001That was interesting. church. >> No, we're in the right. You guys are in the right place. We're not All right. How we coming down there? All good. >> Okay. If that's the case, I would like to say that we did meet in executive session and that I am calling the meeting to order and we would please rise for the pledge of allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for it stands nationy Okay. Attached are the minutes of the work session, executive session, and regular session meetings held on August 7th, 2025. Board, what is your pleasure? I'd like to make a motion that the board approve the work session, executive session, and regular session minutes August 7th, 2025. >> I have a motion and a second. >> Is there
002any discussion? >> I would like to session that I was present. As a general rule, if there's ever a time when we want to assert confidentiality based on communication involving me, it might be important for the minutes to reflect that I was actually there. Okay? And I don't I'm not saying that that's an issue with regard to this meeting necessarily, but I think as a general rule going forward, it might be a good idea to my presence. If there's something discussed that that might be an issue, >> would we need to amend our motion? >> I think you can. It's not really the uh the the substance of the of the minutes, but I think you can, you know, vote to approve the minutes with that with that change. >> Okay. I don't I don't
003think it requires a separate motion to amend necessarily, >> but uh is if your motion acknowledges the change to reflect my presence, that should be sufficient. >> Chris, how can I go back in here and change that? So I can clear this correct. Do we have a motion to make the amendment? >> I'd like to make the motion to amend the original recommendation to approve so that we include Mr. Longer as being present in the meeting that executive session and in future meetings. Thank you. Is there a second? We have a motion and a second. >> My apologies. I'm amending this motion here. if you'd like to vote on that motion. If there's no further discussion, there we are. And the vote is 70. Thank you, board. Next on our agenda is the vouchers and
004that would belong to our student reps. Ladies, first we have the school education. That's 990,87469. Then we have the education form curriculum mat that's 62,3924. Then we have the exempt operating post 56,79468. We have the debt service $750. School operations 583,67.92. Then construction which is 77 700 or sorry 732,889.85. Then we have school lunch which is $68,59155. Then we have in self insurance fund which is 558,000 and 95 building brickies $10. Uh, school city of Hobbert Education Foundation legacy grants is 664, PLTW grants 15,781.75 formative assessment grant 8,5640 safe supporting addiction free $400 Medicaid reimbursement federal $396 662. Title 2 part A FY2024 2025 is $3,488.50. And then title 2 part A FY2526 is $1,900. Clearing accounts $615,64.15. [Music] Uh self insurance clearing 57,94950 >> clearing/flexible benefits AF4 $44,576.72 prepaid food $8.30 30 cents. >>
005Clearing insurance account clearing account uh $3,73 [Music] and 99. And then credit card fee clearing 7657. That brings us to a total of 3,86,528.38. [Music] >> All right. Thank you, Grace. >> Board, your pleasure. >> I'd like to make a motion that the board approve the payment of the vouchers for August 21st, 2025. >> I have a motion and a second. Is there any discussion? If there is not, please vote. >> And that passes 70. Thank you, board. Our next item on the agenda is comments. If there's any comments on the agenda from the audience, thank you. And the next item on the agenda is personnel report. Mr. M. recommendation. >> It is not. >> Would you like for us to approve what's currently currently here or do you want to do the addendum with
006next meeting. What would you like to do? >> Mr. Longer, can we come back to this, please? >> Sure. We can we can pass this and come back. >> All right. >> Our next item is the presentation from the Hobbert branch of the Lake County Public Library. >> Welcome. >> So, thank you. This is Megan Moler from the Children's Library uh from the Hbert Library. So, up make your presentation. Thank you for coming. >> Before we go before we go any further, can we get her a microphone? Because >> Okay. Just because we're live streaming now. >> Sure. >> Um and anyone that's out there in the >> might be able to hear better. Can you hear me now? >> Yes. Thank you. >> All righty. So, um, we had 4,000 people sign up for
007that, over 4,000 people. That's a 5.7% increase from last year, which is really good. That was super exciting. Uh, we had a total of we, um, track by minutes. That's usually how you would track your reading. Uh, we had five million minutes read, over five million. That's about I didn't do the math. I like to claim that I did, but that's about 10 years. Uh, without going to work, which would be awesome, right? Or going to school or going to sleep. Uh so that's a long time. Uh we will have another summer reading next year in 2026. >> Um oh, also we also had a guest join us at our summer reading, Sher Flores. Sounds familiar. >> Yeah, she brought in a big crowd for us. Um, we did a program with her where we
008did, uh, she shared her books and then we tried tattoo art. Uh, I actually see a lot of potential artists out there. So, awesome. >> She's talking about our media specialist at Jo. >> She actually read her um about her tattoo the tattooing. >> Oh, yeah. She gave me that as a It's a beautiful book. >> It's a beautiful book. She offered to do the construction one, but I was like, hey, I got an idea. You want to see what it's about. Uh, and I really had low expectations because I'm like, you know, it's the summertime and we get a good amount of people, but you never know what you're going to get. Uh, that was it. We did not know what to expect. We had a lot of kids, a lot of families in,
