001Why don't you get started? >> Pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> All right. Like to welcome everyone to tonight's meeting and acknowledge that we do have a quorum in place. Um before we get started into everything else, do we need to approve the agenda? Well, first let me let me confirm. Sorry about that. Do we have any late additions? >> No. >> Okay. Uh need a motion to approve the agenda. >> I'll make a motion to approve the agenda. >> Motion made by u what is your name? >> I'll second. >> Seconded by Schwarz. All in favor say I. >> I. >> Those opposed. Motion carries. Um a public hearings
002public hearing on the 2026 budget, 2026 CA capital projects plan and 2026 to 2030 bus replacement plan which are all on file. Um open this up for any public comment. Okay, no one here to comment. Um I make a mo someone want to make a motion to close that hearing. >> I will make a motion to close the hearing. Motion made by Schwarz. >> I'll second. >> Second by Bunch. All those in favor? >> Those opposed? Motion carries. B. Public comments on any agenda items. Again, no one's here for comments, so we will move on to C. Routine matters. um minutes of the regular session of August the 21st, 2025 and public hearing minutes of September the 3rd, 2025 for claim numbers 52485 through 52697 and payrolls for August 29th, 2025 and September 25th, 2025.
003So want to make a motion to approve those? >> Yeah, I'll make a motion to approve the minutes, claims, and payrolls as presented. Motion made by Bunch. I'll second. >> Seconded by Shrader. All those in favor say I. >> I. >> Opposed. Motion carries. >> D. Communications information reports for the board. Okay. The first thing we want to do is we'd like to highlight um one thing each month um from my perspective. And tonight we wanted to highlight the fact that we're getting ready to roll out a new program that we're calling our ambassador program. Uh this will be an annual program that will take place. It's a new initiative that will give our community members a unique uh behind-the-scenes look at how things operate uh within a school district. And uh we'll be uh
004we're wanting to what we're looking to do is we're looking to bring some community members on boards to basically become partners with us and sharing what our mission is and what our goals are throughout our community. This program will meet one morning each month beginning in November of this year all the way through the month of May. So that would be seven months. So, seven different programs that we'll be presenting. They'll be run from about 7:50 a.m. a little bit before school starts here, so you beat the morning rush with traffic. Be done about 9:30 each morning. And um we will be releasing information about this to our stakeholders um both through our parent square um communication system and also through our social media. And that's going to be going out tomorrow. So, uh if
005you're a community member and you're uh watching the live stream tonight, you can be looking for that stuff. be coming out tomorrow and and potentially consider being an ambassador for the school district, being a part of our program. We're excited about that. And we also have a presentation tonight that we would like to uh receive from our director of community engagement who is doing a just a dynamic job for us. We're thankful she's a part of our team. So, at this time, we'll bring Diana Bolton forward to uh present a little bit about what's going on with community engagement in her role. >> Hi guys. Uh good evening. Like Jim mentioned, my name is Diana Bolton and I'm director of community engagements. I kind of want to give you guys a recap of what happened
006over the summer with our registration forms and as well as with the digital grant as well as our back to school bash and what we are seeing for the school year coming up. So to start off um we had a digital grant and basically our big target was to make sure that we were digital accessible and as well as try to get as many kiddos registered this school year as possible. So what we did is we reached out to local businesses who have um parents who are working in their buildings and they are parents here for our school and our corporation. So I would reach out to businesses. So in this case the businesses that accepted our offer were Honeyberg Public Library uh Jasper engines and as well as Far Foods. What I would do
007is I would set up a time that was more um accessible to them and then show up to their workplace and set up workshop. What that was is I came in with all the registration forms that we would do here like in person and then I also brought um Chromebooks. So then that way there was no um trying to figure it out on a phone. You could actually have a Chromebook desktop in front of you to figure it out. With that we were able to be more accessible to parents and as well as help them navigate the registration forms. Um, on top of that, we were al able to answer any questions they might have had or any doubts, any additional help with parent square, powers school, um, on any of our apps of communication
