001Maybe they're going to call it. Okay. >> Evening. It's six o'clock. This is the Wash City Schools uh board of education meeting. It is Monday, November 3rd, 2025. Um roll call. >> All members are present. >> Okay. Having a quorum, we'll call the meeting to order. Please rise for the pledge of allegiance. I 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. [cough] [clears throat] >> Wash city schools provides a relevant and rigorous education founded upon relationships to ensure [clears throat] each student is college and career ready for success in a global community. Welcome. Uh we have no recognitions tonight. We do have some revisions. We need to approve revisions 4. L through0 and
0024 C3. >> So moved. >> Second. >> All those in favor of approving the revision say I. >> I. >> Those opposed. Motion passes. Is there anyone in the audience that wishes to comment on an agenda item? Okay. On to the consent agenda. We have minutes from October 6th and October 13, 2025. Some claims donations tonight. We're to approve a donation of $335 of an anonymous donation to the Wabash City Schools Needy Kids Fund. And two, we're to approve a donation in the amount of $3,650 fund from the class of 1975. And then we have financials tonight. We have a revenue and expense over view and an appropriations report. I'll accept a motion on the consent agenda. >> So moved. >> Second. >> Discussion. Uh first we'd like to thank um the an anonymous donor
003for the donation to the needed kids fund. I know right now with everything that's going on um many of our kids are relying on breakfast and lunch in our buildings. Um, and also to the class of 75 for the donation to the Steve Iikenberry Memorial. Um, Mr. Blossom's not here, but I'm 95% sure that that fund is utilized by our guidance counselors for students if they have a need. Um, so we appreciate that donation as well. U, moving on to our financials. Okay. [snorts] First we have our revenue and expenses. Um our revenue was a little bit higher than what we had projected. Um our basic grant was a little bit higher and then we also did receive um our insurance payout for our bus. Um so that's why those two things are that's a
004little bit higher. Um our accounts payable was actually a little bit higher as well um than what we had projected. Um most of those were expenses that we had in our project lead the way grant. Um we spent a a big chunk of money for um equipment and supplies for our PLTW classes that was through a grant. [snorts] And then we also had um some PECAP grant expenditures that were a little bit higher. Uh payroll expenses were lower than what we had projected. So, we had um predicted a net loss for the month and we actually came out with the net income. So, that's good to see. Moving on to our key fund balances. Um education fund is just um a little bit over 1.6 million as compared to last year. We're doing a little
005bit better. Operations is at minus 120,653. Um the bus insurance check was receded into operations since that's where the payment for the buses came from. Um so that that dropped that a little bit. Um and rainy day is at 212,478. [clears throat] Um, I will say that I've been working on some projections and I am hopeful I'm feeling somewhat optimistic that we will end this period with our operations in the in the positive. Um, right now my my my projection would be about $35 to $50,000 will be that fund balance. So, if we can end even if we can end with $1 and it not be negative, I will be thrilled. um because it's been a a long time coming to get that into the black. >> Okay. Next, we will move on to our
006appropriations report. [snorts] [clears throat] So starting with our ED fund, um, our revenue was 1,38,000 for the month. You can see that for the year, um, this is for September, so it would be 9 out of 12 months. We would want to be hitting a 75% target in our, um, percentage of appropriation collected or expended. Um, moving down into our expenses, we have a just a few areas that are under that 75% which is really good. Um, the summer school, we knew that that was going to be over. We did get um notification that we should, I think this week, we'll be getting our reimbursement um for summer school. So, some of that money will come back to us. The elementary is going to be funded at 100%. Now, that's just the salary that we
007don't get refunded for the benefits. So, we'll get 100% of the salaries back. And then, um, the middle school and high school, I think those are only going to be funded at 53%. Um, so we'll get some money back there as well. So, overall, when you look at where we're at in our ED fund for all of our appropriations, we are at 70.4%. So, we're doing really well in our um ED fund. Moving to operations um revenue we are sitting at 76.8% collected um which is good remember we get our um tax draw in December so that will we I'm confident that we'll be over 100%. Um, when you look at our expenses, we have a few more areas here that are over 75%. Some of them have been sitting at that or were over
008and so we moved those to rainy day, so they're staying somewhat stable. Um, I was just excited when I looked at the total for operations. We are back under 75%. So, we had gone over for a few months and we've we've evened oursel back out. So, if we can stay under that 75% for the rest of this year, that that'll be the calendar year. That'll be a really good thing for us. >> Printed forms. Why is that so high? >> Uh, that was one that I just did not budget correctly for that. So, mainly because uh Well, wait, which one are you looking at? Printed forms. >> Uh, $73 over. Yes, that is when we >> That's 94%. >> Uh it's 114%. But we haven't bought anything up here >> I think. >> Yeah. 114%.
