001Okay. >> Good evening. It's 6 o'clock. This is the Wash City Schools Board of Education meeting. It is Monday, March 16th, 2026. Roll call. >> All board members are present. Having a quorum will call the meeting to order. Please rise for the pledge of allegiance. I aliance 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. >> Wabash city schools provides a relevant and rigorous education founded upon relationships to ensure each student is college and career ready for success in a global community. Welcome. Tonight for recogn recognitions, we have the WHS Kathy Swan Awards. Put it in between two. Good evening. Tonight is a particularly meaningful night for our school as we present Swan Awards. These awards
002are not necessarily about the highest GPA or winning gold. They are about character, resilience, and heart. We're here to recognize eight exceptional students, one from each grade, 5 through 12, who embodies the traits of hard work, kindness, and a steadfast, positive attitude. For many of us, these awards are deeply personal. I had the privilege of knowing Kathy Swan. We were colleagues at the high school back when she was teaching business and I was in the history department. Cath Kathy was the kind of educator who saw potential in every student, especially those who had to climb a steeper hill to reach their goals. By honoring these students tonight, we are keeping Kathy's spirit alive. These recipients have demonstrated an unwavering work ethic, maintain a positive attitude even when faced with obstacles, show genuine kindness to their
003peers and teachers, remain goal- driven, and focused on their personal goals. >> [snorts] >> These students are the quiet leaders in our hallways and it is our honor to shine a spotlight on them tonight. First for the fifth grade Kathy Swan awards will have Mrs. >> [laughter] >> Okay. Hi, I'm Adrien Leland and I'm gonna go ahead and have Elliot just come on up here. I'm gonna say some things about you. So, just come on up and um [snorts] I got to talk to Elliot a little bit about what to expect tonight. So, I didn't want him to be thrown off. So, just come on up here so everybody can see your smiling face while we talk about you and bear here. Okay. All right. So, >> this side. >> Yeah. Let's have him stand
004on this side. There you go. [laughter] You got to show yourself. All right. Um, I have the honor to present the Kathy Swan Award tonight to Elliot Kova. I had the absolute pleasure of knowing Kathy Swan and her family personally. As a teacher in the school system and an advocate for her students here at Walmart City Schools, Kathy would have adored Elliot. He is exactly the type of student Kathy would have wanted to invest in and get to know. Elliott is a wonderful student in my fifth grade class. He works hard, tries his best, and does all of it with a smile. [laughter] He's the first one to ask for help on an assignment, and to redo any activity he knew he could do better. His work ethic and drive in the academic setting is
005admired by fellow classmates as well as repeated by them. Beyond his academic efforts, Elliot is a friend to all. The students in his class know they can trust Elliot. They can turn to him if they need help or a laugh or even just a friendly smile. Elliot is the student you can trust to make the wise choice even when no one is looking. He is also very talented in many areas. Uh, I specifically remember my class earning their classroom reward and they chose to do a talent show type of show and tell and Elliot brought in his guitar. What type of guitar is your guitar? >> Acoustic guitar. I And he is self-taught. Yes. >> Now you have a teacher with lessons. Okay. Yeah. So he just decides I'm going to do something and he
006just puts his head down and does it. Um, [clears throat] you would have never known, but [snorts] Elliot has persevered more in his young life than most of us will have to go through in our lifetime. Though he has had to go through many ups and downs, Elliot has come out better and stronger than ever. His shining personality, his strength, and his tenacity, his who um his trials have made him be today. This world is a better place because of people like Elliot Colo. I am a better person for knowing him. I am thankful that our lives have crossed and I am truly honored to be giving him this award tonight. Congratulations. [applause] Next we have Mrs. Overman with the sixth grade award. So, I am honored to represent the sixth grade team and recognize
007Ellie Kadell as our Kathy Swan award recipient. Um, unfortunately, she is currently playing in a basketball game just in the gym next door. So I will be able to read this to her tomorrow and give her a little but I just want to let you know a little bit more about Ellie. So I've had the privilege of having Ellie three class periods a day and I along with the other sixth grade teachers have witnessed her determination, her resilience and positive attitude that she brings to school each day. As the sixth grade team started discussing possible Cathy Swan award recipients, Ellie was mentioned very quickly and immediately we knew she deserved this recognition. What stands out most about Ellie is her work ethic. In classes, she is actively participating and asking questions. It's a sly little,
