Jay Bendes

The Executive Session was convened for the purpose of discussing the job performance evaluation of individual employees, conducted in compliance with IC.5-14-1.5-6.1(b)(9).

The Board of Finance session focused on organizational matters and financial reviews. Key discussions included maintaining the status quo for officers, resulting in Ron Halbert Jr. remaining President and Kip Corn remaining Secretary. The School Board Members reviewed the 2026 Investment Summary Report and discussed the Superintendent's report concerning fiscal and financial indicators and the overall financial condition of the school corporation.

The meeting commenced with the approval of the agenda. A significant portion of the session was dedicated to the reorganization of the board of trustees, including the election of officers, appointing Kip Korn as President, Ron Halbert Jr. as Vice President, Vicky Reese as Second Vice President, Cassie Anthony as Secretary, and Diane Evans as Assistant Secretary. Appointments were made for the corporation treasurer (Tiffany Markle) and deputy treasurer (Gail Hicks). The board also approved a slate of extracurricular treasurers, deputy treasurers, and cashiers for various school programs. Discussions were held regarding the establishment of the regular meeting schedule for the remainder of the year, ultimately agreeing to hold the March regular meeting on the 23rd due to conflicts. The board approved the personnel report, noting one resignation and several hiring recommendations. Furthermore, a standing resolution was approved to permit the transfer of funds from the education fund to the operations fund throughout calendar year 2026 as needed. Finally, the board approved the designation of First Merchants as the financial institution for depositing school corporation funds, and reviewed compensation policies for board members, intending to amend the policy to reflect a $100 per meeting compensation for regular sessions.

The meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance. Key agenda items included the approval of the agenda and consent agenda items, such as accounts payable vouchers and minutes from the October 24, 2025 session. Financial discussions included updates on a bond sale intended to fund operations adjustments, a second-grade classroom renovation, and softball field completion. Recognition was given to students who participated in the Delaware County Pride Team for promoting positive choices, and to students recognized for their contributions to the food pantry, which served approximately 200 families. The high school reported on student career pathway interests, showing 40% interest in healthcare, supported by field trips to Ball State and Ascension. Extracurricular updates covered the completion of the fall athletic season, individual wrestling champions, and a girls' basketball player reaching a scoring milestone. The MEC conference reaffirmed its commitment despite two schools leaving. Elementary reports highlighted a 95% attendance rate for parent-teacher conferences and community support efforts, including a food drive and winter program details. Board discussion focused on the personnel report, noting the final day for Mr. Hansen, and the need to address chronic absenteeism with strategies like engaging curriculum and parental notification.

The meeting commenced with the approval of the agenda and consent agenda items, which included the review and approval of accounts payable voucher listings and the minutes from the January 29th, 2026, regular session. Key discussions focused on spotlight recognition for student achievements, including the Science Bowl team's performance and the recognition of four juniors as part of the 'Rising Stars of Indiana.' Student representatives from the Superintendent's Advisory Council provided feedback on their first meeting, noting consensus on school improvements and the value of student input. Operational updates covered enrollment figures (up approximately 10 students year-over-year), the upcoming I-Read testing schedule, modifications to success time standards, and positive growth in the Vememy math program. A significant portion of the discussion involved safety protocols following a school safety conference, emphasizing qualified immunity for educators and revising lockdown drill procedures to align with new state statute requirements, including personalized classroom clearance instead of public announcements. Further operational items included the January mini-audit of junior senior high school bank statements, reporting on the 8th-grade civics field trip to Daleville, and reviewing the successful execution of Homecoming week, with plans to enhance alumni recognition for future events.