009and they're even like, can we fit more people in? I'm like, okay, just don't tell anyone because we had so many people there. So, it's super exciting um to have her there. Uh we'd be happy to have her again. >> Um next month, September, we have National Library Card Signup Month. That is for students who are prek to 8th grade. They just come in, show their library card, or sign up for one, and then they can earn some small prizes and a raffle ticket to DQ. Uh that might be great for our middle schoolers because they do like to visit us after school. So they could stop in, get a treat, and come visit us at the library. >> For high schoolers, we have a hundred books before graduation. And we also have uh teen
010volunteering. Our teen librarian, Aiden, handles that. Uh but that is something that we do year round for our high school students. >> And then this is kind of far in advance, but we do readathon, which is a fundraiser for the library. That's going to happen in January. Uh, oftentimes I send out materials and people are like, "What is this?" And I'm like, "Oh, you know, let me let me share what we got." So, Readathon, um, it's for preschool through 8th grade. They'll raise money for things that they read and, um, it's a great fundraiser for the schools because a third of that money goes back to the individual school that they're at. >> So, uh, it's really, really an awesome thing. And then it goes to our Dolly Parton Imagination Library. How many of you
011guys have heard of that before? >> Anyone? Anyone? Okay, cool. Yeah, it's awesome because babies all the way up to the age of five can get a free book. And it's great because some families in our communities don't have access or are afraid to check out materials because they might acrewue fines. So, this is a way to provide them books >> uh to start their first little collection of books, their first library. >> Um, and then just the last because I don't want to take up too much of you guys' times uh time here. Uh I want to share uh the programs that we have. We have baby, toddler, prek story times. We do those all the time. Uh it's me doing them, so you get to hear me singing. So if you have a
012little one and you want to hear how bad of a singer I am, come to story time. Uh for kids, we have Lego Club, Meet the Cube, and Speed Cubing. So, Lego Club, the kids come in and build Lego uh creations and then we display them for other kids to see. >> Meet the cube is where you can learn how to solve a Rubik's cube. Can anyone solve a Rubik's cube here? All right, there we go. >> I'm three years in and I still can't do it. >> Tougher than I thought. I was like, how hard can it be? It's hard. Um, we do have kids that do speed cubing and that is a program we've done for the past couple years. Uh, we've had uh kids come in who can solve the Rubik Rubik's
013cube under 30 seconds. >> Uh, it's impressive. >> And they're just like and I'm like over here like still turning my cube like which way am I supposed to hold it? >> My daughter's friend does it onehanded non-dominant hand the 3x3 I think in like under 30 seconds. Yeah, >> as a joke, my friend would do it while while she would drive, which makes me nervous. >> I'm like, we're not safe here. Um, but yeah, that's super impressive. One hand, though. Um, >> non-dominant one, too. >> Oh my goodness. >> He's a lefty. He does it with his right. >> Yeah, >> that makes me jealous. I can't even get it. >> I know. >> I've never even I can't under quite understand it. But one of these days, I promise the kids, and they're
014probably going to be adults one day, that I will get it. It will happen. >> Um, for high schoolers, we have Teen Chef Academy where they can come in and learn a simple recipe. Uh, and then we share about the nutrition of it. It is not necessarily meant to replace cooking classes or home, but it is for supplemental purposes that we share that. We received a donation for a Charlie cart, so we're able to do that at the library. That's pretty cool. Uh we've done veggies, sushi, and then we also tried to do smoothies, but because there were so many fruits, it just turned into fruit tasting. So, just a fun thing to do. And for adults, because we can't forget about our adults that come to the library, we have a nostalgia program where
015you can do activities from your childhood. So, we've done stuff from the 60s, the 70s, the 80s, the 90s, and this one hurt me a little bit. 2000s. I'm like, "Oh my goodness." Um, >> so we do a little bit of everything with that. And you get to revisit your childhood. >> And the last one that I love to share, I call it Murder Mystery Monday. It's not a murder mystery. Uh, it's actually called Adult Mystery Club. um where you come in and solve a crime. Uh we have kits that are pretty hyper realistic. So, you do get the evidence and then you take the session or a couple sessions to solve that crime. >> I will put this disclaimer out there. It's not gory or gruesome in any way. You just come in and
016solve a crime, which is pretty cool. >> Um so, yeah, I'm going to wrap that, but if you have questions, my name is Megan again. I'm the children's librarian. Our team librarian is Aiden. He also does the team volunteering. And then our branch manager is Joe Bonner. Thank you guys. Thanks for your time. >> Thank you. Thank you for your time. >> Thank you guys. >> My name is Megan. Again, I'm liken. >> Next on our >> You want to go back? >> We're ready to do that. >> Thank you guys. Thanks for your time. >> Thank you. Thank you. board. In your agenda, you will find that there is a personal report addendum. >> So, at this time, I would recommend the approval of the person report. your pleasure. Whenever you are ready >>
017would like to make the um >> what is the agenda? That's what I'm looking for. >> It kind of ended up in the middle. >> It ended up in the middle. >> I refreshed. >> Oh, you refreshed. Yeah. >> My apologies. Is everybody seeing what they need to? Everybody. All right, board. Your pleasure. I need a motion to accept the personnel report as presented. >> I recommend the board approve the personal report as presented. >> Second. >> Hey Chris, I do not have a a motion in a second block here. again. Sorry about that. >> Was that Don and ST? My apologies. >> Don, did you make the motion? >> I did. Yes. >> Yes. And St. Second. >> No. Brad. Dave. Dave. Thank you. >> All right. We have a motion in a second.