008can I get help? But she's still advocating for herself. She whenever challenges are presented, you can always count on Ellie to ask or to continue to persevere. Ellie uses her time wisely at school and continues working at home. Sometime a skill sixth graders don't do very well. Not every task comes easy for Ellie, yet her perseverance and drive to be successful are apparent every class period. She asks thoughtful questions is constantly striving to be better. Beyond academics, Ellie is kind, respectful, and supportive of her peers. She is pretty quiet and reserved, yet she can be a leader in her classes. Ellie is able to share her opinions while still making space and room for others in their ideas. She works well with any student and is willing to help in any capacity. Her character reflects
009maturity and a genuine desire to be best in every situation. She is truly deserving of this recognition. Congratulations, Ellie. Thank you. [applause] >> Next is Mr. for the seventh grade cath. [laughter] >> Um, oh my. Um, Leila is our Kathy Swan Award winner for this year. Holy cow, plenty. Um, [laughter] and um, I think we all know someone in our lives that's dependable, trustworthy, um, and they they're just consistent and they always try to make whatever they're doing better. Um, and that fits Ila perfectly. I got a couple examples for you. Um, not only did this happen this year, but a couple years ago, Ila decided she was going to start a craft club. So, she went to Mr. Matter, started a craft club. she came with all the um ideas, kind of ran it,
010and it was such a success that the library continued to do it. So, I mean, we got a kid here making our school better. Um, and just like I said, some of the characteristics, I can depend on Ila being in my class every day. Um, I trust she's going to turn in her work. It's always good. Um, she always asks questions when she needs it. Um, and one of the most important thing is is I can trust her with other students. So, um, like I said, Leila's dependable. Um, there might be some students in our class that are not as dependable as Ila. And when I pick groups, sometimes I pick them, sometimes I let the kids pick them. Well, I will take a dependable student and sometimes I'll put them with a non-dependable student
011just to get the best out of them for that day. Well, um, I think I might have done it a couple too many times to Ila because I did it once, we were all good. I did it a second time, two times in a row, no problems. So, as the third time I'm doing it, it was probably like two weeks later. Um, I'm telling the kids who they're with [snorts] and as I tell Leila who she's with, I get this side eye look like, "Mr. Till, are you serious again?" Uh, but in true Leila fashion, she was respectful. She didn't hold a grudge. Um, and she just did her thing. And um I don't think kids like Leila know how much as teachers we [clears throat] appreciate students like that because they really help us
012to help the other students. So on behalf of the seventh grade team, we would just like to congratulate Ila. Um and she's had a wonderful year and we really appreciate her. Thank you. [applause] Next is Mrs. Phillips with the eighth grade. [snorts] Avery Tail is the kind of student who quietly makes our school a better place every day. Avery approaches school with a positive attitude and respectful spirit, and that's evident in every way that she interacts with her peers, her staff, and anyone around her. Even when faced with challenges, Avery continues to show determination and willingness to keep trying, and that speaks volume about her character. She consistently demonstrates kindness and encouragement towards others. She treats classmates with respect and contributes to [snorts] a learning environment where people feel supported and valued. There's um a
013heart student in her class and uh according to Mr. Winward, she gets the best work out of them and uh that's a good quality to have as a future teacher. Avery's work ethic and perseverance are admirable and her study effort shows a commitment to personal growth and improvement. What really stands out about Avery is her resilience and attitude. She chooses to move forward with humility, peace, and a strong sense of responsibility. She may not seek the spotlight, but her quiet strength and positive presence have a meaningful impact on those surround her. She embodies the spirit of Katherine Swana work through hard work, respect for others, and a genuine contribution to the positive culture of our school. She's a deserving candidate of this recognition, and the eighth grade team is very proud of her and all
014of her hard work this year. [applause] >> [snorts] >> Next is Mr. Bennish with the ninth grade. [snorts] [clears throat] >> I get to talk about Amy Osborne. Uh we get to spend two periods a day together. >> [laughter] >> One thing that stands out about Amy is her determination. Amy understands something that a lot of people take years to learn, which is success isn't about getting everything right the first time. It's about continuing to move forward when things don't go as you hope. Amy doesn't always find things easy in my classroom. She sometimes struggles and like like all of us do with things. But what makes her remarkable is how she responds to those challenges. When she encounters a setback, she doesn't give up. Instead, she reflects, she adjusts, and tries again. That ability
