Commendation Awards

• CPHS VEX Robotics for winning the Tournament Champion and Excellence Awards at the regional competition and advancing to the state championship  
  • Team: Noah Nicholls, Dexter Kiger, Myles Querimit, Jackson Donovan, Macy Achtzehn, Emily Haak, Brianna Johnson, Sophia Knipper, Noah Chapko, Joshua Gorney, Aaron Graddy, Jackson Pugh, John Heiligstedt, Samuel McGrath, Aarnav Parulekar, Cesar Querimit; Coaches: Matt LeBlanc, Ben Baker

• CPHS FIRST Robotics Team for winning the Engineering Inspiration Award at the regional competition and advancing to the state championship
  • Team: Logan Knapp, Riley Schuller, Sean O'Keefe, Brendan Severa, Tyler Keneson, Savannah Laud, Autum Fryza, Kevin Werner, Brendan McBride, James Kracht, Noah de la Paz, Liam Strotman, Brianna Johnson, Zander Abraham; Coaches: Matt LeBlanc, Brian Trapp

• CPHS Excalibur Yearbook for receiving the 1st Place Rowena Harvey Award for Academics in Division 3 at the Indiana High School Press Association state competition
  • Students: Elyse Anderson, Makenna Carmichael, Abbigail Conway, Brooklyn Gargano, Adyson Graegin, Lucille Keene, Vivian Keene, Aadil Khan, Aydin Nowak, Ariana Romo, Raquel Ruffin, Samantha Uren; Sponsor: Lisa Keene

• CPHS Inklings for receiving the 2022-2023 Hoosier Star Award, the highest award in the state, from the Indiana High School Press Association at the state competition
  • Students: Ashley Johnson, Annabella Angarone, Katie Mahle, Avery Moore, Mason Erbini, Maylani Velazquez, Evangeline Montanez, Ma'Rae Wallace: Sponsor: Jennifer Bianchi

• CPHS Crown Town Media News website for receiving the 2022-2023 Hoosier Star Award, the highest recognition in the state, from the Indiana High School Press Association at the state competition
  • Trent Josleyn, Ryan Welsh, Ariana Pantoja, MiRey Fernandez, Kailey Palomo, Aiden Hielema, Jordan Manojlovic, Robert Swiedals, Sarah Helbasko, David Pineda, Ashley Johnson, Annabella Angarone, Katie Mahle, Avery Moore, Mason Erbini, Evangeline Montanez, Maylani Veazquez, Ma'Rae Wallace, Elyse Anderson, Makenna Carmichael, Abbigail Conway, Brooklyn Gargano, Adyson Graegin, Lucille Keene, Vivian Keene, Aadil Khan, Aydin Nowak, Ariana Romo, Raquel Ruffin, Samantha Uren; Sponsors: Brent Barber, Chris Gloff, Jennifer Bianchi, Lisa Keene

 

Public hearing for sale of property

During the board meeting, a motion was approved to suspend the regular meeting and open a public hearing regarding the sale of the old Administration Building at 200 East North Street. The next steps include publishing a notice of sale in legal ads and reaching out to interested parties, with a maximum period of 60 days to receive bids. The board will review the highest and best bid that meets the terms and conditions before finalizing the sale.

 

Public comment period

In response to parent questions about construction at Solon Elementary, the administration and construction team provided an update. They emphasized that student safety and health are top priorities during the construction process. Dr. Terrill, alongside Mike Malaski, the Director of Buildings and Grounds, and Dion Katsouros, Vice President at Skillman, reassured the community that multiple precautions are in place. These include regularly replacing air filters in all classrooms, daily cleaning of floors, and coordinating with the Fire Marshall to ensure all areas are safe and compliant. The construction at Solon is on a similar scale to what was completed in the last two years at MacArthur Elementary and Timothy Ball Elementary. Both of these buildings also used a phased approach. When finished, all of the schools will have the same amenities.

Additionally, the administration addressed concerns about air quality and construction-related disruptions. They are conducting ongoing indoor air quality tests, with results to be shared with the community. These tests include monitoring carbon dioxide levels, relative humidity, and other air quality indicators to ensure a healthy environment for students. The team explained that the construction follows a phased approach, making adjustments as needed to prioritize safety and minimize disruptions. This includes coordinating construction activities to avoid high-traffic times and using alternative spaces, like the park across the street, for recess and physical education. The board assured parents that their concerns are taken seriously and that all efforts are being made to maintain a safe and conducive learning environment throughout the construction period.

