001Y left me a beautiful note. I love her. >> Patoon is the absolute best. What do you do without Patoon? Who knows? >> Okay, thank you. It is 659 though, so I have a minute here. >> There we go. >> Who is not in? You did. >> I I made a mistake. >> No, I did it. I made a mistake. >> There we go. No, I made >> Do we need to restart? >> I did restart the meeting. >> Great question. >> Frank, you'll have to rejoin. Sorry, my fing my fat fingers pushed the end button. >> Ste, you're in. >> Mr. Rogers, Mr. Porus, and Mr. Casp are not in. >> Oh, I think you are. Hold on. Yep, everybody's in. I'm not because I just had to go out because I lost. >>
002Let me know when you're good. >> There you go. You're good. >> Okay. >> Everybody else down there is good. >> All right. It is 7:01 and I will be calling the meeting to order. We did not meet in executive session this evening >> and we will start with the pledge of allegiance. So, if everyone would please rise. to the flag of the United States of America and to the for it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Okay. Um at this time I would like to note that we did add an agenda item after the first agenda was published. So um that will be later in the meeting. Next on the agenda item is the approval of minutes. Attached are the minutes of the executive session work session and
003regular session meetings held on July 1st, 2025. Board, your pleasure. >> I'd like to make a motion that the board approve the executive session work session and regular session minutes of July 1st, 2025. Second. for there is a motion and a second. Is there any discussion? If not, you may vote. Thank you board. That vote is 70. Next on the agenda item is vouchers for today and that belongs to our new student board reps. >> All right. Are we splitting the duties or is one person doing it? Um, you want to use your microphone? >> All right. Thank you so much. >> Hello. Okay. So, for school education, we have $1,30,13389. From the education form curriculum materials, it is $13,576.90. From the exempt operating post 2009, it's 72,96843. For the debt service, it's $4,371,2243. From
004the referendum debt, we have post 2009 which is $890,000500. And then we have school operations which is 389,7471. Construction 07002,71169. We have school lunch which is $53,955.17. self- insurance fund which is $339,5704. We have the community gifts and donations which is5 $500. Building Brookies which is $52.15 Educational Foundation which is $512 edn legacy grants which is $8010 the Pope family donation fund which is $1,000. the formative assessment grant which is $13,46720 the connectivity grant which is $5,275 the title one part A FY24 which is $3,13269 title title is it four or five >> four title four part A FY 242 25 $1,14346 the Medicaid reimbursement federal which is $69,76287 the title 2 part A FFY2 2022 which is $31 title 2 part A FY2425 which is $5,251.35 clearing accounts which is $386,23583 3 self- insurance
005clearing which is $61,3958 clearing and flexible benefits AF which is 46 $46,63410 prepaid food which is $152.15 clearing in account which is $3,318.95 and then credit card fee clearing which is 200 72.555 for a total vouchers of 7,962,8524. >> Very nice. >> Thank you. >> Board, your pleasure. >> I'd like to make a motion that the board approve payment of the vouchers for July 17, 2025. >> Second. >> We have a motion and a second. Is there any discussion? If not, you may vote. And the vote is 70. Thank you, board. Are there any comments on the agenda items from the audience? Next on the agenda is the personnel report. Dr. Buffington, in your packet, you have a copy of the personnel report uh for July 17th. You also have an addendum. Board action is
006requested. >> I'd like to make a motion that the board approve the personnel reports as presented. Second was it. >> Thank you. Is there any discussion board? If not, you may vote. And that passes 70. Thank you. And next on the agenda is a presentation which is a recognition of students. Dr. Buffington. >> That's right. Out in the audience, we have two of our brickies that have been working for a service uh just providing wonderful service to our food pantry. I know that Karen Robbins is out in the audience as well. Uh, and we're going to invite Alex and Abby Keane up to the microphone up there. Uh, Karen, would you like to join them? All right. So, if you would take the microphone, um, Abby, you could go ahead. Alex, can you get it
007down for her if she can't, please? There you go. All right. So, believe it or not, you two, I think you will be the second and third. I gave one B op be excellent on purpose already this summer and it was to uh Jonathan Harness and it was for his work at the food pantry. So a lot of boys and girls a lot of our students don't realize that they still can go out and do wonderful things out in the community. So Jonathan Harnesses spends his uh a good portion of his week helping out at the food pantry. Right, Mrs. Robins brother. >> He was very surprised that you nominated him for it and he was very grateful. But knowing right behind them is Abby and Alex because they have been doing some things at
008the food for the food pantry. So use your microphone and if anybody else is going to talk just pass the microphone to them. Um Abby, can you can you talk about what you did with your brother Alex for the food pantry this summer? And you can use the microphone, sweetie. >> We did a lemonade stand and raised 600 $600 and6 >> $6767. >> That is really amazing. Um, so that was from your lemonade stand. When when did you have your lemonade stand? Do you remember? >> Probably about a month ago. >> Yeah. >> Right. Did you already did you already give the proceeds to Mrs. Robins. >> Yes. >> Right. So, do you think you're gonna make this like an annual thing that you do, Abby? >> We are. >> Yeah. That is so sweet
