Kerri Dilger

The organization meeting included the election of officers, where Matt Eckert was elected President, Kent Uebelhor as Vice President, and Elaine Miller as Secretary. The Board determined that member compensation would remain at $2,000 annually or $50 per meeting, and meetings will henceforth occur on the second Wednesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. Various treasurers and the Director of LEA Representative of Federal Programs were approved. Following this, the finance meeting involved the election of finance officers and the approval of investments and a list of approved banks. A financial indicator review was also presented. The subsequent regular board meeting approved claims totaling $4,916,089.77, covered professional leave requests, field trip requests for various schools and grades, and facility use requests. The Board also addressed public comments regarding cap decoration for graduation, received a report from Student Advisory Members, approved several resignations and new hires, considered multiple donations primarily for the baseball renovation project, and approved the 2026 Budget Order. Further actions included approving an insurance renewal, approving a noncertified staff salary increase, approving encumbrances and transfers, and approving a resolution to transfer funds and close the pension debt fund. The executive meeting was held to discuss a matter pursuant to IC 5-14-1.5-6.1(b)(9).

The board held a work session to review the proposed construction sequence schedule for the Forest Park renovation project. The suggested schedule included construction beginning in June 2026, with a finalized completion date in 2030. The board also held a regular meeting where they approved the consent agenda. The Student Advisory Members presented an overview of events and activities. The board received updates on the baseball renovation project and design plans for the Forest Park renovation project, including visual renderings and a review of the proposed project schedule. The board approved the construction sequence schedule for the Forest Park renovation project, the FP kitchen/cafeteria building addition and design development drawings, and bid documents for the Ferdinand Elementary school renovation. The board also approved resignations and hirings, as well as several donations. The administrative contracts and Preschool Fees for the 2026-27 school year were approved. The Business Manager and Deputy Treasurer were approved to pay all claims through the end of the calendar year. The Award of Bids for Surplus Property was approved. The board also held an executive session to discuss various matters.

The board reviewed future financial projection scenarios, focusing on the impact of SEA 1 on various funds, including Education, Operations, Debt Service, and Operating Referendum funds. Multiple financial projection models were presented to support long-term financial planning and decision-making. The board also approved a consent agenda that included claims, professional leave, field trip requests, facility use requests and fundraisers. The board also heard a presentation from Gibraltar Design regarding construction projects for Ferdinand Elementary and Forest Park Jr./Sr. High School. The board approved to proceed with Bid Documents for Ferdinand Elementary renovation project. Resignations and hiring recommendations were reviewed and approved. Community donations for the Baseball Renovation project were approved. The board reviewed the terms of the Tentative Agreement that was part of the Collective Bargaining Agreement and approved it. An update was given on the September 24 Professional Development Day. The board approved the Resolution to adopt the 2026 Capital Projects Plan, the Resolution to adopt the 2026 Bus Replacement Plan, the Resolution for the Rainy Day transfer, the Resolution to transfer amounts from the Education fund to the Operations fund for the Calendar year 2026, the Resolution to transfer amounts within the budgeted funds of Education, Referendum, Debt Service, and Operations for the period of January 1, 2026 to December 31, 2026, the Resolution authorizing Tax Anticipation Warrants for 2026, the Resolution for 2026 Budget Hearing, the Resolution for Appropriations and Tax Rates for 2026. The board discussed resolutions related to the future construction projects; specifically related to bond sale and the function of the building corporation. The board approved the form of First Supplement to Master Continuing Disclosure Undertaking and the issuance of bonds. The board considered and authorized the issuance of one or more series of Bond Anticipation Notes by the Building Corporation. The board approved the alternate dates for the November and December Board Meetings. The board discussed matters pursuant to Indiana Code: 5-14-1.5-6.1 (b)(1), 5-14-1.5-6.1 (b)(2), 5-14-1.5-6.1 (b)(6).

The board reviewed and approved a consent agenda including minutes from previous meetings, claims and purchase requests, professional leave, field trip requests, facility use requests, and fundraiser requests. They held a public hearing and ratified the 2025-26 Master Contract. Presentations were given on renovation projects for Ferdinand Elementary School (FES) and Forest Park (FP), including visual renderings and schematic designs. Updates on current construction progress at the Best Home Furnishings Stadium and baseball field were provided. The board approved proceeding with bid documents for the FES renovation and the schematic design for improvements at Forest Park Jr./Sr. High School. Several resignations and hirings were approved, along with multiple donations. The board also approved new members to the building corporation and the award of a bid for a surplus SP bus. Details on the 3-year old preschool program for the 2026-2027 school year were presented and approved. The January board meeting date was changed, and surplus technology items were approved. The Forest Park FFA was congratulated for national recognition. An executive session was held to discuss specific Indiana Code matters.

The board held a work session for training purposes, including presentations on the impact of SEA1, debt service fund, net assessed value and tax levy projections, and legal procedures related to running an Operating Referendum. Public hearings were held regarding the 2026 Budget, Capital Projects Plan, Bus Replacement Plan, and teacher compensation. The consent agenda was approved, including claims, purchase requests, professional leave, field trip requests, facility use requests, and fundraisers. Student advisory members provided reports, and presentations were given on projects at Ferdinand Elementary and Forest Park, as well as the Best Home Furnishings project and the renovated baseball field. Resignations and hirings were approved, along with donations. The second reading of Neola policies was approved. The board considered the financing of renovations and improvements to facilities, adopted resolutions related to the Lease Agreement, and reapproved the Building Corporation. An update was provided on the progress of expanding the preschool program, and the Human Sexuality curriculum was approved. Commendations were given for the Best Home Furnishings Stadium development and a grant for the CCI Robotics program. The board also held an executive session to discuss specific matters as per Indiana Code.