009>> Yeah. So that was something that printed forms that we have to purchase like our checks and things like that. And so it was more than what we anticipated it being. You can see that we we've made one purchase and that's really been it for the entire [clears throat] year. So >> Okay. Any [snorts] other questions? >> No. >> It's feeling better. >> Yep. Okay. All in favor of accepting the consent agenda say I. >> I. >> Those opposed. The agenda passes. The next regular schedule board meeting will be Monday, November 17th, 2025 here at City Hall at 6 PM. There's some items of communications. We have no old business, new business. We have um WHS student council update. >> My name is Bridget. I'm the student [clears throat] body vice president. >> I'm Maya
010Howard. I'm the senior class president. I'm Victoria and I'm the senior class over here. [snorts] >> What are we doing? So, some events that we've recently been doing at Wash is we um we student council as a body um donated items for the cakewalk at OJ Neighbors and we had um some students come and help run that. Then on October 29th, so last Wednesday, we had our powder puff in the senior junior class one as a team. And we for that event, instead of charging like an admission fee, we just ask if you want to bring cans or you're welcome to donate and all the money will go to fish. >> And then this weekend on Saturday, November 8th, um we have harvest ball and the theme is light up the night or Rapunzel. Okay,
011cool. So athletic events that are happening right now, we're kind of in a shifting from fall sports to winter sports. So this weekend, Ezra Church ran at state as an individual and placed 148 place out of 250 runners. He improved 21 seconds from his run last year at state. Um, [snorts and clears throat] so moving into winter sports, the girls basketball scrimmage tonight and then they have a game Wednesday and Friday and then girls wrestling was invited Ivy on Saturday. Now, other things to know. This Wednesday we have the Wash Middle High School College and Career Fair and we have the fish food drive on the week of November 17th through the 21st where we collect cans and then at the end of the week we go until >> we have 123 school days left.
012[laughter] >> Thank [clears throat] you. >> Yes. Thank you. >> Good job. >> Thank you. >> [clears throat] >> Item B, board will be informed informed of potential projects to be funded through a future bond sale as well as given verbal permission to publish notices for the project. >> So moved. Second >> discussion. So our current projects are wrapping up. Um the boilers are working and there are still a few things that they're working on. Some programming with train. Um there's also some waterline things that they're getting taken care of, but we are very very close on that. So that's awesome. Um the roof is complete. However, there are some final punch list items that need to be finished up. Some things that you know we want them to repair um from the work that
013they did. Um so that is very close as well. So with that being said, we have other work that still needs to be done. So we need to begin the process to go through another bond sale. Um, tonight we'll discuss the potential projects and I'm asking for permission to publish the notices for the projects. Um, this what [cough] Kristen said it, um, ICE Miller, it doesn't have to be a formal vote. It's just you just can just give me verbal permission to to publish. Um, we do have some really serious roofing needs at the middle school and high school. once they got up there and started working on the section they were on, they also went over the entire building and there are some areas that really need attention. Um, so that would be a
014part of the the next set of uh projects. We also have some HVAC updates, so air handlers and some UN events at the middle school and high school. um the windows in the back of the high school. We know those were things that we were hoping to be able to do with this one, but I don't think that's probably going to happen. Um and then, you know, we will also like to look at the lighting and sound issues in the auditorium. That's a great facility. We have um you know our our uh performing arts program is really on the rise and so we want to make sure that they have a place where they can do a show and it's we can see it and hear it. Um and then just general updates and repairs
015will also be included in in the project once we get approval. We will not sell bonds until 2027. um by but by getting approval right now before the end of this year, we are grandfathered in and so we always have that approval. Um but we will delay and the reason why we're doing that is we are waiting for some debt to come off so we can work on keeping that tax rate somewhat level. >> Yeah. So, with board permission, I'd like to publish publish a notice of hearing next week for our first uh preliminary determination hearing for this project. >> All those in favor of board permission say I. >> I. >> Any opposed? >> Okay, you have permission. Thank [laughter] you. >> Just verbal [clears throat] asked for >> item C. Board to approve
