During the meeting, the board approved the following items: the minutes from the March 12, 2025 meeting; payment of claims and payroll; one conference attendance request; six field trip requests; four staff resignations; nine appointments; three student fundraisers; the reappointment of Brian Jones to the Decatur County Contractual Public Library Board of Trustees; a $500 donation to the South Decatur Jr.-Sr. FFA; and a disposal request for approximately 600 laptops, which will be sold back to the district’s IT equipment provider for $10–$15 each.
The board approved the second reading of the NEOLA policy updates and they approved the renewal of the Chartwells Foodservice contract with an increase of 3.6% which is the lowest increase since 2021.
North Decatur Jr.-Sr. High School Assistant Principal Stewart Durham presented the Extra Effort Award to Kelsey Burkett, FACS teacher. Mr. Durham said that Kelsey goes above and beyond for all of her students. He told a story about being in her classroom one day and students were willing to try different foods that he himself wouldn’t have liked. It was said that Kelsey utilizes data that she collects and is provided to her to create her lesson planning and to teach her students. Mr. Durham added that Mrs. Burkett always bring positivity to the building ensures that the students and her fellow teachers have positive experiences.
North Decatur Jr.-Sr. High School Principal Nick Messer provided the communication and updates for their school. He said that the FFA banquet went well and complimented the food and the increased attendance this year. Nick spoke about the Drone Club Meet that occurred and spoke of the hard work and dedication that the students had for the event. He reminded the attendees and the board that Grease will be performed this weekend. ILEARN and AP testing is coming up and states that the year is beginning to wind down with a very busy schedule. Award dates will be during the day on May 13th and May 15th. The Scholarship ceremonies will be held in the evening on May 14th, 2025.
North Decatur Elementary School Principal Rob Smith presented the Extra Effort Award to all three of the fourth-grade teachers- Kara Brown, Dottie Hellmich, and Mandy Messer. Rob said that these wonderful staff advocate for everyone in the building and have been leaders in the school to start new initiatives and also apply for grants that have brought funding and new opportunities to the school. These teachers have helped with the school safety program. They have also successfully brought Pioneer Day and Business Day to the school. With this being the last year for Mr. Smith before his retirement he added that this group of teachers have been amazing to work with and he will miss working with them.
Rob Smith provided the communication and updates for his school. He stated that the Touch A Truck event went well and was enjoyed by all. He said that the PTO Book Fair went well. They celebrated Autism Awareness Week with themed days and with money raised they were able to donate approximately $300 to Camp Rainbow. Lindsay Patterson, State Representative District 55 will be visiting NDES this coming Friday. April 17, 2025, from 4:30p-6p is Grandparents Day. Assistant Principal Jeremy Sherman provided additional updates including NDES was a recipient of a $9,000 grant to purchase balance bikes that transition into bikes. These help with teaching the students how to ride a bike. During the 3rd quarter 206 NDES 3rd-6th graders were on the honor roll.
Superintendent Jarrod Burns took a moment to recognize Melissa Leap for her completion of the Indiana Association of School Business Officials 102-hour certification course to be certified as a Chief Business Officer.