018>> Board. If there's no discussion. No, I do have to say that I will be abstaining. >> Okay. >> Because my wife was hired as a student supervisor recess a >> Thank you. >> for the voting block has been placed. If you would please your vote. >> Thank you. And we pass 6. Next item on the agenda is going to be the back to school opening of the 2025 2026 school year. Dr. Buffington >> um board and um in audience we have a little video that's a sneak peek of our opening day and it was a great time in in having our kids come back. We had a a wonderful couple of days of uh professional development with our teachers, but the magic really happened on Wednesday when our kids came back. So, um take
019it away, Chris. [Music] Young [Music] Yeah, [Music] Heat. Heat. N. [Music] Um, it was really a great day. Um, I mean they they may not be as excited this week as last week, but it was a great on Wednesday when they all came back. Um I think that you could just see um it was it was good for everybody. I I will say uh the lunches were awesome. Our food service department um school uh the department of school nutrition um they embraced uh that new title and their culture in the kitchen and in the cafes and the kids were just really excited about things which was it was heartwarming to in the cafe. That's why you saw so many pictures and they were socializing with their friends. It was really cool. Um the uh assembly
020here at the high school, we decided to open it up with a pep rally here at the high school and it was fantastic. Um we really wanted to get back to the basics of what it means to be a Ricky and school spirit and um making sure that we're teaching our kids to stand on our fight song, what it means to be a all of our schools obviously, but it was a great way to kick off the high school. The middle school did assemblies as well. Um, we did it by sixth grade and then seventh and eighth grade. We did some transition things with sixth grade. It was just a great day. Um, I I do know that uh our transportation department, it was interesting watching some of those comments, but I would always just
021remind people with transportation, second week is always complicated because everybody drives their on the first week and you never know who's going to ride a bus and um we made some adjustments today and um we addressed things with parents and I want to give Becky Rosenbomb so much credit. She's done a great job with that. On top of that, all of the storms that our maintenance people have had to do and then of course our technology department keeping up with everything too. Teachers, their rooms, everything just fabulous. So I couldn't proud of how we opened it up. Um, and we're ready to keep rolling. It's been a great start so far. >> Okay. Well, that was a great picture of what the day looked like. >> I don't know what else to say. >> Oh,
022by the way, the one little student that was with me, um, he held it up like it was a B, you know, be excellent on purpose award. He was actually supposed to go to the nurse and And when he was supposed to go to the nurse, this is the funny part about it. He's in first grade and you know this is their first time in the building and I said, "Would you like me to take you to the nurse's office?" Because I'm a friendly face. You know, they remember me from the early learning center. He's like, "Yes." And then of course I know his mother and I'm like, "Would you like me to take a picture of us?" And then here comes Officer Art and I introduced him to Officer Art and I said, "Oh,
023Officer Art would really like to take you to office. But it was so funny watching him hold it up because it was like a bop. We all just got a total kick out of that. His mom did too. >> That's awesome. >> All right. Next on our agenda is the receipt of school extracurricular SA5 reports. Dr. Buffington, is this Mr. >> Yep. I will take this one. Um so board uh school corporations must file a report of their fund balances, receipts and expenditures for extracurricular better known as the ECA. Um and that report is called an ECA risk report. These reports are used by the state board of accounts to develop criteria to examine extracurricular accounts. The Indiana State Board of Accounts uh states in part that a report of the ECA SA5 u be
024submitted to the school board after the close of each school year. Um SA5 reports are attached for your uh viewing, but they're also submitted on Gateway. And so, uh you can see the report for each of our schools. Um they're all in good shape. Um I would ask that the board acknowledge the receipt of their ECA risk reports for review um as required by Indiana. >> Like to make a motion that the board acknowledge receipt of the ECA risk reports for their review or our review uh as required by We have a motion and a second. Is there any discussion board? >> If not, you may vote, please. >> And that passes 70. Thank you, board. Next item on our agenda is a board policy consideration which is the second reading of a resolution adopting
025updates for the Hobart school board policy. Mr. longer >> board. Two weeks ago, we had a work session where we reviewed in detail the recommended uh changes to board policy and at the regular meeting we adopted on first reading the resolution uh adopting these changes. Uh, I'll remind you that the mo majority of the changes that were presented reflected modifications to bring board policy into compliance with changes in state law during the last legislative session. All of the proposed uh changes to board policy >> that were presented to the board represent changes that are recommended by your administration as well as myself in order to accomplish that goal. The one uh primary exception to updating policy to reflect changes in state law or technical corrections was exhibit 10. and you had a recommendation to make
026changes to board policy with regard to meal charges. Dr. Buffing explained that in some detail I think at the last meeting. >> I can review each of these exhibits if you would like or if you are comfortable proceeding without uh me going over them again. We made no changes to any of the exhibits since the first reading. >> Review each of these exhibits. >> Board, your pleasure on that one. >> Make a motion board adopt resolution number 2025-20 for the bylaws and policy changes in the comprehensive document titled bylaws and policies of the school city of >> second. >> Oh, that was a tie. I'm gonna give that to Don. Uh board, we have a vote and or I'm sorry, we have a motion in a second. If you would like to have any discussion,
