. So I want to get into a little bit of why. So in fiscal year 2025, the school city received an increase in state tuition support of $212,840 compared to the fiscal year 2024. So we spent $79,436.97 less timearies in school year 2025 than school year 2024. So what are the contributing factors? So these are things that you starting the state recognizing encryed $19,562 school due to the climate. So the increase in the overall tuition support was primarily the result of an increase in the special education grant of $379,236. So these are just things that I mean when they're writing these laws they're not taking these things into probably the contributing factor was the expiration of the esser dollars. the amount of funding that the school city of spent
022on teacher salaries in 2024 753,739.78 higher than in fiscal year 2025. So our funding was inflated. When this law was enacted, every single business manager and superintendent knew that this was going to be a problem and was a big problem. I think as you see uh declining enrollments over 300 school choice um in school you're always going to have fun with your special ed grant as long as your special edense that I can explain any questions about Therefore, I'm required by law. Thank you, Dr. O. Next item on the agenda is the support staff and substitute hiring fair. Mr. M. >> Yes, board. So, next Saturday the 15th from 9:00 a.m. to noon uh here at the We will be hosting a support staff and substitute hiring fair um looking for custodians, transportation department employees,
023um school nutrition employees, as well as substitute teachers. So, we will have a school bus here for people to to look at. They won't be able to drive it, but they can look at it. Um the kitchens will be open. Some of our staff will be on hand to talk to them about what it's like to work here at school city of Hbert. Um, so we're really looking forward to that, hoping we get a good turnout. Um, so if you know of anyone who's interested in looking, uh, please encourage them to stop by. And this is really in talking to our directors, you know, those are the hard to stay on Saturday morning. And so I love was like, "Let's get a bus out. Let him get in." And then everybody was just let us
024be an exciting day. Really happy that we're doing this on Saturday. That's a good idea. >> Yeah, our directors are doing a fine job. >> Look what's next. >> So here you have your weekly announcements. Um they go out to staff from our principles. usually great reflection of what we do administratively in the summertime working on their goals with their staff. You also have the brick center which um famous potential working a lot on our data etc. which is the upcoming activities and events. >> Always are open that make sure that I highlight um obviously we have an e-learning day in so that we can do our teaching conferences and reviewing with the administrators today. um at the elementary anywhere from 92 to 100% and even when the buildings didn't have 100% they're still there.
025So I'm very encouraged by that. I do see lack of participation at the secondary and we're going to try to look at that closer to that. Um but um it's important for us to partner with our parents and we really need their support and they need our support. So we encourage them to reach out to teachers or useres with November 7th again in the high school November 7th and 8th at 8:00 and of course we have our senior citizen at 3:00 on Sunday and November 13th is the parent academy where uh Chris Matt Whiteman and myself we will be going helping parents with hidden potential achieving dreams and goals and we hope that that's well attended by parents. We have that substitute already agenda. Those of you to my left, Dr. Buffington, we'll start with
026you. Well, I would just say as we go through and we've been able to offer salary increases and as modest, I do want to just say that the people that work here love children. I'm proud of our teachers. I'm proud of our support staff and our administrators. I think that we go above and beyond our students that give And it's a pleasure to be able to serve and work with all of these people that just love our kids. And so I would just say again to improve what they are in terms of comments. I want to thank John M and Monty White. presentation for our parents and um it was it was pretty well attended. I would have liked for there to have been more people. We actually did a safety drill with them. We
027warned them ahead of time at the beginning of the presentation that we would do a safety drill with them based off of what we were going to teach them. We obviously didn't go into all of the safety aspects that are confidential, but we showed them the tools that to make decisions and how quickly we make decisions. Um, and I I think that they did pretty well because at the end they had to do the drill with us and they were able to talk the talk on the tools that we used how they would respond. I think one of the things that I think they walked away with a sense of that we're as prepared as we possibly can be. And I think the other thing that came out of it and I know Mr. talk
028about it as well is talking to them about communication because when you're going through a crisis or anything that is possibly or whatever, you know, for us to come out and talk to you, we have to communicate until we have something to communicate and it's accurate and we give you as much information as possible. So that was really important for them to see and I think they were able to see why we are communicating immediately when we're in the midst of being able to handle a crisis in the school district. Um we've been very fortunate here. Our kids are so good about something and we went over that with our parents and we'll do something. Our hotline is really well communicate with us pretty regularly and our staff is on top of it. So I
029would say that was well received last week. We have a whole series of parent program. Next week after Christmas we'll be dealing with anxiety and mental health and talking to parents about how to best serve that. And uh the last comment probably then I'll think of something else to talk about. But I I really want to just say how great it was at all of our schools and the trunk and just the staff all dressing up and getting the spirit of Halloween. Kids absolutely love it. And I think you know like Joers, this year they had over 300 and so it's well received and really second quarter. Um The last comment that I will make is I hope will talk a little bit about this later. We've been meeting with our freshman trying to mentor
030them and uh it can be a little daunting and challenging and I'll maybe have her comment a little bit about it later on. But I am really proud of the mentors here. upper classes and they are approaching this from a position of trying to help our freshman be more successful and proud of that. Last thing, I guess I could go on forever. There's just so much to talk about. We did get our PSAT scores back and we actually went up. I want to specifically say the math department very tough there. the juniors went up in English and math went up from 16% 25% in class. We have a lot of things that we're doing in both department. I'm extremely hopeful that the junior class performs well on the one of the problems that we have.
