Carl Blythe

The proceedings began with the annual meeting of the MSD of Lawrence Township Board of Finance, which included the election of a president and secretary for 2026, and the appointment of Mr. Matt Miles as the investment officer. Following this, Mr. Miles presented the 2025 investment report, detailing over $2.5 million in interest income for 2025, and provided a review of financial indicators for the 2024-2025 school year, noting positive growth in ADM and fund balances. Updates were given on Neola policy revisions, and the December 31, 2025 financials were reviewed, confirming that the Education Fund exceeded the board goal of $14 million in the general fund, ending at nearly $15 million. Further discussions included Blue Ribbon Phase 2 construction updates, covering projects at Mackenzie, Craig Academy, Crest View, Forest Glenn Elementary, and Mary Castle. The board also approved the transfer of funds from the education fund to the operations fund for the second half of the year, which was within the statutory limit. Additionally, updates were provided on foundation activities, including a leadership luncheon and scholarship program closure, and local community news regarding Black History Month celebrations and a donation from Roller Cave.

The primary focus of the meeting was the board reorganization for 2026, including the election of officers: President Amy Norman, Vice President Crystal Pucket, and Secretary Dr. Shayla Mahalland. Financial leadership appointments were confirmed, naming Matt Miles as treasurer and Renee Hull as deputy treasurer. Committee appointments were made, including Dr. Shayla Mahalland to the Lawrence Township Foundation Board, Miss Marta Lawrence as liaison to the Indiana School Board Association, and Miss Jessica Dunn to the Lawrence Parks and Recreation Board. Updates were provided on Blue Ribbon facilities projects, including construction manager approval for the Mackenzie Center of Innovation and Technology Renovations, naming Powers and Sons as the construction manager as constructor. Updates detailed progress on Craig Academy renovations, facility work at three elementary expansions, and chiller replacements. A first reading of NOLA policy revisions, Volume 38, Number One, encompassing 31 revised policies in response to recent legislation, was conducted. Action items included the approval of personnel reports.

The update provided key progress reports on various facility projects. Blue Ribbon, Phase 2 design work is continuing at the McKenzie Center for Innovation and Technology. At Craig Academy, Phase II renovation of office space is complete for current tenants, with conversion back to classrooms planned over the next year; the gymnasiums were recently used for events. Classroom additions at Crestview, Forest Glen, and Mary Castle are scheduled for occupancy in the 2026-27 school year. Additionally, status updates were provided for roof replacements across numerous elementary schools and ELC sites, with all projects marked as either Substantially Complete, In Process, or Pre-Construction. A comprehensive list of HVAC/Control Upgrades projects for various schools and ELCs was also reviewed.

The special meeting included discussions and votes on several action items concerning the 2025-2026 salary structure. Key discussions involved the approval of the collective bargaining agreement for teachers, which included a 2% raise, and the proposal for a 2% raise for classified staff. A significant portion of the meeting focused on administrative salary updates, where a board member raised concerns regarding high average compensation for administrators compared to comparable districts, noting discrepancies in compensation structure and benefits not fully documented publicly, leading to a vote against the administrative raises. The discussion emphasized the need for compensation equity across all staff segments.

The board discussed updates on the Blue Ribbon construction projects, including progress on LC Poole and Ln. A proposal was presented to consider year-round preschool options and rate increases to support high-quality preschool and competitive early childhood staffing wages. The board also reviewed the dual immersion program, recommending expansion to Belzer Middle School and transitioning Skiles Test and Sunnyside Elementary to full two-way Spanish immersion schools. Enrollment and staffing implications of these changes were also discussed.