001All right, good evening everyone and welcome to the December 9, 2025 Indian Board of Education meeting. I will call the meeting to order and I invite our guest guests who are here to do a pledge of vision. >> There's a microphone guys right there. >> Yeah, there we go. Yeah. Turn around so you can nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. With that, can we move on to the roll call? Mr. Davis, please. >> Mr. Marks. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Sing >> here. >> Mr. Summer. >> Mr. Tullis. >> Here. >> Mr. Warfl >> here. All right. With that, can I have the first to adopt the regular meeting agenda? >> So moved. Second. >> All in favor? >> I that we would move on discussion of superintendent position. Mr. Phillis, would you walk
002us through? >> I would be happy to. Um, so as most have know at this point or have heard, uh, we are going to be having a change of the superintendent position. Mr. Kcki after seven uh distinguished years has moved on to a new school district down in Texas. Um so while we do miss him, we will certainly thank him uh for all the work he's put into this district. Um for those who know Kirk, um if nothing else, he has worked tirelessly to support the students in this district. Uh we're sitting in a building largely um built with his efforts. if you go back years and years on the levy uh then overseeing the construction when everybody up on this stage had really two jobs which was overseeing the school and also overseeing construction.
003Um unfortunately he couldn't be here tonight so we couldn't embarrass him publicly. Uh but we do thank him tremendously from the bottom of our hearts for all the work he has done for this district. Uh we are in a better spot today than we were when he took this job uh six or seven years ago and um we will always be grateful for the impact he's had on on what we do here. Um but we do move on. Um and so at this point we do need to make a few motions um to address his his departure which will be affected at the end of the year. Um then we'll make a motion to appoint an interim superintendent and then an interim assistant superintendent. Um and then when we do that we'll talk briefly about
004the the process to follow. Uh so at this point I will make a motion to officially accept the resignation of Kirk Ki. Um, and with that resignation, there will be a couple mechanical things that'll happen with his compensation. Um, I will add to the motion that we pay his PR-rated annuity, annual retirement annuity, as well as um the month of January's health insurance. >> I'll second that motion. >> Mr. Cullis, >> yes. >> Mr. Marks, >> yes. >> Mr. Warfl, >> yes. >> Mrs. Sing, >> yes. Um a and secondly um and now the exciting part of looking forward uh we very proudly uh make the motion to appoint Dr. Melissa Stewart as the interimm superintendent. Um Dr. Stewart has been here for a few years. I won't aid you by saying how many years
005um but has gracious graciously agreed to step into the role. Um, you know, the transition during this process is important and Melissa has the full support of myself and the board um and leading us through this next stage. Um, Melissa is an educator at her heart and is an excellent one at that and we're thrilled to have her part of the team and thrilled to have her uh stepping into this new role. Um, so with that, I will proudly make the motion to appoint Dr. Stewart as the interim superintendent um and to assume all duties and assignments of the position um beginning effective tomorrow morning. Um in case there is snow tonight, it is officially your call as my as my kids have asked me who makes that call. Uh to make that motion in
006addition to increase her compensation during that period of time for an additional monthly stipen $1,500 a month um until the interimm label is removed in a successor. Second, >> Mr. Tullus. >> Yes. >> Mr. Warpel. >> Yes. >> Mr. Marks. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Sing. >> Yes. >> Uh, and next on the the list, um, we're proud to appoint Mr. Jim Nichols as the interimm assistant superintendent. Uh, Jim also has been around a few days in the school district starting at the primary school in the principal's office. Uh, currently oversees all of our day-to-day operations in the building and and oversees all HR functions. uh and no doubt in our mind will will help Melissa and the team as we move through this transition process. Uh so with that, I would make a motion to
007appoint Jim Nichols as the interim assistant superintendent. Um again, effective tomorrow morning um and add an additional stipen of $1,000 a month until a successor is named. >> I'll second that motion. >> Mr. Tullis, >> yes. >> Mr. Marks, >> yes. >> Mr. Warfl, >> yes. >> Mr. Sing, >> yes. Um so so the next step on this is is moving forward as far as pointing and engaging in hiring a permanent superintendent. Um we will have more details and we can happy to discuss any questions tonight. Uh we will have more details on what exactly that process will look like um in January. Um the decision is it's far more important to get it right than it is to do it quickly. Um and we will make sure the process is done correctly and that
008the decision is the correct decision. Um I don't really have anything in particular or specific to add to that right now unless anybody else has any comments. Um and in the interm it's going to be full steam ahead. Uh we will not see a change in what we do dayto-day. Uh we will continue to think big and to think strategically long term and have full confidence in Dr. Stewart to to lead this ship as we uh go into the new year. >> All right. With that, can uh Mr. Davis, is there a public commentary today? >> There is none. >> All right. So, with that, can we ask Dr. to do the recognition, correspondence, and announcements? >> Yes. Um, I'd like to start by saying thank you for the honor of being the interim superintendent.
