The meeting began with the approval of the meeting minutes from the November 13, 2024, meeting.
The board approved and order payment of Claims and Payroll. The board also approved 1 Field Trip, 1 student fundraiser, 3 Retirements, 3 Resignations, and 7 appointments.
Nicole Stone, SDES Principal presented the Extra Effort Award to Sherry Grimes, Instructional Assistant. Mrs. Stone said that Sherry has dedicated 29 years to South Decatur School Corporation as an Instructional Assistant. Mrs. Stone added that Sherry has always been loyal and devotes herself to her position and Sherry has a huge heart and does an amazing job with helping students when they need helped.
Eric Foga, South Decatur Jr/Sr. High School Assistant Principal presented the Extra Effort Award to 5 well deserving Instructional Assistants- Rebecca Malone, Whitney Gearhart, Raistlin Joe Lee, Stacey Sundal, and Whitney Gearhart. Mr. Foga said that these individuals are willing to help whenever something needs completed. He said that teachers and the administration are well taken care of thanks to these hard-working individuals.
The board approved consideration of Nonrenewal of Administrative Contract which gives permission for Dr. Jarrod Burns to have the authority to hand a letter of nonrenewable to administrative contract. Dr. Burns said that this is not individual specific and that it is a legal formality.
The board approved the following financial matters with one unanimous vote- Permission to transfer appropriations for year-end balancing, Permission to transfer 2024 professional services & building construction plans & appropriations of operations funds to operations fund 2025, Permission to transfer the technology portion (connectivity, equipment. and content) of operations funds to operations fund 2025, and permission to pay pre-written claims through the end of the year.
The board approved several donations during the meeting.
The board approved 100 iPad 7’s be deemed obsolete. The iPads will no longer be supported or eligible for updates sometime in 2025. The iPads are being sold back to the company purchased from for a payment of $80 per iPad. The funds collected from selling these back will go back into the IT department to purchase future IT equipment.
Nicole Stone, SDES Principal provided an update stating that in November they held their all school Thanksgiving where teachers and students come together and enjoy lunch together in the gym. Mrs. Stone proudly told of Joyce Fogle being the recipient of the RISE award in state. Mrs. Fogle has been an assistant for 30 years. Christmas programs are coming up in the next week. The girls STEM night is scheduled for next Monday. Currently the school is reviewing ILEARN data. Santa Claus will be coming to the school next week.
Eric Foga, SD Jr.-Sr. High School provided an update stating that the National Honor Society held a successful food drive for Cheer Fund. He stated that Peer Helpers & SADD Club wrapped approximately 130 presents for Cheer Fund. The JAG program has been conducting mock interviews. The 7th grade students and Peer Helpers recently went on a field trip to Jungle Jims, and he stated that this was a great experience for students to see the various countries represented at the store. Makayla Somers received the 2025 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship. Mr. Foga finished up his update by stating that final exams are coming up before the Christmas Break.
January 8, 2024 meetings are as follows:
Reorganizational Meeting at 6:00 pm
Board of Finance Meeting at 6:10 pm
Regular Board Meeting at 6:15 pm.
Before adjourning the meeting Board President Todd Mauer thanked the three board members who have completed their term. Those board members are Joyce Geis, Tim Roscoe, and Steve AmRhein. These individuals did not run for election in the 2024 election. Tim Roscoe spent 36 years as a teacher and 14 years as a board member which gives him 50 years of combined service to the Corporation. Joyce Geis and Steve AmRhein proudly served 8 years on the board each. Dr. Burns stated that he has been blessed to have the wonderful board that he has had and that he truly thanks them for their dedication over the years.
The meeting was adjourned.