015to push forward, especially when things are difficult, is a powerful quality. Just as important is Ay's positive attitude. She approaches learning with curiosity and energy. When she's working in groups, A isn't concerned with who she's barefoot. Her focus is on the task, on learning, on contributing. She brings engagement and effort wherever she goes and that attitude helps the others around her stay focused as well. Another quality I really like about Ay is her understanding of her own self-worth. She holds herself to high standards and believes that she is capable of meaningful growth. That confidence allows her to take risks and to try challenging things and to keep striving even when the outcome isn't perfect. Persistence, resilience, and a positive outlook are qualities that will serve baby well. far beyond the classroom. I'm excited to see
016what the future holds for. [applause] >> Next is Mr. Chip with the 10th grade. >> [clears throat] [snorts] [clears throat] >> Good. Good evening everyone. Martha, the Cathy Swan Award is presented to students who don't just meet expectations but consistently redefine them through their work ethic and resilience. Today I'm incredibly proud to present this award to a student who embodies these qualities in every facet of her life. When I think of Martha, the word that comes to mind is purpose. She doesn't just chill up to class. She arrive She arrives with an intentional curiosity. She isn't interested in just getting the grade or chasing points. She wants to truly understand and improve. She seeks out challenges not because they're required, but because she has a purposeful drive to grow. But what makes this But what
017makes her truly remarkable is that this sense of purpose is rooted in her integrity. We often talk about going above and beyond, but for Martha, that is simply her standard. She operates with a quiet, steady reliability. The kind of character that doesn't change based on who is watching or how difficult the task becomes. Her work isn't just a reflection of her ability. It's a reflection of who she is. Martha, you lead by example without [clears throat] realizing who's watching. Your balance of ambition, hard work, and genuine kindness is an inspiration to your peers and your teachers alike. Please join me in congratulating Mar. [applause] >> [applause] >> Next is M. [clears throat] >> Next is Mrs. Oswald. I think >> with the 11th grade as well. [snorts] Kathy, Kathy is one of my teachers and
018I get to preserve her award for one of my students. I have known Jasmine for about three years and I know having people talk about her, even if it's good, is not her favorite thing. [laughter] She is a very quiet and shy student who has to work hard at school. We appreciate Jasmine because she is a hard worker who asks questions when she needs to and is respectful. This year, we have pushed her out of her comfort zone even further by having her take classes at Heartland Career Center. And now this semester, she's even helping in a couple classes in the middle school and high school and she's doing a good job. Um, even though she wasn't excited about trying something new, we're glad that she's enjoying it now. Um, I nominate Jasmine because I
019have seen a lot of growth of her in the years. I'm glad to see her continue to work hard, push herself, and try new things. Congratulations. [clears throat] [applause] Okay. For the 12th grade Captain Swan award, I give it the privilege of presenting awards. [laughter] >> Sure. >> Okay. All right, Kenny. I led here. I've had the distinct honor of of recognizing this 12th grade recipient, as I said, Kenyon. I've had a front row seat to Kenyon's journey for a long time, longer than most. I first met Kenyon when he was a second grader at OJ Neighbors Elementary, and I was serving as the assistant principal. Even back then, I saw he had potential, and I also saw that a traditional four-wall classroom wasn't the easiest fit for how he learned and moved through the
020world. Over time, Kenyan transitioned to the Apache Academy. And for the past year, everything just clicked. He didn't just try to get by, he excelled. He took ownership of his education. He worked with a singular focus. And I'm incredibly proud to say Kenny actually graduated a semester early. So, he's done it. [laughter] We often say it takes a village. And Kenyon would be the first to tell you that a vital part of his village is Mr. Paulie or Mr. O. While Mr. O couldn't be with us tonight, his influence is clearly visible in Kenyan success. That relationship built on mutual respect and high expectations provided the spark that Kenyon needed to cross the finish line ahead of schedule. Kenyon seeing the man you've become since those days of OJ neighbors is one of the reasons
021we do what we do in education. You didn't let obstacles define you. You let them drive you. You embody the very spirit of Kathy Swan's leg. Congratulations, J. [applause] So, [clears throat] if we could have all the awarders come up with >> Do you want Yeah, >> my photo guy is not here. Okay, >> I get them every >> Oh, sure. Congrat. >> Okay. You want to scoot in? >> Right here. The window. Congratulations guys. Good. Sorry. [cough] [clears throat] We'll wait for everybody that'd like to leave to leave before we continue. So, thank you for coming. >> Yes. Thank you. Congratulations. >> There's a lot. [cough] Who is this? >> Mrs. No, he did. >> Is that Chandom did 10th grade? >> I think so. Bill Chittendenh. >> Yeah, because they're going to do
