The Decatur County Community Schools Board of Trustees met on August 14th at 6:00 PM.
The meeting began with the approval of the minutes of the regular meeting held July 10, 2024, the approval and order for payment of claims and payroll, approval of conference attendance for 3 employees, The approval of 11 resignations and 3 leaves in the district, and the approval of 20 appointments.
Mr. Sherman, NDES Vice Principal, presented the Extra Effort Award to Mrs. Sue Hadler at the North Decatur Elementary School. Mr. Sherman stated that she goes above and beyond anytime that she’s asked to complete tasks, she often volunteers to take on new tasks and to help others. He also spoke of Mrs. Hadler’s assistance that she provided the team when they began looking at adding preschool to the school including helping with the grant application.
Mr. Stewart, NDHS Vice Principal, presented the Extra Effort Award to Wendy Bowman. He stated that she does an amazing job and that she’s very personable with students. He said that without her assistance the last couple of days things would not have gone as smoothly for him and the administration. He thanked her for all that she does and that she’s always willing to go above and beyond.
The board approved the following budget calendar:
-August 14, 2024, board review of 2025 budget (regular meeting)
-August 28, 2024, public hearing on budget (special meeting)
-September 11, 2024, budget adoption (regular meeting)
A presentation of the 2025 budget was presented to the board and to the audience, which included a list of capital projects and its funding, and the bus replacement plan.
The board approved Brian Jones to be their Decatur County Community Scholarship Selection Committee Representative.
The board voted to approve Decatur County Community Schools 2024-2025 Test Security Policy. Dr. Burns added that they are not doing anything different than they have done in the past, however this is a new state requirement that the school must have. The Test Security Policy goes over testing procedures and requirements for those that are giving tests.
The board approved relinquishing contracted bus route #27 which was owned by Bob Oakley. The bus route was absorbed into the school corporation’s bus routes.
The board approved three student fundraisers.
The board approved $2112.78 in donations.
The board approved disposal of 200 books from South Decatur high school. After a review of the software destiny, which the high school uses for their books, all 200 of these books had not been checked out in over nine years, some of which did contain mold damage.
Mr. Messer, Principal of North Decatur Junior Senior High School, provided his update and report by stating that the year is off to a good start. He is very excited with the senior class and their excitement and willingness to dive in and help give back to the school. He stated the senior class did have their senior sunrise breakfast. He added that on the second day of staff only, they loaded all the teachers onto buses and took them to The Branch for an appreciation beverage, and all teachers were excited and had a great time. He is very excited about a new student Media Group that is going to focus on social media for the school and creating and revamping the newsletter.
Rob Smith, Principal of North Decatur Elementary School, provided an update stating that the first few days of school have went smoothly. He was excited to say that at this time they are fully staffed. He spoke of school pictures coming up. He added that all the PTO officers are all new with new ideas and excitement. The 4th graders will be attending Power of the Past Friday morning. In closing, he said that he has a lot of exciting new employees and is very excited for the year to move forward.
The meeting was adjourned.
