001Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Good evening everybody. Welcome to August meeting for the School Town of Monster Board of Trustees. Let the record show that Dr. Dr. Schwarz Wolf is not here this evening, but all other board members are present. Let's stand for the pledge of allegiance. To the flag of the United States of America and to the stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Item 1.4, public comment information. We currently offer two ways in which the community can participate in regular schoolboard meetings. The first public comments section on the agenda is for addressing current action items that are on tonight's agenda. These comments must be submitted by noon on the day of the meeting. The procedures for submission are posted on our
002website under board of school trustees. The second public comment section is for general comments and does not have to be specific to an agenda topic. If you wish to address the board during the general public comment section of the meeting, please put your name and topic on a card and give to Deb Hayes at the start of the meeting. All public comments are limited to three minutes per individual with a total of 30 minutes allotted for each public comment section on the agenda. Item 2.1, individual public comments on action items. There were none. Item 3.1, public hearing on teacher collective bargaining process. At this point, I'm going to ask a for a motion to recess the regular meeting and open the public hearing. >> Castro, I move we recess the regular board meeting uh and
003open the public hearing. >> Is there a second? >> Second. >> All those in favor of the motion, please say I. >> I. Any opposed? Motion carries 4. Um, I'm going to turn it over to Mr. Trippenfeldis who is going to explain the purpose of the public hearing. >> Thank you, Mr. President. Uh, Indiana Code, uh, Title 20, Article 29, Chapter 6, Section 1, uh, requires that the superintendent and the exclusive representative, which is the Muner Teachers Association, which Larry Hot is representing. Uh, Indiana code requires them to hold a public hearing regarding the 2025 collective bargaining for teachers. Uh for 2025, the general process for formal negotiations is as follows. Uh formal negotiations begin on September 15th and conclude no later than November 15th of 2025. If the teachers association and the board reach
004a tenative agreement, a schoolboard meeting will be scheduled where a summary of the agreement will be presented per Indiana code title 20 article 29 chapter 6 section 19. Uh the tenative agreement will also be posted on the school website at least 72 hours after that meeting. Uh the school board can then hold a second meeting where the board will vote to approve or reject that tenative agreement. Public comment will be allowed before that vote occurs. Um, if the teachers and the school board do not ratify the contract by nove November 15th, uh, we must proceed to the impass procedures dictated by Indiana Code and the Indiana Education Employment Relations Board, uh, commonly known as Herb. For this meeting tonight, the superintendent, uh, Dr. Hicks and the representative, Mr. Hzinger, um, will hear public testimony regarding
005the 2025 collective bargain agreement process. This public hearing is only for the purpose of hearing public comment and testimony regarding collective bargaining. There will be no response from either party. It is a listening session. Uh if you would like to give a comment or testimony at this time, please make sure you see Deb Hayes and print your name and address on an index card at this time and submit the card to Deborah. um contents must pertain again to the 2025 collective bargaining process for teachers and as our president said are limited to three minutes per person. So are there uh if you want to you can signify to Deb now and we can get you information. >> Miss Lic, >> uh as teacher collective bargaining begins, I want to say the same thing I always
006say every time the contract talks begin. Teachers deserve a raise. Teachers have had their pay frozen. Teachers have watched their pay remain stagnant as admin pay increased. Teachers who are considered in the middle years have new incoming teachers making the same or just a bit lower than they do, even though some of those teachers have been here 15 years. Parents like me voted for the referendum for the teachers and students. And we expect teachers to get a decent raise, especially as insurance costs continues to go up as well. As can contract talks begins, please give teachers the pay increase they deserve. >> Thank you, Missek. Mr. Teld, anything else? >> No, this is a public hearing for only those comments. If there are no others, you're free to close the public hearing. >> Is there