008as well. So, um, what we looked at was last year's registration versus this year's. So, last year you were looking at the summer of 24, 239 students were registered. Now, that doesn't mean that all of them filled out all 12 forms that we had. So it was um you were looking at approximately 900 at least filled out one of the 12 forms. So you're looking at only 60% of those filled out three of those 12 forms and um 579 filled out the de uh demographic form which is pretty good. But only at the end of the school year of 2025 did we realize that approximately only 200 fill out those 12 out of 12 forms. So we were um looking at it and we were like what can we do to make it better? Get
009those numbers up. So, let's we said let's condense it down to seven forms. Um, we realized that a lot of these forms had repetition questions. So, if a parent has three or more kiddos in the school system, it's kind of a lot to fill out. So, we condensed it down to seven. And it was making sure that the questions weren't repetit um repetitive that it was clear and concise and to the point. So with that um with the digital grant we were able to um register for the summer just the summer alone se uh 1,75 students fully registered. So that was seven out of seven forms and then by the first day of school 237 of our students were fully registered. So all seven out of seven forms were filled out as you can see
010they're projected in the power um PowerPoint um every school depending on their completion of percentage of overall. So that means um in this case the middle school had the highest um thanks to all the efforts of the secretary reaching out to the family members as well making sure that they were filling out the forms and everything. Um middle school got 89.52% of their students fill out all seven out of seven forms. Um so then by the first day of school we only had 268 students who didn't have all 12 forms filled out. um which is I feel like a tremendous accomplishment with everyone who helped um condense down the forms, people reaching out to the parents saying, "Hey, make sure you're registering your kiddos." Um on top of just parents doing it on their own,
011we had other ways um for them to be able to fill these out. For instance, I started taking appointments in June as soon as it became available. I had 18 families come in and make appointments, but out of those 18, 31 students were registered. So even though it was just one family at a time, might have had more than one kiddo coming in the public library. This was way before in June. So then it was like, wait, what is this? Is this actually registration or not? So only one family showed up, but that's okay. We were able to register two kiddos on the first night of registration. We did it a little bit earlier. Um we tried it first with Huntingburg Elementary and um we were able to register 192 kiddos that first night. The
012following week, um, we had Jasper engines and we showed up and they were actually very, very supportive of our idea because they've never had a school corporation ask to come in and help and they were really excited about that. They um, welcomed us back if we would ever want to do it again. They're open to partnering people there. >> Yeah. So, we were able to um, get four families in there, but out of the four families, we were able to register nine kiddos. So, it was great. Um then the second night of registration in person um this was all schools and this time we did it a little bit different. We made sure that all schools were in one building so a representative from each school was in one building so then that way it
013was easier for parents just to go one place and not have to go to school to school to school. Um we got a lot of positive feedback on that as well as we had our school nurses, our athletic department for like our passes and then our transportation as well. all people they could possibly have a question for, including our um director of, you know, cafeteria, free reduced lunch applications, everybody was there. So, if they had any questions, either we could answer it directly or someone in a different department could answer it. Um that night, we were able to register 287 students. Um with that being said, by the end uh and we had the next following week, we were we went to harvest foods and by then so many people were already registered that it