022this. [clears throat] >> [laughter] >> for revisions. Tonight we have um revision 4G. Is there anyone in the audience that wishes to comment on an agenda item? >> Anyone else besides Amanda? >> What agenda item? >> Oh, and which agenda item? Amanda? >> Okay. >> Same. Anyone [snorts] else? Okay. Item H, consent agenda. We have minutes for March 2nd, 2026, some claims. We don't have any donations tonight, and we have financials. We've got the revenue and expense update, and the appropriations report. I'll accept a motion. >> So moved. >> Second >> discussion. So, we do not we're not able to project our revenue and expense update. So, if I can get it to open, I will review that. Um, if anyone would like a copy, we can get you a copy. Well, is it opening
023for you? >> Yeah, I just got it. >> Okay. [clears throat] Just look off this. >> All right. Um, our total revenue I guess I don't need it. I've got this. Um, was slightly less than what we had projected. This was mainly due to um we had lower cafeteria and grant reimbursements [snorts] from the state. Our accounts payable um was a tad bit higher than what we had projected. Uh we had some operational expenses which resulted mostly from some safety updates that we did in the high school gym. And then payroll expenses were about 60,000 lower than projected. So, we had projected a net loss of $92,23511 and we actually ended with a net net loss that was a little bit higher, $101,500 500. So, um not a good month for us. So, hopefully we
024see a rebound next month. When you move on to the key fund balances, um, our ED fund is just a tad over 1.6 million, which is very close to where it was last year. It was 1,574,000 last year. Um, operations fund did dip back down into the negative. Um, it's at minus 100,649,000. We knew that that would happen um because we only get our tax draws twice a year. Uh I was hoping it was going to be March, but it did happen in February. Um we are in a better spot than we were last year. Last year operations was minus 686,000 and our rainy day continues to be $9,441. So when you look at the total of our key fund balances um at the end of February we um last year were at 1,212,731,000. This
025year at the end of February we were 1,527,480. So we're doing a little bit better than we were last year. Um moving on to the appropriations report. Um 16.7 is the percentage that we would want to hit um for each of these categories. Our revenue, we're just a little bit behind in our revenue for the ED fund. Um that's mainly due to um our basic grant dropping after our count. We will see a little bit of an increase because our count in February was higher than where we were at um in October. So, but we don't start seeing that usually until March or April. Um, as far as our expenses, we still have many categories that are over that 16.7%, but a lot of that is due to having um three pays in January, and
026it'll take a little bit of time for those to balance out. Nothing that's, you know, overly concerning. Um, our total ED fund expenditures are sitting at 17%, so we're about.3% over where we would want to be. >> When you move on to operations, um, our revenue for operations, we are sitting at 10.2%, well below the 16.7, which again, we only get our, um, tax draws twice a year. As far as our expenditures, [clears throat] our expenditures um most categories that are over again are because of having um the three pay. Those will eventually start um [snorts] right writing themselves. Um our expenditures for operations were sitting at 20.1%. So we are better than we were last month um with our operations total expenses. Any questions? Do we expect the cafe grant or the cafeteria grants
027and the other reimbursements to not be where we thought they were going to be? Are they always >> just it's it's timing of when uh [clears throat] receipts get turned in and submitted and do they get on this month or next month? [clears throat] Um I will say that our cafeteria fund is has me somewhat concerned. I know last year we had to use some money to pay that off to bring it up to zero. and we may end up having to do that again. Um, I know that Mrs. Harold is working very hard to look at what funds she has and how can she, you know, um, save money. She has somebody that is leaving that she's not going to replace. So, she's looking at a lot of different options. It's just um we
028know that we have not raised our school lunch prices the way the state would have recommended over the last several years. And so that is something that as we go into next school year, we're going to look at going to have to look and [clears throat] see >> what do we need to increase that to help offset. >> Okay. >> And she's looking at different vendors for food options already. Yes. Right. >> I remember hearing about that. Yeah. >> Okay. Just clarifying the tax draws you talk about, what what taxes are we talking about? Is that income taxes? Is that >> It's our property taxes. Okay. >> The local property taxes at the top. >> All right. Anything else? >> All those in favor of approving the consent agenda say I. >> Those opposed? Motion
