Ben Werne

The board discussed and approved several items, including building and maintenance updates regarding HVAC replacement and pool filtration system upgrades. Additionally, the board approved curricular materials and student fees, a new summer garden program at the elementary school, and a continued agreement for food service management.

The board approved various consent agenda items including personnel recommendations and leave requests. Presentations included a Jasper High School update, parent engagement initiatives, an overview of the Exceptional Children's Cooperative, and a curriculum report focused on elementary English-Language Arts. The board authorized the use of an activity bus for Jasper Park and Recreation, approved several building improvement bids including mechanical upgrades and chiller replacement, and requested RFPs for loading dock improvements. Additionally, the board approved device replacement quotes for kindergarten and elementary staff, authorized a tower lease agreement with Hutson, Inc., and held an executive session regarding school safety measures.

The meeting focused on the organization of the board, including the election of officers and the appointment of the Corporation Treasurer and school attorney. The board established a schedule for regular meetings, set board member allowances, and approved specific bond limits for various administrative and treasurer positions. Additionally, the board convened a Board of Finance meeting to appoint its own officers, review investment reports, and discuss corporation financial indicators and fund balances.

The board discussed several items, including a presentation on the Dubois County Graduate Profile program, a report from elementary school principals regarding newsletters and parent engagement, and an update on the IREAD-3 assessment for grade 2 students. Further discussions involved the progress of the Pre-Kindergarten program toward NAEYC accreditation, the authorization to advertise for bids for Jasper High School mechanical and Alumni Stadium improvements, and the approval of the Ireland Elementary classroom addition and improvement bid. Additionally, the board approved an HVAC preventative maintenance agreement, a tower space contract with Fullnet, Inc., and new wage scale changes for various staff categories.

The board meeting addressed multiple financial and administrative resolutions, including the approval of a Rainy Day transfer, the transfer of funds from the Education Fund to the Operations Fund, and the adoption of the 2026 budget, bus replacement plan, and expenditure goals. The board received reports on Jasper Public Library programs, held a presentation regarding classroom additions at Jasper High School, and discussed updates on athletic facilities. Additionally, the board approved an endowment fund agreement for the JHS band program and reviewed proposed revisions to the athletic code of conduct.