007a motion to close the public hearing? >> Bender, I move to close the public hearing. >> Is there a second? Cat >> Smith second. >> All those in favor of the motion, please say I. >> I. Any opposed? Motion carries 40. We will reconvene the regular meeting. Item 4.1 or excuse me, item four, consent agenda. Mr. Tripenthalis. >> Mr. President, the consent agenda contains items uh 4.1, approval of the minutes of the June 30th special board meeting, the executive session of July 1st, the regular schoolboard meeting on July 7th, another special board meeting on July 28th, and an executive session on July 28th as presented and available. There were a lot of meetings, so I didn't post they're all posted, but I didn't display any of those on the screen today. It was a busy
008month. Item 4.2, 2, approval of the accounts payable voucher register as presented. Item 4.3, approval of the payroll payroll voucher register as presented. 4.4, approval of the personnel report as oh I got to get to it. I apologize. as displayed on the screen um with the following recommendations for employment, the following resignations and the professional leave request as presented. Uh because it's the beginning of the school year, we had to add a second page. So there are additional recommendations for employment on the second page as presented and displayed on the screen as well as the resignations as displayed on the screen. The consent agenda also covers item 4.5, approval of the overnight field trip request, which will be the monster dance team to attend the National Dance Championship in February. With that, the administration recommends
009that the board approve with one motion and one vote consent agenda items 4.1 through and including 4.5 as presented. Would any of the board like any items broken down individually? Nothing. Is there a motion to approve consent agenda consent agenda items 4.1 through and including 4.5 as presented? >> Castro, I move we approve the consent agenda as presented. >> Is there a second? >> Second. >> Any discussion? >> All those in favor of the motion, please say I. I. I. >> Any opposed? Motion carries 40. Item 5.1, donations. >> The administration recommends that the board approve the donations as presented. >> Is there a motion to approve 5.1 donations as presented? Castro, I move we approve donations as presented. Is there a second? >> Second. >> Any discussion? >> Yes. I would like to go
010through the donations for this month. And I'll start with uh the girls tennis team at the high school received donation of $1,000 dollars uh from Clare Han with the IHSA mental attitude award. A tremendous honor for her at that time. So that's just tremendous. Also, um Wilbur Middle School has fine arts uh for miscellaneous patrons. Um the idea, our idea comp uh committee has three different donations. And then science olympiad you'll see has a thousand dollar donation from RC Ramaswami. Again very nice donation with that. We also have the donation of 500 Arctic tumblers uh for our employees at the fall kickoff event from an anonymous donor. Truly appreciate that wonderful gift. Uh we also have a donation from the law office of Angela Jones who donated one of the gift baskets for the event
011kickoff that went to a staff member. So appreciate that. And then we also have 660 t-shirts that were donated by First Merchants Bank uh for that kickoff for all of our staff. Uh tremendous uh generosity from several of our uh patrons or and community members. That concludes the information. Any questions? All those in favor of the motion, please say I. >> I. Any opposed? Motion carries 40. Item 5.2 two, athletic sponsorship donations. >> The administration recommends that the athletic sponsorships uh be approved by the school board as presented. >> Is there a motion to approve the athletic sponsorship donations as presented? >> Motion to approve the athletic sponsorships as presented. >> Is there a second? Castro second. Any discussion? >> You will see that there are two sponsorships this month. One in the amount of
012$5,000 from Nina Hartman Counseling and $2,000 from Orthodontic Specialist. Again, we appreciate that partnership. >> All those in favor of the motion, please say I. >> I. I. >> Any opposed? >> Motion carries. Five, excuse me, 40. Item 5.3, fundraisers. >> The administration recommends that the board approve the fundraisers as presented. >> Is there a motion to approve fundraisers as presented? >> Castro, I move we approve fundraisers as presented. >> Is there a second? >> Second. >> Any discussion? Uh as with the other items, you'll see that the fundraisers for the high school, there's a long there's a list for boys basketball, cheer, uh the athletics and the our girls teams, uh the monster high school alumni association, football, and the dance team with the events that are listed there. We also have some fundraisers
