Tricia Hall

North Knox Jr/Sr High School's strategic plan focuses on providing a safe, respectful, and inclusive learning environment that promotes academic excellence and social-emotional growth. The school prioritizes support for students with disabilities through targeted interventions, professional development, and collaborative instructional strategies. Family engagement, cultural competency, technology integration, and graduation readiness are integral components of the plan. Continuous data-driven decision-making and community partnerships underpin efforts to close achievement gaps and prepare all students for postsecondary success.

The board meeting included discussions and approvals related to financial statements, the 2026 budget, CPF, bus replacement plan, and resolutions for appropriations and tax rates. There was an update on a wastewater agreement due to a former operator losing their license, and a new agreement with the town of Bicknal was proposed. The board also addressed extracurricular resignations, the employment of after-school tutors, and a facility request for a kids' night out fundraiser. Reports were given on primary school updates, a blood drive, PSAT administration, and upcoming events such as teacher night, I learn checkpoint, and Veterans Day programs. The board also discussed sound systems for sports fields and a new boiler in the primary building. Adjustments to the 2627 calendar were considered, including the timing of fall break and teacher conferences. Finally, there was a discussion on the 25 to 27 teacher contract, including salary increases and a one-time stipend.

The meeting included a 1028 hearing covering the current design and projected area for the E area, focusing on the visual arts, human services, personal finance, hospitality management, culinary arts, medical classroom, criminal justice, medical lab, amech and engineering areas, business management, broadcasting, project lead the way, computer graphics, and electrical and mechanical work. The board discussed the timeline for the project, including drawing completion, review, school board meetings, advertisements, bid reception, and construction start dates. The board also discussed the plumbing issue at the high school. Additionally, the board discussed the approval of Barnes and Thornberg as lawn council, the 2526 North Intermediate Student Handbook, the 2526 bus driver, the collaborative agreement between North School Corporation and Pace Community Action Agency, the 2526 school lunch prices, and a resolution of Norox School Corporation will reuse to demolish the unused building.

The meeting covered the second reading of the 1028 determination public hearing. Discussions involved the current debt, highlighting upcoming bond payments and the potential for an $8.9 million project. Financing schedules for 13 and 17 years were presented, with a potential 4 cent tax increase. The board also discussed the possibility of refinancing and the school corporation's current debt rate compared to other schools in Indiana.

The North Knox School Corporation aims to provide students with skills and attitudes for lifelong learning in a safe, positive environment. It focuses on fostering personal excellence, promoting responsible citizenship, and encouraging healthy choices in partnership with parents and the community. The vision includes students learning in a safe environment that promotes self-esteem and respect, students with marketable skills for the 21st century and/or prepared to enter post-secondary education programs, and parents actively involved in all areas of the student's life.