009I want you to know that I understand it's quite a privilege to be given this opportunity and one that I take very seriously. So, thank you. Um, can we start by having the video um that we do monthly? I'm super impressed that Indian Hill High School is building a program like this. It is breakthrough. It's [music] something that's very innovative, I believe, in the approach to leadership. >> We are here at the eighth iteration of Business at Breakfast here at Indian Hill High School. This event has been one of the most popular events since we started it. It is a time where students and the educational ecosystem gets to collide with the business world. [music] >> Something that's critical about getting these experiences outside the classroom. You figure out what you enjoy. You figure out
010what you don't want to do. I feel eternally grateful for the experience program and I'm proud that I representing here today. >> Use your people skills. Show who you are and be real because you never know if these connections will turn into internships or [music] jobs in the future. >> So many partners and over 120 students signed up to meet their future business mentors. Having access to partners in business is crucial for the modern student. Our Indian Hill students rave about this event because they get individualized attention, one-on-one talk time with commercial, business, nonprofit, and agency partners from all over the greater Cincinnati region. Getting these opportunities, getting talking to professionals of different fields really gave me an idea of who I wanted to be and what I can be and what I'm good at.
011>> Indian Hill is really unique. Having this opportunity is something that most high schools don't have or you don't get it until you're college and pre-professional. This is a real chance for students to meet the professionals who are doing the work that they want to do. That type of information, that type of collaboration is something that will potentially change the path for these students moving forward. >> It was very helpful for me because I got to make those connections and kind of see what the different careers look like. To have access to the level of business leadership that these students have access to through this program is tremendously valuable. These are folks that have been in market and been achieving at a high level for their entire lives. So, who better to learn from than
012the folks that have actually been there and done it. This just gives you a warm introduction, gives you some practice to start talking to people and networking and asking for help when you need it. And I just encourage everyone to just [music] embrace, take advantage of these incredible opportunities, ask questions, get curious, look into what's out there. >> I truly mean this when I say that no other community could do this like Indian Hill. And it's because of the parents, the alumni, community members, local business partners that say yes and never hesitate to say yes and are just excited to inspire this next generation of professionals. Before [applause] we take a minute to say thank you to Mrs. Richardson and Mr. Damado, I just have like some really great data to share. Um, when we
013think about business and breakfast on October 29th, it was a recordbreaking panel of professional partners with 50% making their very first appearance with us and a total of 120 students and 42 professionals from businesses that are there. Soon, we're going to have to find another location because we're going to run out of cafeteria space. And I want to say thank you so much to Lauren Richardson and Jeff Demado for all of their work to make sure that our students are getting the opportunities to think carefully about their future and understand the different routes that they can take by talking to these professionals. >> Mark, can you share just a little bit about how you track down folks who are coming in to help kids breakfast? I had a lot of questions about, you know, people
014who might want to be interested and I was I contact you. Um, but that's an impressive number to have 50% be first time attendees. How are you guys developing that network um to bring in all these new folks? >> I think it's a couple things just so that there's anybody watching at home will hear. Thanks. >> I think there's a couple things that come into play. I think a strategic move that's been done um really in the past year and a half was we put a question and final form. So when parents typically um you know answer their final forms questions at the beginning of their first their students there's a question placed about what is your career and would you be willing to share it with students and we use that so we've got
015that data for all of the high school students and any parent that says yes we've reached out to and said say hey would you like to come we'd love to have you um also I would say the great thing that I'm seeing more and more this year is we're having students come up to us saying I want my mom and dad there I can how do they get involved and they're giving us their parents' contact information saying, "Hey, I I talked to my dad and you haven't reached out to him yet." They're coming and following up on these things. So, I think what we're really proud about is the kid. It's a really unique way for these high school parents to get involved at this level and um the kids are proud. We're excited. But
016I think especially the final forms move um was a great great entry point. >> That's a really good number to hear. I was curious about that. So, thanks for sharing. >> Yes. >> Yeah. One other thing I would add is really really two. One is we continue to expand our alumni, our young alumni to come back. Uh there are there were eight alumni in that event. Some were young that I I graduated and had the pleasure of that. Some I found out were a little bit older and we asked them to raise their hand like oh actually there's more than I thought. Um and that's a huge piece for us is bringing back those that simp that just graduated that really just starting their own professional journey just the insight they can give to students
017that are in their spaces now. So that's been fun. We'll continue to do that. And just like anything else it is moments like this. It's videos. It's word of mouth where folks are hearing about things. Uh our newsletter that goes out every single week. We have a pretty good uh click rate and open rate for that. So that's been nice. Kind of created some momentum. But it is happening where more and more people are asking about the event and they aren't asking like I would love to be involved in that like well then yes. And so the list of potential partners just keeps growing. Um we have a lot of yeses more yeses than nos and yes we will need a bigger space really soon. and be on the lookout. Global parent uh global week
018coming up in January. We partner with the global parent network and last week of January. >> Yes, last week last week of January. So, we love that event as well. >> Awesome. Thank you so much. >> Thank you. The next item we want to celebrate is that our architecture firm MSA Design has been honored with a 2026 Cincinnati Design Award for experiential graphics in recognition of the comprehensive branding and environmental graphics created across the district's newly reimaged campuses. The award highlights the meaningful transformation of multiple school buildings through a unified student- centered design system that reflects the spirit and identify identity of the Indian Hill community. And so when you walk around and you see the emblems that show design thinking and the five C's, all of that is really what they were talking about.
