Danica Houze

The meeting encompassed three main segments: the Board of Finance Meeting, the Regular Board Meeting, and the Statutory Meeting. During the Board of Finance session, the agenda was approved, and officers for the Board of Finance were elected, with Mr. Storie as President and Mrs. Yancey as Secretary. A financial report presentation covered the Investment Policy, the previous year's investment report, and the annual assessment of the School Corporation's financial condition. The Regular Meeting included recognizing several student achievements, notably the Fall Sports Academic All-State recipients and the 94% graduation rate and 95% staff retention rate at Madison Consolidated High School. A presentation by Baker Tilly provided preliminary financing information regarding illustrative First Mortgage Bonds Series 2026, estimating a borrowing amount of $22,000,000. The MCHS Principal presented on academic goals, safety/well-being objectives, and staff retention strategies. Key actions included approving the Resolution Reapproving Formation of Building Corporation and 2026 Bonds, approving a supplement to the Master Continuing Disclosure Undertaking, and approving a demolition contract for E.O. Muncie. The Consent Agenda covered approval of the regular meeting agenda, approval of previous minutes (December 2025), payment of claims, financial report, construction payments, and personnel changes (including new employment, resignations, and changes of position/rate), as well as approval of donations/grants and numerous field trip requests. The Statutory Meeting addressed the reorganization of the Board of School Trustees for 2026, electing officers (Mr. Storie as President, Mr. Bentz as Vice-President, Mrs. Yancey as Secretary), approving the CFO/Assistant CFO, and setting the meeting dates for Regular Board Meetings and Work Sessions for 2026. A resolution authorizing Board Compensation was also approved.

The Board of School Trustees conducted a Work Session to discuss the Board Packet Review and Board Policies.

The Board conducted a Work Session primarily to review the Board Packet. Following the Work Session, the Board convened in Executive Session to discuss job performance evaluations of individual employees, pursuant to Indiana Code 5-14-1.5-6.

The meeting began with a moment of silence for former employee Carole Gallatin and student Bryce Melton, followed by recognition of Josh Taylor as the Indiana Technology Director of the Year for his work in eSports, AI integration, and closing the digital divide. Jennifer Colen was recognized with the STEM Excellence Award for her comprehensive integration of STEM curriculum and teacher coaching. Superintendent Dr. Teresa Brown was recognized for receiving two awards: the Indiana 2025 Candice Dodson EdTech Trailblazer Award and the 2025 Dean F. Berkly Emerging Leadership Award, acknowledging her leadership in AI integration and data-driven reform resulting in significant student achievement growth. The Board approved the agenda, claims, financial report, and construction payments. Numerous personnel actions were approved, including new employment, resignations, retirements, position/rate changes, FMLA leaves, unpaid leaves, and terminations. The Board approved various donations and grants, including a STEM Integration Grant and a Robokind Grant. Field trip requests for various sports teams and academic competitions were approved. Key action items included the approval of Year-End Appropriations and Budgetary Transfers, approval of property/liability/worker's compensation insurance resulting in significant savings, and the adoption of several revised and one replacement MCS policy, including policies on elections, compensation, executive sessions, and student suicide awareness. The Board also declared intervention kits and iPads obsolete, and approved a three-year elevator agreement and a major pool contract.

The Board of School Trustees conducted a public meeting to discuss changes to the teacher contract, including base salary increases, literacy endorsement differentials, health insurance premiums, stipends, and leave policies. The board also discussed a presentation from Lydia Middleton Elementary School, covering topics such as family-friendly initiatives, sensory rooftop gardens, student retention, coaching cycles, and intervention results. The board approved a collective bargaining agreement with the Madison Teachers Association, a supplemental pay resolution for the teacher contract, and a stipend for classified and certified employees. Additionally, the board approved the purchase of a bus, classroom interactive boards, chromeboxes, and uniforms. They also discussed and approved agreements with Policy Analytics, LLC, JobReady 360, and the Southeastern Career Center.