016the following policies. The first two are required per our title desktop fiscal monitoring. One, policy 6011, promotion of the purchase of supplies made in the United States. Two, policy 62000, time and effort reporting. And three, policy 2050, access to public records. >> Accept a motion. >> Second. >> Okay. Discussion. >> Um, I I don't think we need to read these. they have copies of it. Jordan, would you agree? Okay. Um, [laughter] and I will summarize them. Jordan can chime in. Um, like I said, the first two, policy 611 and policy 6200, we had a title desktop [clears throat] fiscal monitoring, and those were two policies that we do not have that we are required to have. Policy 611 says that if we are using federal funds, we have to give um preference to um purchase
017supplies that are made in the United States. Um and then policy 6200 is time and effort reporting. So, anybody that is paid with federal dollars, so um that would include cafeteria, anybody that's paid out of title, we have to come up with a way to report that the work that they did is what we are paying them for. So, if we have a title teacher, we have to have some type of record saying that this is what I did um that title said I was going to be doing and yes, this is what I did. Um, I've worked with the DOE. There's an easy way [clears throat] for us to do this. Um, we just do it at the end of each semester. So, it's kind of looking back the people that we paid the
018first semester with title money. We would just verify that they provided the services that they were supposed to do based on what the job title is. >> So, it doesn't have to be like weekly to bi-weekly. >> No, they said we can do it like Yeah, that's what I was thinking. >> I mean, that's what I was thinking. Like you're basically time card. >> Yeah. No, they said that we can do kind of a blanket like these are the people and we're verifying that they did what they were supposed to do or these these duties. >> Yes. >> Um and then the access to public records, we already had this one. So, this is a revision and I think it one made it a little more succinct that we will follow the [snorts] the federal
019gu or the state guidelines. Um and then >> yeah really what so access public records acts a public transparency law so people from the public can request records with some exceptions that schools and governmental entities have to turn over it can be burdensome sometimes though and expensive to make all those copies. So the act says that if you have a policy that says we can charge so much per page for copies it's got to be in a policy but then we can charge it so it adds to our policy. Okay. >> So, because like I said, the first two are required and then the last one is just a revision, I am asking for these to be approved tonight um on the first reading and not go to second reading. >> Okay. All those in
020favor of approving the policy say I. >> I. >> Those opposed? Policies pass. D. board to approve the following fund transfers from the ED fund 3769 highability fund to bring the overexpended fund to a zero balance fund 0101 education fund to 3769 highability fund FY24 in the amount of $4,68967. I'll accept a motion. >> So moved. Second >> discussion. >> So when we get our high ability grant that goes into the 3769 fund and we a portion of that pays um our highability [snorts] teachers salary when we had used all that we had for her salary. She did not get moved back into the ed fund. And so this highability fund is overexpended. So, we need to transfer from the ED to the high ability just bringing that high ability fund back to zero. [snorts]
021>> And that'll be through that's just through 2024. Okay. >> Yes. >> Okay. >> We have not received our high ability grant for this school year. Um, we were supposed to have notification by October 31st if it was approved. And I got an email on October 31st saying we still have not gotten these completed. So, be on the lookout in the coming weeks. So, >> [snorts] >> All those in favor say I. I. >> Those opposed. Motion passes. Item E. Declare surplus for one Besselor print maker 35 photography enlarger for Besselor 23 three enlargers, eight SLR cameras, related photography equipment, and a Powermatic planner. >> So moved. Second >> discussion. So, this is older photography equipment that we have at the high school that's no longer being used. Um, once it's surplus, we will look
022into selling it. >> Okay. All those in favor say I. >> Those opposed? Motion passes. F. Board to approve the retirement of Anne Edingfield as high ability teacher at the end of this semester. >> Motion. >> So move. >> Second. discussion. >> So, Mrs. Edingfield has decided to retire in December. She has served our district for 38 and a half years. Um, we're very sorry to see her leave, but we wish her nothing but the best um in the future. Um once we know that the high ability grant has been approved, I need to reach back out to them and let them know that um we need to calculate how much of her salary would we have paid for the first semester >> and pull that out. I'll need to modify the grant. The money
023that is left over I would I'm going to talk to them. I would like to be able to offer to elementary some elementary teachers to get the high ability certification through Ball State. it's four classes. It can be done um in six months um to give more teachers um that that skill and that knowledge to meet the needs of our our higher learning students. >> So is that kind of like your next step thought process of like replacing replacing but like replacing her and that process? >> Yes. So if we could get somebody that would take those courses. So, we may not have a high ability teacher for the rest of the year, but at least we could get some people trained that then someone may be interested in that part-time position. >> I'm sorry.