009of you to do that. So, let me ask you this. Um, did you have a lot of customers that thought your lemonade was really good? >> Yes. >> Your brother's even nodding on that one. Um, all right. Did you have some help from anybody that you want to thank for helping you out? >> My brother and my mom and dad. >> Oh, well that's really good that you did that. So, you know, a lot of people just don't realize that they can help the food pantry by doing lemonade stands or they can go over there and work. uh because there are a lot of people that are counting on a little extra assistance um from people to be able to make it in life, right? That is so sweet of you to do that. So,
010you are going to be the second and third recipient of our be excellent on purpose awards. And so, let me make my way over there. >> Oh, for 20 years. Abby. Oh my. I so appreciate it. You know how I app of ahead and all of us are talking now because we're live streaming. We have to use the microphone. If you don't mind, I'm gonna borrow it. Okay, here we go. So, um, this is going to be presented to Abigail and Alex Keane for being excellent on purpose and your nominator would be me. Thank you for your generous donation to the Hubber Food Pantry. Your support means a lot and helps make a real difference for families in our community. Thank you for being excellent on purpose. So, I'll go ahead and open it >>
011bottle, but there's more to it. I have learned and I'm even looking at our interns over there. how much people appreciate stickers and you know when I taught I always gave out stickers but I didn't realize how popular Every time we have water [Applause] I just want to say I'm proud of her. That's all. Thank you so much for being >> Dr. Buffington. Those are not water bottles. Those are lemonade bottles. >> Lemonade bottles. There you go. >> And then Mrs. Skoon put on my desk today lemonade ices. So that could be the next thing. You never know. I think you have connections there, Mrs. Robins. >> Okay. On to our next agenda item, which is the 2025 2026 Hobart High School student board representatives. Dr. Buffington. >> All right. So today is the first
012board meeting for our new student board reps that are seniors here at Hbert High School. Uh they were chosen amongst their peers. Um and I mean there were there were other candidates that applied for it and we had to do interviews and these are the two uh students that we selected to be a part of the board. >> For the audience's purposes they do not vote on anything. They are here to give the board perspective from a student's point of view and um to talk about things that are happening at their at the schools and again just highlight uh wonderful things that are happening and share their opinions about things. Um I have had the pleasure of working with both of these students for a very long time. Uh we'll start off with uh Shuing
013Shang. Did I say it right? Okay, very good. Uh, Shu Jing, I have worked with her for uh, forever it seems like and she's in everything here at the high school. Um, in particular, um, she's going to be helping me in the future here with a mentor program with some of her her colleagues. And so, I'm really grateful that she's joining us. She's an outstanding student and she has a lot of great ideas and she's a very hard worker and so Shu Jing, thank you for joining us. And then of course we have Grace Anderson. I've known Grace forever as well. Um Grace is a part of Wolf Gang and then of course she's a part of a lot of things here at the high school as well. One of the things that touches me
014about Grayson, uh, as we were interviewing her, for those that do not know, she is very serviceoriented as well, and last year she helped run a drive for foster children, backpacks with back to school supplies. Um, these are students that are just very giving of themselves. They're very busy, but they make time for other people and obviously they have a huge commitment being on the school board because it's a year term. So, they start now and they go all the way to June 30th, even after they graduate uh to fulfill their duties. And we are looking forward to working with them uh because they've already been proven leaders in their high school. and we can't wait for you to be a part of all the exciting things this school year. So, at this time, if
015you would like to say anything, and then I of course I know my my fellow board members here that uh did the interview process, they may have a few words to say. Let's let them go first, then we'll let you go. Okay. >> Okay. Um Grace and Shing, I I apologize. I had a flat tire that day. It was such a crappy morning that day, but you did interview well and I was excited to actually meet you in person today. So, it's a pleasure to meet you, Grace. I've already known you for a little while as well, and I'm glad to have you sitting here with me. What a great um what a great addition you're going to be as well. And we look forward to you guys sharing with us. Please feel free to
016express whatever it is that you feel is necessary. We are all open-minded here and that's why we've invited uh student board reps. It was actually started uh by a board rep who brought the idea home from a national convention and they implemented before my time this happened. So, um, and before Mr. Rogers and Mr. Schultz, they've been here longer than me, too. Um, but, uh, it is a pleasure to have you and we look forward to what the year will bring and it will go by fast. Grace Shuing, um, first of all, I want to welcome you to the board. um the interviews that day. Um it's always tough because we get the best of the best applying for this position, but honestly, don't you feel they just rose to the top naturally and made
017our decision. I I feel very confident I'm choosing you. Um I'm excited to see what you do this year. Um you're both wonderful students. So, welcome. It was such a tough decision because you know you have friends that applied that are just outstanding students as well. And I know that you will still go to them and pick their brains and have great um you know camaraderie with your your your friends and bring those ideas back as well. But we did have some really good ideas with them, right? So we will use them to help us in particular. We all know that we do want to start a mentor program here. So, both of you are going to help with that. Um, and it's going to be an exciting year. So, comments from you. Oh, okay.