013for Wilbur Middle School. We have the science olympied doing a fundraiser at Bibby Bop. and then two uh fundraisers at Frank Hammond for the fourth grade t-shirt sales and the Hawk Hero t-shirt sales um at the school. >> All those in favor of the motion, please say I. >> I. Any oppose? Motion carries 40. Item 5.4 MHS volunteer stipens 2025 2026. >> Uh the administration recommends the board approve the Mster High School volunteer stipens as presented. Is there a motion to approve the MHS volunteer stipen schedule 202526 as presented? >> I move to approve the um volunteer Sorry, I lost my stipens as presented. >> Is there a second? >> Castro second. Any discussion? >> Yes. I would like to just mention that this is something the board approves on an annual basis to meet
014IRS regulations for our uh uh employees who might be working as a volunteer position to help with our extracurricular events. So, uh this is something we do every year. You'll notice this is the same as last year with the addition of the uh scorer, timer, ticket taker, and or announcer for our girls flag football team, which is our newest uh sport at Monster High School. Uh which you guys have already approved. So that's the only addition to this from last year. The amounts are the same as they were last year. >> Any questions? All those in favor of the motion, please say I. >> I. >> Any opposed? Motion carries. 40. Item 5.5, elementary Handbook 20252026. We've already uh reviewed these in pre the previous meeting. Is there a motion to approve the elementary handbook
015for 202526 as presented? >> Castro, I move we approve the elementary handbook for 2025 2026 as presented. >> Is there a second? >> Smith second. >> Any discussion? >> The only you'll see is that just like we did last month, it is uh available to review online for anyone who wants to look at. So, it's available there, but it's also going to be published on the website in the schools as well. Um, I was just going to ask outside of there there were no changes outside of maybe some uh edits or there was a couple things and and the superintendent name. >> Um, yep. But I know there's like a comma here or a >> technical changes or the only changes that were made um from the last review. >> Thank you. >> All those
016in favor of the motion, please say I. >> I. Any opposed? Motion carries 40. Item 5.6, The Mini Mustang Handbook for 2025 2026. Is there a motion to approve the Mini Mustang Handbook 202526 as presented? >> Smith. I motion to approve the Mini Mustang 2025 2026 handbook. >> Is there a second? >> Any discussion? >> Again, as with the other one, the document is available to review online and I know you guys had it for over a month. So, >> all those in favor of the motion, please say I. I. >> Any opposed? >> Motion carries 4 Z. Item 5.7, Wilbur Wright Middle School Handbook for 202526. Is there a motion to approve the Wolveright handbook 20252026 as presented? >> Castro, I move we approve the Wilbur Wright Middle School handbook for 2025 2026 as
017presented. >> Is there a second? >> A second. Any discussion? >> As with the same. >> All those in favor of the motion, please say I. >> I. I. >> Any opposed? Motion carries. 4 Z. Item number six, any items that may properly come before the board. I don't believe there are any. Item seven, general information and discussion items. 7.1, we're going to review the teacher evaluation plan. Mr. Trius. >> Uh, thank you. With new changes to the Indiana code, the board's required to review the certified evaluation plan each school year now. Uh we have posted this evaluation plan on our website for years. So it's been there. Uh in previous years, we were also required to submit a the plan to the Indiana Department of Education for their approval. We had a whole score
018sheet where we had to go through to meet certain statutory requirements. With the changes in law, we no longer have to submit that re plan for review to the Indiana Department of Ed. With that, we are now required to present it to the school board for review. So, we are actually making this a discussion item so that you can have a chance to review that and the board knows what's in that uh certified staff evaluation plan. As I stated, this plan is the same as it was in 202425. There have not been any major revisions. Uh in the future though uh much of the state requirements that were that were put in place to dictate uh teacher evaluations and certified evaluations have been removed from Indiana code. So we will be working with the teachers
019in the next year or two to possibly look at some revisions and do some things differently. But at this time with the law just taking effect on July 1st. Our current evaluation plan is something that's worked for years. So we're going to continue that for this year and then look at possible uh changes or alterations for future years. And with that, we just have to present it. So if there are any questions, but it's for your review and we can discuss it at future meetings if you'd like. Dr. Hicks, if you had any other things to present on that, >> no need for board action. Okay, that's it. Just to make sure you cover >> item 7.2, summary of certified evaluations. Mr. >> Me again, I apologize. You have to listen to me too much.