031is that colleges are not necessarily looking at scores. Why do I have to take it? Why do I have to be good at it? I did a presentation with one of our students and we have to choose you or I have to choose you and your grade pointages are similar, I'm going to look at your score. So we tried to talk to them a little bit about owning it and making sure they're giving it their best not guessing and I think that was well received that we have a lot of things in place but we alsumm It's diff. So with that being said, I really want to just say I am proud of the hard work that's gone on here because we seem to have made some breakthroughs here. And I want to thank Dr.
032I'd say November rightful spoke on the play. You talk about amazing people that give up their time and talents. I like to see kids happy girls playing basketball in there sectionals tomorrow night. There's a lot of success going around and it's because of their time and efforts. So, I'm very grateful. >> Thank you, Mr. >> I would echo Dr. Buffington's comments in regards to the Ricky Parent Academy School Safety evening. Um, it was great to have the parents that we did have in the audience. I think they walked away feeling comfortable uh with our safety practices and procedures. Um, and it was just to kind of see that you could you could almost see as the night progressed that they were like, "Okay, we're understanding." Um, and as I mentioned earlier today, administrative meeting, it's
033kind of interesting. You realize that you're doing all these things, but until you see it live, in a presentation, you kind of forget sometimes all of the different pieces that we have in play. Um, but we obviously take school safety very seriously here and that was just an important and glad that went well. Um, I would also like to publicly thank the school board, superintendent, and business manager for their diligence in ensuring that all of our staff receive um a compensation increase this year in spite of financial challenges that we're we're about to face. Um, I know the staff is extremely appreciative of that and just want to again thank everyone for all their hard work with that. I also want to proactively thank uh the payroll officer and the substitute coordinator uh because their
034hard work begins tomorrow ensuring that contracts go out and retro pay is applied pay you know increases are applied all before that next paymber >> thank you Mr. Today attorneys filed suit alleging public schools violated several ways. Some of the policies we have in place are similar to some of the policies. I am not prepared to recommend any changes to our polic. It's a violation of state law. policy that says we don't collect social security numbers or immigration status mosting violation of state law. We will follow It's going to have a tough time. seem to be a levelizer. Any comments from our audience? I'm happy that our scores what I do. relationship accomplish. I'd like to again just thank everybody uh involved with negotiations. I think both sides um it's great to get that accomplished
035and we can move on to focusing on our kids and uh accomplish the rest of the school year. Um one of the things I wanted to bring up was uh Dr. Buffington shared uh referendum results from our neighboring communities. Um and looking at those results, I don't know if anybody paid attention to that, but you kind of saw the percentages of uh what our what their communities supported them as. And I think it speaks miles to our community here in Hbert that we supported our our citizens are supporting our school system at such a high percentage rate compared to these neighboring communities. I just think it speaks uh, you know, a lot of positive things about our city and that they're behind our school system and our education to our kids. So, I just wanted
036to bring that up and and obviously thanking our community for that. And, uh, theater kids, wow, what an amazing job. Um, might have to I'm not much of a theater guy, but I might even have to come see that. That was pretty impressive. So, >> on a date, >> right, there you go. I I owe her a few. So, >> enjoy that. >> She does. She loves theater, so that's very true. Um, and then other than that, just uh on top of the theater, you know, come out there and support football tomorrow night. Big big payback game tomorrow night against B. So, >> Mr. Rogers, >> I'd like to enjoy all the people outing for our contract along so I hope it's finished. I would also like to point out this morning cash $4. driver
037department also certainly sign. [laughter] >> Well, I will tell you though that there were other drivers that were We don't have different people in city, you know, point out to them. You know, I think one of the things really thought you have that referendum that they didn't realize that we're losing half million. So, you know, good money, you know, should something change. Um, I would like to start by just mentioning the theater as well. I I thought that little preview we got today was amazing. Um, I I'm every time shocked and I sit there and I think to myself, these are high school kids. I don't feel like I'm at a high school play or theater presentation when I sit there. It's so amazing. The lights, the stage work, the kids, the costumes, like the
038the work that they put in is really amazing. And I am a theater guy. I like theater. Um, so to go there and see that and that level is really cool. So I I think that's amazing. What happens with the senior citizens in their backyard and they feel the same way when they come here they are so proud but it's like going to a Broadway show because there's so much talent with the lights and the costumes I'm driving home or whatever and I'm talking to my sister whatever they're like how was Amazing. And I'm always telling people >> I have to remind myself sitting there like so. Um, the second thing I want to mention is that while we were at the regional meeting during your safety presentation meeting, which I was in a dog