024How involved is the certification for that? >> It's four classes. I've done them. They're all online. >> Um they're only eight weeks. So, you do one for eight weeks and then another one and then another one and another one. Do we do we um pay the tuition or a portion of the tuition city schools? >> That's I'm hoping we can use this grant money to be able to do that. >> Okay. And then this will become a pull out program. I don't know how >> it is now. It is a pull out now. Um but that's why I would like to get more teachers trained because it it can't just be I'm pulled out for an hour and I get this. It needs to be when I'm teaching, if you already know how to do
025this, I need to do something different for you. >> Yeah, I'm I'm 100% about that, especially with the difficulties with the the Spanish, you know, we need to offer something and um I'm glad to hear that we're encouraging more than just one person to do this so we can expand and offer that. >> Yes. >> Okay. >> Any other questions from the board? All those in favor of approving the retirement say I. I. >> Those opposed. Motion passes. Item G, approve the following FMLA leave. One, employee number 1 1989 through November 7th, 2025. And two, employee number 12551 from January 5th, 2025 through April 6, 2026. I'll accept a motion. >> So moved. Second, second it. >> Discussion. [clears throat] >> Um, I recommend the board approve these FMLA leave requests. >> All those in
026favor say I. >> I. >> Those opposed? Motion passes. Item H, approve your request from employee number 1987 to extend a leave of absence through the end of first semester, December 19th, 2025. >> So moved. >> Second. [clears throat] >> Discussion. Uh, this employee has been out on FMLA from the start of the year and that [snorts] ends the FMLE, FMLA leave ends on November 7th. However, they are not able to return. Um, we are requesting of leave of absence through the the remainder of the semester. The teacher will be paid um through banked PTO days. There will be five days, however, that will be unpaid. All those in favor say I. >> I. >> Those opposed. Motion passes. Item I approve Emily Rutledge as the long-term sub for employee number 12551 from January 5th,
0272025 through March 26, 2026. >> Second >> discussion. Uh, Miss [clears throat] Rutledge has served as a long-term substitute for an FMLA FMLA [clears throat] leave this semester. So, we appreciate her willingness to fill in for another one. >> Okay. All those in favor say I. >> Those opposed. Motion passes. J. Approve Angela Baleiff as WMS WHS 6th grade language arts teacher through the end of the first semester of the 2526 school year. >> So moved. Second >> discussion. >> So, Mrs. Baleiff has been filling in for the FMLA leave and with that leave being extended to the end of the semester, we also need to extend her her time with us. >> Okay. All those in favor say I. >> I. >> Those opposed? Motion passes. Item K. Board to approve the following coaches
028for the 2025 through 2026 school year. Assistant wrestling Skyler Hall. Elias Crestle and David Porter. I'll accept a motion. >> So moved. Second >> discussion. So these were three positions that we missed when we approved our winter coaches earlier. Um [snorts] as always, we want to thank our [clears throat] coaches for their willingness to work with our student athletes. [clears throat] >> All those in favor say I. >> I. >> Those opposed. Motion passes. Item L. board to approve the following coaches. Sixth grade boys basketball Jared McKe. Sixth grade boys basketball assistant Gage Sheel Simon. Boys wrestling volunteer Anthony Huff. >> So moved. >> Second >> discussion. So when we approved our coaches, Mr. Wright did not have his sixth grade coaches lined up yet. So um and then we have a volunteer. Again, we
029just want to thank these gentlemen for their willingness to work in our athletic programs. [snorts] All those in favor say I. >> I. [clears throat] Those opposed, [cough] excuse me. Motion passes. M. Board to approve medical leave for employee number 150202 from December 12th, 2025 through January 9th, 2026. >> So moved. >> Second. >> Discussion. So, this employee does not qualify for FMLA leave due to the number of hours that they work. Um, they do have uh 12 PTO days, so they will use 10 of those PTO days for this two weeks of leave. Um, I recommend that the board approve this medical leave request. >> All those in favor say I. >> I. >> Those opposed. Motion [snorts] passes. Item N. Board will be informed of notice from the IDOE regarding failure to meet