018So, hi everyone. Like they said, my name is Shu Jen and I'm very, very, very grateful to be here today. Something that I actually don't share with a lot of people is I'm like fairly new to Hbert. I didn't come to the school city of Hobert until my eighth grade year. Uh before that, I had been to a different like a couple other school districts. But something definitely that stood out to me, not just in this board interview, but in every little thing we do here in the school city of Hbert is that we are very lucky to be in the school city of Hbert. Something that you might not realize until you leave this school district is that there are other school districts that do not care as much about their students or they
019aren't as opened to student ideas coming to the board. So to be able to sit on this board and share ideas, it's very very very um very surreal because it's like wow. Like I remember some of my friends did this um like Angelina Isis from prior years and to be in their position now is definitely something that I wouldn't have imagined. So thank you for this opportunity and I'm super excited to serve this year. >> All right. Thank you, Jujene. >> She basically said everything that I was going to say. Um I did come to Hbert sixth grade year. So again, like her, like I didn't um start in Hbert, but I felt the love like the first year and like every year after. Uh I'm just so thankful to be here and I'm excited
020to share my ideas and get things going and kind of be that communication line between the students and the board. So thank you. >> All right. Very good. Thank you, Grace. Thank you, Shuene. Um, are there any other board members that would like to say anything before we move on to the next item agenda? >> Welcome. >> I'd just like to tell you that I'm the board member that's been here the longest and I continue to be the nicest. [Laughter] >> I don't think I have a response for that. Um, next item on the agenda is uh the public official bonds. Dr. Buffington >> U board. In your packet, you have a copy of the shy bonds for Tracy Brumley, our treasurer of the school city of Hbert. It's for a one-year term beginning July
0211, 2025, ending June 30th, 2026. And for Judy Henry, she is our deputy treasurer for a one-year term beginning July 1st, 2025, ending on July 1st, 2026. These bonds have been filed at the Lake County Courthouse and board action is requested. >> I'd like to make a motion that the board approved the bonds of Tracy Brumley as treasure and Judith Henry as deputy treasure of the school city of Hart as presented. Second >> board, there's a motion and a second. Is there any discussion? If not, you may place your vote. And that vote is 70. Thank you, board. Next item on the agenda is the additional item which is the recommendation an administrative appointment for the director of facilities. Dr. Buffington >> board. In your packet, you have a copy of my recommendation for an
022administrative appointment for the director of facilities and uh he is currently out in the audience as some of my colleagues from the service center are out there as well. This recommendation is for Ryan Sinetker. Uh and I'm going to give you a little background on Ryan just uh to to give you his qualifications for our director of facilities. Ryan comes to us uh many people in the community may know him as uh a lieutenant from the Hobbert Police Department. Um outstanding community servant, first responder, and just an outstanding police officer. But what a lot of people don't realize is that Ryan, prior to his uh experience with the Hobart Police Department, he's he has a very uh nice background in construction, residential, commercial. Uh he has extensive background with electric electrical uh expertise. And um
023as he was nearing some of his retire uh thinking about retiring at the police department, uh he had contacted me about possibly being a reference in another school corporation for this exact job, director of facilities. And it just so happens that uh Felix Perry, as you well know on your personnel report, put in his retirement letter today uh this week. And we're very proud of Felix. Um and we wish him the absolute best. Uh we've been through a lot together, which we'll uh we'll bring him here for some retirement comments and a little party for him because we wish him the absolute best. Um, but looking at this appointment, uh, Ryan comes to us with extensive background. So, you know, giving you a little flavor for some of his nonp police work in terms of
024construction, electrical, etc., and commercial, and residential. What a lot of people don't realize is the other training that Ryan has done with the Hoverbert Police Department for some of their their duties that are administrative. uh he actually went back to school for project management. Um as you know when you are the director of facilities they work closely with myself and the board on uh a lot of projects that we carry out in our school district. Uh he has overseen fiscal and budget responsibilities. uh he's uh definitely involved with HR and performance evaluation and actually a lot of community engagement. As you well know, he was the SRO at Joan Martin, went back to the police department um after one year and did a ton of training and started working administratively with the police department. And
025so he comes with things that are very valuable to us um as we look at Felix's uh replacement and Ryan will do an absolute great job there. Um, as we look to that position, one of the things is is that we know that Becky Rosenbomb, who and and and Cheryl first, uh, these are individuals that work tirelessly in, uh, the facility and custodial services at at our service center. Um, they're here to support um, this recommendation that I'm giving to you. Um, but I would be remiss not to say that uh these are some of the most amazing people that work so hard for our school district and it's wonderful that they would come out to support my recommendation to you. So, we'll be looking to do a two-year contract with Ryan. Uh, his salary
026is $93,726. It'll be July 1. It will be retro July 1, 2025. Ryan will make an adjustment with his vacation time for that retroactive July 1 date. Uh it'll take him through June 30th of 2027. Uh and each year is a 260day contract. And so with that being said, I would ask that the board accept my recommendation for this administrative appointment for the director of facilities. >> I'd like to make a motion that the board approve the appointment of Ryan Senior as director of facilities as presented. Second. Second. board. We have a motion and a second. Is there any discussion? >> If there is Oh, go ahead. M. >> I just like to point out that when Felix came in, he built a building. Now, we're going to give you a year to do that.