019And we're super excited that not only was that recognized, but that we see our students using it on a daily basis. All right. Next, um, we would like to invite all Braves to come to the Indian Hill Athletic Hall of Fame on Saturday, January 10th. We are going to have four inductees into the Athletic Hall of Fame. Anna Pod Podigil, an incredible athlete who graduated in 2019. Coach Susan Savage, who coached both cross country and track, special division coach Larry Elim, and coach and teacher Denny Dups. Um, all will be honored during halftime of the varsity boys basketball game, which should begin around 7:30 p.m. at the Indian Hill High School gymnasium. So, join us while we recognize these wonderful and talented people who made such a difference in our students athletic careers. We celebrate
020Indian Hill School senior Nathan Shamut who turned personal challenge into p powerful advocacy by find founding the inaugural one run for Tourette's 5K held November 8th 2025 at Whittenwoods Park. This event created to raise awareness and support for individuals with Tourett syndrome generated more than $33,000 for that organization. Quite impressive. and they had over 150 participants from across the region be there to help celebrate and raise awareness and also be able to gain some funds for research. So, congratulations to Nathan. That's really, really impressive. Next, we have Indian Hill Middle School Latin students for they delivered an incredible performance at the University of Cincinnati's competition in November, bringing home top placements and all levels of competition. The event draws from teams around the region and challenges students in a fast-paced quiz bowl format, including Latin
021language, Roman history, and mythology. Get ready, Melissa Burgess, out in the audience. They're coming for you in the future. [laughter] >> Yeah, for sure. For sure. And lastly, we have the first reading of our board of education meeting dates for the starting in January going through January of the following year. >> I'd like to recommend >> consideration that we adjust the June 23rd board meeting date to June 9th, making it the second Tuesday of of that month versus the fourth Tuesday. >> Uh there is actually a strategic reason why we do that because it is the end of the year. We have a lot of financial things we need to take care of that last week as well as any potential um >> per personnel hiring things and we don't have a meeting in July.
022So we have a long time until we have the next meeting in August. So, I'm sure Melissa would be happy to talk about that, you know, further, but that's that's the reason we typically schedule that. >> How about if we >> stay off? >> Yes, 100%. >> Great. >> Would it be okay with you if I transition down to the superintendent report? >> Great. So, the first item A is approval of overnight field trips. B. Resolution of declaring impracticability of transportation and offering payment in lie of transportation. C. The adoption of the Indian Hill exempt school online continuity plan. And just to make sure we're all clear about that, the Ohio Department of Education requires us to announce how we will serve students who might be home for an extended period of time for things
023like a natural disaster. So, we are required to be able to say how we would do that every single year. Item D is personnel actions, tuition reimbursement and professional meetings. And if you don't mind skipping all the way down to item 8 D5, I would just like to highlight two individuals quickly who have really touched thousands of lives during their time here. The first one is Dr. Danita Jackson who currently is a high school guidance counselor and she's retiring. She started her career here in 1993. She's been a health and PE teacher, a middle school counselor, and now a high school counselor. And it feels worthy to be able to take just a moment to celebrate Dr. Jackson. Next, we have Gail Joyce, who has been the elementary nurse since 2001, which is 25 years.
