Crown Point Community School Corporation Board Meeting Summary

February 23, 2026 – 6:00 PM

 

Opening Items

 

Public Hearing – Preliminary Determination for Debt Authorization

The board suspended the regular meeting to open a public hearing regarding the preliminary determination to authorize up to $150 million in debt issuance. The authorization allows the board to bring specific bond issuances back for approval in future meetings.

• Begin the process of authorizing future General Obligation (GO) Bonds.
• Address ongoing circuit breaker losses impacting the Operations Fund.
• Prepare for changes under SEA 1 that would require a referendum if the debt service tax rate exceeds $0.70 beginning in 2027.

No patrons registered to speak on the public hearing item.

 

Patrons’ Comments on Educational Issues

• A patron addressed concerns regarding the effectiveness of tiered intervention systems for struggling learners at Lake Street Elementary. 

 

5.01 Course Additions – Crown Point High School (2026–2027)

• Courses include: Scientific Research: Independent Study, Digital Design Capstone, and Education Professions Capstone

• Courses are based on student enrollment demand. These additions support current and new Indiana diploma requirements. No additional staffing will be required.

 

5.02 Textbook & Resource Adoption – Dual Credit Pre-Calculus

• Mrs. Ramirez requested adoption of Sullivan 12th Edition – Algebra & Trigonometry for Dual Credit Pre-Calculus.

 

5.03 Disposition of Obsolete Curricular Materials

• Administration requested authorization to dispose of outdated Glencoe Health textbooks and workbooks according to board policy (copyright 2005).

 

5.04 Policy Update – Retirement of Teacher Appreciation Grant Policy (PO3540)

• State legislation repealed prior policy language regarding Teacher Appreciation Grants. This is a formality in making sure our policies match the new state legislation.
   

5.05 Preschool Fees & Charges (2026–2027)

• Morning program increasing from 3 to 4 days per week with tuition at $240/month.
• Afternoon sessions are 5 days a week with tuition of $300/month.
• Supply fee will be $100.
• All students will pay tuition unless they have an IEP.
• Board members and administration discussed that the preschool program is not self-sustaining, particularly in light of recent reductions to the state’s “On My Way Pre-K” funding. While the district is required to provide services for students with IEPs, the board discussed the importance of maintaining access for families while balancing overall fiscal responsibility.

 

5.06 Donations – High School Athletics

• $5,000 from Bulldog Wrestling Club (wrestling program)
• $25,000 from Crown Point Boys Basketball Club (basketball program)
• Funds will be placed in extracurricular accounts and spent according to board policy and State Board of Accounts guidelines.
• Board members thanked booster families for extensive fundraising efforts.

 

2027–2028 & 2028–2029 School Calendars

Dr. Terrill presented two proposed calendar options for the 2027–2028 and 2028–2029 school years, designed to end the first semester before winter break, better align with dual credit and AP schedules, and more evenly balance instructional days. Both options maintain key elements valued by families, including a full week of Fall Break, the Wednesday before Thanksgiving off, a two-week Winter Break, one week Spring Break, and Good Friday off.

Board members discussed strong support for Fall Break, concerns about semester balance and a potential one-day return in June under the later-start option, and the importance of a January teacher work day. They also noted that e-learning days have been reduced in recent years and that attendance improves when students are off the Wednesday before Thanksgiving.

The board does not vote on the calendars, but noted the importance of having good discussion together so the administration can finalize them soon.

 

7.02 Director of Elementary Education

• Dr. Ciochina announced that online kindergarten enrollment opens the following day for the Class of 2039 and outlined upcoming kindergarten visits in late April and early May. He highlighted the elementary art show partnership with the Crown Point Public Library and recognized the work of elementary art teachers. He also previewed the upcoming IREAD assessment window and thanked teachers and staff for supporting students through testing.

 

7.03 Director of Secondary Education

• Mrs. Ramirez celebrated student accomplishments across the district, including impressive ISSMA music competition results (363 golds, 33 silvers, 23 perfect scores, and 79 state qualifiers). She also highlighted the high school speech team’s first-place finish at the “Hooray for Hollywood” tournament and promoted the upcoming March 20 career fair. She concluded by encouraging attendance at the spring play, Jason and the ArgoNuts.

 

7.04 Director of Exceptional Education

• Mrs. Paskis provided updates on parent engagement initiatives, including a February workshop titled Beyond the Behavior, which focused on behavior as communication and strategies for consistency between home and school. She previewed an April workshop in collaboration with social workers to provide families with information about community resources and summer support. She also invited the board to upcoming Bulldog Ballers events.

 

7.05 Assistant Superintendent

• Mr. Gianfermi recognized National School Resource Officer Appreciation Day and thanked the district’s SROs and local police partners for keeping schools safe. He highlighted Taft Middle School’s “Hearts for Heroes” initiative supporting local veterans. He also recognized Colonel Wheeler student Sullivan Jameson as only the fourth student in school history to qualify for the ISSMA State Vocal Solo Ensemble.

 

7.06 Chief Human Resources Officer

• Mr. Equihua thanked district leaders and staff for organizing vision screenings for nearly 700 first-grade students, including those from parochial schools. He also publicly recognized Athletic Director Bill Dorulla for his service and announced Annie Equihua’s retirement, expressing appreciation for her nearly three decades of dedication to the district.

 

7.07 Chief Financial Officer

• Mr. Ruess shared that the food service department participated in a “balanced ordering” initiative over the summer, allowing the district to receive nearly $20,000 in rebates from GFS. He thanked food service staff for their additional work to generate savings and prepare for the start of the school year.

 

7.08 Director of Communications

• Mrs. Allen recognized Public Schools Week, a national celebration supported by multiple education organizations. She noted that Indiana public schools serve over one million students (approximately 90% of the state’s school-age population) and emphasized the scale and impact of public education across the state.

 

7.09 Superintendent of Schools

• Dr. Terrill provided an update on the district’s strategic planning process, noting strong participation and productive discussions. He emphasized the importance of positive messaging about public schools, particularly during legislative challenges, and thanked district leaders for sharing successes. He concluded by reflecting on recent building visits, praising staff dedication and student engagement, and expressing pride in leading the district. 

 

Board Business and Recognition Statements:

• Mr. Vassar gave a legislative update.
• Board members expressed appreciation to the administration for thoughtful calendar planning.
• They thanked teachers and staff for flexibility and professionalism.
• Acknowledged booster organizations for continued financial support of student programs.
• Recognized ongoing efforts to balance fiscal responsibility with educational quality.