Doug Dillion

The meeting commenced with recognitions for students who participated in the NAACP chapter essay contest, with eight of the thirteen honored students present. Key agenda items included gaining approval for donations to Benjamin Franklin Elementary, Sarah Scott Middle, and Prayer Elementary Schools. The board also discussed and sought approval for personnel and professional lead reports. A significant portion of the meeting focused on the 2022 Summer School Program, detailing its five-day structure, availability across all elementary schools (contingent on a minimum of 60 sign-ups), and the provision of meals. Furthermore, a proposal for the Education Professions dual credit high school pathway, developed in partnership with Indiana State University, was presented. This initiative aims to guide students through preparatory coursework, including classes taken at ISU's College of Education, to encourage future teaching careers, especially in special education and high school subjects. Finally, the board reviewed the extensive, six-year rotation process for mathematics curriculum adoption, which involved teacher and parent evaluations, vendor presentations (though the in-person 'caravan' was canceled due to snow), and a subsequent election process to select new curriculum for K-5, 6-8, and high school levels.

The session included a public hearing regarding the 2021 budget proposal, which was detailed across three sections covering budget forms, the capital projects fund plan, and the bus replacement fund plan. Key discussions included the proposed appropriations and tax rates, noting that the 2021 budget was developed using a lower assessed value which inflated the proposed tax rate, subject to adjustment by the Department of Local Government Finance (DLGF). The capital projects plan outlined projected expenditures for schools and facilities, including corporation-wide needs like utilities and equipment. The bus replacement plan detailed the planned replacement of 17 buses, deferred from 2020 due to cost conservation efforts. The board also addressed the accounts payable docket, accepted a donation of $62,000 for Chromebooks from the Vigo County Education Foundation and the Fleshner Family Foundation, approved the personnel report with one termination and one resignation, approved the use of Steel Benefits Solution as the electronic benefits enrollment platform, and approved a resolution to continue the summer feeding/free lunch program. Furthermore, approval was sought for three grants: one to enhance remote instruction for CTE students (including video systems and fit testing coverage), a Digital Learning Capacity Building Grant focused on teacher training and micro-credentialing, a Formative Assessment Grant utilizing the Clearsight product, and a High Ability Grant for gifted and talented students (covering testing, AP prep materials, and curriculum development). During citizen comments, concerns were raised regarding the display of the 'Blue Lives Matter' flag and apparel by faculty and staff, with students expressing feelings of being unsafe and unsupported.

The meeting featured a special presentation recognizing the continued partnership with The Grand Transfer Pie Company, which included a donation of two thousand dollars to the VCSC Backpack Program, funded in part by community pie sales. The Student Services department presented an overview of Restorative Practices used in the corporation, focusing on strengthening relationships, building a healthy school climate through universal approaches, repairing relationships via responsive circles or restorative chats, and rebuilding relationships through intensive restorative conferencing for serious instances. The presentation detailed how restorative language shifts communication away from judgment to understanding and empathy. Discussions also covered the process of training administrators, counselors, and interventionists in these practices, with plans to expand training to all staff. The board proceeded to approve the consent agenda, the October accounts payable docket, accept donations for various school programs, and approve the personnel report and professional leave requests. Public comments were heard regarding the 2022 budget adoption.

The meeting began with a presentation summarizing the University Connections program, which ran from June 16th through June 27th at Indiana State University. The program exposed students to English Language Arts, STEM activities (including building volcanoes and solar ovens), creative arts, music, and iREAD remediation. Community connections included sessions on healthy eating, making smoothies and hummus, creating healthy shopping lists with assistance from the Pacers Foundation and local grocers, and demonstrations involving police K-9 units and medical activities like touching a human heart. Students also participated in media production exercises and theatrical costume lighting demonstrations. Personnel matters included a request for approval of the personnel report and professional leave requests. An update on staffing needs indicated three open full-time bus driver routes and several open positions for Educational Assistants (EAS) across elementary, middle, and high schools, including special education and specialized roles like music and media specialists.

The special board meeting focused primarily on the introduction and approval of the contract for the new superintendent, Dr. Chris Hensel. Public comments were taken, with one commenter raising concerns regarding the structure of the superintendent's contract, specifically concerning incentive-based compensation and vehicle allowances contributing to retirement funds. Other speakers welcomed Dr. Hensel, praising the board's diligence in the selection process and expressing optimism for the future of the school corporation. Board members expressed unanimous support for Dr. Hensel, highlighting his strong background in leadership, accountability, teacher onboarding/retention, and his commitment to putting children first, regardless of whether the school setting is urban or rural. The motion to approve the superintendent's contract passed unanimously.