024She actually started the job when someone left suddenly and the principal at the time called her knowing that she was a nurse and a parent in the building and said, "Please, I need you to do a favor. Please come sub in this position." And then she never left. So, thank you to Gail for all the lives that she's touched as well. We're just so thankful to both of them for all the service they've provided our students. I have to echo that for Denita Jackson being at the part of the alphabet that she serves. >> Yeah. [laughter] >> Um all three of my boys. Um and it's beyond that. She established relationships with with the students that go beyond graduation >> and the guidance and the support is uh without without compare. So >> well done.
025>> Yeah. >> So So we're not accepting her resignation? >> You know, but if you could I would hold it on, but yeah. [laughter] one of by far one of the best. My both kids went through her. In fact, my uh son graduated from middle school with her all the way till high school. So, we had like a seven years knowing Donita and she is hands down the best. Like she just doesn't take care of the counseling part, but she becomes that support for the kids where they can come and talk to her and yeah, she she is just amazing. So, All right. With that, can I have the motion to accept the superintendent report? >> So moved. >> Second. >> Mr. Warfl. >> Yes. >> Mr. Tullus? >> Yes. >> Mr. Marks? >> Yes.
026>> Mrs. Singh? >> Yes. >> With that, M. Mr. Davis, can we move to Treasury report? for my report this evening. Item A is to approve the minutes of the November 18th, 2025 regular meeting to approve the financial reports for the month ending November 30th, 2025. Uh two contracts under item C for Life Skills South Florida and Warren County Educational Service Center. Both of those items are for um services for students. Item D is the approval of the 2026 OSBA membership that includes the electronic subscriptions for school management news at a cost of $11,655. And item E is to accept two donations from the IH boosters for a Q lighting system and the elementary school farmers market and the WP Foundry Park LLC to the B boys basketball program in the amount of $2,500. As
027always, we appreciate those across those donations and those are the things that help our students get the supplemental items that we don't always are fund through our general fund. We appreciate those folks who reach out and donate those items and make those things possible. So, with that, I would ask that you accept the shortest report I've ever given. [laughter] If there are no questions, >> can I have the motion to accept the treasur report, please? >> I move to accept the treasur's report. I'll second that motion. >> Mr. Warfl, >> yes. >> Mr. Marks, >> yes. >> Mr. Tullus, >> yes. >> Mrs. Singh, >> yes. >> Thank you. >> So, with that, we would move to other businesses, board and administration. Uh before we do the part A, let's uh there's a overnight field
028trip request. Uh Dr. Stewart, would you like to say something about it? >> Yes, there's an overnight field trip request. We would be very thankful if the board would be willing to approve this overnight request. It came in a little late. They were just invited. If we wait to the next board of education meeting, it'll be past the time of the tournament. So that's why we've added it to other business. >> Make a motion to approve. Second. >> Mr. Tullus? >> Yes. >> Mr. Warfl? >> Yes. >> Mr. Marks? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Singh? >> Yes. >> With that, Mr. Mr. Davis, can you lead us through the election of the president? >> Yes, this is the uh the temporary the election of a president for the uh 12 or so odd days of January
029that we need to fill until we actually elect the new president to assu assume the 2026 uh calendar year. Uh I would ask that you nominate uh fellow board members or yourself. Um any number of board members can be nominated. It does not require a second. When we close nominations, I will ask each board member for their vote. They can vote for someone who's nominated or abstain. >> I'd nominate uh Nikki Singh uh to the position of President Prom. >> Are there any other nominations? Mr. Marks? >> Yes. For Mrs. Singh? >> Yes. Thank you, Mrs. Singh. Yes, >> Mr. Tullles. >> Yes. For Mrs. Sing, >> Mr. Warfl. >> Yes. >> Thank you. >> We should do it anyway. >> Yeah, he can he can watch it later. Uh, with that, is there any
030other businesses? Oh. Yeah. >> Um Okay. >> Yeah. At this point, we're going to make a motion to move into executive session. Um in accordance with Ohio Revised Code, section 12122G3, uh permits us as a board to confer with an attorney who is so happily in our audience tonight. Um for the public body concerning disputes involving the public body that are subject to pending or imminent court action as we meeting to discuss pending litigation. So when we do that, we will go in executive session and we'll come back eventually and close the meeting. So feel free to stick around, but there's really no additional business after the executive session with all those that are, you know, >> at our we blows and cub scouts boy scouts. >> Probably a good time to exit. I think
031we need >> We have a second. We do need a roll call. >> Seconded. >> Thank you. We want to vote on >> Mr. Tullus. >> Yes. >> Mr. Warfl. >> Yes. >> Mr. Marks. Yes, >> Mrs. Singh. >> Yes, >> we will enter into executive session at 655. >> Mr. Exclusive coverage on the Indian Hill Television Network has been a copyrighted presentation of the Indian Hill High School video department.