027>> So, there's there's no big rush and it doesn't have to be one this big, but you know, just keep it in mind. >> Okay. So to be fair about that, Felix was actually a foreman on the tail end of the high school project and he worked for envoy. >> So don't forget that. >> Well then he did help with the elementary school and >> he did he did he did work here when we built the elementary school and the pool. I will say I often would kid him um that when the fieldhouse collapsed that maybe if he were the foreman for envoy that wouldn't have happened because I kept saying why is that swaying like that and the next thing you know it's down on the ground. Uh so um those were fun times
028everyone. Anybody here remember that? There you go. Um yes. So we have had some very fun projects there. I'm sure there's He's right. There's more to come in the future. >> Any other discussion? If I might, uh, you'll note from his, uh, resume that he did spend some time working at Hbert City Court and, you know, he's indicated that that he worked, you know, at Hbert City Court as a bail. What what his resume does not reflect is that during the years that he worked at city court, I never had to be concerned about whether I had adequate staffing for security because he took it upon himself to make sure that the uh the needs of the court were covered every time court was in session. even though it wasn't an official job responsibility, I
029saw it as an indication of his natural leadership qualities and uh I think you know this is an excellent opportunity for him to demonstrate that he hasn't reached his full potential yet. >> Yeah, thank you for that Mr. Longer. And I will just say an added bonus obviously is his background in security. Um, and that's a big factor for us as we well know. So, >> I was just going to say welcome to the team. We're excited to have you. Um, stay in line. I know your mother since kindergarten, so I will contact her. No, I'm just kidding. We are so happy to have you on this. All right, board. If you would place your votes, please. There we are. 70. Now, welcome Mr. Snaker. >> Now, welcome Mr. All right. So, Ryan, if you
030could come up to the podium because otherwise people won't hear you and we'll have a few words from you and if if any of our other colleagues want to come up and talk, that would be wonderful. Welcome, Ryan. >> Thank you very much. Uh, thank you board. Thank you, Dr. Buffy, for this outstanding opportunity. I'm so excited to get started to work with everybody and to be able to use some of the skills that I've learned over the last 21 years as a police officer working in the city. I love the city. I couldn't wait to get back into the school system after working as an SRO. The only reason I left was because my K9 partner, excuse me, he was just getting too bored in the school. He needed to get back out on
031the street. And it worked out better because I have to go do all the other schooling to uh learn how to do project management, budgeting, human resources, and everything like that. But So, I just can't wait to get started. I'm ready. >> Well, we're extremely proud of you. I mean, you did build your resume pretty extensively after you left us and and as Mr. Longer pointed out, um it's a great opportunity for showcasing some of the leadership qualities that that you've worked hard for. So, we're really proud of you. >> Thank you. That was very >> heartfelt. I think that that you might have some Did you want to say anything out here? Okay, here comes Becky Rosenbomb, our new director of transportation. >> Also wanted to thank them for coming out. >> Yeah. >>
032So, I just wanted to say, you know, welcome back. Welcome back. And um we're excited to have you at the service center. Look forward to working with you. And I think you're gonna do great. >> We will. >> Yeah. You guys will be a great team. >> Thank you. Yeah, thank you for that. Thank you very very much. appreciate everything. >> Thank you, Karen. And yeah, the food pantry is a big part of the service center for sure. Um, Cheryl, I'm not Are you gonna You want to say something? Okay, look at her. She's not being shy at all. Here's one of the I mean, just one of the hardest working people in school city of Hbert as well. She's going to be his administrative assistant. So, Cheryl, go right ahead. I just wanted to
033say that I actually worked with uh Ryan when he was at Joan Martin as an SRO and it was great. I always felt safe. He was great to be around. Friendly >> um but also stern. Um and I can't wait to see the ideas and changes that he's bring. >> Yeah. Well, thank you for that, Cheryl. And she will she will be amazing. She she's going to do an awesome job for you, Brian. >> Oh, yeah. For sure. Her and Becky both. Thank you. >> All right. Thank you, Cheryl. And Dan, you want to say anything? >> All right. Here comes Dan Rosenbomb, who by the way, I mean, Dan Dan keeps things running around here. >> Kind of. >> Well, we got a great team. You're one of them. But hardworking and we appreciate