020Indiana code uh title 28 article Our title 20 article 28 chapter 11 section 5.9 states that the principal of a school must report in the aggregate the results of staff performance evaluations for the school or from the school for the previous school year to the superintendent and to the schoolboard and it must be done at a public meeting. Uh the information that I'm going to share with you is provided through our evaluation plan from the principles to me and I'll provide you that summary that each school principal has provided to me in the aggregate. uh and this is for the 202425 school year. Uh I'll start with Elliott Elementary School and we have to give the aggregate of what uh how many teachers are rated in each category. So 19 staff were rated as highly
021effective, 13 staff were rated as effective and two staff were rated as improvement necessary. At Eids Elementary School, we had 23 staff rated as highly effective and 13 staff rated as effective. At Frank Hammond Elementary School, we had 24 staff related rated as highly effective, 15 rated as effective and one rated as improvement necessary. At Wilbur Wright Middle School, we had 34 staff members rated as highly effective and 23 staff members rated as effective. For Monster High School, we had 50 staff members rated as highly effective and 45 staff rated as effective. and Monster High School includes Monster High School and the STEP program and some of those general uh individuals who may want uh travel throughout the district. Um per Indiana code, we have to share those with the board so that you're aware
022of that. Uh so we've met the statutory requirement to read those at a public board meeting so that you're aware of this and there is no board action that's required to approve that. It's just for information purposes only. >> Thank you, Mr. Chairman Feld. This you guys have any questions? Item 8.1, financial report. Mr. Melby, >> thank you. Uh, I'll start with the education fund and my favorite thing to say, there's nothing out of the ordinary. Uh, we're tracking, we are tracking slightly ahead of our projections. Uh, I do want you to look ahead to the next month. Remember, next month we will decrease our cash balance because it's going to be a three pay month. Something to always be aware of. in our operations fund. Uh you'll say uh you'll see in revenue we
023did very well in our interest accounts uh and our investments. Uh you can also see utility costs are starting to tick up a little bit uh on us as we have been uh planning it would. Uh we did just a reminder we did decrease our cash balance and we will do so in our tax bearing funds until we get another tax draw. So, I didn't really talk about the operations fund last time because I was talking about our quarterly report. So, since we got our the rest of our tax draw in June, that's when you'll see the largest cash balance. And from June until November when we get our early tax draw, it should get smaller and smaller every month, our cash balance in a referendum fund. Again, you'll see our tax draw. And the
024question I know you're going to ask before you even ask, Mr. Castro Castro, yes, we did change uh what we're going to see in December and November. So, I did adjust it. I do believe we received significantly more than 50% through the first six months. Uh, but there's nothing out of the ordinary, but again, in all of those funds, we are going to have a three pay month next month. If you look at our debt funds, again, I didn't say it last month, but because I was doing the quarterly report, we did get our tax draw and we did pay our debt, which is very important to do. So, those things were all taken care of. I do want to spend hopefully just a minute on Senate Enroll Act uh number one and tax rates.
025When I took over this position, the board was very clear with me. They said it at a public meeting. They wanted to keep our tax rate at a $141. It's always been ingrained in my head. Well, in 2021, under the direction of this board and previous boards, uh we were at A$130 approximately. In 2022, we were at approximately $131. Both of those are approximately 10 cents under what the promise was to the community. In 2023, we're at $1.29. In 2024, we were at a $130. And in 2025, we dipped to our lowest, which is a$12688. So approximately 10 to 11 cents under the promise. And that again is because of the great direction of our board in the past and in the future. Senate and Rule Act one has changed the game. Okay? So, they've
026changed the rules a little bit. I try to explain a football in football a touchdown was worth seven points. Well, now it's not worth seven points anymore. So, what's going to happen in my opinion moving forward is our gross uh gross assess value will continue to go up, which is a good thing except now because of the new formula, our net assess value will go down. So something that we're going to have to look to do is to increase the tax rate. But by increasing the tax rate, we will our taxpayers will actually be paying less than they currently are now with the net assessed value going down. It's just a formula. But I wanted to put that ahead. I know the next month we're going to talk about this much more because it's the