014was just a quick question. Hey, like how do I connect to my parent square? Hey, I still need a free reduce application. Here you go. Answered any questions. So, by the end, that's how we ended up with only 268 that needed registering. >> That's awesome. >> Wow. >> So, then we had our back to school bash. We were really excited. Um we had different um programs, organizations, businesses, um anywhere from Deaconist, as you can see, to Indiana Latino Institution, Liv Springs. Um even our own health department was there. and care do boys cares, other organizations as well. We even had our own police department, fire department, um triap, just different organizations that wanted to get their message out and resources to our families. And we made it all accessible to them by um combining with
015the football scrimmage. And then to make it fun, we also had our own tents for every school. So that way if they had any last minute questions that they might want to ask um our principles, vice principles, um any representative, they could um address them right there and there too. But to make sure that the kiddos were still having fun, we had inflatables and food trucks available. Everybody was having a good time. So maybe one kid was in the football scrimmage, but maybe your other kiddo was jumping on inflatables. So it was good for everybody. And out of those, we had 23 um organizations or um businesses that came and sent their message out. And so a lot of people left with a goodie bag filled of good resources for the school year. And the
016programs we currently have in place for this school year are foras together that's with um partnering with Honeyburg Public Library. Emerging bilingual is with the Duboce County um commission foundation. Um graphassias raiders constantly working to be in the community, you know, give back. Um robots and papooseas with our 4T and crafted program with OFS and Toyota. uh Dieos Muertos with Dubo's um museum and then bilingual village with uh Honeyburgg Public Library as well as Bilingual Village itself. Kaminante with Indiana Latino Institution and then of course making it accessible to all the calendars. Um there are still some families that unfortunately have members who can't read or write. So then I make a monthly video for them so then that way they can hear what's going on as well. So that was added on this um
017towards the end of last school year. continuing on. So then that way it's still accessible to them. And something new that we're trying this year is Cultura Connect, which is connected culture. Um this is a club that was wanted in the middle school. So we are up and running. We had over 60 students show up. So they are very excited. It's kind of like all those raiders but for the middle schoolers so that way we can get them in and feel like they're part of the school community from the get-go. Um as well as Sabores Salude. This is a program that we want to initiate because there are all um unfortunately the diabetes rate is very high in our area um especially in our Hispanic community. So we want to make sure that they know
018there's ways to um create your favorite dishes even um even if they're healthy. And so there's different opportunities there. And we want it to be like family based where they can make the dishes with their kiddos. And so then it could be a family event. So these are some of the programs we have in place and our future ones are new ones. We're hoping to continue to grow um with our community of our schools because we are one community parents and us. So, but yeah, that's what we have for you. >> The back to school bash, was that larger this year than last year? >> Yes. Uh I feel like it was >> I missed it this year and but remember last year >> I just know that our I just know that our food
019trucks ran out of food which is good. >> So, we got plenty of compliments on that too. >> Amazing. I just want to say um I compliment you and and all of your folks that have supported you on this. This is this is amazing. I mean, it's it's so refreshing to see this proactive approach to this instead of waiting for issues or problems to arise. You're you're going out and you're and really trying to to bring programs together that are going to again help folks because let's face it, there are things that everybody struggles with, right? Heck, I struggle registering my kids still at times. It's it's fair. And um it it is as as a board. I think I speak for all of us that we're very refreshed that that you're here and you're
020driving this forward because this this means a lot to all of our students and and all of our students, I think, benefit from from this program. So, thank you very much. >> It's very apparent your passion. >> Thank you. >> Just how you're talking about you're excited about this. So, yeah. Thank you very much. >> Yes. And I'm always looking for new ideas and suggestions as well too. So that way we can continue to grow that base because right it's um we're all working together to grow and make sure that the child is successful and it takes a village. It does it's not just them. It's not just us. It's together. So >> well you're doing a wonderful job. >> Thank you. Thank you. >> Thanks for sharing. >> Great job girl. >> Thank you.
