Melisa Stevens

The candidate forum served as a platform for individuals running for various county offices to present their qualifications and backgrounds. Key discussion topics centered on addressing budget limitations and the necessity of competitive compensation for public safety personnel. Candidates also emphasized the importance of maintaining compassion, dignity, and impartiality in roles such as coroner and judge, while highlighting commitments to transparency and fairness in electoral processes.

This forum featured presentations from candidates applying for the new school board. Key discussion topics included the ongoing partnership between Ball State University and Muncie Community Schools, strategic planning initiatives, community collaboration, philanthropic funding, and enhanced benefits for school district staff, such as tuition assistance and recreational facility access.

The meeting agenda includes committee reports and several approval items under a consent agenda, such as student services fee allocations, salary and wage plans, the general fund budget plan, disclosure statements, the federal single audit report, internal audit plans, personnel reports, policy revisions, designation of days of beneficence, conferral of degrees, residency policy updates, and personnel handbook revisions. Additional approvals include modifications to the VEBA Trust, reappointments for the Muncie Community School Board, the conferral of an honorary degree, and authorization to amend an employment agreement. The meeting also includes an information session regarding One Ball State Day.

The committee meeting agenda includes the review and approval of the personnel report and proposed revisions to People and Culture policies. Additionally, the session features information updates regarding personnel actions and general People and Culture developments, as well as the approval of the 2026 Days of Beneficence.

The Academic and Student Affairs Committee agenda included several key new business items. Discussions covered the approval for degree conferral for December 2025 graduates. Information items included updates from the University Senate Chair, the Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs, the Vice President for Student Affairs, the Vice Provost for Student Success, and the Dean of the College of Health.