029passes. The next regular schedule board meeting will be Monday, April 6th at OJ Neighbors Elementary School at 6:00 p.m. There are some items of communication. There's no old business, new business. Item A, recommend the board pass a resolution to transfer from the education fund to the rainy day fund. >> So moved. >> Second. >> Discussion. >> Um, we ended 2025 with just a little over 1.6 million in our education fund. Uh transferring these funds to rainy day will provide us with funds uh to access in case of emergency situations or for other reasons the board deems necessary. We are asking to transfer $430,000. We have done this transfer the last three years. Um I believe the first year it was $550,000 and then 500,000. So, we are seeing a a reduction of how much we
030feel like we need to transfer. We are only allowed to transfer 10% of our total budget um which is just a little over 16 million for 2026. So, we will only be allowed to transfer 1.6 million to Rainy Day. This is the only transfer I foresee us having to do. Um we won't be doing this again later in the year. >> Okay. All those in favor of approving the re resolution say I. I. >> Those opposed. Motion passes. Item B. Board will be informed of upcoming requests for additional appropriations in the education fund and the rainy day fund. Discussion. So we will be making a request for additional appropriations in both our ED fund and the rainy day fund. [clears throat] Um to do this they they have a new process. So, I'm still learning
031it. We have to publish a notice to taxpayers through the Indiana Gateway um system and then we hold a hearing at a city council meeting. We do not do it with this board because we fall under the city council. I have to go to the their meeting to do this. Um the additional appropriations in the ED fund will be used to repay funds for not meeting maintenance of effort during the 2223 school year. So, an easy way to explain maintenance of effort is that districts must spend at least the same amount of state or local money on special ed um special education each year as it did the previous year. Uh because we had many of our special ed teachers being paid out of ESSER, which was federal funds, we did not meet. And this
032I've been working on this probably for the last three and a half years. Um the IDOE had not had schools complete the maintenance of effort worksheet for several years. And in November of 23 they had us go back and do two years prior and then in the spring they had us do a year prior and then they had us do right at the end of the school year the current year the 22 23. So at that point we had already been paying those teachers and there was no way to correct this. >> Since then we have corrected [clears throat] it. So the following years we have been able to make maintenance of effort. Um so like I said I've been working for two and a half three years um with the IDOE. They finally have
033shared with us how much we have to repay. They gave us that total last week. Um, we have to repay $116,351.36 and it must come from state funds. I clarified that. So, the ED fund is where it has to come from. >> They give us any kind of like due by >> Yeah, it's not due until like September. So, we have Yeah. >> payments. Um the additional appropriations in rainy day will be used for um various expenses including insurance costs and other operational clo expenses. Um and just to remind people that when we request additional appropriations, it's not asking for any more money. It's asking for permission to spend the money that we already have. >> Okay? >> So this board does not have to do anything um regarding this. Um, it's mainly just to
034let you know that this will be taking place. >> Questions from the board? Are we doing that at the next board meeting? City? >> Um, I have to look at the calendars. So, yes. >> Anyone else? Item C. Board will approve advertising the public notice and publishing a request request for proposals RFP for lawn services. [clears throat] >> So moved. >> Second. >> Discussion. We would like to advertise um an RFP for lawnmowing services. Previously, we hired someone to do this with our equipment. Unfortunately, our equipment needs replaced and so we would like to put this out here to see how much it would cost to have a company come and do it for us. Um we are also collecting quotes to replace our equipment and figure out how much it will cost to hire
035someone to do the mowing. We obviously want to go the route that's most cost-effective for our district both now and in the future. So once we get this information, we'll be able to share it with the board and then the board can make a determination of which route do we want to go? >> Meaning, do we fix our equipment, >> replace our equipment or hire somebody to do it for us this year? >> Yes. >> Okay. >> Who do we currently use for uh snow removal? >> Um Brainard, >> is it I think it is Brainard. Okay. So, it I'm just drawing it out there. Would it be potential then to consider a company that use it that does both and maybe have a a more encompassing contract that does lawn and snow removal during
