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Board Meeting Recap - February 2025

 

1. Opening Items

  • 1.01 Welcome and Call to Order (Mr. Smith, 2:35): Mr. Smith officially begins the meeting.

  • 1.02 Pledge of Allegiance and Moment of Silence (Mr. Vassar, 2:51): Led by Mr. Vassar.


2. Patrons' Comments

  • 2.01 Comments on Educational Issues (3:29): No patrons registered to speak.


3. Consent Agenda (Dr. Terrill, 3:35):

Approval granted for:

  • 3.01 Minutes from the January 27, 2025, Executive Session and Regular Business/Board of Finance Meeting.

  • 3.02 Disposition of stale dated checks.

  • 3.03 Uniform Conflict of Interest Disclosure Statements.

  • 3.04 Personnel Agenda.

    • Discussion (4:49): Clarification was provided on ECA (Extra-Curricular Activity) dates, explaining they reflect the contract year rather than specific employment dates.

  • 3.05 Voucher Register Checks #175161 to #175458 and Vouchers #300985 to #301807.


4. Action Items

  • 4.01 2025 CPCSC Summer School Programming (Mr. Gianfermi, 6:25):
    Approval for the 2025 summer school plan, aligning with Indiana’s emphasis on early literacy and new graduation requirements. Highlights include:

    • Elementary School: Focus on literacy for 2nd and 3rd graders, supporting IREAD assessments.

    • Middle School: Emphasis on basic skills and transition support.

    • High School: Continuation of courses for Core 40 diploma tracks for current cohorts, and credit recovery. 

    • Special Education: Extended School Year (ESY) services tailored to individual student needs.

    • Communication: More information will be shared Tuesday with CPHS parents and staff to clarify changes specific to high school.

  • 4.02 Resolution #860 - Literacy Grant Supplemental Payment (Mr. Equihua, 15:04):
    Approval to distribute $296,195.89 from the Early Literacy Achievement Grant to 162 eligible teachers and instructional staff, as mandated by Indiana’s House Bill 1008. Payments will be issued in March.

  • 4.03 District-Wide Monument Sign Replacement Project (Mr. Ruess, 16:54):
    Approval of a $253,073 contract with Legacy Sign Group for the replacement of monument signs across the district.

    • Details: New signs will be uniform, reflecting a consistent design similar to those at the administration building and Taft Middle School. 

  • 4.04 Lake Street Chiller Replacement (Mr. Ruess, 19:09):
    Approval of $298,790.75 for a new Carrier chiller at Lake Street Elementary. Contracts awarded to:

    • Carrier Corporation: $209,807.95 for equipment.

    • Precision Temperature Control: $130,750 for installation.


5. Information/Recognition Items

  • 5.01 Superintendent’s Discussion Groups (21:48): No updates were presented.

  • 5.02 Director of Grants/Assessments (Mr. Hardman, 23:06):
    Updates on SAT administration for juniors on March 5. Emphasis on long-term student growth tracking through the College Board’s assessment system.

  • 5.03 Director of Elementary Education (Dr. Ciochina, 25:15):

    • Kindergarten Enrollment: Opens February 25 for the Class of 2038.

    • One District, One Book: Launch of a district-wide literacy initiative across all seven elementary schools, culminating in an author visit.

    • Art Show: Elementary Art Show at Crown Point Public Library on March 6, showcasing 2D and 3D student work.

    • IREAD-3 Changes: Expanded testing to 2nd graders and reminder of state’s retention requirements for 3rd graders. Emphasis on reducing test anxiety through positive school culture.

  • 5.04 Director of Exceptional Education (Mrs. Paskis, 30:45):

    • Bulldog Ballers: Remaining games on March 6 and 13.

    • School Social Worker Week: Recognition of the district's five social workers for their support to students and families.

    • Transition Fair: Scheduled for April 23 at CPHS, featuring over 70 resource tables for students with special needs and their families.

    • Unified Game Day: Scheduled for May 14, with a rain date of May 21, celebrating inclusive sports.

  • 5.05 Assistant Superintendent (Mr. Gianfermi, 33:23):

    • 8th Grade Parent Night: Successful event with high attendance, easing parent and student transition anxiety for the incoming Class of 2029.

    • Col. Wheeler’s 200th Birthday: Celebrations at the school highlighted historical significance.

  • 5.06 Chief Human Resources Officer (Mr. Equihua, 34:39):
    Reflections on attending MacArthur Elementary's Student of the Month program, emphasizing positive student recognition and community-building activities.

  • 5.07 Chief Financial Officer (Mr. Ruess, 35:51):
    No additional updates were shared.

  • 5.08 Director of Communications (Mrs. Allen, 35:58):

    • CPHS Spring Play: The Play That Goes Wrong opens next week.

    • Super Things Series: Celebrating the 3rd anniversary of the district’s video series with a special blooper reel.

  • 5.09 Superintendent of Schools (Dr. Terrill, 37:30):

    • Community Engagement: Participation in Crossroads Chamber educational roundtable and Great News Life education panel.

    • Legislative Advocacy: Ongoing collaboration with Crown Point Educators Association during the legislative session to represent local educational needs.


6. Other Business of the Board of School Trustees


7. Board Statements of Appreciation and Recognition

  • 7.01 Statements of Appreciation:
    Board members expressed gratitude to staff, social workers, and community partners for their dedication to student success and well-being.


8. Adjournment

  • 8.01 Motion to Adjourn: Meeting adjourned by Mr. Smith.

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