Dana Deffendoll

The meeting commenced with roll call following the Pledge of Allegiance and an invocation. An executive session was held prior to the regular meeting, with assurances that only the specified subject matter was discussed. Key discussions included the approval of vouchers, a review of financial reports detailing bank statements and fund balances for education, debt service, operations, and other funds. A significant portion of the meeting involved a presentation from the Daughters of the American Revolution and the America 250 committee proposing a student writing contest focused on the Declaration of Independence and a related in-classroom reenactment experience involving crafts like mob caps and tricorn hats. The board also addressed old business by approving financial policies F325 and F350. New business included the approval of several donations to the Pike Central High School Swing Choir and German American Bank. A fundraiser proposal involving 3D printed objects for the musical program was approved, as was the cancellation of outstanding checks and the approval of an out-of-state trip for the FFA to Louisville, Kentucky. The board approved declaring surplus items for auction and renewed a manual service agreement with Trane for HVAC equipment. Furthermore, the board reviewed and approved an early retirement option proposal for both certified and non-certified employees, and a first reading was conducted for policy F101 regarding school budgeting practices.

The Board of Finance meeting commenced with a review of investments, reporting total interest on investments of $53,160.78. A detailed review of bank statements and fund statements was conducted. A significant portion of the discussion involved state-suggested policy recommendations for the board to adopt, including the F200 Investment Income policy (already in place), Board Organization policy (already in place), and the introduction of two new policies for first reading: the Debt Management Policy (F325) and the Cash Balance and Liquidity Policy (F350). The board is also working to develop a policy regarding budget implementation, as no template was provided by the state. Fiscal indicators, including student counts, assessed value, demographic data, fund balances, and revenue sources, were presented for review.

The meeting commenced with organizational items, including the election of officers, resulting in the appointment of a President, Vice President, and Secretary. Following an executive session, the board addressed appointments for the corporation treasurer, deputy treasurer, and board attorney for 2026. Key decisions involved the designation of fund depositories and official publications. Financial discussions included the review and approval of vouchers, fund reports (Education, Debt Service, Operations, Rainy Day, and Geo Bonds), appropriation reports, and cash projections. The board also approved year-end transfers to true up account balances and adopted the resolution for the self-insurance fund. Furthermore, the mileage reimbursement rate for 2026 was set at $0.49 per mile. The board accepted numerous donations benefiting various schools and departments, estimated to be worth over $50,000 in total value, including cash and in-kind donations like chairs. Finally, the board reviewed and approved several fundraiser requests from different school entities and considered a proposal for a marketing campaign involving short-form video content production aimed at increasing awareness and supporting enrollment initiatives.

The public meeting was convened to review the tentative agreement between the Pike County School Corporation and the Pike County Teachers Association prior to ratification. The agreement was status quo regarding salary and overall benefits, with the same items being offered. A reduction in insurance premiums was achieved by moving to a four-tier option. The only adjustment to language involved sick and personal days: employees will now receive nine sick days and five personal days, with unused personal days rolling into accumulated sick leave, and no carryover of unused personal days. The ratification of this agreement is scheduled for the regular board meeting on December 9th. Following this review, the meeting was adjourned.

The board meeting covered several financial matters, including the approval of claims and review of various fund reports (Education, Debt Service, Operations, Rainy Day, Geo Bonds). The board approved the 2026 budget notice appropriations and levy. They appointed members to the Board of Finance for January 2026. Key actions included the second reading approval of several policies and administrative guidelines (C126, 225, D300, F-125, 176, 225, G375, etc.). The board approved the 2025-2026 Collective Bargaining Agreement with the Teachers Association, amending sick and personal leave days. Approval was also granted for cell phone stipends following an audit finding, acceptance of numerous donations for various school needs, approval of a bulk paper purchase, and approval to proceed with preparations for an auction of surplus items. The tabled bus lease proposal was finalized, approving a lease for 17 buses with camera systems included. Personnel actions included accepting several resignations and approving new appointments for bus drivers, an ECA position, and various athletic coaching volunteers. Discussions also covered professional leave requests for teacher training and attendance approval for a School Safety Summit.