036the winter and have a better contract >> and this will be for one year. So, we have to look at our snow removal contract to see. But yeah, that is something that we may end up being able to do. >> Okay. >> If that's the direction we go. All those Oh, I'm sorry. >> Do we depreciate our equipment out? >> Do we? Yes, we have to do that each year. >> And yes, that the equipment we have there's I don't think anything can be done with it, but we will surplus it. And if somebody wants to buy it, I guess >> they could. >> All those in favor of approving the notice say I. >> I. >> Those opposed. Motion passes. Item D, recommend the board approve reducing DLI programming today to grades 6 through
0379 for the 26 27 school year. >> So moved. >> Second. >> Discussion. So I want to start by saying that this recommendation was the result of learning earlier in the month that one of our Spanish DLI teachers was resigning was decided had decided not to return. Um, this year we went without a fourth grade Spanish teacher and so we have really had to just piece mail it together. Um, in talking with Sagamore, the company that helps us find teachers, I believe it's going to be very difficult to find teachers due to the events that are taking place in our country. Um, we have had a DLI position posted on our website. We also put it on um an Indiana state website and we have not had any you know inside the United States um
038anyone showing interest. So we know that the programming that our third and fourth graders received was not to the level that we would like it. They were not getting the amount of Spanish that you know we felt like they needed. um if we waited to see if we could hire someone in the middle of the school uh in the for the middle school and were unable to secure a candidate, I I fear that our middle school students would have gotten that same type of peace meal um programming. So the recommendation to reduce was done so with the proactive idea of offering a quality program for as many grades as possible. Now, that being said, Friday afternoon, the DLI teacher retracted her resignation. So, I am working with our administration to plan what next year will
039look like and subsequent years after. Um, so for tonight, I recommend we table this until April 6. That'll give us time to fully develop what it's going to look like, um, and be able to share with our community what it will look like for next year. But then even beyond. >> Okay. Amanda, did you still want to comment? >> Sure. >> Okay. >> Can I stand here or do you want me to come down? >> You can stand there. >> Feel like I can project loud enough. >> Well, that certainly changes my position, although I would still love to, you know, be a thought partner and a resource. Um, I know last summer we had a pretty lengthy conversation about, you know, the future of DI as it relates to the changing funding structure of
040our school district and the schools in the state and unfortunately it doesn't look promising, right? And so we need to make strategic decisions. I appreciate uh Dr. Sibi sharing all that data and information and have had chance to review that and talk with other people about what does that mean for our future. So, as for me, just digging into the data and the information that you shared, it looks like the DLI program is actually a revenue generating program for the districts and bringing in money and if not, then at least self-paying for. So, hear me out. what [laughter] I'm thinking and how we could reframe this as not a cost uh you know program that's like draining our school budget but in fact adding revenue and adding value and making us a more competitive school
041system because whether we like it or not we're in a school choice market right and every everybody every student counts for helping to meet our bottom line and so in the data we shared from I guess the last several years of enrollment the DI program has averaged 40% of students who are out of school districts Now maybe they wouldn't come into the school district either way but the average percentage of total student enrollment of out of school district is around 32%. So we have more students coming to Wish City Schools because of DLI and so that is a revenue driver and so that's about 42% of the enrollment we had was around 84 students. So if you multiply that by our average per pupil that's about 11K per student that's bringing in around 88,000. Now,
042those students could perhaps enroll in other school districts and I've heard many of the families who are enrolled who are not in our school district coming here because of the DDL the DLI program. So, I'm wondering what are we doing with that and how can we make sure that 88,000 covers the cost. Now, I understand that there's costs for the teachers and there's some additional costs that we have and expenses of having those teachers, right? We could do visas, we could do um especially if we're bringing them in out of the country and there's some additional PD and curriculum. But looking at again the the sheets that you shared and the numbers that only looks to be around 40,000 because we would still hire teachers regardless for those students. So we're still going to have
