Eastern Howard School Corporation

The meeting covered patron comments and recognized several Students of the Month, including one from elementary grades, Mallerie Condan for December, and Riley Cheryl for January. The discussion also addressed the recognition of Adam Robinson from high school. Following this, the session proceeded into the Board Reorganizational Meeting, which included the election of the Board President (Brian Day), Vice President (Evan), Secretary (Abby Summers), and Corporation Deputy Treasurer (Jennifer Smith). Standing committee assignments were accepted as they were in the previous year. Subsequently, the organizational meeting adjourned, and the Board of Finance Annual Meeting commenced. Key discussions for the Board of Finance included designating depositories (recommending Farmers Bank and Trust and the Trust Indiana Local Government Investment Pool) and reviewing investment performance, noting a decrease in interest income in 2025 compared to 2024 due to declining interest rates. The board also addressed a resolution regarding the purchase of Certificates of Deposit (CDs) from selected depositories and reviewed fiscal indicators, noting stable average daily membership and an increase in the transfer student percentage.

The meeting included patron comments concerning the open door law, followed by presentations. A significant discussion involved Liberty Township Trustee Troy Beichy proposing the construction of sidewalks connecting High School Road to the sports complex, including crosswalks and intersection improvements at Meridian, with a total bid cost of $51,400, intended to utilize budget surplus. Scott Dale, representing the Town of Greentown, announced a donation agreement of $25,000 toward the corporation's upcoming playground upgrade project. The board recognized a military member for presenting a flag flown during a combat mission over northern Iraq and southern Syria. Student recognitions were given for Middle School Student of the Month (Riley Rails) and Elementary School Student of the Month (Emerson Harish). The consent agenda, covering minutes, fundraisers, facility use requests, personnel decisions, and donations, was approved unanimously. New employees introduced were Taylor Hodkin (assistant softball coach) and Amy Phillips (business manager). The board also approved a fifth-grade field trip to Camp Dumpsa scheduled for April 29th and 30th. Updates included gratitude for counselors and recognition of the maintenance team for keeping sidewalks clear.

The meeting commenced with patron comments, where no constituents wished to speak. Key discussions included presentations for student of the month awards for both a kindergarten student, Bailey Moore, and a high school student, Claire Waffle, with detailed commendations provided by staff members. A significant portion of the meeting involved a presentation by Vance Patterson regarding the establishment of the American Trade Scholarship Fund, intended to support Eastern High School students pursuing careers in trades by funding tuition and necessary tools. The fund involves setting up a million-dollar endowment with Morgan Stanley, allowing for annual withdrawals of up to $100,000. There was also a brief recess before moving to consent items, which included personnel changes. New employees and coaches were introduced, including Ian Kwood (Tennis Assistant), Robert McCollum (Basketball Coach), and Laura Mattel (Special Education Teacher).

The meeting included patron comments and a presentation of the students of the month from the high school, middle school and elementary school. The board also discussed consent items such as fundraisers, minutes from the last meeting, facility use requests, personnel changes, equipment disposals, donations, vouchers, claims, and payroll. The elementary school held Veterans Day programs, a Halloween costume parade, and a Good News Club meeting, and the school's spell bowl team and Lego Robotics Unified team are preparing for competitions. The middle school is working on attendance incentives and has a new display case for students to express what they are thankful for. The high school winter sports season has begun, and the school's orchestra and band had a Halloween-themed concert. The fall production of Pride and Prejudice is scheduled for later this month, and the school is finalizing scheduling for next year, including new CTE classes.

The meeting included patron comments, recognition of the student of the month, and consent items such as fundraisers, facility use requests, personnel changes, donations, vouchers, claims. The hiring of new staff members was also discussed. Updates were provided on elementary and middle school activities, including the PTO Halloween dance, parent-teacher conferences, and checkpoint one data. The high school band's progress to state finals was celebrated, and updates on sports sectionals were given. The PSAT for 10th and 11th graders was administered, and preparations for next year's scheduling, including new diploma requirements, were discussed. The high school's takeover of the concession stand and its benefits to students and athletic teams were highlighted.