Brandon Chordas

The meeting featured spotlights recognizing school resource officers for their dedication and student wrestlers for their achievements at the state level. The superintendent provided a financial report, detailing current fund balances and discussing the impact of local tax legislation on school revenue, alongside inflationary pressures on operational costs. Additionally, the superintendent highlighted positive feedback regarding the effectiveness and utilization of the employee shared health clinic.

The board meeting primarily focused on the Tri Share program and its impact on families and the school district, with several speakers advocating for continued support for the program. Additionally, there was a spotlight presentation on the career education and work-based learning program at West Noble High School, featuring testimonials from students participating in internships and cadet teaching positions. The presentation highlighted the program's growth, the expansion of employer partnerships, and the positive impact on student career exploration and future readiness.

The meeting commenced with the pledge of allegiance and an opportunity for public comments on agenda items. Key activities included the reorganization of board officers, with elections for president, vice president, and secretary, followed by appointments for corporation treasurer, deputy treasurer, and school attorney. The board also voted to establish that members would hold the same positions on the board of finance. Committee appointments for various areas, such as policies and handbook, contract negotiations, extracurriculars, curriculum, and construction, were confirmed. Superintendent reports detailed the progress of the HVAC project at West Noble Elementary, noting it is ahead of schedule with efficient student and staff coordination during section transitions. The report also covered the opening of the Parkview Shared Clinic on February 2nd for staff and Ligonier city employees, including recognition for the donation supporting the equipment. Student enrollment was discussed, showing an increase of eight students since October 1st. Finally, a detailed update was provided on the plan to consolidate grades K-4 at West Noble Elementary to the main campus by the 2027-2028 school year, involving the sale of the West Noble Primary School building after the state waiting period concluded.

The meeting included recognition ceremonies for retiring staff members, Terry (after three years of service) and Billy Pratt (a bus driver for 15 years), acknowledging their work ethic and faithfulness. The board also reviewed and approved the minutes from the previous meeting. The superintendent provided a comprehensive report summarizing the accomplishments of 2025, highlighting transitions such as new board members and a new Chief Financial and Operations Officer, receipt of a $50,000 donation for student computers, completion of various construction projects including new track facilities and HVAC work, partnership with Westside Daycare, and the replacement of an old squad car. The report concluded with a two-year strategic plan outlining goals for 2026 and 2027, which include expanding outdoor education, completing the HVAC project at the elementary school, updating high school facilities, building a new bus garage, meeting state performance benchmarks, hosting a summer education summit, consolidating students by closing the primary school, developing a new special education program, and beginning to replace buses while aiming to raise base teacher pay to state minimum expectations. The superintendent closed by emphasizing core organizational values: curiosity, teamwork, integrity, grit, joy, and excellence.

The meeting included a Lease Hearing followed by a Regular Board Meeting. The Lease Hearing focused on the 2026 Bond Project, covering planned renovations for student and staff accommodation, updates to WNHS facilities, improvements to transportation infrastructure, gymnastics and athletic fields, various remodeling projects, and HVAC controls. The financial impact discussion confirmed the debt service tax rate should remain consistent at .30 cents for the 2026 Bond. The Resolution Authorizing Execution of Lease (2026 Bond/Project 2) was approved during this hearing. In the Regular Meeting, the Spotlight on Learning segment featured student council and NJHS members sharing Gratitude Grams. Reports included an update on the WNES HVAC Project, which is proceeding on schedule, and exploration into expanding the outdoor education program into the first grade. The Consent Agenda covered financial receipts, disbursements, cash flow, and various field trips and professional leave requests. Personnel actions included the acceptance of one resignation, one FMLA leave, and the hiring of a classified custodian, along with an approval for a Service Agreement for an Assistant Girls Track Coach. Further action items approved the Resolution Assigning Construction Bids and Contracts, a Supplement to Master Continuing Disclosure Undertaking, the Martin-Riley Contract, the EMCOR HVAC Contract, corrections to the 2026-2027 School Year Calendar, updates to the Classified Handbook, the Regional Tri-share MOU, and permission to write a Letter of Intent to leave NEISEC. Information items noted the establishment of a new ECA (Tennis Club) and the upcoming 2026 School Board Meeting Calendar.