April Harris

The board approved payroll, claims, and personnel matters including new hires, reassignments, resignations, and retirements. Action items included the authorization to dispose of obsolete furniture and equipment, approval of revisions to the Northeast Indiana Special Education Cooperative Joint Services agreement, and approval of a special purchase exemption agreement with Pulver Cove Associates for school furniture. The board also authorized summer employment for students in the agriculture and maintenance departments and approved the Agriculture Department's Program of Activities and School Farm Agreement. Building updates covered discussions on remote learning procedures, compliance with HB1004 regarding student device monitoring, and policies concerning cell phone bans.

The meeting focused on the board reorganization for the upcoming year, which included the election of board officers, the appointment of a school corporation treasurer, deputy treasurer, and board attorney, and the setting of board member salaries. Committee assignments for various school functions were also established, and the board confirmed the schedule for future monthly meetings. Additionally, the board approved the employment of a computer teacher and aide, and held an executive session to discuss an employee's job performance.

The board addressed various personnel actions including coaching appointments, leaves of absence, and staffing resignations. Action items included setting the date for the upcoming Board of Finance/Reorganization Meeting, approving multiple fund transfer resolutions, reviewing and adopting the school's back-to-school plan, and scheduling a make-up day for a previous school cancellation. An executive session was also held to discuss the implementation of security systems.

The Board of Finance reviewed and approved the Board of Finance Resolution. The Chief Financial Officer provided a presentation regarding the investment income report, noting total interest earned during the previous year, an overview of the Distressed Unit Appeal Board financial indicators, fund account balances, and the financial report card.

The board meeting featured a public hearing regarding the status of Milford Elementary, with patrons advocating to keep the school operational. Action items addressed and approved included the 2011 FFA Program of Activities, the Board of Finance Resolution, and a strategic plan to transition students and staff from Milford Elementary to Prairie Heights Elementary for the 2011-2012 academic year, with a review for Milford Elementary deferred until spring 2012. Additionally, the board received a report on Apex Learning at the high school and concluded with an executive session to discuss collective bargaining and employee job performance.