027budget on September 8th. So I'll be talking about that, but I just wanted to get ahead of that a little bit. Any questions? Pending any questions? That's my brief. >> Mr. Melbby with the um the effects of Senate enrolled act one um the tax rate we are increasing but our residents of Monster will be paying less so that means less income to the school district. Correct. >> Correct. 100% correct. >> Um I just I I know you're talking about this now. It's something we're have to probably bring up at every meeting. um we need to tell this story. You know, I I I know a lot of times even though this is in the news and and it's it's in social media and traditional media, people always will assume, well, you did this or this
028is something you guys did or you were being irresponsible. And I want to make sure that people know that we've been ultra-conservative, will continue to be ultra-conservative. And the reason we are where we are is because of that and because of the stewardship that you all have provided um and that my fellow board members have really that that has been our primary message this whole time. So in advance want to thank you guys for the for the hard work that you do. But we're we're going to have to tell this story together as time goes on because it's it's going to be some tough some tough sledding ahead. >> 100%. I think uh again the superintendent prior and I know uh it's great talking to Dr. Hicks. He knows finance, which is really really uh
029good to know. Um I I my hats off to the board and the superintendents ahead. They set us in a good position. I really believe the school town of Monster is in a much better position than most of the schools in the state of Indiana. I think a lot of schools in the state of Indiana are going to struggle and they're going to struggle mightily with these changes with Senate Enroll Act number one. >> Any other questions? Thank you, Mr. Melby. Item 9.1, superintendent report. Dr. Hicks, >> thank you. I'll keep my remarks brief, but I wanted to thank Mr. Bel, Mr. Melby. He asked me if we should be talking about this, and I said we have to let the public know that there's a high likelihood that this tax rate will change. And
030not because we don't all believe we want to keep the tax rate where it belongs. We were all taught the same lesson in in administrative finance class. But with the assess valuation, we're going to be uh forced to to change the rules. So, the more that we can talk about it in public, the more folks are not like, "Hey, why did you inflate this tax rate when their bill comes?" So, we'll work through that. Hey, I want to thank the uh teachers association for co-hosting the public hearing with us. Uh the fact that they had somebody show up. We're getting ready to start school. I don't know if everybody knows, but Wednesday, we're going to start school Wednesday. And he came to co-host with us. always a a symbol of uh collaboration. Always appreciative of
031that act. We had a great opening of school on Friday. Uh thanks in part to to my team. Um they have really they really worked ahead on that. I walked in and had like the opening act of a great concert. I just had to show up and say a few words. So I want to thank the team for giving the staff a great way to start the year focusing on on self-care. And that'll be part of our theme as we move through the year. I was able to sit through our first pre-bargaining uh session today that I was able to be a part of. It is clear that the collaboration is strong and that there is will among both groups to move forward uh collectively. It's it's fantastic. It's in great shape and I want
032you guys to know that. Um had my first full building walkthrough with teachers in the building today. I went through Eids with with Linda and it was a fantastic opportunity to start to people as I explained to many people and I'll explain to the folks uh present here I'm an old teacher if you're in the seating chart I can figure out who you are where you are and know who you are uh so I started to get the sense of the seating chart today who goes in what rooms and how they what they do in their buildings and I look forward to doing that in each of the buildings. Now when you run into me at the grocery store I'm still going to struggle because you're not in your room where you belong but we
033we'll get there. Um, I want to personally thank the high school staff for thank uh for welcoming my kids. All three of my kids will be in the high school. Their process to welcome my family and get my kids up to speed so they can start school on Wednesday. Just want to publicly thank them uh for for the hard work. Thank you, Morgan, you and your team. And I want to make sure that I thank uh the cabinet level administrators present here tonight, the building level administrators both present and absent for kindergarten open houses and those sorts of things. And all of the the teaching faculty and staff for welcoming me with a true warmth. The people have been wonderful. Had a chance to go to the night out. Uh shout out Sergeant Grace for
034such a great event. had a chance to really meet people and I'm just so grateful for the welcome that I'm receiving as my family and I come into the community. So that's everything I have for tonight. Any questions about anything that I presented? That concludes my comments. Thanks guys. Thank you Dr. Hicks and thank you for finishing here your your first official meeting school town of Monster. Item 9.2 assistant superintendence reports. Bren, >> thank you. Um, as Dr. Hicks said, we were very busy last week. Um, in addition to our kickoff with um, Tina Vogran who focused on educator wellness. Um, we also had our new certified staff summit summit. Um, I'd like to really make a plug for Mr. Trienfeld and our building principles. This was the smallest number of new certified staff that
