Crown Point Community School Corporation Board Meeting Summary

October 27, 2025 - 6:00 p.m.

 

Opening Items (2:01)

• Mr. Smith called the meeting to order, followed by Mr. Vassar leading the Pledge of Allegiance and moment of silence.

Board Commendation Awards (2:36)

• Mr. Smith presented commendation awards to Crown Point High School Latin Club for winning first place for overall Club of the Month, Photo of the Month, and Miscellaneous Publicity; third place for Traditional Scrapbook; fifth place for Activities Contest; and sixth place in Local Publications Contest at the 2025 National Junior Classical League Convention. Sponsor Jeremy Walker highlighted individual achievements including Luke Waldschmidt (7th in jewelry), Kenneth Ouyang (8th in Hellenic history, 10th in drawing), and Lola Coil (3rd in pottery, 4th in costume). The convention will be hosted in Indiana at IU in July 2026. 

Patrons' Comments (9:39)

• Asher McAlvey, Crown Point High School student, addressed the board regarding AI integration in education. 

Consent Agenda (14:28)

Action Items

• Out-of-Country Field Trip to France (17:00)
  • Mrs. Ramirez requested approval for Crown Point High School students to travel to France in June of 2027. 
• Policy Retirements (18:12)
  • Mr. Equihua introduced a new protocol to formally retire NEOLA policies being replaced by ISBA policies. This establishes clear documentation when policies are replaced rather than just updated. 
• 2026 Budget Adoption (21:03)
  • Mr. Ruess presented the 2026 budget for adoption. All three metrics (budget, levy, and tax rate) are lower than 2025 levels. Mr. Ruess noted upcoming years will be more challenging due to state funding changes. 
• Food Service Procurement Plan (24:23)
  • Mr. Ruess requested approval of the federally-required 2025-2026 food service procurement plan. The only change from previous year was updated dates. 

Policy Updates - First Reading (25:29)

• Mr. Equihua presented four policy updates for information (no action required):
  • ISBA Policy 1200: Extends board organization window from 15 days to 30 days in January
  • NEOLA Policy 142: Lowers minimum board member age from 21 to 18 years
  • NEOLA Policy 8400: Removes state-mandated "Stop the Bleed" language (mandate eliminated)
  • ISBA Policy 2740: New policy for Stop the Bleed programming without mandate references

Information/Recognition Items

• Elementary Education Update (28:14)
  • Dr. Ciochina reported that elementary schools are preparing for parent-teacher conferences in November. These conferences provide two-way conversations about student academic progress, behavior, social development, and well-being, with the goal of meeting with every student's family.
• Secondary Education Update (29:52)
  • Mrs. Ramirez invited board members to attend Crown Point High School's production of The Wizard of Oz (multiple performances available). Recognized Anna Retzlaff, multilingual learner specialist, who is presenting at national WEDA conference on strategies for developing effective English language development for secondary multilingual learners.
• Exceptional Education Update (31:22)
  • Mrs. Paskis recognized Sarah Mayer, teacher for deaf and hard of hearing students, who manages over 20 students and additionally coordinates technology, braille materials, and equipment for blind/low vision students in partnership with the Indianapolis School for the Blind.
• Assistant Superintendent Update (32:20)
  • Mr. Gianfermi thanked student Asher McAlvey for his thoughtful comments, noting it aligned with the district's cautious approach to AI implementation alongside teachers. Recognized Dan White, auto teacher, for organizing the Cars and Coffee event on October 11 that filled the bus lot and wrapped around high school with classic cars, featuring coffee service and spark plug competitions.
• Human Resources Update (34:26)
  • Mr. Equihua thanked Merrillville Rotary Club for providing 85 clothing vouchers for Crown Point families in need during holiday season, emphasizing that many local families require this support.
• Financial Officer Update (35:45)
  • Mr. Ruess reported that the State Board of Accounts arrived for biennial audit, beginning Wednesday. Audit expected to conclude before holidays. Board members may receive communication requests from auditors.
• Communications Update (36:46)
  • Mrs. Allen thanked CNA class for a recent empathy challenge video opportunity and Biomed club for neurobiology speaker event. The next edition of We Are CP publication is in production for February delivery.
• Superintendent Update (38:18)
  • Dr. Terrill recognized the administration center support staff and food service department for hosting Indiana Association of Public School Superintendents Region One meeting. Thanked the district bargaining team for positive collaboration during negotiations. 

Board Recognition Statements (43:26)

• Mr. Warne thanked volunteers for all extracurricular activities, particularly recognizing choir concert volunteers. Mr. Angel praised student sections at football games for record attendance and positive behavior, and congratulated multiple athletics teams. Mr. Vassar commended Asher McAlvey's comments and welcomed Cub Scouts Pack 406 Webelos. Ms. Bazin thanked Latin Club students for excellence.

Meeting adjourned at 50:10