027now is the time. If not, you may vote on the motion. >> Okay, this is a resolution, >> Mr. Pors. And if you would please read the title of the resolution, please. >> Yes. So the title is resolution number 2025-20, a resolution approving amendments to the bylaws and policies of the board of school trustees of the school board. >> David Cosby, >> I Rogers. >> Hi Brad. >> Hi. >> Stuart Schultz. >> Hi. >> I All right. And that passes 70. The next item on our agenda is an overnight student trip for the 2025 JOTC Indiana Raider State Championship. >> In your packet, you have a copy of the overnight extended student request for the Raider competition. Um, and it's on October 3rd for Camp Ed. Um, and You know, we fare very well at
028these competitions. There will be uh the buses uh will be leaving October 3rd, returning uh to Hover around 6 PM on October 4th. 16 cadets in grades 9 to 12 attending the competition, competing against 20 other teams. There is no cost for our cadetses and so uh this is an exciting time. I always love to hear when they come back and I recommend that the board approve this overnight state um competition for the JOTC. I'd >> like to make a motion that the board approved the JOTC Indiana State Raider competition at Camp Adterbury in Edenberg, Indiana as presented. >> Second. >> We have a motion and a second. Is there any discussion? >> Just that the fire is set high >> as always. And that passes 70. We wish them good luck. >> Next item
029on our agenda is another overnight student trip for the 2025 JOTC Raider National Competition. Dr. Buffington. >> Um this trip is uh for the national championship at Fort Knox, Kentucky, October 23rd through the 25th. and and this is where it's during fall break and two of our activity buses would be traveling. Uh there will be 16 cadetses grades 9 to 12. They'll be competing against 200 teams and it's about leadership, fitness, and teamwork. Um they have to be academically eligible and um have permission of their parent guardian obviously no cost to our cadets. Um mandatory safety assessments were done and uh this considers the challenge competition, low risk uh to our cadets. So, um with that being said, you know, that that's the big one. So, board action is requested. >> I'd like to make
030a motion that the board approve the overnight national radio championship competition for JOTC at Fort Knox, Kentucky as presented. >> Second. >> We have a motion and a second >> board. If there's any discussion, now would be the time. Otherwise, we can place our votes. >> And that passes 70. Thank you, board. And another good luck to our ROC team. Next item on our agenda is a resolution for the authorization of appraisal of property. Not needed. Dr. Buffington or Mr. Longer? Um, >> I'll turn this over to Mr. Longer. board. U when we were in the process of uh preparing to construct this building, we reached out to the owner of a parcel of property about 15 acres south just south of of this parcel >> and inquired as to whether they had any interest
031in selling. >> They did not. But in 2020, The owner of the property determined that they were now interested in selling and reached out to us, offered to sell us the property and specified a price in order to obtain the ac the vacant acreage that we wanted. We agreed to buy the residence as well that was owned by the uh by the >> seller. And at this point, you have a resolution before you authorizing the obtaining of two appraisals for that residential piece. And the property has had previously been subdivided. So, it's a separate platted lot from the from the acreage. >> And so, you have a resolution so that we can obtain two appraisals, determine what the fair market value is, and then determine if you wish to proceed to offer it for sale.
032I am recommending the appointment of Jeff Bale and Mr. Bucknowski as the appraisers. These are the appraisers we employed in 2020 to determine the value of the property. And Mr. Vale has indicated that we should be able to have an appraisal in about 35 days. >> Okay. And so I'm recommending those two appraisers because I think that turnaround time will will be pretty good and they're already familiar with the property. So that should speed things up a little bit. >> Mr. Pors, would you please read the resolution? >> Um, sure. >> Okay. We have resolution number 2025-21, a resolution authorizing appraisal of property not needed by the city of and board your pleasure. >> I'd like to make a recommendation that the board adopt resolution number 2025-21 as presented. >> We have a motion and
033a second. Mr. Pors, if you would do roll call and board, if you would also do an electronic vote, please. >> Could we just have some discussion here for just so to refresh the board's memory as Mr. no longer indicated that is the residential part of the property, right? And so you own property behind the residence and you own it um you know to the north of that house. And so all in all uh you know we have 15 to 16 acres left to play with >> the >> well the the acreage is behind the residence >> and to the south. >> To the south there's some and there's just a little bit >> well you have you have >> on Union Street you have this residence and then farther south you have another residence
034and there's a space in between the two houses that would be roughly equivalent to the size of the platted lots that we will retain which will give us access to the parcel off of Union Street. >> It's like Um, so basically think of that like the res and there's enough on the south side to put an access road to get to the back. Right now they can get back there. Um, but if we ever did anything with all of that acuto that is found by the board to be unneeded and uh we can go into that procedure in more detail at a future meeting if the board determines they want to proceed with a sale. But this is a necessary first step uh to a sale. And obviously if you have something that is unneeded,
035you may determine you want to sell it. But depending on the appraisals that may affect whether you want to proceed at this time, whether you want to defer a sale to a different date or what you want to do. >> So this is this is a necessary first first step. >> Thank you, Mr. Long and thank you Dr. Buffington for the clarification on the property. >> I might I might mention I I neglected to mention this but uh There is a residence on the property, but it's not suitable for classroom use. So, we're not talking about structure that contains classrooms. >> Thank you again. >> Um board, any further discussion or any other questions? >> If not, the votes been placed and we are passing. >> Sorry, >> David Cosby. >> Hi, John Rogers. >>
036Hi, Brad. >> Hi, >> Steuart Schultz. >> Hi. >> For I >> My apologies. The electronic votes are now in at 70. >> All right. Next item is our disposal. Not disposable, excuse me, disposal of school property on your school bus. Dr. Buffington. >> Um, you may remember About two years ago, we had a bus accident on 51 and it totaled one of our buses and and just deemed unsafe for um for us to use to transport students with repair. And so, um you know, we always use our buses to trade in or if they're in pretty good shape, we can keep one to have spare at the service center in case the bus breaks down or whatever. In this particular case, it made more sense for us to the parts off of this bus