034you. >> We sure do. >> Well, I know a little bit We're going to do our best to make this as easy as possible. >> Ah, thank you. >> Uh, thank you, Dan. That means a lot. We appreciate that. Um, I know uh Ryan's wife, Bri, is in the back. um and you know she is uh in charge of payroll and um she is an outstanding employee too. You can just see how family oriented we are uh with the people that work in school city of Hbert. And as I talked to the custodians uh and the maintenance staff today, one of the things that we talked about that we all have in common here is we work hard. And so um we work hard for our students and our staff. And I think that people
035note that when they come to our buildings and um obviously on just the the cutting edge of the technology that we use in the school corporation with our students and I think you heard our students say how much we care about them. And when they can say that, you know that we're doing our job correctly. And so Ryan, I know you're going to do awesome here. Um, I've had the pleasure of working with you for a very long time and looking forward to working with my new team at the service center. Uh, it's been it's been a whirlwind. Um, been a lot of time over there. But I'm just so proud of of Becky and Cheryl and the team. And now that you're there, Ryan, uh, do keep in mind, board, we have three new
036directors at our service center. And so we're spending a lot of time together. Um, and it'll be fantastic. It really will. So Ryan, congratulations and um we'll see you Monday at the administrative retreat and u Becky will be there as well and we're going to refine our leadership skills and take it from there. >> You're welcome. Thank you so much. >> I'm not real sure how long your your to-do list is at home, but I guarantee it's grown. >> Thank you, Ryan. Thank you everybody for coming, too. We really appreciate it. >> All right. The next item on our agenda is the online auction uh with the school city of Hobbert and the city of Hbert. Dr. Buffington. >> Um that's right board. We uh we are partnering with the city and uh and I
037want to thank Felix for helping arrange that with craft auction. And uh the auction is July 31st. Uh, some of the surplus items, we have a couple of used vans. I hate to say this, the ambulance that we bought when we opened the school. I know you guys are all like, "What?" Um, but remember for the simulation of our em uh EMT class, we actually had an ambulance. Uh, but now we have those items inside the school, so we don't need it anymore. Just a little sad for me because I did buy it. If you want the story, I bought it off eBay. It was really fun, but whatever. We're we're going to be auctioning that off. We have some excess mowers that need a little bit of work if people are interested in them.
038And we have some excess furniture and equipment, although these items are older um and other people may want to bid on those. So, you have the date and we hope that uh you know, we make a little uh profit off of some of these older items. >> All righty. Thank you for that. >> Quick question on the option. Is the link in the school website? >> I think it is. Um I don't know, but I tell you what, we'll make sure that it is. >> How's that? Um um Chris, if you can remind me with Felix so that we could try to do that. Send me an email real quick and I'll make sure that we get the online auction link and we'll put it out there. Thanks for bringing that up, Mr. Porus. >>
039You can go right to craft auction. on there too. >> Okay, thank you for that. >> Thank you, board. And the next item on our agenda is comments. Dr. Buffington. >> All right. Well, it has been a really packed couple of weeks um with all of the movement that we've had at the service center uh prepping for the administrators to come back on Monday. Uh, I will send um I sent you a little snippet of what they're going to be doing. Um, but I'm going to send you all five days and if you log in, you'll be able to see what I'm doing with them on the next five days uh of next week. A lot of leadership, uh, a lot of things that we'll be integrating as the school year starts to carry out
040our vision of success for all students. And so, um, it's anything but a retreat, but I do like to make them think that it's fun. Um, it's a lot of learning. We actually do have a good time, but they do learn a lot and we get ourselves grounded for when our staff and students come back. And so, you'll get to see a lot of the things that we're going to be doing. um one of the things that I'm bringing to them this time and and just looking for uh hidden potential and and so uh it's a really fantastic book and I of course I'm an avid reader but we're looking at that hidden potential and you know a lot of times people don't seem to think like it's real easy to look at your top
04110 your top 20% of your class and overlook some of the other talents that you have in a cohort or your or your classes, right? So, we're going to learn a little bit about qualitative research and how to find hidden potential in people. And um that's really my background in my PhD is I'm I was a qualitative researcher. And there's nothing more exciting than learning how to do case study and to find that and help people discover what their potential is. So, I'm super excited about that. Um, along with everything else that we have on the docket, uh, you are welcome to attend any of the five days. They're kind of long, uh, 8 to 5. Uh, they come for breakfast at 7:30 if they desire to have some breakfast. Uh, but you're welcome to
