Pam Storm

The meeting agenda included standard procedural items such as a Moment of Reflection, Pledge of Allegiance, guidelines for public comment, call to order, and approval of the agenda. Key business items included Superintendent's Comments and Board President's Comments, followed by sessions for patron comments and discussion with the Anderson Federation of Teachers. Board Actions consisted of consent items covering the Financial Report, Human Resources Report, and approvals for Field Trips and/or Conference Leaves, followed by a session for Other Business Before the Board.

The board meeting included presentations on the Ivy Tech Spanish Language Partnership and ADM data. Key discussions covered updates on the superintendent search process and a significant public comment session regarding systemic issues and gaps in the Special Education department's programming across various grade levels. The Anderson Federation of Teachers provided updates on staffing protocols and reaffirmed that no layoffs are currently planned. The board approved financial claims, the Human Resources report regarding personnel changes, and field trip and conference requests. Additionally, a presentation from the Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity was approved, and the board addressed follow-up inquiries regarding the formation of parent and family engagement groups.

Discussions during the meeting included updates from the Superintendent regarding the Anderson Education Foundation (AEF), which detailed fundraising efforts, teacher grants totaling $18,786.67, and the establishment of two new memorial funds. The District STEM Coordinator announced that AHS, AIS, and Erskine achieved Indiana IDOE and STEM.org accreditations. The Board President received the Indiana School Boards Association's Board President's Gold Seal Certification. Public comments addressed an ongoing investigation into a student matter and concerns regarding principal hiring procedures and diversity. Board actions included the approval of the financial report, a resolution to transfer up to $8,468,224 annually from the Education Fund to the Operations Fund, approval of the Human Resources report (including grievance C-573), and approval of field trips and/or conferences. Old business featured a lengthy discussion by a Trustee emphasizing accountability for all staff, administration, and the Board, referencing the Rights and Responsibilities handbook. New business included a request to schedule a special executive board meeting to commence discussions regarding the new superintendent search.

The board meeting report focused on an analysis of Average Daily Membership (ADM) and student mobility. Key points included the Spring 2026 ADM figure of 5,771, noting a net loss of 6 students since Fall 2025, which represents a significant recovery compared to the previous year's loss. The discussion also covered the sources and destinations of student enrollment changes, highlighting inbound and outbound movements related to APA Academy, Virtual Programs, Indianapolis, Home School, and Muncie. Insights revealed growth in homeschooling and virtual program enrollment, along with the primary impact of families moving in and out of Anderson on overall student mobility.

Discussions included patron comments regarding board accountability, the upcoming superintendent search process, and concerns over a union-distributed survey related to Special Services staff support. The board underwent its Reorganization, electing Mandy Webb as President, Dr. Hill as Vice President, Holly Renz as Secretary, and Rodney Chamberlain as Assistant Secretary. Official appointments were made for the Treasurer, Deputy Treasurer, and Clerk. The agenda was approved, including the addition of approving George Salinas for a seat on the Anderson Public Library board. Financial and Human Resources reports were approved as monthly consent items, along with field trips and conference requests. The board also adopted the annual meeting schedule for February 2026 through January 2027. During the organizational portion, board compensation for the coming year was set. Old Business included extensive discussion about accountability within the district, teacher evaluation, staff morale, and incidents at Valley Grove, though some matters were deferred to executive session.