Cheryl Hoard

The meeting included discussions and approvals related to operational matters, capital projects, and finance. Key topics included the approval of seasonal, on-call snow removal staff at $25 per hour to assist with clearing sidewalks and entryways following winter weather events. The board also approved the Title One application for the 2025-2026 school year. Furthermore, three resolutions were passed concerning the Boone Township Schools Building Corporation, including approving its incorporation, approving articles of incorporation and bylaws, and approving the issuance of bonds not to exceed $14,120,000. Subsequent approvals included the assignment of construction bids and contracts related to various projects, including a multi-purpose facility, to the Building Corporation, and the approval of the Fourth Supplement to the Master Continuing Disclosure Undertaking. Finally, there was a presentation and award recommendation for the construction of a new fieldhouse/community center, which is estimated to cost $12,548,896.78, encompassing both performance contracting and construction management work scopes.

The Reorganization Meeting included the election of the board president (Chad Franceman), vice president (Jeff Nielsen), secretary (Jerry Mahalik), corporation treasurer (Beverly Hines), and legal counsel (Newbie Lewis Kaminsky and Jones LLP). Conflict of interest statements were accepted. Appointments were made for the legislative liaison to the Indiana School Boards Association (Chad Franceman and Jeff Nielson) and a representative to the Hein Redevelopment Committee (Jenith Belton). The meeting established the regular meeting schedule for the second Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m. and approved a $4,500 stipend for the calendar year 2026, removing per diem meetings. Following this, the regular board meeting commenced, which included public comment time, approval of the consent agenda, and discussion of several action items. Key agenda items included approval for an overnight field trip for the high school FCCLA group to a leadership conference at Ball State, the removal of outstanding and unpaid checks from the books, and acceptance of monetary donations for the cross country and baseball teams. Permission was also granted to participate in Request for Proposals (RFPs) for food service procurement. The Superintendent reported on student achievements, including Hawks Pride recognitions, law enforcement appreciation, master schedule planning for the next school year, and the first-ever Hall of Fame event. Updates were also provided on middle school basketball championships and Coach Wayne Straa receiving a national award.

The board meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silence honoring a student who recently passed away. Key agenda items included the approval of the consent agenda, which likely contained standard administrative approvals. The board then approved Resolution 26-01, the annual 2025 appropriation transfer within the education fund, involving numerous account adjustments totaling approximately $888,366.13. The board also accepted the annual list of outstanding and unpaid checks. A donation of $628 from the athletic department proceeds of a middle school volleyball game was accepted for the family of the deceased student. New business covered the presentation and approval of the 2026-2027 preschool program schedule and cost adjustments. Administrative updates included recognition for school counselors, upcoming Valentine's Day activities, confirmation that the 2026-2027 preschool program is full, and a discussion about the district joining the Porter County Community Foundation's 'First Things First' alliance to secure up to $60,000 in funding for birth-to-three year old outreach, tied to the 'Talking is Teaching' national initiative. Furthermore, the athletic director provided an update on the fieldhouse project, noting that groundbreaking is scheduled for the end of March, which may cause traffic disruptions. The meeting concluded with board comments acknowledging community support following the recent tragedy.

The meeting included discussions and public comments regarding the dismissal of the boys' soccer team coach and a request for him to be allowed to present awards to the team. The board also ratified the 2025-2026 collective bargaining agreement with the teachers union and approved raises for support staff and administrators. An update was provided on the fieldhouse multi-purpose building project, including the vendors involved and the project's financial details.

The board meeting addressed several key items, including food service contracts for the upcoming school year, approval of meal prices with free breakfast across the district, and acceptance of monetary donations to the elementary school. Policies were reviewed, including updates due to new laws, changes to the teacher appreciation grant, student discipline rules, and policies for students living in and out of the district. The superintendent discussed the search for a new high school principal, the transition to Infinite Campus for Harmony, and progress on the multi-purpose annex building project.