Roy Herr

The board discussed and approved several policy updates, including nondiscrimination and anti-harassment policies, and a new computer foundations course for the 2026-2027 academic year. The board also approved the 2026-2027 Pre-K programming plan and reviewed various personnel recommendations, including resignations, retirements, transfers, and staff appointments. Financial business included the approval of donations, grants, and resolutions authorizing the investment of funds and appropriation transfers. Additionally, the board received a presentation on cost containment strategies, which addressed staffing adjustments, early retirement incentives, and future considerations such as redistricting and capacity studies.

The meeting commenced with an Executive Session to discuss potential litigation, prospective employee interviews, alleged misconduct of individuals under jurisdiction, and job performance evaluations. The subsequent Regular Meeting addressed several items. Consent agenda items approved included Field Trips, Staff Leaves/Resignations/Transfers/Conference Requests (Professional and Support Staff), and Claims. Information items included the January Fund Report and minutes from the Area Planning Commission Meeting of 12/1/2025. Key agenda discussions included a presentation on a student's 4-H project accomplishments, an update on HVAC issues at Graham Creek Elementary leading to virtual learning, approval of NEOLA policies (Food Service Program and rescinding Vending Machines policy), addition of 6th–8th Grade Advanced Math Courses for 2026-2027, approval of a performance service contract for the JCMS Pool Upgrade, and a timeline update on building safety upgrades. New business involved first readings of multiple NEOLA nondiscrimination and equal opportunity policies. Discussions also included updates on the proposed state accountability model, a proposed Computer Foundations course addition, approval for professional staff leaves (Paternity Leave for Eric Wernke) and staff resignations/retirements, approval of professional conference requests, approval of support staff transfers and new coaching/para pro recommendations, approval of several donations/grants, approval of a resolution allowing the Treasurer to make appropriations transfers for the 2026 Budget, and the approval for the Jennings County Public Library Board of Trustees appointment for Jessica Floyd. A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) regarding Career+ Pathways was also approved.

The meeting included a section for public participation where a special education paraprofessional expressed concerns regarding professional disruption due to unclear communication at the leadership level, advocating for improved workplace climate policies and student safety evaluations. Old business involved the approval of several policies and the approval of a Computer Foundations for Digital Age course for seventh and eighth grades. New business addressed policy revisions and the approval of a pilot program for Pre-Kindergarten services for the 2026-2027 school year, proposing one site at Northburn Elementary with a weekly tuition of $150 to maintain cost neutrality, pending anticipated legislative funding changes. Professional staff recommendations were approved, including career increment stipends and interim director appointments. Financial matters included the approval of numerous donations to various school activities and clubs, authorization for the deputy treasurer to invest available funds, and a resolution concerning appropriation transfers between major funds to establish the 2026 budget. An operations update on cost containment detailed plans to absorb 13 certified positions, including seven instructional coach roles, due to declining enrollment, along with absorbing five classified positions.

The meeting began with the election of a president and secretary for the annual finance board meeting. Key discussions included the designation of operating checking (German American) and operating savings (Jackson County Bank) for the upcoming year, with a plan to review rates in the summer. The annual investment report for 2025 was reviewed, noting approximately $436,000 in interest income for 2025, generated partly from investments made using 2024 geo bond funds, including Certificates of Deposit (CDs) for short-term use and an HVAC project. The investment policy (6144) was noted with no recommended changes. The board confirmed there were no checks older than two years requiring cancellation. A review of the 2024 Corporation Fiscal and Qualitative Indicators showed a $58 million increase in Net Assets Available (NAV) and a slight 2% decrease in overall Average Daily Membership (ADM). Fund balance analysis indicated a $1 million drop in the education fund balance, a $650,000 increase in the operations fund balance, and a $3 million increase in the capital fund balance due to 2024 bond influx. Overall, revenue exceeded expenses slightly, though the fund balance as a percentage of expenses dipped slightly from 16.6% to 15.2%.

The meeting included the election of board officers, with Amy Pett elected as President, Cheryl Miller as Vice President, Pat Sullivan as Secretary, Philip Marsh as Treasurer, Myra Fish as Deputy Treasurer, and Deb Johnson as Executive Secretary. The Board approved annual conflict of interest forms and discussed the compensation review for board members, ultimately deciding to maintain the existing rates. Key actions included approving the 2026-2027 board meeting schedule and appointments for legal counsel, ISBA legislative liaison, ISBA policy liaison, and committee representatives. Old business involved the approval of a $300,398 roofing contract for the S Creek Elementary project with Royalty Ribbing. New business addressed the approval of an addendum to the K-12 student handbooks and recommendations for professional staff stipends and hiring. The Board also approved various donations totaling several thousand dollars across different schools and funds. Resolutions were passed concerning the Southeastern Career Center, including adopting a new operating agreement and formally adding Madison Consolidated Schools as a member, which is projected to provide financial advantages. Finally, three standard agreements were approved: one with the University of Indianapolis for a special education internship, one with Indiana Wesleyan University for student teaching in counseling, and one with Indiana State University.