039house because I signed myself and my wife up and then I made her go alone. Um, she came and she said it was very enjoyable. Um, she said that she learned a lot. She was surprised at all of the things that go into it and all the different angles and how everybody works together. And she said that it was a very good meeting and I would encourage people to attend the rest of them. I'll be at the rest of them. So hopefully we see more people there. Um and I'd like to thank Mr. Crouch and give him a shout out for during our recess he had a nice screen for us to put up on our live stream. So I want to give him a shout out and thank him for that. And then the
040last thing I want to do is I want to bring up parent teacher comments because um we brought it up during announcements and I think that the the most common comment I get from teachers when I'm in those things is that usually the the students who need the conference the most their parents don't and that is so annoying to me because no matter what grades your student is they could always use some kind of help. And just having that open communication with the teacher and listening to what they say about where your student is and what you could do to help at home um is amazing. And it's going to pay off in leaps and bounds when you actually take the time to do that at home. parents would get more involved. And I know
041we're all busy, all work, and we all have things going on, but you've got to make that commitment to just sit down, talk to the teacher, and say, "Hey, I know he's got a B or she's got a better home, what can we work on?" And they always have answers. They always have ideas. They always have solutions. Academy, different assignments that they and they're very willing to work on the back end to specifically go and see what your student is struggling in and narrow it down so that they're not just mindlessly doing all of these assignments that they just have 10 that specifically focus on what they see they're struggling and it it helps so much. You know, I was doing parent teacher conferences. I think they're important. So, I take the day off work
042and I attend them myself and I go through them and every single time I something that's gonna help. If I could encourage the parents out there, if they're listening or they see this video online, please sign up. Please talk to the teachers and just become a part of what we do here in schools to help your student think. sound like especially and especially with um so many friends involved with the performing arts department. It's so cool seeing your friends take the stage with confidence and you're like, "Oh my gosh." Um, a big part of that is because we've dedicated so many resources to the performing arts department, which I'm extremely grateful for. I'm not involved in theater, but I'm I'm big in band. So, from as a fellow performing arts kid, thank you. And then,
043um, something else I also wanted to talk about is um, Dr. Dr. Buffington mentioned earlier that we have started our brickie mentorship sessions with our mentees at Hbert High School. I am one of the bricky mentors and we just had our second meeting this year with our mentees and I think so far with the two meetings something I definitely have recognized and I'm very grateful for that I get to experience this in real time um firsthand is um the growth from the mentees I mean even just from the first reaction when I first met with them as a group um you know which this is understandable, but these are kids that maybe like in a group setting haven't known the other kids or like, you know, they don't know me very well, right? Um, so
044at first there was a bit of ice, but as we've worked together, as we continue to meet and work on our lessons, today we worked on time management, wildly important goals, um, how are we going to achieve those goals and what are those goals going to look like when you accomplish them? We really worked on like, you know, yes, you're in the present right now, but what is the future going to look like, too? And what do I need to do now in the present to make sure my future looks like what I want it to look like? So, it's these things that I think are super super important, but sometimes I know, especially as freshman, speaking from experience, it's things you don't think about right away. And that's something I shared too in my
045session. I shared a bit of advice of like, you know, some things I would have done differently as a freshman. And I know something I really touched on was like the SAT. I was like the PSAT, the SAT, you need to take that seriously. Like um like it's not it's not just some test. Even as a senior now, like as I'm applying to colleges, a lot of colleges are are becoming test required again. I know from personal experience, I have some coming up soon. And like I think so far only one of my colleges has been test optional. So, as a current senior, take that seriously because before you know it, you'll be the one applying to college and um you're going to know wish that you took it more seriously or or you'll be
046grateful that you took it seriously. Um hopefully it's the latter, but >> I think they were a little surprised that >> we made them look at what were your grades first quarter by class and then we And it was like a giant one missing assignment and a zero. What does that do to your grade? And then I don't know about your group, but we did talk to them a little bit about final exams because they've never done that before. have a session coming up with them on how to study for a practical advice and to your point. You were one of the original founders with me trying to get this program off the ground. So I want to thank you for that. >> Yeah. No, I mean like thank you for this opportunity, right? It's
047not every day you get to work personally with students um with your own advice. I mean and I think that comes through in the sessions like especially today when we took um a look at first quarter and you know being transparent it was like what went well, what didn't go well and what can we do differently to make sure that what didn't go well doesn't happen again you know or what can we work on. Um, I think there's a sense of when you're working with students, like student to student, they there's a bit more they feel a bit more comfortable. At least that's what the sense I was getting because there were some responses that were honest and they were like, "Yeah, like I wasn't happy with my grades first quarter, but this is what