043to pay whatever the average teacher pay is. It's those extra costs that we need. Now when we had Sarah Delvadilla who was the coordinator for the program, the city picked up a good portion, the majority of her budget. Now I know we don't have anybody right now coordinating that. So would love to see if there's somebody who we could pay a siphon to and they could probably help with the recruitment and the hiring and the training and making sure it's a quality program. The other other revenue component related to DLI and I don't know that we always think about it in this way but Sarah had shared with me before she left in September [snorts] is all of the exchange student programs that we're able to offer through our designation that we have as a
044school district. So the numbers she shared is there's approximately $83,000 that was sitting in our whatever bank account line item you have allocated from all the exchange student programs. So for our Japanese exchange program where we receive students, we receive a payment from whatever company it is that we're hosting students to come. So that was around $10,300 through the short-term exchange student program. So when we receive students from Spain and from Argentina and they're here for what, like a week or 10 days, there was approximately 35,000 that we have in that account. And then your S1 international students, so those are the students who are here for like a whole school year and they pay to come here and we host them. That's around 38,000. So we have about 83,000. I don't know how that's
045designated, but I would think a portion of that should be designated to help cover the cost of our DLI student program. because this is making us attractive and making us have that global mindset. So my thought is and I would also say I don't know why I've kind of informally become this designated spokesperson. Three different families have reached out to me. I don't even know them. I get Facebook messages who want to enroll and were like devastated that the program was cut in kindergarten because they were planning to enroll. Two of those families were out of district and I know that our student enrollment has been going down. When we look at the student enrollment trend data, we started capping the number of students enrolled in the K program. And then in 2023 and then
04624, we cut the prek. And so you can see enrollment numbers started to go down when we set those caps. I don't know why we set them, but again, it's a revenue driver. So I think we should look at it and reframe our perspective of how is this money bringing in or how's this program bringing in money making us more attractive and more competitive in the school choice market. >> Thank you Scott. Yeah, the only I guess one of the things there was no communication to my knowledge other than the agenda. If we're going to make a change to the DIY program, [snorts] [clears throat] you know, Landon's in third grade now, so we cut fourth and fifth, move to six. I would like to have known about that. We got parents square. I get
047about 27 messages a day on that. Put it out through parent square on the Facebook page which most people follow. Um this program is vitally important to our school system. I've been able to use that as a selling tool as I go out and try to attract business to come to our community and those businesses are very impressed that we have a dual language program within our school system which school systems much bigger than us [snorts] don't even offer. So I would encourage the board to think long and hard before we make any cuts to the DLI program if at all possible. Just one second. Okay. Did you want to respond to anything? Okay. Thank you. So, um, Dr. Civy recommended we table it. So, um, do I have a motion to table? >> So,
048move. >> Second. All those in favor of tableabling um the DI programming to the next meeting or let's see April 6th board meeting say I. >> I. >> Those opposed motion passes. [clears throat] >> Item E, board to accept the resignation of Diana George, head cook at WHS effective March 27, 2026. >> So moved. >> Second. discussion. >> We'd like to thank Mrs. George for her time and service to Wabash City Schools. Mrs. Harold will not be replacing this position right now, but instead she [snorts] will be helping out in the kitchen and she will use that to be able to determine who might be the best replacement. All those in favor of accepting the resignation say I. >> I. >> Those opposed? Motion passes. Item F, board to approve the recommendation to give half
049a PTO day to the following staff for helping at kindergarten roundup. Stacy Bear, Charity France, Carol Enyard, Lindseay Wilson, Casey Donaldson, Gabby Wagner, and Heather Mickelson. I'll accept a motion. >> So move. >> Second. >> Discussion. These staff members worked our kindergarten and preschool roundup at LH on Saturday, March 7th. Um, as we've done in the past, we're asking to compensate them by giving them an extra half a PTO day. >> All those in favor say I. >> Those opposed? Motion passes. Item G, board to approve the following coaching recommendations. One, girls varsity tennis coach Brittany Kulie. Two, girls assistant tennis Shelby Stone, who was a volunteer. Um, and three, resignation of Kesha Wright as girls varsity soccer coach. I'll accept a motion. >> So moved. >> Second. >> Discussion. >> Uh I know that
