Jay D. Blackman

The Board of Finance meeting focused on organizing the Board by approving nominations for President and Secretary. Key discussions included the presentation of the Investment Report for Calendar Year 2025, detailing investment income of $651,250.29 across corporation accounts and the placement of $6,000,000.00 into a 12-month CD. Additionally, a report on the school corporation's fiscal and qualitative indicators, required by Indiana Code, was presented, which included data on ADM, fund balances, and a comparison of tax rates against other Lake County school districts. New Business involved accepting the investment report and continuing the current investment policy.

The meeting included a guest report providing an update on the progress of a pool construction project, noting that excavation had just commenced. Discussions also covered the update on lighting upgrades and other improvements at the middle and high schools, with focus on finishing minor areas. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the complex requirements and allocation of the state Teacher Appreciation Grants, identifying 30 teachers for the Tier One grant of $3,500 based on student performance data. Furthermore, the board addressed accountability through student assessments, detailing various state-mandated tests and local progress monitoring tools. Professional development updates included work on Professional Learning Communities, STEM integration coaching, curriculum mapping (ELA and Math), school safety training, and the introduction of the "Building Thinking Classrooms" framework. Finally, the board prepared for an action item regarding the adoption of new Language Arts textbooks for K through four, noting a desire to improve literacy scores by adopting research-based materials like SABIS, and planned for addressing tier two and three needs for supplemental student support.

The meeting commenced with a reorganization session, which included the election of the Madame President, Vice President, and Board Secretary. Following these organizational items, the board discussed board representation roles, including NY and legislative liaisons. An action item addressed the approval of the 2026 meeting schedule, maintaining one meeting per month. The Board of Finance meeting was subsequently opened, where the president and secretary for that body were also nominated. A key presentation covered the investment report for 2025, detailing investment income and a successful placement of $6 million in a 12-month CD at 3.85% with First Merchants Bank, noting a decrease from previous years' interest income. The second major topic involved a review of fiscal indicators for 2024, covering ADM trends, revenue source reliance (noting the impact of recently received federal stimulus funds), fund balances (explaining negative balances relate to pending federal reimbursements), and annual surplus/deficit analysis. Financial projections, incorporating the impact of property tax loss revenue due to Senate Enrolled Act One, raised concerns about future cash balances and the potential necessity of a referendum to offset projected losses and maintain operational solvency.

The meeting agenda included an Executive Session to discuss job performance evaluation and employment matters. The Regular Open Session featured reports on Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment, Business Operations, Technology, and the Superintendent. Action items approved the cancellation of stale-dated checks, the adoption of elementary textbook materials, and the approval of the updated High Ability Handbook. Several overnight athletic and study trips were approved, including participation in wrestling tournaments and the INTMA Competition. The Board also authorized the disposal of surplus technology equipment and accepted bid proposals for eRate Category 2 equipment. Consent items included the approval of minutes from previous meetings and the Personnel Report, as well as acceptance of various monetary and in-kind donations for high school and elementary school programs and scholarships.

The Tri-Creek School Corporation's High Ability Handbook outlines a comprehensive plan for identifying, nurturing, and challenging high ability learners across all grade levels. Its primary focus areas include implementing an unbiased identification process, providing diverse program options with differentiated instruction, offering professional development for educators, and ensuring differentiated support, services, and affective curriculum from K-12. The plan emphasizes collaborative partnerships with families and community stakeholders to cultivate learning environments that promote curiosity, creativity, and academic excellence, with a vision of preparing students to lead, innovate, and contribute meaningfully to their communities.