037and to put that in our garage um and to use to repair our other buses. And that's exactly what we did. So now basically what's left is a shell um that is has no value. You can see that I've included the VIN number for you to take a look at in accordance with Indiana code 5-22-22-8. The board needs to declare that the bus has no value. I tell you that it's a shell. It has nothing left on it. Um, and this would be for the state board of accounts that uh we'll use these minutes as a part of our um our audit process. So, I would ask that the board declare that that bus has no value and uh we briefed as much from it as we possibly can. >> All right. I'd like to
038make a motion that the board declare bus 18 is having no value so it could be properly disposed of. Second. Frank and Brad. >> Is there any discussion? >> All right. And that passes 70. Thank you, board. Next item on the agenda is the recommendation for the human growth and development and the human sexuality instructional materials. >> Dr. Buffington. >> Yes. Um and Mr. King, can you pull up that web address, please? So board, in your packet, um and I'll have Dr. talk a little bit about this as well. Um we're fulfilling the requirement of Senate enrolled act 442 um with the notice of sexual human sexuality uh curriculum um that the board approve these materials and publish a list of the materials on our website. And so um parents in this uh this uh
039law are able to receive notice and to opt out. Um and at this point I'll turn it over to Dr. you may want to say a few words about the curriculum that is posted on our website um as we uh have the board consider approval. >> Yeah. So you'll have your building administrators have their updated consent forms. That was part of that requirement. In addition to that to her point, you can see there that should materials do on the consent out. We wanted to put the next part on this page even though it's also elsewhere. Um, we do we strongly encourage parents to join as parent observers. I don't know if our two student board reps uh could speak to that, but that gives them the most access because they can really see what's going
040on on a day-to-day basis for their children. Um, so we wanted to emphasize that there as well. Um, and then the very next part which is requirements. Uh we do list off the actual curriculum for the high school curriculum as well as the middle school. So you can see there there's really three different components for the high school's health text. Uh there's the Franciscan health project. Um those materials released um but they can by a parent if they desire they can come into the building there and then we're really excited about the last one in the past you may have heard of too good for drugs but through the grant worked with Debbie Mat director of we're going to shift over to the seven habits of highly effective teams uh by cubby so we're very
041excited about You can see there very similar at the middle school that there a little bit different obviously for the age appropriateness which is listed there. They also have health product. They push in to the science courses at the middle school level. Um and then they also wanted to make sure that we mention the always changing and growing up resources. So um many people have been involved in that. Dr. Buffinson, um Debbie Matis, director of Lorie Anderson, director of elementary curriculum have all worked on that. Um that information has been there for several years. There's a link there that you go out to as well. Um and then Dr. Buff had a really good point that you know with our expansive Um she said you know hey let's look at the human services program which
042is brand new to us and it's brand new. >> Yeah we're the first school that is offering this pathway on human services and it's uh centered around uh counseling and social work. >> So she may want to say more on that but essentially what you'll see um we just took it upon ourselves to put this out there as well because program. So there's a principal course that all the students are required to take which is that H21 in human services. We put the the text there with the ISBN these are all texts. Um and then like other programs there's two concentrators. So two paths that students could choose. There's either fundamentals of human services or there's community health worker. Um you can see the respective for each of those. Uh 104 is a fall course,
043140 is a spring course. Those 102 is a fall, 116 is a spring. Um because of the nature of what those courses can entail. Um she said, you know, let's look at that. So we crafted a parent letter as well for that which you can see underneath important information for families because the sensitive nature of the subjects and it being our first year same thing is optional >> right thank you Dr. I would just point out to the board what Dr. did for our parents going to your best option but you can always come in I do want to just to Dr. and Debbie Matthis. It is important to point out that last set of curricular materials that you saw posted up there. Um those topics can be quite indepth and very sensitive um and
044nature and we do have to reflect on the fact that it is a college class. And so when students are taking college classes, it is assumed that they are able to handle that level of material. However, um if there is an area that is just uh super sensitive, we can always if it's just one or two areas, we can always provide an alternative assignment or something like that. Um but it is very important that we are transparent with our parents and we did let our parents that those particular college classes have very sensitive topics and so that's why you see that on this part of the curriculum uh posting of materials. So with that being said uh we do need uh the board to approve the curricular materials for human growth and development and human
045sexuality. Board action is requested. I'd like to make a motion that the board approve the human growth and development human sexuality implementation instruction and materials in accordance with Indiana code 20-30-5-17 and sea442 effective with the 2025 2026 school year >> board we have a motion and a second. Is there any discussion? I'm just thank you for the work you put into it and uh I'm glad to see that the transparency is there and it's very easy to get to as a canvas observer of my own children. It's very easy to use and you can see everything. >> I'll second that in regards to Canvas user as well. or if there's no further discussion, you may place your vote. And we have a 70 vote on that. Thank you. Next item on our agenda is updates,
