Elizabeth Willkom Cunha

The meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance. Key discussions included a presentation by Penn High School Principal and administration regarding the first semester achievement report, highlighting academic honors and athletic achievements. The agenda for the meeting was adopted. The board approved several consent agenda items, including bills, financial reports, acceptance of donations, approval of various 2026 summer camp schedules, approval of agreements with T.C. Harris School & Academy and National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), approval of a revised corporation mileage chart, and approval for several overnight trips for various student teams (Robotics, DECA, Speech & Debate) and class trips. The board also approved requests concerning the disposition of surplus property and the resolution of adoption for board policy technical corrections. The personnel report noted several retirements for certified and classified staff. Action items included the approval of five Capital Improvement Projects totaling $704,073.04 for vehicle purchases and facility upgrades. Approval was also granted for three professional services agreements totaling $958,200 for district safety, roofing, masonry, asphalt, and interior improvements starting in 2027. The board held the first preliminary determination hearing regarding lease financing and bond issuance of $50,000,000 for 2026 and 2027 capital improvements. Ten bylaws and policies underwent a first reading, with final action scheduled for a later date. The meeting adjourned at 7:43 p.m.

The Board of Finance meeting convened to organize for the year, which is required to occur annually after the first Monday in January. Key actions included the adoption of the agenda, the nomination and election of officers (President and Secretary), and the appointment of investing officers for the school corporation, namely the Chief Financial Officer and the Accounting Coordinator/Deputy Treasurer. A significant informational item involved the review of previous year's investments and the presentation of fiscal indicators as required by Senate Enrolled Act 549, along with an overview of the 2026 Budget Order and the impacts of SEA 1.

The meeting commenced with an Executive Session to discuss the training and performance of Board members with outside consultants. Following the Executive Session, the regular meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance and the election of Board officers for 2026: Chris Riley as President, Ryan McCullough as Vice President, and Dana Sullivan as Secretary. The Board recognized the immediate past President for his service in 2025. The Superintendent provided recognitions, including an update from the Penn High School Student/Board Ambassador. The agenda for the meeting was officially adopted. Under the Consent Agenda, numerous items were approved, including the approval of bills, financial reports, fund placements, resolutions for fund transfers, acceptance of donations, agreements with Everwise Credit Union and Policy Analytics LLC, approval of specific student trips, an athletic facility use agreement, and the personnel report detailing retirements and the appointment of a new Associate Principal at Penn High School. Action items included the approval of the Everwise Freed Field Naming Rights Agreement for Penn High School's football field, which will be effective March 1, 2026, for 10 years. Capital improvements were approved for the PHM Science and Space Exploration Center, authorizing Change Order No. 2 for $1,015,421 to restore the original scope. Additionally, the Board authorized the Notice of Hearing on Projects related to a forthcoming $50M capital projects plan involving 2026 and 2027 bond financing. Finally, appointments were made for the Ex-Officio Member to the Penn-Harris-Madison Education Foundation and the Board Member to the District Safe Schools Committee.

The meeting included a ceremonial Oath of Office for the newest Penn Township Trustee. The board recognized Penn High School's achievements, including an IDOE Excellence in Data-Driven Support Award and Assistant Principal Josiah Parker being named the 2025 State Assistant Principal of the Year. The board also discussed and approved various action items, including financial reports, acceptance of donations, awarding of bids for gasoline, fuel, groceries, and paper products, community education class fees, agreements with Astbury Water Technology, author Jill Esbaum, Smekens Education Solutions, Mazi Education, LLC, and Holy Cross College. Additionally, the board approved overnight athletic trip requests and a trip request for Penn High School Model United Nations Students. The board approved the adoption of Commercial Vehicle Excise Tax and Financial Institution Tax Allocation Resolution. The board also discussed and approved capital improvements.

The meeting included the Pledge of Allegiance and roll call. The agenda for the November 3, 2025 special meeting was adopted. The Board appointed a new Penn Township Trustee to fill the vacancy. The next Regular Meeting was announced.