042come any of those days, but I'll send you those five links. Other than that, um, it was a great day here in the school city of Hbert. I did give the custodial and maintenance staff the rest of the day off today. They work so hard when they came over to meet Ryan and uh, and learn about Felix. Uh, it was about 1:30 in the afternoon. And if you've been in our schools, um they're working really hard, uh just with their punch list, you know, that they know that they have to have done before school starts. So, it was a kind of a nice little surprise for them to have a little reprieve. And so, um, with that being said, I would just say this is where your support services, whether it's technology, custodial, maintenance, food
043service, uh, central office, all of us are working really hard to be ready for that that first day back. And so, I can't thank all of these people that are are year-long employees because it's it's a it's a lot of work. And so, I'm I'm just proud of all of them for how hard they work. Other than that, our open enrollment, we're we're about 62 and um and still taking applications. Um they have to meet the eligibility requirements. Um I would just point out I did send to the board uh additional things that you should know about seniors that want to transfer due to athletic reasons. And it's really important for people to recognize that it's pretty punitive if you're a senior and you're wanting to transfer. And so, um, I would just caution people
044on that senior move unless you're moving because of divorced parents or you're in that 50 mile uh outside of the the boundaries. Um, that's where there's no penalty. If you do not fit that criteria, you pretty much are going to play JV is what it really looks like. And so I would just say, you know, that six semester rule for applying so that you don't have that one-year sit out, that penalty, that's for six semesters. It does not apply to seniors. Okay? So many times if I've received an application for a senior, we are going to tell them that. So I I want to act on the best interest of a student, right? So we have to come out of the gate telling them so they understand the rules. I don't want them to think
045they would come here and get to play their senior year. uh because it's not it's not feasible unless it meets one of those other criteria that I just explained. So, with that being said, um you know, we're keeping an eye on our enrollment and uh we hope to welcome a few more students with that open enrollment um obviously because we have a little bit of room and and so if we have a little bit of room, we're happy to take them if they meet our requirements. Other than that, um I think I'm finished with my announcements. Thank you, Mr. King. >> Thank you, Mr. Longer. >> You know, listening to Dr. Buffington talking about next week, it strikes me how fortunate we are with everything that she does to prepare the the teachers for the
046school year. And I contrast that with the six o'clock news tonight when they uh We're talking about Gary schools filling 40 teaching positions with remote teachers this year. >> Oh wow. That's tough. >> Quite a contrast. >> Yeah. They're our sister school district, you know, and um Tim and I have had the pleasure, Dr. um of mentoring them uh for their early college academy out in Gary. And they work hard. They really do. Um, so I know their new superintendent is going to work hard to fill those positions and we wish them the best and obviously if there's anything that we can do to help them, you know, we would. Congratulations, Ryan. Feel free to call me anytime. I'll look forward to it not being at 3 in the morning requesting a search war. >>
047You may be surprised how much we deal with Mr. longer. Ryan, in your capacity, you you may be surprised, Dr. Creek. Uh I I'd be remiss not to say it was neat to see Abby and Alex up here. Um because they they talked about the same thing that Grace talked about and Shu, you talked about. Um you're brickies, right? And you weren't maybe always brickies, but at some point you became brickies. And something I admire about Mr. Keane is the research that he and his family did to say that they wanted to come here. >> Here they are serving. I feel for our brothers and sisters in Gary because that breaks my heart. >> There's amazing people there. >> They really are. >> That breaks my heart. Um I would say for us and the
048work that's being done here, you know, to have a a former board member sitting with the children and wife of current board member. I don't know that you find that everywhere. So, I think that's a testament. Um, I'm excited for the two of you as the new student board reps. Um, I know, you know, for me, you've been kind of like data points. I see you as data points and whatnot, but uh the best part about it is you're human beings who are here to serve. Uh, and so congratulations to you. Um, and then obviously to to Ryan on his new role. Uh, it's a little bit of family, right? We're all just kind of family here. So, it's a very special place. So, I'd say whether you were born or become a bricky, right?