046announcements, and reports. >> Dr. um here you go. Uh welcome back. And you have in your board packets our weekly agendas, and uh all of those are uh from our schools to their parents and to our staff. >> All righty. And next item on our agenda is the upcoming activities and events. >> Again, Dr. Buffington. >> All right. So, August 25th, big night um here in the boardroom, financial aid night. Um September 6th is the Hbert Moose Bingo night fundraiser. Um October 12th is the harvest homecoming fundraiser for the ational foundation and that is a change um in venue that's October 12th from 11 to 2. It's a brunch here at Hbert High School. Um and we are really hoping to bring in um the crowds so that we have a wonderful event to fund
047raise for our our students and our staff. Um the aquatic center is now taking reservations for August through December. And um other than that um we do play our home tomorrow night in the Brickyard. >> All right. And the next item on our agenda is comments. And we'll start with you, Dr. Buffington. >> All right. Well, I think I have said quite a bit here tonight in terms of just starting school and opening day. Um, and as I said previously, and it's worth repeating, I'm extremely proud of the staff, um, the the all year round staff that prepare for people to come back. And I'm really proud of we open school and um I think kids are are happy to be back and let the learning begin. And so thank you for uh sending those
048my way and um I just look forward to more things that that we can celebrate with our students. >> You know, like tomorrow I'm going over to recognize uh and this is just the beauty of of being in a school and being able to see the talent that that we help develop or opportunities for um the third graders at Joy Martin did monsters for a book um and they could possibly be selected for a book. Um and one of our students at Joy Martin, they chose her monster to be the cover of their book. And so we're celebrating all the third graders, but one of ours is going to be an author. Uh I mean like she'll be an illustrator for this book of monsters. It's pretty cool. Um, but we do these things all
049the time um with just recognizing students and um I was over at Veterans on the very first day and I was talking to the fifth graders about being leaders in their building. I always talk to fifth graders about how important it is to be leaders in their buildings. And um and um automatically they were in a gym class, one of the fifth grades and bent down to tie one of his student shoes um didn't want it to fall. And so I just I I look at the culture we try to build with our students along with the great opportunities we provide for them. And we have a lot to be proud of in this community. And so, um, again, I just want to say thank you for your support. Um, thank you for the community
050support and, um, just the team effort that, um, that the Brickies that work here put in, um, to make it extra special for our students. >> Thank you, Mr. King. >> Well, I I think, uh, I I completely agree about the the kids seem really happy to be back. Um, I would say maybe more so than I've seen this year. is really exciting. Um the extracurriculars and athletics are in full swing and uh you know with that of course they're they're all smiles going in and you know that's that's school culture that's about being part of the school and part of something and um it's been really exciting here at the high school and today I was over at the middle school um to visit their their esports call out and they were the drama
051club at the middle school was finished. So, they were coming out and they were all, you know, they want to tell you everything about what they're doing in school and what they did over the summer. So, it's really nice to see. >> Thank you, Mr. King. Mr. Longer. >> It's an exciting time with the start of the school year. I was saddened to learn of the passing of Mr. Spitzer. >> Keep his family in our thoughts and prayers, especially for a fantastic principal. Um, if you don't mind, I'd like to say just a couple of words about him. Um, Mr. Spitzer was an integral part of helping us build this high school. Um, he along with Mr. Glover, I saw more of them than I did my husband. Um, and he just poured his heart
052and soul in it and was very proud of us. that we opened this building. He uh he had away with staff and um he just loved um being an educator and a principal and so we thank him for the years of service that he had here and yes his family is in our thoughts and prayers. I will just say uh representing him as a brickie um we did send uh we had Kell create the Hum to be at his funeral. Um I will just did in Hammond and I said make sure you've got Rickies on that because I want to make sure that they know he was over. So, thank you again for bringing that up. >> I would just I would just echo the comments about the start of the school year. It's kind
053of interesting to think that it's been two weeks a month, but >> for some of us >> it has been just a really smooth start. There's been, you know, some little hiccups here and there. I do want to take a moment to recognize the transportation staff. They have an incredibly difficult job this time of year just learning the new routes and new students and getting all those routes organized. And then you add the construction and road closures to that and they've just done a phenomenal job. I spent a little bit of time at the service center doing some some different things and I kind of witnessed that firstand you would not realize the chaos that they have but it's controlled chaos over there so just want to take a moment to recognize that >> thank
054you Mr. Mr. >> Dr. And I got the pleasure of being at Joe Martin this week helping out and I met a young man and coach like this. He had a shirt on with periodic table and it said which is the element of [Laughter] and I would also say that I did go by the cafeteria and there was someone in there that had that very much in line. So, kudos to her. But it is it's fun. Kids seem happy. It doesn't mean everything's perfect, but I'm intrigued to hear what our two seniors have to say. I thought it was really neat to see their senior sunrise. I know the sun only peaked out. I heard like one time that's okay. And it seems like you all have the [Music] Are there any comments from the
055audience? But I want to give you the information now. >> Absolutely. >> She has a very nice staff there. They were very when there >> is Thomas. I am a retired Lake County police officer and myself and other retired police officers are putting on a selfie center worship center next month. This is sent her a copy of that package Monday and as a comes we have 27 veterans of the police department and a gentleman who vice president organized in Lake County. So this is why we believe it is very important that we are able to come on in the material. Come back next month, ask us question about their own safety and self-defense part of the class, not the situ. situations like >> Yeah. What date and time, sir? >> September 27th from 12 p.m.