021Three new business. So this point we're going to move on to EC. [Music] Oh, mine's out mine's out of order. Here we go. E, new business. Um, field trip requests. So, there are several mentioned on here that everybody had in their packet. Anybody want to make a motion to approve those? >> I'll make a motion to approve the field trip requests. Motion made by Schwarz. >> I'll second. >> Second by Bunch. All in favor say I. >> I. >> Opposed. Motion carries. >> Okay. Listed are a number of different personnel um resignations, new employment, volunteers, and such. I think everybody's had a chance to review those. Um if there's not any questions, we'll move to make a motion to approve the personnel as listed. >> I will make a motion to approve. >> Motion made
022by Bunch. >> I will second. >> Second by Schwarz. All in favor say I. >> I. >> Opposed. Motion carries. Number three, tenative agre um agreement meeting. >> So no action no action will be taken on the tenative agreement between the district and our teachers association tonight. This is just an opportunity to discuss it and make sure the board is is well informed of the agreement. We certainly first of all want to thank uh Yavon Zinc and the other representatives of the CTA. They've just been wonderful to work with in my time here and uh great to bargain with. Um and Allison for her role as a CFO who does a wonderful job knowing where all the dollars are and how much we have available to share with our teachers. This is a darker time
023for public education right now. We're all aware of the impact that Senate Bill one is going to have on all school districts, not just us. and that is going to be pain that is going to be felt for at least the next four years and and beyond because of what we're going to be forced to go through. Um, however, a credit to the school board here, a credit to Allison again, a credit to our to our CTA that uh we've been able to build up a little bit of reserves the last uh few years to be ready for dark darker times, tougher times. And so because of that, I know there are some school districts this year who will not be able to give new money on the base for teachers and they're only going
024to be able to give a stipend. Um we are thankfully not in the position to do that because of the reserves we've saved up. We certainly do implore implore our legislators to look at what you did to public education with your vote uh for Senate Bill One this past year and uh please examine that. I know some legislators have said we didn't realize what we voted for until after we did. Um and we need to we need to do a better job up in Indianapolis representing the school districts. I certainly hope our legislators will will find ways to correct what was done because it is going to be challenging. So, with that being said, now that I get off my soap box here, um the summary of the agreement is we are thankful that we
025are going to give all of our all of our staff the ability to move one level up on a salary schedule with the exception of teachers at the top of the scale. teachers stop at the scale will still receive a $1,250 stipend for while all the other teachers who are eligible within the contract will take the next step for $1,250 on their base. We also are giving each teacher an additional $1,000 stipen on top of that. So, that's a nice uh little bump for for them in these uh in these times with our economy. Uh we also have met the um requirements by the legislators for teachers who have their literacy endorsement. um they are we are required to negotiate that if you have your literacy endorsement on your license. Uh you do receive an
026additional amount of money that goes on your base. It's a one-time amount once you receive that endorsement and once you have that on your license and on file here in the superintendent office. So that's been negotiated and agreed upon. Uh we also have a great appreciation for the job that Nick Sers is doing with our FFA program. uh new energy, new life in that program. And uh the the CTA was anxious to be able to reward him for the great job that he's doing there and get his stipen to be equal to what other districts in the area are paying for that. So, we've been able to increase his stipen as well. That was a nice thing to be able to do. Uh and then some there are some other minor things that have been
027presented to the board as well. Um that will be part of the agreement. So, really tonight, this was just about discussion, making sure the board's aware of the agreement. in the October board meeting, we will we will ratify and approve this agreement that will go into place uh for the 2526 school year. Okay. >> And just on that, I I want to thank you, Chip, and and and Ivonne, and and everybody involved, the teachers group, because it it says a lot about our our community, our school system, that we're able to come together. We're able to work together. We're able to work through these things in good times and in bad. And and I think this is what makes a a very healthy school system. So again, I thank you and applaud you for that
028because it's it's not like that everywhere as coach B would say and um I think this is what makes us stronger going forward. >> And and Allison's a great partner in that too for for representing this office here. She's she's got her numbers ready to go for us so we know the decisions we make won't jeopardize the uh corporation for the future. So uh she's doing a great job there, too. >> Thank you, Alison. >> You're welcome. Okay, then we'll move on to number four and that's to approve the updates to the middle school student handbook which is on file everybody received. >> I'll make a motion to approve the updates. >> Motion made by Bunch. >> I will second. >> Second by Schwarz. All in favor say I. >> I. >> Opposed. Motion carries.
029Last area. Administrator, board, superintendent or other comments. >> I've talked enough anyone. Okay. With no further comments, then we'll make us need a motion to adjurnn. >> I'll make a motion to adjurnn. >> Motion made by Schwarz. I'll >> Second by bunch. All in favor say I. >> I. >> Opposed. Motion carries. Meeting officially adjourned at 5:53 p.m. >> Last meeting it was her and Belinda and it was either BL or LB for everyone else.