035I've seen in the past four years. Um, I would probably say about half of what we're usually at. So kudos to everyone for um creating an excellent culture for being able to pay what we can. Of those teachers, I believe there was only two that were actually brand new to teaching. So in addition, we were able to secure some veteran staff um to come to Monster. So which isn't always easy as you know. Um kickoff. That's all I That's all I have. We've got a busy next couple days and we're excited to open and see all of our smiling faces, all the kiddos come in. Um, so it's just been great time. >> Thank you, Miss Bergin. Mr. Tribenfeld, Mr. Tribenfeld, >> I've talked a lot, but I've got a few things. First of all,
036I want to uh just echo what uh Miss Bergin said. U it was just really invigorating to see the the new teachers faces and our staff on Friday. It was it's one of those things that it's almost as good as seeing the students on the first day, but it's it's one thing that it reminds us of why we do what we do. So, it was wonderful. And as you can see from our personnel report, the team's been working very diligently uh to hire all the staff needed to begin the school year. At this time, we're in really good shape. We have a few more uh hires, especially some classified staff that we still need to work through. And you're probably going to see a long list at next year's or next month's board meeting as
037well because there are several people. We're waiting for all the paperwork to come in. We've got them all ready to go, but we can't bring them for board approval until we get background checks, license checks, all those things. So, you'll probably have the long list uh next month. Uh but yes, it was a short list of individuals hiring for certified positions this year. Um and this is also the time when a board member or two will usually ask me about enrollment. And as Mr. Castro smiles over there. He's one of those two. Uh my estimates this year, you remember back in the spring, estimated somewhere from 4,3 to 455. And it was a wide range, much wider than years before. Um because the live birth data that I use in my formula that correlates to
038kindergarten enrollment five years after that has greatly fluctuated in the last five years. So, it's hard to come up with a good multiplication factor. Um and we're also implementing a new enrollment uh process and a new program. So things are a little bit different from the early numbers though. I think we're going to be in the middle of my two estimates. Um as kindergarten is the most vital variable for our calculations are in kindergarten enrollment right now as of today was 215 students up about five from what my lowest projection was but not to what my highest projection was. So, we're kind of in the middle of my two projections for kindergarten, but a little closer to the lower estimate. And I was I was thinking we're going to be a little lower than that.
039So, that's actually really good. I think we're going to end up around 4,30, which is probably a little bit more than we were at at ADM time last year because I think last year we were 4,026 in August or October, but it could be a little higher. Don't hold me to it. It's so it's gonna I think it's going to be between 4013 and 4055, but I think we're going to be really close to 4030, which means our enrollment is probably going to be very stable from year to year from there. So, uh, pending any questions? That concludes my report. >> Can you quickly speak to our mini Mustang enrollment? >> I could, but I'm going to defer to Amy Yos for that. 13 full day in both of the classrooms at each right now.
040>> We have three classrooms of preschool and I think this does help us metriculate through kindergarten and so our numbers at kindergarten could be better but that they're better than my worst. >> Thank you guys. Any other questions? >> No, I just want to make a quick comment. I appreciate the work you do because I don't know where you guys hide that crystal ball. You're pretty tight with those numbers and it's it's impressive each year when you come in at a 40, you know, saying 4030 you plan on a 4033 or a 4032. >> This year you guys have been you guys have been pretty thank Mr. Begley. >> Good evening. I'll talk about uh construction, the fine arts project that is wrapping up. The entire area has been turned over to us. Uh we
041received our certificate of occupancy from the town. We cleaned the uh entire area with our Monster High School custodial crew and I really want to thank them. Uh they went above and beyond. They did a little groundskeeping. They did uh a little the flooring guy forgot to put in a certain color tile and they had to take it out after they had already waxed and they came back and waxed. So, uh, they cleaned, dusted. Um, there was a lot of dust that was on the backstage that they came in and got that all cleaned up and had it ready for us when we did our district kickoff on, uh, last Friday. So, thank you to them. Uh, we do have some punch list items prior to complete the mobilization of the construction crew, but the