056>> You have a flyer. >> And do you have an electronic flyer? >> Yeah, I sent it to your office. >> You know who you sent it to? a young lady over there contacted me. >> Okay, I'll I'll ask. Um so just just so that you know uh in terms of our school safety um our school safety uh team, our district team uh they actually attended things on human uh trafficking uh this past uh conference that they attended. We're getting ready to do some training with our staff on it, but we would certainly promote your um your uh because this is a a real problem in society. So I would just um I would ask if we are promoting this um can the Jubilee how what is their >> 200? >> Okay. If we present
057this you may be exceeding your 200 capacity. We don't charge anything for this. >> Do you have a business card? >> And so what what I would say to you is that I mean we're happy to promote your event, but um we've also hosted this before with the FBI. Um it's I don't know if you remember this, but we hosted it at the middle school. Um it was a huge event and uh that venue can hold,200 people and I'm going to tell you we probably had close to 800 people. Um so it was it was very well attended. If you want to set something up with us and they just had a big event was there and what they do is they have different They work with women who provide safe. The gentleman we have
058working as a member of our team was vice president and that organization was northwest Indiana and they went out and helped individuals find your attorney would know that as of July 1 of this year Indiana passed a law 228 now where every gas station rest and other like that have to have a sign up within the facility describe what human 800 number. So Indiana law, how she was forced to restaurant. So, just retired law enforcement officers. We're trying to get back to the community. So, I said something else in our material. teachers learnath and shouldn't do. One of the things they should do is always talk with their parents about text message or whatever. >> Well, we applaud your efforts and and we'll be in touch with you. So, thank you so much to you
059and your colleagues because um anything that we can do to protect our children, we're all for it. So, thank you again. >> Thank you, sir. Any other comments from the audience? >> Mr. Pip, >> I'd like to uh just reiterate what uh Dr. Buffington was saying about the um upcoming harvest homecoming. Um, I know that uh there's some social media flyers and different things out there. So, if you see that on social media, please help share that on your pages and and promote it. Um, I think they did settle on a $35 price point for the ticket. Um, so that cost has came down quite a bit from what it was before. So, hopefully that generates a bigger crowd and a different type of venue and a different type of uh meal offering being that's
060a brunch. Um, we're hoping to really, you know, pack the house and really get a lot of people in there. So, uh, and generate some more funds for the education foundation. Um, secondly, we'd like to, uh, make sure everybody comes out for the football game tomorrow night. Uh, it's going to be a great evening. Looks like the weather's going to be beautiful as well. >> Um, other than that, that's all I got. >> Hey, the trailer is beautiful. >> Turned out great, didn't it? >> It did. I just It put a big smile on my face. Thank you for that. It's really >> We did. We got uh we reached out to some people in the community and we actually got it 100% donated money to to fund it and to get it covered and
061uh it turned out was way above my expectations but it turned out amazing. So >> turned out great. >> Looks nice. So thank you >> Mr. Rogers. >> I think that if we had so many happy students credit goes to that side of the table over there all the pre-planning and work you guys do before the doors open. makes every child's a whole lot better and we appreciate it on this side of the table. And also I would like to say that I was fortunate enough to have Dave Spitzer as my principal for many years and he was an outstanding principal and person. >> Thank you Mr. King. >> Uh yeah, just thank you Megan. Thank you, Dave, for coming out and uh speaking with us today. I appreciate you guys coming out. Um from
062the parks board. Um not a whole lot as far as it relates to the schools. They're at the bond appropriation resolution stage of their um festival park revamp. They quite a few people there to speak about it, but nothing really related to the schools. Um they talked about the market ending and the dog park that's not going to open. So really nothing uh directly related to the schools from the parks board. Um and then I just again the school year has started off great. Both my children are happily bouncing through the day. So it's just a testament to the work that you guys do. Thank you very much. >> Thank you for that update. And Mr. Schultz, >> my condolences to the family. I did know him and he was very very good man and
063also congratulations to you guys has been already said it wouldn't go as smooth as it does and yes there are some hiccups but the way you manage it is what really counts. So congratulations thank you. >> All righting you're up as as I love summer. It's definitely great to be back. I definitely missed being in a classroom learning new materials. Uh for my senior year this year, I really enjoy all of my classes so far, even calculus, which is notorious for being not that enjoyable. Uh but it can be interesting at times. Um I've had a super fun share of senior traditions, too. So, unfortunately, my senior jeans weren't ready for the first day of school, but I plan on wearing them for homecoming week. I have like all the purple and gold letters on
064them. And then I also brought like another tradition that seniors do is like a kid backpack. So like for the first week of school I had like my backpack from second grade. So definitely brought back a lot of nostalgia. It's like wow like time really does go by fast. Um but also um even with like the quickness of the school year feels like things are moving very rapidly. Um, the board meetings I always love because they're a great opportunity to sit back and realize like, wow, this is like the behind the scenes of all the hard work that the school city of Hbert is putting on. Um, that sometimes, you know, may not be as obvious to the public, but we definitely see like the behind the scenes here. So, I'm very grateful, not to
