Chet Dickey

The meeting focused on the election of Board of Finance officers, including the appointment of a President and Secretary. The Corporation Treasurer presented the Investment Report for the previous calendar year, a review of the Corporation's Investment Policy, and a Fiscal Health Report. Additionally, the Board discussed the possibility of soliciting proposals from various banking institutions for the corporation's main checking account in the future.

The board discussed data regarding the potential revisioning of the school corporation collected through staff and community surveys. Key discussion topics included the financial challenges and budget cuts impacting the school corporation, potential building closures, and inquiries from the community regarding the impact of Senate Bill 1, bussing costs, class sizes, online education pilot programs, the logistics of moving grades five and six, and the criteria for teacher reductions.

The board discussed several items, including reports from school principals and staff on academic initiatives and community outreach. Business items included an update on the board vacancy appointment, approval of the 2026-2027 academic calendar, and authorization for the 2026 mowing bid notice. The board approved the purchase of cafeteria ovens, established guidelines for the Teacher Appreciation Grant, and clarified compensation for agriculture-related stipends and summer experience. Additionally, the board passed resolutions for budget adjustments, authorized the treasurer to pay end-of-year claims, and approved various personnel changes, including transfers and new hires. The meeting concluded with the approval of claims and a formal adjournment.

The Board of School Trustees conducted a public hearing regarding the proposed contract for the Superintendent. During the regular session, discussions included the 2026 budget, specifically regarding potential bus replacement expenditures. The Board approved the 2026 Bus Replacement Plan, the 2026 Capital Projects Plan, the 2026 Budget, the Collectively Bargained Agreement with the Southwest Parke Education Association, and the Superintendent's contract. Additionally, approval was granted for the purchase of a compact excavator for the WRCTE program. Personnel actions, including new employment, were finalized. The Board addressed community concerns regarding facility maintenance, bond interest reinvestment, and potential school corporation consolidation. The Superintendent provided reports on facility improvements, enrollment, financial matters, and grant successes.

The Board conducted public hearings concerning the 2026 capital projects plan, bus replacement plan, and budget, which included discussions on future financial outlooks and potential impacts of state legislation. During the regular session, the Board approved international student travel, a new vision insurance provider, and a resolution to transfer funds between the Education and Operations funds. Personnel actions included the approval of substitute teachers, a staff reassignment, and the appointment of after-school tutors. Additionally, the Board recognized a partnership for a concrete lab project and approved all submitted claims.