050we were a little concerned about finding a girls tennis coach. So we appreciate Mrs. Gulie and Miss Stone's willingness to help out this year and we would like to thank Mrs. Wright for her years of uh service as our girls varsity soccer coach. >> Okay. All those in favor say I. >> I. >> Those opposed? Motion passes. Items from superintendent. >> I believe today was the first day of spring sports, which the weather did not feel [snorts] like the first day of spring sports. Um, I want to commend our students who performed in the Waw Bash County's Honor Band and Choir concert on Friday. I got to be the MC and it was absolutely fabulous. Mr. Blossom's son had a solo. He did spectacular. Um, congratulations to our middle school robotics team. This past weekend,
051their performance earned them a spot and in the world's robotics competition and that will be in St. Louis in late April. This Thursday is our staff PD uh/spr parent teacher conferences. Reminder, there's no school or e-learning for students on this day. Teachers will have staff PD in the morning. Um, and then conferences will run from 1 pm to 7 pm. And finally, next Wednesday is the big idea event at OJ that runs from 4 to 5:30 p.m. This is through our partnership with Second Harvest Food Bank. So, we hope to see a lot of families out there taking advantage of that opportunity. And then Friday, uh, is the first day of spring break. >> Next Friday, not this Friday. Yeah. [laughter] Okay, thank you. Items from administrators. Okay, other items from visitors, items from board
052members, Joan. >> Um, uh, pickle ball pickle ball courts. The lights went in last week. Um, coding should be going in. >> This is for park board. >> Park board. Okay. um coding hopefully with whenever the weather gets nice and we can get those open maybe by the end of April. >> Well, you know, Green Broadmore Park um sidewalks, the sidewalk is not in yet because you got, you know, before you pour concrete, you have to have a certain temperature. >> What are they doing to Broadmore Park? >> Redoing it. >> Did you not make your contribution? >> [laughter] >> You know, I told you it was tax deductible. >> What are they are [clears throat] they putting in new >> equipment or what are they? >> It's beautifification park. We've got trees ordered. The
053state is donating some trees. The way I understand it, some tulip trees and some silver maples. >> So, that's going to help us out a lot. So, we won't have to buy those. >> So, it's going to look really nice. >> Okay. Thank you, >> Jake. Um, I have nothing this time. Okay, [laughter] >> Jason. >> Um, so we didn't have any official business at the RDC meeting because we didn't have a quorum. >> Um, too many people go to Florida. Um, >> and uh, but with there's talks at least about uh, the seat building and hopes to update Indiana landmarks and working with them again for another six months. It's still not that's not official business. So, uh, at least that's in the tux. Um, and yeah, good job for the robotics team. That's
054a long season. It starts right right after school starts, uh, their first competition, so usually like October and then it kind of goes throughout the season. Um, but they those so it's like uh three three guys on that team and they did so well this year. Uh, they're ranked sixth out of the state in skills. Uh, so they they did fantastic. It's been fun to watch them. Um, and uh I know Mrs. Denny's son's on there. Um, and then a couple other students. Oh, and Mrs. Madden's uh son's on there, too. So, got two student uh students with >> And uh did you say Mr. Denny? >> Mr. Yeah, Mrs. Denny. Sorry. I I I always sit near Mrs. Denny. Sorry. Mr. Denny's. >> Mr. Denny >> son and um Mrs. Madden's uh son are
055on on the team that are going to go to world. So, I think that's really cool to see. Um, it's been a few years since we've had a team go, so even make it to state. So, it's really cool. Um, and uh, that's all I got for tonight. >> Okay, Connie, >> it's so nice to see the Kathy Swan students, the awards, and so often these these students tend to be overlooked and um, they're noticed and they're appreciated. I'd also like to thank those of you who spoke about the DLI program. Um, you're heard and when we say we'll table and we'll talk, absolutely that will happen and thank you for your time and effort in in getting the facts together, Mandy, and I appreciate that. So, thank you. Okay. Um, I have some library
056board notes. Um, some upcoming events, they have author Dougrandle who will visit the library on March 27 at 4 pm for an author talk and book signing. I think he's from Waw Bash. Um, Lit Lounge will return on March 20th. It's an after hours library themed community event. It's fun. I went to the first one. Um, oh, come on. Sorry, I lost my thing. Um, there's going to be a Jodie Purcell will lead a writing workshop on April 22nd and they are developing a book bingo event to take place on April 8th. Um, they are also planning for this year's summer reading program which will run from June 8th through July 19th. And I would like to encourage anyone um in the city that does not have a library card to go get one. Um,
057and as far as W by City Schools, I too want to congratulate the Kathy Swan winners. It's always neat for us to get to hear what um is said about these students and um I think our our teachers take a lot of pride in who they select and it's neat when the the um families all show up and communities show up to watch that. So, congratulations to them. Um with that, we'll adjourn. Thank you.