03062% requirement for teacher compensation. Discussion. >> Do we have to make a motion? >> Yep. >> I don't believe so. Not for just information. Okay. >> Uh so Indiana school districts are required to spend 62% of our state tuition support on teacher salary and benefits. For the school year 2425, we did not hit the 62%. we were at 55.84. Um the previous year we were at 55.15. The board um must be informed of this in a public meeting with an acknowledgement of the notice in our meeting minutes and then we are required to post the notice on our web page within 30 days of receiving the notice. Um we did receive notice that we did meet the funding floor requirement for last year. So we don't have to do anything with that. But we're still
031short on this. Um I'm hopeful with the increases that we've done this year that we'll start getting a little bit closer. >> Any questions from the board? >> Funding floor meaning the salary. >> Funding floor is like the minimum amount that you have to there's a whole equation that they do and so they look at what you've spent and you have to be above that. Um and so >> are there any penalties or anything other than having to post it? This is what it Yeah. >> Okay. That's the onlyation. >> Did [snorts] she say there are >> This is it. All right. [clears throat] >> Okay. Item O. Board to approve resignation of Jenny Denny as music teacher effective November 3rd, 2025. >> So moved. >> Second. >> Discussion. Uh Mrs. Denny has decided to
032resign due to personal reasons. So we wish her nothing but the best. We will begin looking for a [snorts] replacement um in the middle of the year. It will most likely be a long-term substitute um with the hopes of maybe finding a certified music teacher for the 2627 school year. >> All those in favor of approving the resignation say I. >> I. >> Those opposed? Motion passes. Items from superintendent. >> I want to start by congratulating our boys cross country team. they advanced to regionals and Ezra Church for advancing to the state meet. We also had three young ladies that advanced to regionals. That was Maya Gold Golia Golier, Mia Fairchild, and Mallerie Tart. Uh good luck to our winter athletes and coaches. Their seasons are right around the corner. It's hard to believe that
033girls basketball starts this week. Um and we also want to remind our families that Wednesday, November 12th, we have a staff PD day. So, there's no school or e-learning for students and we'll get stuff out on Parent Square to remind our families of that. Um, items from visitors. [snorts] I don't [laughter] think so. That's you. [laughter] Other items from board members and if you have a committee update, please include it. >> Um, parks board still taking donations for Broadmore Parks. Um, last time I checked, we're at 13,000. We need need to get to 20,000 by the end of this month >> to do what? >> We're redoing Broadmore Park. >> Okay. >> If we hit 20,000, we'll get that. Um, let's see. Um, Indiana Housing and Community Development will match it dollar to dollar. >>
03440,000. >> So, >> does that get a lot of use? It's like they're turning it into a pollinator garden. So, they're going to be taking out the equipment. I'm gonna say it's like in a backyard. So, [laughter] >> no, this is going to more of a pollinator. Benches, tables. >> Yeah. >> Oh, nice. >> Project. >> Okay. >> Help to save the butterflies. >> Yes. [laughter] >> Okay. >> Um I with H Heartland, we did pass um the teacher contracts. So, that was approved at the last board meeting. And that's about all that I have. >> Are they happy with their contracts? >> They were. Yes. Um it passed without [snorts] any no incidents so they were happy with it. >> Okay Jason >> uh so RDC did not well I would I missed last
