Middlebury Community School District

The meeting included a presentation by high school exchange students from various countries, who shared details about their favorite classes, sports activities, and experiences in the United States. The board also recognized the Northridge High School girls golf team, who achieved seventh place at the state level, the best finish in school history, with the coach receiving the two-time regional coach of the year award. A patron addressed the board concerning the need to highlight academic excellence equally with mental health achievements. Key action items involved approving the consent agenda, which included personnel updates, minutes from the October 14th meeting, the October 2025 financial report, a lease agreement, and amendments to a medical services agreement. Additionally, the board considered and approved the 2026-2027 school calendar, which featured a slightly longer fall break while maintaining the required 180 instructional days.

The meeting included a Superintendent's Report featuring a presentation from the Middlebury Elementary Principal regarding the art club, followed by a "Middlebury Moment" recognizing the inspiring academic and behavioral growth of a third-grade student, Oakley Cox. The consent agenda, which included minutes from a previous meeting, claims, personnel matters, and the January 2026 Financial Report, was approved. Key action items involved approving the request to allow student transfers for the 2026-27 school year, approving the request to apply for Title I funds, and approving the receipt of funds collected from Education License Plates to benefit the NHS Dollars for Scholars program. The board also reviewed preliminary plans for summer school and future projects before adjournment.

The meeting included a presentation by the Northridge Middle School Theater Troupe regarding student work ethic and talent. A senior student, John Stephens, was recognized for receiving the Lilly Foundation Scholarship and read his essay. The board approved the consent agenda, which included personnel actions such as an employment for a track coach, a resignation of a media assistant, recording of unpaid days for a teacher, and an FMLA leave for an assistant cafeteria manager. Additionally, the board approved a donation of $5,823.74 from the Raider Athletics Booster club to the NHS athletics student care fund. Field trip lists and travel announcements were reviewed. Board members expressed appreciation for the poise of the younger students, the commitment shown during a literacy night at York, and overall activities at Northridge.

The meeting included reports from the Superintendent, featuring a presentation by the Principal of Heritage Intermediate School and students from the student council. A significant portion of the meeting highlighted the academic and character growth of a multilingual learner student from Middlebury Elementary School. Key actions taken involved the approval of the Consent Agenda, which covered minutes from a previous session, claims, personnel matters, collaboration agreements, and donations. The Board also considered and approved a resolution for carry forward appropriation and continuing projects. Several donations were formally approved, and announcements were made regarding field trips and personnel actions including employment, resignations, FMLA leave, and unpaid days.

The meeting commenced with a moment of silence in honor of the passing of a custodian. Key discussions included a report from the Town Manager of Middlebury regarding upcoming local projects and a recognition of the Northridge High School cross country coach and athletes. The Board proceeded with organization matters, electing officers for the Board of School Trustees (President, Vice President, Secretary) and appointing liaisons and legal counsel. The Consent Agenda, covering minutes from a previous session, claims, personnel matters, the December 2025 Financial Report, and donations, was approved. Personnel actions included numerous new employment appointments, resignations, transfers, and retirements across various schools. The Board accepted a conflict-of-interest disclosure statement from a member whose spouse is employed by the district. Approval was granted for the annual resolution to transfer funds from the education fund to the operations fund. A significant action was the approval of Luke Amstutz as the new head football coach for Northridge High School, following a thorough search process. Donations, including a substantial gift from Jayco employees for local families, were approved. The Board also held elections for the Board of Finance President and Secretary, reviewed the report on school investments, and discussed fiscal indicators before adjourning to executive session.