049Here we are. So, >> a lot going on. >> Yes. And, uh, Dr. has been really working hard with me all summer on some curricular items, curriculum mapping, curricular changes, state assessment, uh, and what are the best things that are happening with assessment to help our teachers and our students. So, um, he's just such a valuable team player and I am grateful for him. >> Are there any comments from the audience? >> Mrs. Robbins, They're going to make it. I know they will. Wow. Anything the rest of them said. >> All right, Mr. Cosby. >> Um, yeah. Um, Mr. Keane, you and your wife, thank you for your your children and what they've done. That's amazing. >> Um, and uh that uh it's great. And seconding what Mrs. Robin said earlier about getting involved in
050the community and giving back and uh volunteer work. Uh it's there's so much value in that. We try to preach that with our football boys and um and get them involved in the community and there's there's just so much good that comes out of that. So, thank you guys for uh supporting your kids. Um to the new board members, welcome. We look forward to working with you uh over this next year. Um, and I'd like to, you know, really welcome the new FA, uh, facilities people, um, transportation people. I think it just shows a testament to that we bring the best to the table. Um, these people's resumes are amazing. Um, and even though we were placing people that are going to be very missed, uh, I think, you know, we're bringing in the best
051of the best to support them and to continue what we do here at the school city. So, congratulations to to those people as well. >> Thank you, Mr. Crosby. Thank you, Mr. Rogers. >> I I think it's kind of sad a meeting like this when we have three new people because that means that we have lost three outstanding people. But I have no doubt that uh Dr. Buffington in her wisdom has brought in the very best again and you can count on me to keep an eye on all of you. >> I think if there's anybody that needs an eye on it might be you. Mr. King. >> Um, I'd like to just echo uh what everyone said, welcoming our new board reps, Grace and Shuing. Um, I will say that you're going to have
052to modify that application if they're going to have this many accolades coming in because the print was getting really small. >> It was small. I totally agree with you, Mr. Ke. >> So, we're gonna have to adjust that if you're going to bring in such great candidates. Okay. Um Ryan, welcome. Uh we look forward to seeing what you do here. Um the time uh started since we voted. So one building, two years, we expect it. Um I have a report from the parks board. Uh they did start the process of their bonding for the festival park. Uh and they put out a request for quotes. Um, so they are moving forward to revamp the park over there, adding a parking lot, splash pad, and a larger stage. Um, so they can do more of a
053venue. So there's thinking that the funding probably won't get till October. So definitely nothing happening really this year, just at the beginning of it. just for events we may hold there as a as a school district or near there. We may want to keep in mind that they may be doing some construction. Um and that's about it for me. >> Thank you. >> I said he's a proud dad. >> Oh yes. And I'm really we are the lucky ones. I mean we have great kids. The the acknowledgement is not necessary. They don't do it for that. But uh they really out of the kindness of their own hearts and it was her idea to do the lemonade stand and uh Alex is quite the trooper because he will just help her with anything she needs.
054So we're we're really the lucky >> wow very very kind generous children and they have a lot to be proud of >> Mr. Schultz. >> Yes. They they are great kids and welcome Brian. look forward to working with you and girls. Welcome. I know you'll do great things. As Brad said, I can't even read that. So, but anyway, um and thanks to you guys. Uh summer's just flying by and I'm not even doing what you guys are doing. So, you're taking care of everything. We appreciate it. You're welcome. Yes, please. >> Like Dr. Craig said earlier, I mean, being here is just a testament of what it means to be a Bricky, right? Like, I'm proud to be a Brickie. There's not many school districts that allow students to sit on their board. So, I'm
055very happy that we're in one that does because it goes to show um just how much student voice is really valued here and that's that's very important. So, thank you and I'm very excited for future board meetings. >> Um, I'm like she said, I'm very excited as well to do um student board things. Um, I am glad that we have the opportunity to sit here and watch these meetings, not only like for you guys in the audience, but for us to be a part of the process that teaches us a lot of things for that are very useful for in the future. So, I'm just very excited and I thank you all for welcoming us and being so kind. >> Forest. >> Yes. I would also like to welcome the board reps, Grace and Shuene.