035RDC but I was going to meet tomorrow but they had to move it so I hope to have one maybe next meeting we'll have an RDC up there. Um so for tonight just um with all the food insecurity stuff going on um just been something that's been on my mind. Uh I know that a lot of our families go to the the uh what is it the big idea that we have. Um and that's every >> typically every third >> third or fourth Wednesday >> depends on the book, right? I know the next one coming up is the November the 19th. Um, and then I know North Manchester has one and theirs is always the second Wednesday of every month, but it's during the day. So, I know that's harder for families, but sometimes might
036be easier for for some to get up there. And that's at the uh Church of Brethren up there. Uh, but uh I did some research and as of September 2025, we had over,00 families or households anyways in our zip in our entire county who receive SNAP benefits. And that's just a significant amount in my book uh that can be impacted in a in a negative way. And so, uh, I'm just just just trying to think, you know what, that just put out there that, you know, there's information out there that, uh, places that have food, um, whether it be at OJ for the big idea, um, the, you know, Second Harvest and Fish, they're, you know, they are probably going to get started, get tapped here, uh, but they're on Canal Street. Um, and then
037community cover, they're at the Winchester Center by the city park. Uh, but there's also those little p uh little pantries. I double check they are accurate. I know of at least three of them. There's one on the south side on Zion uh Lutheran at the Hail Drive. Elks has one on the front of their building and then Paradise Spring has one right there on Huntington. So, I just want to make sure make sure that was information that's out there for families who might be in need. >> Okay, Connie. >> Um I'm just gratified the high school kids still collect for fish. um because years ago that we were the biggest single donor each year to fish and um I I hope that the kids are I'm glad that the kids are maintaining that and I
038would hope that maybe the county schools could get involved as well. You know that'd be if you know wishes were horses beggars would ride. But I you know I think that would be that would be really nice but still gratifying that the kids are doing that. >> Okay. And I believe I >> Okay, one more thing. >> Okay. >> Uh Connie and I had an idea and we're trying to get the student council involved with it. We've got to get the council sponsors involved with it. This Friday, we want to do a food drive for fish being a first Friday. >> We want people to bring in food for fish because I have a friend that works for fish on Friday mornings and she goes, "They're in desperate need." Yeah. >> So hopefully the student
039council will >> Set up a table with us. Connie and I have we've told the teachers, you don't have to worry about it. [laughter] We'll we'll be there for them. >> That way they'll be adults with the kids. >> And once we if we hear back from student council and we know that you guys will be down there, we'll get something out on social media to let families know >> because you know this snap shutting it off, people's going to be hungry in this town. >> Okay. Amy, what you say, Amy? 60% of our kids are on free and reduced lunch. >> Yeah. >> And that's a lot. >> And there's a was a message put out by the by Megan that that's not going to be affected for the school kids. >> Correct. >>
040So, that's a good good thing. >> Okay. I think last time I might have reported I' given a library update but we have our interim in place >> and um it's Jan Roland and we are um [sighs] getting ready to do a round of second interviews. So >> hopefully before the end of the year we have somebody hired. [laughter] >> You're you're blessed to have her. She could run >> Oh, I know. >> She could run a small country. >> She is smart. Yeah, >> she's smart. And um I wanted to say for the second year in a row, Khloe Cooper and Mia Fairchild came to my house. They went trick-or-treating for donations for fish and I saw them coming with her wagon and I started gathering. >> So I appreciate that they do that
041on Halloween. And >> yes, >> also I was just going to say thank you to Mrs. Denny and Mrs. Edfield for all their commitment to city schools. I forgot to add that. Appreciate her work. >> Yep. Okay, with that we'll adjourn. Thank you.