Lindsey Crouch

The meeting began with recognition of two second-grade students for exemplary attitudes and enthusiasm for learning. Following the pledge of allegiance, the board proceeded with the recognition of visitors, including a request to rename a room in honor of Judy Mesnik, who was an advocate for the corporation and its educational foundation. The session included the formal oath of office for a newly appointed board member, Kelly Neil, to fill the remaining term of the late Judy Mesnik. Subsequent actions involved the election of 2026 officers for the Board, confirming the President, Vice President, and Secretary, who would also serve the Board of Finance. The Board of Finance reviewed and approved the 2025 Investment Report (totaling $247,155.49) and the 2025 Financial School Corporation Report. The board also established the regular meeting schedule for 2026, continuing on the second Tuesday of the month, with an exception for Fall Break. Appointments for 2026 included representatives for C9 and ISBA legislative liaison, and a representative for the redevelopment commission. The board approved a compensation structure for board members based on 10% of the starting teacher salary ($4,800). Finally, the board approved personnel actions including resignations and hiring stipulations for coaching positions, and approved consent agenda items H through J.

The meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance led by two fifth-grade students. Key discussions included a public hearing and subsequent approval of the second amendment to the Superintendent's contract. The board also addressed field trip requests, approving overnight trips for the high school boys wrestling team and the high school dance team, as well as an out-of-state trip for the high school ELA class to the Cincinnati Museum Center. Items tabled for the next meeting included proposed board policy changes. The board approved the consent agenda and personnel actions (resignations, retirements, employment, and spring sports purchases). The Education Foundation reported on approving all teacher grants totaling over $10,693 and updates on fundraising events. The Superintendent's report recognized the maintenance and custodial team for snow removal efforts, acknowledged staff dedication during testing season, and noted the upcoming retirement of an individual.

The special session convened for the purpose of appointing a new board member to fill a vacancy representing Henley Township on the school board, following the passing of the previous representative. Seven applicants were interviewed earlier in the day for the position, which is for the remainder of the term, approximately 12 months. A motion was made and seconded to nominate Kelly for the position, and after brief discussion where the high quality of all applicants was noted, the motion carried.

The meeting commenced with a pledge of allegiance and recognition of a fifth-grade student, Eleanor Milner, for her leadership qualities and participation in the full bowl team. The board approved the consent agenda items A through J. Key discussions included the "You Make A Difference Award" presented to Christine Butler, a preschool teacher. Committee reports covered the evaluation of the C9 director, confirmation of full staffing, and recognition of Daniel Pretty as student of the month. The Education Foundation reported on a successful holiday fair, profiting over $10,000, and announced plans for future events. The construction update noted progress on the Indian Creek High School locker room/training room and completion of the middle school band room conversion from the old auditorium. Two major projects—an extension/renovation of the intermediate school and construction of a new central office—are in the planning stages. New business included the board's approval of the 2025-2026 collective bargaining agreement, pay recommendations (including 2% raises/stipends) for classified staff and administration, and approval of the Indian Creek High School 2026-2027 curriculum guide, which introduces a new nursing pathway. The board also addressed an acknowledgement regarding teacher compensation thresholds falling slightly under the state requirement for 2025, approved clearing outstanding checks for Indian Creek Middle School, and authorized several overnight athletic field trips for basketball and wrestling teams.

The executive session agenda outlines discussions permitted under statute, including collective bargaining strategy, initiation or threat of litigation, implementation of security systems, real property transactions, school consolidation discussions, assessment of school safety measures, interviews and negotiations with industrial or commercial prospects, receiving information about and interviewing prospective employees, discussing alleged misconduct and status of individuals (physicians or school bus drivers) before a determination, discussing records classified as confidential by statute, discussing individual student abilities and needs prior to placement decisions, discussing job performance evaluations of individual employees, developing a list of prospective appointees and considering applications for public official appointments, and training for school board members with an outside consultant. It also includes preparation or scoring of examinations used in issuing licenses and discussing information intended to prevent, mitigate, or respond to the threat of terrorism. Additional discussion topics include employee health care options and employee handbook changes, review of negotiations on publicly bid contracts when public knowledge might increase costs, and discussion related to soliciting proposals for contracts involving proprietary data or trade secrets. Finally, communications subject to attorney-client privilege are on the agenda.