042area is ready for school on Wednesday. Uh, the fine arts, we've been putting um, we replaced all the concrete outside and we're going to put ballards out there uh, for as part of our safety plan. The concrete has been done and just waiting for the bow and barricades to be delivered early September. Uh 35th Street parking lot and storage that is going on right now. The earth work is underway. The soils have been compacted and we did get a good report back from the uh uh geotech uh folks at Geocon, excuse me, that the soils are good and stable, which was something that worries me. Um they are putting the geoexile fabric is being installed and the subgrade is being put on top of that and being compacted within and we're anticipating a completion date
043in late October, early November of this year. Uh tennis facility, we're putting that out to bid this week. Uh the Monster High School serving line, we've installed um the serving line and the electrical work, that's all completed. The combi ovens at Elliot and Eids have been installed in there and completed. the serving line we're waiting that's a a longer wait time that'll be uh installed probably around December and then uh we have furniture coming in for Wilbur Wright. We have a delivery date of fall break where we'll get it swapped out and and put in for him. We met with DA our architectural firm on Thursday the 7th. Uh we brought Dr. Hicks up to speed. Um, we've discussed the multi-purpose building, new tennis facility, traffic fl uh project and the central office project as
044well as the ongoing um 35th Street project that we're doing and we'll continue to develop those projects and I'll have an information packet I'm going to send you guys tonight. So, give you an idea on the timelines. Uh, transportation, we met with the drivers today. Uh, we introduced I thank you Dr. Hicks for coming by and and um introducing yourself to the drivers. Uh, we did our start a year meeting. We did some practice routes. Uh we use the new radios uh that we got from uh technology and we are getting ready for Wednesday. Uh we do have some traffic issues to deal with or some construction. Uh Broadmore is is all tore up. So I have Thank you to Kim for putting these lovely message together. We'll get those out to parents because we
045have to adjust a couple stops. Uh but that's going to go on till October on Broadmore between Columbia and Calat. Also we have um 45th shutdown between what? South P >> White Oak and Southwood >> and and um White Oak. So, that's going to that we've been dealing with. So, we're we'll be fine with that one. The we do have a little trouble getting through Broadmore that we had to adjust some stops. Uh, all routes are staffed, knock on wood, and uh, we did offer some positions to a couple of drivers that have their CDLs, class A CDLs, and they have proven to be a quick learn to get their class B. So, I'm excited to get them on the team. Uh, when we still are having, we got two more buses that'll be coming
046in. Uh, that's expected in September. And we're talking to Mr. Melby today. We've purchased seven new buses in the last year. So, we've really uh made a great improvement to our bus fleet. Our cafeteria staff put out the lunch for our staff on Friday. It was an Italian theme, a calzone, and we are staffed and resourced. We have the people and we have the food in place. We're ready for first day of school uh come Wednesday. Any questions? That completes my brief. >> Thank you, Mr. Begley. Any questions, guys? I I just wanted to say tremendous amount of work got done over the summer and and uh that's fantastic for our teams, our staff, and our students. >> I would be remiss if I didn't note the technology team Kurt here at the back. Uh
047but Yark and his team really did a great job this summer. They they switched out all the devices for for faculty, staff, students, and they've upgraded a lot of our systems, ported us over to a new domain, and it has been a herculean effort, and they're they're landing the plane just in time. And honestly, a couple weeks ago, weren't sure we were going to get the plane down, and we did. So, just want to acknowledge them publicly uh for the for the work that they've done. So, sorry. Thank you. Item 10.1, individual public comments. There are none. Item 11.1, individual board member reports. Miss Cinder, >> thank you. As we prepare to begin the 2627 school year, 2526 school year, I want to take a moment to recognize the exceptional commitment and collaboration that have
048guided us through recent transitions. I extend my deepest thanks to our dedicated staff for their extra work, flexibility, and patience through the transition to our new superintendent. Your professionalism and unwavering commitment to student success continue to make us proud each day. I'm confident that thanks to the tireless efforts of our IT team, we will see smooth and successful loginins across all of our systems. Knock on wood. Um, their behind-the-scenes work has been essential and deeply appreciated. A special thank you to Dr. Hicks and his family, Tara, Peter, Thomas, Abby, for their openness and adaptability during the rigorous screening, interview, and presentation process. Their gracious support has made this transition positive and productive, and we warmly welcome them into our schools and community. It's an honor to serve with a board composed of individuals whose diverse