 

Action Items

• Approval to Apply for Title I Part A Grant: The board approved the application for the Title I Part A Helping Disadvantaged Children Meet High Standards Grant from the Indiana Department of Education, totaling $649,950. This funding aims to support schools in assisting disadvantaged students in achieving high academic standards.
• Approval to Apply for Robotics Competition Grant: The board approved the application for grant funds from the Indiana Department of Education to support robotics competitions, totaling $65,625. This funding will enhance the robotics programs across elementary, middle, and high schools, promoting STEM education and hands-on learning opportunities for students.
• Approval of Policy Updates: The board approved updates to three policies for the 2024-25 school year:
  • Teacher Appreciation Grant Policy: Funding for effective and highly effective teacher stipends.
  • Test Security and Provisions for Statewide Assessments Policy: Updates procedures to maintain test security and integrity during statewide assessments.
  • Non-Discrimination and Equal Access to Education Policy: Strengthens the commitment to providing equitable opportunities for all students and staff.
• Approval of Bus Bids: The board approved the purchase of new buses as part of the 2024 budget, including 5 large buses, 3 medium buses with wheelchair lifts, and 1 smaller student activity vehicle.
• Naming of Baseball and Softball Fields: The board approved naming the Crown Point High School baseball field "White Meley Field" and the softball field "Cynthia Field" in recognition of a significant financial contribution.

 

Information Items

• Director of Grants and Assessments: Reflected positively on the professionalism and purposefulness of the recent board meeting discussions.
• Director of Elementary Education: Discussed changes due to Senate Enrolled Act 1, which now requires second graders to take the IREAD-3 reading assessment. Explained benefits such as reducing testing in third grade and providing earlier intervention opportunities. Mentioned stricter retention guidelines for third graders who do not pass and upcoming professional development for teachers. More information will be sent to second grade families in the upcoming weeks.
• Director of Secondary Education: Explained the corporation's participation in the ILEARN Checkpoint Pilot for grades 3-8, which replaces the previous NWEA assessments. Discussed the purpose of checkpoints to inform instruction and intervention, and mentioned timelines for administration and communication with families. Reported positive feedback on the new cell phone policy at the high school level.
• Director of Exceptional Education: Shared that the department's theme this year is "Something Magical is Happening Here." Highlighted recognition of several staff members for outstanding support of families and students. Thanked the Exceptional Education team for welcoming more than 75 new students with IEPs who have moved into the district.
• Assistant Superintendent: Provided an overview of proposed changes to the high school diploma requirements, including new courses in computer science and personal finance and the introduction of seals for additional distinctions. Highlighted concerns about the removal of certain course requirements and discussed planning for the transition to the new diploma requirements. Praised the work of applied skills teachers in the district.
• Chief Human Resources Officer: Highlighted the success of the New Teacher Academy, which ran from July 24 to August 6, covering various topics like school safety, technology, curriculum, finance, and support for students. Discussed plans to visit each school building to check in with new teachers, ensuring they feel connected and supported.
• Chief Financial Officer: Reported a 13.5% increase in the district's assessed valuation. Discussed levy constraints and potential budgetary adjustments, including a proposed $5 million bond issue to be paid off by June 30, 2025. Announced plans for public determination hearings regarding the bond issue on September 16 and September 19. Confirmed that the proposed financial actions would not increase the overall tax rate and that the district expects to see a tax rate decline.
• Director of Communications: Announced the first Ambassador meeting of the year scheduled for September 4, with the largest group of community participants to date. Mentioned upcoming efforts to improve the accessibility of the district's website to enhance user experience and information access.
• Superintendent of Schools: Recapped a recent bus tour for community members, which received positive feedback. Acknowledged the professional development efforts for both new and existing staff, praising the hard work of those involved in preparing for the new school year. Expressed appreciation for the community's ongoing support, highlighting their contributions to student programs and attendance at school events.

 

Other Board Business and Statements of Appreciation

Discussed scheduling adjustments due to members attending a fall conference and finalized dates for upcoming meetings related to a bond issuance. The board confirmed meetings for September 16th and September 19th.

In their statements of appreciation, board members thanked parents for attending the meeting, emphasizing the importance of respectful dialogue and collaboration with the administration and teachers. They also expressed gratitude to families, staff, and teachers for their efforts in preparing for the new school year, highlighting the successful implementation of new STEM programming for elementary students. The board recognized the collective work involved in managing the school environment to accommodate nearly 9,000 students.