056Um, it'll be a great learning experience for us also to learn from you guys. And so, please um don't be afraid to share your thoughts and viewpoints. And for Mr. Ryan in the back, it's been a pleasure knowing you these past couple years. And so I know you're going to be very successful in your next uh chapter in your life. Um whenever you need any help from many of us, uh please don't be afraid to u ask for help. >> Miss Dylan, >> Mr. Keane, um raising children, having children like Alex and Abby, that's not an accident. That really does come from your parenting. And I think what I witnessed today, the most beautiful part was Alex recognizing his sister. >> Yeah, >> that bond between siblings, that's really something special and precious. So, congratulations
057to you for your hard work. I appreciate >> it was really a beautiful thing. The other thing I just girls, of course, you know, I'm excited you're here. Um, and Ryan, I'm excited you're here. I will not bug your mom. I promise that was I was just kidding. >> Um, but Dr. Mr. Buffington, I'm going to focus on you again. I'm sorry. >> What? >> Okay. >> But being an administrator during this time, you are so incredibly busy getting everything ready for school to start and to carve out five days for that many hours and get the commitment of your administrators to come here and be present and for you to be present when there's, I'm sure, a lot of spinning plates. um investing an ounce of prevention, you know, is so important and I
058think that's exactly what it is is the team building, the bonding. That's a beautiful thing that will really carry your team. I think it's awesome you make that time. >> Well, thank you for that. you know, when you look at your vision and your mission and um there are three new administrators learning to to be great leaders and never stop growing and that's what this is really about in order for us to carry out our mission. We have to learn and grow as well. Um and so um I do I invest a ton of time preparing for this with you know Dr. does as well. Uh Chris King does uh Beth Black uh who one of my administrative assistants. I probably drive her crazy with it. Um, but I I feel like we're ready and
059there's some really telling things. Um, I do have a couple of students presenting at the retreat. Uh, Audrey Turley happens to be one of my examples of hidden potential. and um not it I I don't think that she thought it was anything that she did until I pointed it out to her. Um but I'm going to walk through the process of how she had an idea and how you can help students with the ideas that they have by not saying no, right? And so what's the process look like and is it scalable? And then it was so wonderful what she did that we're actually taking it to psych 2 and they could learn they could go out and have an internship. So I learned a lot from Audrey. Um she's ready and she's going to
060come present and she's a little nervous but I tried to talk her down from it. It's always a pleasure to bring students to share at this retreat. Um, I also have uh some really good podcasts that I've already done on mentoring and we're going to take a look at mentoring and Shuene has been um she's worked with me on trying to do something. She knows I'm really passionate about that. Um, but when I have a student that tells me that every student needs a mentor, then it's our goal to try to do that for our students. And so, uh, for highlighting people um and who were their mentors, how did they get to where they are today, and uh helping kids see that that mentoring isn't about having somebody mentor you because you're in trouble.
061It's because you aspire to be different and you want to be the best version of yourself. So, um I'm pretty excited about that. I know there's more to come. Um you know, once Shuene settles down with everything that she's going to be coming to help me. One of the things that she did in the business uh department and I said, "Shuene, you should have shared that with me last year." She sent me all these incredible things that they did in the business department, reaching out to our alumni and getting these hints on how do you do your letter of recommendations? Um, you know, like what's your first year on campus like? and she just did such a great job with that that I'm going to use her um to help us with the seniors that
062will be exiting because she did such a great job with that. I'm just telling you, we have great kids and they're they're ready to they serve each other and so we're going to broaden that a little bit. So, it's it's going to be a great week. I just know it is. >> It's exciting. Um, first of all, like Stu said, it is summertime and a lot of us aren't thinking about school and and you know, we're trying to relax and have a good time and and here you guys all are getting preparing um the students, preparing, not preparing the students, but preparing the teachers, preparing admin because it's important because we need to be ready for them because our priority is the kids. So, if we're ready, then we know that they're going to be
063ready and so we appreciate that you prioritize that. Um, secondly, Ryan, welcome. And um, we look forward to working with you. And don't worry about Mr. Rogers. He doesn't bite. You don't have to worry about it. He makes great popcorn, though. If you >> Yeah, he makes great popcorn. And he likes cookies. So, if you ever need anything from him, bribe him with cookies. You're good. Um, gold in there. And, um, the girls. Oh, you guys, it's going to be so much fun. I cannot wait uh to hear all of the ideas that you guys have because I know that there's constantly up in there because I know you guys both are very busy and have always something in mind. So, um and Grace, I know there's one thing I'm looking to come out from
064you. So, I think you know what that is because we kind of discussed it during your thing. So, I'm hoping that comes to fruition for you. And um Brad, your kids, you can just you you don't even have to um you can tell like what Sandy said that Alex was proud of his sister. And that's always something that you can tell what kind of kids they are when the one says they're proud of the other. How much time how much uh years is there between them? >> Three. Okay. >> Okay. Well, they're fabulous. >> I like them. Do you want to trade? >> I'm sorry. I'm sorry. That was inappropriate. >> I'm kidding. I'm totally kidding. >> I'm totally kidding. >> Much too invested at this point. >> We'll see. I'm totally kidding, though. Um,
065but uh we look forward to uh the next board meeting and I'm going to adjourn this one. The next one is going to be on August 7th. Thank you everybody for attending and have a good night.