049talents and perspectives enrich our work. Each member continues to put the needs of our students, teachers, staff, and community above personal priorities. This unity of purpose drives meaningful lasting progress. With the new academic year comes the launch of our strategic plan, an ambitious and collaborative roadmap focused on advancing academic excellence, strengthening support systems, and fostering a dynamic learning environment. One exciting improvement, families can now select a preferred language during the registration process and our systems will automatically translate key communications going forward. This marks a significant step towards equity and accessibility through thoughtful planning, dedicated leadership, and a united school community. I'm confident we are well equipped to face our upcoming challenges and embrace new opportunities. The future of our district is bright and together we are ready to begin this next chapter. Thank you for
050your continued engagement and support. >> Thank you, Miss Cinder. Mr. Castro, >> thank you, sir. Um, so I had the opportunity to finally get back to attending a redevelopment commission meeting after a few absences due to conflicts with our schoolboard meetings and special meetings over the past month. Um, as per usual, that actual meeting was very short and uneventful. I did, however, want to bring up a situation that I observed as a community member um, observing the town council regular meeting. The council voted 41 to reduce the number of crossing guards in town. I did bring this to the attention of our superintendent and my fellow board members and we have since been in communication with members of the town council in regards to this matter. Um, I had the pleasure of attending the National
051Night Out Against Crime celebration held on Tuesday, August 5th. Um, and man, somehow that event seems more and more impressive each year. Uh, just a massive amount of participation by vendors, community groups, various organizations, um, numerous monster clubs, athletic teams, and of course members of the community. um event was very well attended and I just want to thank uh Sergeant Grace and all the volunteers and attendees that made this event so special. Um I attended the parent orientation for incoming freshman along with uh fellow uh freshman dad and new student dad Dr. Hicks. Um and we were there in dad mode which was which was great. Uh, and I wanted to mention to everybody that you made a point to, uh, stand up and introduce yourself and let everybody know that you were there not
052as the superintendent, um, but as as a a dad, um, just as nervous and excited as the rest of us. Um, and I could tell that everybody in attendance really appreciated your introduction. So, thank you for doing that. Um, and finally, on the heels of that, I want to officially, since we're in a meeting, Facebook official, uh, welcome Dr. Mr. Hicks and his family to Monster. Um, I know this has been a hectic few weeks for you and for your family and that you're still transitioning to a new job, uh, school, neighborhood, and well, a whole new life. So, thank you to the Hicks family for their commitment to our community. I also want to express our enthusiasm for Dr. Hick's vision and leadership style. When we found out in May that we would be
053undertaking a superintendent search, we weren't quite sure what to expect. Um, as we went through the process though, we realized pretty quickly that Dr. Hicks would be a great fit to lead our district. His commitment to a willingness to go allin on Monster was evident. His sense of integrity and approachable nature will take us to even greater heights as a district. We're excited by this opportunity and look forward to working with him to lead our district in the future. Thank you very much. >> Thank you, Mr. Castro. Miss Smith, >> I just I'm keeping my comments brief. Um I just looking forward to a great school year and cannot thank all of you enough for what it takes to open our school doors on August 13th and all the work, time, and hard commitment. So,
054thank you again. >> Thank you, Miss Smith. Uh, I'm going to also keep my comments brief except to say that the night out against crime on last Tuesday was a fantastic event. I can't uh think of a club, a monster a school town a monster club that wasn't there representing, including all our PTOs, our booster club, uh, dance team, and I'm I'm missing a lot of others, but every every time I go, it gets bigger and bigger, and it's fantastic to see. um the kickoff event that was held on Friday. I know there were a lot of people that were involved in this, but Kim, I know that you you spearheaded it and you did a fantastic job as you always do. And that's I mean to for teachers to all go there on a
055Friday before that school starts on Wednesday and I think they actually enjoyed going that says a lot about what you guys do and the event that you guys uh put on. So, thank you very much. Uh last I also want to thank Mr. Nolan and his team including Mr. Snyder and his guidance counselors, Miss SAZ and her student volunteers. Um like Mr. Castro said, uh I was present. My son is also going to be a freshman and he he told us after the fact that it wasn't that bad, which for my son to say that that means he had he had a good time. Anyway, uh that is all I have. Item 12.1, announcements. Our future meeting, our future regular meeting, uh it will be September 8th at 6 PM. And with that, I will
056ask for a motion to adjurnn. >> Castro a motion to adjurnn. >> Is there a second? >> Second. >> All those in favor of the motion, please say I. >> I. Motion carries 40. This meeting is adjourned. Thank you very much, guys. Log out, sir.