Board Meeting Recap - July 2025

Jul 29 2025

1.01 Welcome and Call Meeting to Order - Board President Mr. Smith welcomed attendees and officially called the meeting to order.
1.02 Pledge of Allegiance and Moment of Silence - Mr. Vassar led the Pledge of Allegiance followed by a moment of silence.

2.01 Patrons Registered to Comment on Educational Issues - No patrons registered to comment.

3.01 Approval of Previous Meeting Minutes - Approved minutes from the June 23, 2025, Executive Session and Regular Business Meeting/Public Hearing.
3.02 Personnel Agenda - Approved personnel actions, including new hires, resignations, and leaves of absence.
3.03 Employment Recommendations Pursuant to IC 20-26-5-11.2 - Approved employment of certified staff as required by Indiana Code.
3.04 Voucher Register Approval - Approved checks #176960 – #177301 and vouchers #304931 – #305733.

4.01 Out-of-Country Field Trip to Spain – Mrs. Ramirez - Approved a spring break 2027 trip to Spain for Spanish language students. The trip offers cultural immersion and language practice with a cost of $4,659 per student. Criteria for participation include strong academic and behavioral standing.
4.02 Appointments and Bond Amounts – Mr. Ruess - Annual approval of staff handling funds, including treasurers at the corporation and school levels, with corresponding bond coverage ranging from $10,000 to $100,000.
4.03 USDA Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Program Grant – Mr. Ruess - Approved $99,238 grant to support fresh produce tastings twice weekly at Eisenhower, Solon Robinson, and Winfield Elementary Schools, promoting healthy eating habits and aligning with district wellness initiatives.

5.02 Director of Elementary Education – Dr. Ciochina - Previewed Kindergarten Kickoff events next week and August open houses. Thanked staff for summer preparations. School begins August 13.
5.03 Director of Secondary Education – Mrs. Ramirez - Highlighted summer enrichment programs for multilingual learners and preparation for curriculum changes. Acknowledged staff efforts in Buzz course updates and professional learning.
5.04 Director of Exceptional Education – Mrs. Paskis - Recognized Assistant Director Kelly Oost for her help this summer in running the department smoothly. Celebrated teacher Harmony Hofstra for completing the ASSET program, earning an intense intervention license at no cost.
5.05 Chief Human Resources Officer – Mr. Equihua - Thanked the many staff who supported hiring and onboarding of new educators ahead of the New Teacher Academy kickoff tomorrow.
5.06 Chief Financial Officer – Mr. Ruess - Recognized the technology team for preparing 2,150 student Chromebooks for distribution.
5.07 Director of Communications – Mrs. Allen - Shared updates on the ED Flex waiver, available on the website, and results of June’s hiring campaign, which drew 84 applicants and resulted in over 30 job offers.
5.08 Superintendent of Schools – Dr. Terrill - Commended administrators for their work during the summer leadership series. Highlighted cross-school collaboration and innovation through “big idea” projects at every building.

Discussion centered on recent SAT data. The board and Mrs. Ramirez noted Crown Point students made gains in ELA and math over last year. SAT performance remains above state averages. Analysis of PSAT data is underway to guide improvement. The district continues to lead in AP and dual credit participation, and new CNA certifications were achieved.
Enrollment update: Incoming kindergarteners are lower than the number of graduating seniors, consistent with typical trends of enrollment growth in later elementary and middle school years.

Board members expressed gratitude to staff working during the summer—especially custodians, grounds crews, food service, technology, and transportation—for ensuring readiness for the school year. Several extended well wishes to students and staff for a successful start.

District