065just the board, but also the educators, the staff, and everyone involved in the school city of Hbert for making our transition into our senior year so seamless, and it's truly the best. So, I'm very excited for what's to come next. Thank you. >> Yes. Um, well, so, uh, second grade me, I guess, was ahead of the times. I didn't really get a character backpack. I had um it was a hot pink and zebra striped Jansport backpack. So >> there you go. Speaks volumes about you. >> You know what? It's still in good condition. So >> well, going off the backpack thing, I also got a kids backpack. Mine is Hello Kitty themed from Walmart. Um I also did the senior jeans, but I am very excited for my senior year. all the clubs I'm doing,
066especially planning senior activities kind of gives me a chance to make sure that all the seniors are having like a great last year and they're enjoying all the events they're going to them, things like that. Um, I do want to mention uh HOSA is hosting a mental health uh runwalk event. It's called United for Mental Health uh color run. It is September 14th. That is a Sunday. It is from 3 to 5. Basically, um it's an event that 50% of the proceeds go to the National Alliance of Mental Illnesses and then the other 50% goes to our HOSA chapter here at the high school. So, it's just an event that will raise some awareness for, you know, mental health and mental illnesses as well as give back to the HOSA chapter so that we could
067do some other things, uh maybe other service projects. And then also our SLC competition that we do down in Indie. So yeah. >> How long? >> It's one mile. >> It's a one mile >> and it's here at the high school. >> Right. And we you sent the flyer to my office. >> Yes. The flyer is posted on Facebook. Um it's also on the class Instagram page. But yeah, it's out there >> and we'll put it in the newsletter. All right. I should just mention that um >> they're helping me with a mentor program and they um here at the high school our goal is to give um every freshman and upper classman mentor um and so it'll be like small group but um they're instrumental in helping me. Um I just wanted to tell
068you so far we have 20 applicants which is really good and um they helped me with the incentives and most of the incentives I agreed with. So, good job on that and um I just appreciate the help and if I don't get 30 then I'll have you two go help me recruit. But um that is really starting to take shape. Uh applications are due August 29th and then after that we have some really great leadership things planned for the mentors that are going to to take on mentees. It'll be exciting here. We do think that it's important for our freshman to be able to interact with our upper classmen that can give them really good solid advice. And so, uh, Shuing and Buana helped me with this last year and we said, "We're going to
069do it this year." And so, these two are going to help you pull it off. >> So, thank you along with Mr. Zolads and Mrs. >> Thank you, ladies. Mr. Pors, >> um, yes, I'd like to thank the other side of the table over there with all your hard work and prepation. which benefits the teachers and the students having a a good beginning and a productive year hopefully. Uh Mr. Crane, thank you very much for bringing that issue up. Uh it's not something that's really in the news a lot, but it's definitely out there and hopefully we just even help one or two kids. That great I'm sure. And I'd like to wish good luck to all the uh fall sports, football, soccer, and even the cross teams. Those are like my Okay. But definitely
070all of them. Um so hopefully they do well. >> Thank you, Mrs. Hill. >> Just um congratulations to all of you on a good start to the school year. That's always great for all of the stakeholders. So great job um for making that happen for everyone. >> Um I just wanted to say a little something about Dave Spitzer. I knew Dave from Hammond and I was fortunate enough that when I did my internship to be an administrator, he was my mentor. Him and Carol and Brent and I started on the day this building opened. >> So I was with Dave Spitzer throughout that and that was kind of a neat time to get to know him a little bit better. And yes, what a wonderful human he really was and he was a difference maker
071for our kids and our staff here. You could see it. So condone uh my deepest sympathies to his family. Um, and then I wanted to just ask a question because I saw it and I thought, oh, tall cup, I saw that we were advertising, are we, uh, are we sponsoring that tall cup at a safe? >> And so, um, Debbie Matthysse is on the board of SAFE. Um, she represents our district and believe it or not, Monty White is also on the board. And so, um, they are able to spend some of their money And so we're always just grateful that he can come and enlighten us. When he comes, you know, he surveys your communities on what the drugs are that are out there and um just how people are disguising them or whatever
072and selling to our kids. So um he enlightens us on that. It's really a great education. >> I strongly strongly urge every adult to go see as a parent, as a leader as board members, we need to be aware as well. >> It's just so information. >> I'll make sure that that's in the newsletter. >> Okay. >> Thank you. Um 173 days left, ladies. Just saying. I already started counting. Um uh I would just like to say those to my left um it is always a privilege to work with you and alongside you to make things happen here. Um I am very blessed to serve in this position and to um support the community and the students that live here and I just want to say that I appreciate that and all of you and
073your hard work very much. Um let's see what else can I say? Um as Frank said, good luck to the reports that have started and commenced. Um I'm sure that it's going to be done and over with before we can even blink an eye here as fast as summer's gone. Um and I would also like to say um that it's already August middle of it and um we still have a lot of work to do. um a lot of things that are impacting what we do as a school board, as what we do as a community. And I just um I'm not looking forward to the decisions that we have to make. Um it's going to be a hard job, but we can do it and we will work together to make things happen. And
074on that note, um I'm going to adjourn the meeting and our next one will be on September 4th of 2025. >> Thank you very much. Thank you. Everyone, thank you for coming.