048I'm going to do differently next quarter." So, I really appreciated that honesty because it's it's sometimes it's like um students feel like I don't know like ashamed of things like that, like they can't open up about those kinds of things. So, I was really grateful that they felt like they could open up about stuff like that. >> I agree. And we also have a mentor, but he said he goes, rough kids. And so we have a lesson plan that we have mentors through prior to their hept with his lesson plan. It's well received because it's Yeah, it's it's one of those things. It's like as a mentor especially, I'm I'm like this is such a good resource. Like if if freshman me had had this, I'm like, wow. Like I would have taken advantage of
049it. So I really I was encouraging my mentees like this is something like take advantage of. Um, we actually got custommade business cards that we got to hand out, too. And I was like, you know, here's my email. Uh, canvas inbox me if you ever need anything. So, I hope they take advantage of that as well. And then on this is not as related, but I also on the outside outside of school things. Um, I actually got my SAT score back today. >> Yes. And it's oh my gosh, I am so happy with my SAT score. Like, it is everything I could have hoped for. So, Yes, just in time for college applications. >> That's awesome. And I know you worked harder >> I also wanted to say something about the PSAT scores for math
050to go from 16 to 25. That's significant. anything above five really is significant. So that's pretty impressive to do that in a year. So congratulations to the math teachers who work hard for that. Um and the students because they work just as hard to teachers but really talking to our kids about come on stop at this right American education week um the celebration of teachers and volunteers I cate when we first walked in I said those look too beautiful to be on a theater stage. They are just I was just impressed with every Mr. King talked about teacher conferences. Um I would just like to echo that statement. both my children um different very different um but I did every parent teacher conference um that they had and I would like to say that a
051lot of times we offer them during the day and to do it this time from 12 to 6 offered you know parents that work the opportunity to take advantage of some afternoon and evening times um I will say I did notice that one of the teachers I had had to cancel mine and so when I went back in to resched I noticed all of his were um already taken So, and then I kind of was like, okay, well, can I move since I had that opening available, can I move one of my other teachers into that slot? And then every other teacher I went to to move into that slot, they were also taken. So, I know that the teachers I was conferencing with, their slots were all taken. So, I know they were being
052taken advantage of. Um, and Mr. is also correct in the fact that it really doesn't matter what grade your child is getting to get the opportunity to speak with that teacher so that you know what their expectations are to know um where your kid is as far as not just academically but are they respectful in class? Are they running their mouth in class? Are they, you know, how are they using their classroom time? Um it sh >> Well, I'm just saying I mean you learn a lot Even if it's 10 minutes, you learn a lot in that 10 minutes, not just and you learn a lot about that teacher and um just what their expectations are and what they expect from your student or from your child at that time. So I am also with
053Mr. Keen on that. Um please get involved in some way with and the one that did have to cancel me did offer a phone call, offered an email. So if you're not available to do the Zoom or you're not available to do it that way, reach out to the teacher and say, "Hey, I wasn't available um to do the Zoom. Can I email? Can I do a phone call?" And and I will tell you, they most likely will. >> I do want to say if those slots fill up that The other thing I'd like to comment on is about the goals. Um touched on that a little bit and I know that you're sitting there you're talking about academically but um Amanda came home today and we were talking about um she started a new
054sport. So something new um and the coaches are also making the kids do goals. So this isn't just academically this is athletically as well. And we all know academics are more important, but for our kids to also excel outside the classroom and making goals as to where they want to see, even if it's something small, um, for a child to accomplish a goal, even if it is something small, even if it's something that, oh, I my time went down by 10 seconds or whatever, it's huge for them. It's a confidence builder. It's important that we build their confidence, whether it's in the classroom or it's outside the classroom. Any step of building confidence for them is a great step. As far as Wow. I'm like, "Wow." We walked in and just the the pictures, the
055frames, everything just looks so professionally done. You know, they spend hours on that and it looks fantastic. The girls sounded fantastic. They looked fantastic. Unfortunately, I have to wait till next weekend, but unless I sneak in tomorrow, but I'm going. Anybody want to go with me? I'll let you know when I'm going. Um, and I wish them luck. Break a leg. I know that's what they say. And to those of you on my left, thank you always for your hard work. I appreciate you. The board appreciates you. To our teachers, we appreciate you. And thank you for working with us so diligently. And we are, like Dr. Buckington has said, if we could do more, we would do more. And we appreciate you. And I'm glad we don't have to do it for a little
056while longer. Uh, with that being said, I'm