1. Opening Items

• 1.01 Welcome and Call to Order: Mr. Smith opens the meeting and welcomes attendees.
• 1.02 Pledge of Allegiance and Moment of Silence: Led by Mr. Vassar.

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2. Patrons' Comments

• 2.01 Comments on Educational Issues: No patrons registered to speak.

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3. Consent Agenda (2:14):

Approval granted for:

• 3.01 February 24, 2025, Regular Business Meeting Minutes.
• 3.02 Personnel Agenda.
• 3.03 Recommendation for Employment of Candidates Pursuant to IC 20-26-5-11.2.
• 3.04 Voucher Register Checks #175701-175987 and Vouchers #301808-302482.
  • Motion: Approved unanimously by the board.

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4. Action Items

• 4.01 Approval to Apply for and Receive Grant Funds (Mr. Gianfermi, 3:37):
  • Approval to apply for and receive $22,000 in funding from the Crown Point Community Foundation.
  • $4,500 allocated to AP Exam Scholarships to reduce the financial burden for students.
  • $18,000 allocated to support engineering and robotics programming, primarily for 3D printing needs.
  • Motion: Approved unanimously.
• 4.02 Approval to Purchase Firewalls (Mr. Ruess, 5:59):
  Approval to purchase two Fortinet FortiGate FG-900G Firewalls and FortiAnalyzer FAZ-300G from Electronic Strategies, Inc. for $129,157.63. Enhances cybersecurity and ensures backup protection for the district’s digital infrastructure.
  • Motion: Approved unanimously.
• 4.03 Transportation Center, CPHS, and Lake Street Improvements (Mr. Ruess, 7:46):
  Approval of contracts totaling $3,852,600 for general trades and electrical work.
  • General Trades: Gibson Lewis - $3,541,000.
  • Electrical Work: Sargent Electric - $311,600.
  • Motion: Approved unanimously.
• 4.04 Skillman Corp. Amendment #3 - 2021 Projects (Mr. Ruess, 9:44):
  Approval of a $193,125 amendment for Skillman Corporation
  • Motion: Approved unanimously.

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5. Discussion and Report Items

• 5.01 Policy Updates - First Reading (Mr. Equihua, 11:14):
  Introduction of ISBA Policy 5335, addressing artificial intelligence (AI) in the classroom.
  • Goal: Establish guidelines for appropriate use of AI tools in academic settings.
  • Next Steps: Policy will be reviewed and considered for adoption at the next meeting.
• 5.02 Referendum Informational Presentation (Dr. Terrill and Mr. Ruess, 12:50):
  Overview of the upcoming referendum, emphasizing renewal at a reduced tax rate of $0.18 per $100 assessed valuation.
  Key Points:
  • Decrease from $0.21 to $0.18.
  • Funds support staff, safety, and educational programs.
  • Clarification provided that the ballot language uses “increase” four times despite the rate reduction.
  •  Community Outreach: Ongoing presentations to PTOs, alumni groups, and community organizations

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6. Information/Recognition Items

• 6.01 Superintendent’s Discussion Groups (Mr. Vassar, 45:35):
  Positive financial report indicating an $84,000 increase in concession revenue.
• 6.02 Director of Grants/Assessments (Mr. Hardman, 46:19):
  Reflections on the current testing season, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a calm and supportive environment for students.
  • Assessment Updates:
    • SAT testing for high school juniors.
    • ILEARN and I AM assessments approaching.
    • AP testing preparations underway.
• 6.03 Director of Elementary Education (Dr. Ciochina, 49:43):
  • One District, One Book: Virtual author visit with Alana K. Arnold scheduled for March 29.
  • Math Bowl: Scheduled for April 15 at Col. Wheeler Middle School.
  • Folk Dancing Night: New event for 2nd graders at CPHS Stadium on May 5.
• 6.04 Director of Secondary Education (Mrs. Ramirez, 51:34):
  • Spring Play: Successful performances of The Play That Goes Wrong at CPHS.
  • ISMA Middle School Success: Multiple gold ratings for choir, band, and orchestra at Taft and Wheeler.
  • Middle School Encore Transition: Shift from 9-week to semester-long courses in 2025, with enhanced pacing guides and curriculum updates.
• 6.05 Assistant Superintendent (Mr. Gianfermi, 53:44):
  • AI Literacy Initiative: Ongoing professional development to prepare staff for AI integration in classrooms.
  • Security Badge Implementation: Successful rollout across all buildings, with staff training completed.
• 6.06 Chief Human Resources Officer (Mr. Equihua, 56:00):
  • Workflow updates for onboarding and offboarding staff following the transition from RDS to the new employee management system.
• 6.07 Chief Financial Officer (Mr. Ruess, 57:07):
  • No additional updates provided.
• 6.08 Director of Communications (Mrs. Allen, 57:12):
  • Thank you to our CPHS Robotics program and CPHS Key Club for their coordination regarding media coverage of district programs.
• 6.09 Superintendent of Schools (Dr. Terrill, 58:44):
  • Acknowledgement of staff efforts in preparing for upcoming state assessments and continued community engagement efforts.

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7. Other Business of the Board of School Trustees

• 7.01 Other Business of the Board: none

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8. Board Statements of Appreciation and Recognition

• Recognition of Staff:
  • Commendation for teachers and administrators for their dedication during the busy testing season.
  • Appreciation for the efforts of staff involved in extracurricular activities and student performances.

Acknowledgement of Students:

• Praise for the CPHS cast and crew of The Play That Goes Wrong for an outstanding production.
• Congratulations to middle school choir, band, and orchestra students for earning multiple gold ratings at the Indiana State School Music Association (ISSMA) competition.

Community Support:

• Appreciation for the Crown Point Community Foundation’s continued support of AP exam scholarships and engineering programs.
• Recognition of parents, volunteers, and community partners for their ongoing commitment to student success.

Facilities and Security Enhancements:

• Acknowledgement of the smooth implementation of security badges and training for all staff.
• Gratitude for the patience and flexibility of transportation staff during facility upgrades.

Referendum Advocacy:

• Appreciation for the board, administration, and community advocates working to inform the public about the upcoming referendum and its importance to sustaining district programs.

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9. Adjournment

• 9.01 Motion to Adjourn (57:52): Meeting adjourned by Mr. Smith.