Board Business: April 2023

This blog post is intended to keep you up to date on the happenings of the Board of School Trustees of the Community School Corporation of Southern Hancock County. Please read below for a recap of the board’s regular meeting on April 10, 2023.

Monday’s meeting opened with an additional public appropriation hearing presented by Mrs. Gizzi on the General Obligation Bond. This bond is not expected to have an impact on the district’s tax levy or property tax bills.

The board approved the agenda for April 10, 2023. An additional item was added for the world championship competition that our robotics teams qualified for over break. Minutes from the March 9, 2023, Regular and Special Sessions and March 13, 2023, Regular Meeting were approved. They also approved their claims, finances, and personnel report.

Seven donations were approved. NPHS Riley Dance Marathon received donations from David and Lisa Post ($1,000), KK Party Supply and the CakeHole, LLC. ($150), and 1871 Apparel, LLC., Wooton Hoy, LLC., TEC Pro, LLC., Shelby Fiandt Insurance Agency, Inc., and Fire Systems Services, Inc. ($150 each). Bastian Solutions ($1,000) and Brandon and Jennifer Wilson ($14.28) donated toward the NPHS Robotics Fund. Psi Iota Xi, a philanthropic sorority, Upsilon Chapter issued $125 towards the SCE Extra Curricular Account. NPHS Library was awarded a grant in the amount of $1,050 from the Community Foundation of Hancock County’s Elbert and Flo Griffith Library Endowment Fund.

New Palestine High School principal Jim Voelz and athletic director Al Cooper were approved for the boys’ soccer team to attend an overnight camp at the University of Indianapolis. This camp will take place July 17-19, 2023.

Principals Jan Kerht (SCE), Vincent Meo (NPI), and Craig Moore (NPJH) received approval for their robotics teams to attend the VX Robotics World Championship competition in Dallas Texas.

The board continued their work on policy curation, revision, and management. They heard a second reading on 4 new policies. The 4 new policies were approved. They also approved the deletion of one policy based on its repetitive nature and being clearly defined in other policy.

In new business the board heard first reading on 7 policies. No action was required. This was a continuation of the ongoing process to review and revise policy.

Director of Instructional Services Miles Hercamp received approval of a Memorandum of Understanding between CSCSH and J Everett Light Career Center. This will allow for our students to continue to access career training and meet the needs of all CSCSH students.

Assistant Business Manager Sarah Gizzi gained board approval of Additional Appropriation Resolution Bond, Final Bond Resolution, and Final Certificate for the 2023 General Obligation Bonds. She also gained approval for the artificial turf proposal for the NPHS baseball field.

Executive Director of Hancock County Public Library, Dave Gray and Hancock County Public Library Board Member Fred Fox presented the Hancock County Public Library Annual Update to the board. The presentation included their successes, current focus areas, and future goals.

Brandywine Elementary principal Austin Theobald and Essential Skills teachers Kate Graham and Mike Agnew reported out on their successful Bulldog Buddies program. This program started in 2015 and has an average yearly impact of over 75 students in grades 3 and 4.

Board reviewed professional meetings. No action was required.

Mr. Jon Evans and Mrs. Nancy Stainbrook spoke during informal comments to provide their input on enhancing school security. They shared their ideas and the board shared that they would review their input and discuss. Mr. Walker thanked them and shared that he and many of his board colleagues visited session on school security during their recent attendance at a school board conference.

The board ended with many thanks to presenters and shared their appreciation for our wonderful community.

The board’s next meeting is scheduled for Monday, May 8 at the CSCSHC Administration Office at 6:30 p.m.

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Welcome to the corporation’s new blog site. Follow this page and be “In the Know” and up-to-date with accurate school information. Contact Wes Anderson at wanderson@newpal.k12.in.us with any questions you would like to ask that would also be beneficial information for others to know. Thank you for your interest and support of Southern Hancock Schools.

Board Business: May 2023

This blog post is intended to keep you up to date on the happenings of the Board of School Trustees of the Community School Corporation of Southern Hancock County. Please read below for a recap of the board’s regular meeting on May 8, 2023.

Monday’s meeting opened with celebrations. The CSCSHC School Board honored those individuals that Accentuate the Positive in our school corporation.

The Board recognized and thanked participants that completed the year-long Community Leadership Academy. The 2022-2023 CLA graduates are January Butler, Katie Mitchell, Katie Molinder, Shelly Weitekamp, Elizabeth Kremer, Emily Alderin, Erin Garvey, Jaret Willard, Jon Amones, Joseph Gooding, Kaitlyn Arthur, Kali Cooper, Melissa Branch, Mike Jackson, Natalie Ahonen, and Nicole Schultz.

The next recognition was the New Palestine Education Foundations’ Distinguished Alumni Award Winner Kent Gish.

Next, they recognized the Indiana Robotics Mentor of the Year Dave Post. Duke Energy was also honored to share their $5,000 grant awarded last month as part of the Board’s formal recognition of Dave.

In their final recognition of the evening, the School Board celebrated Indiana Association of School Business Officials Leadership Academy graduates Ashlie Worth and Christy Snyder.

The board approved the agenda for May 8, 2023. Minutes from the April 10, 2023, Regular Meeting were approved. They also approved the claims, finances, and personnel report.

Eight donations were approved. Sugar Creek Robotics received donations from Indiana CRE, LLC ($5,000) and Indy Management. ($5,000). Brandywine Elementary received a matching donation from Salesforce and Katie Arthur for $240.63. Central Office Revenue received donations from miscellaneous ($200), Edie Vanarsdall ($100), and Erlewein Mortuary & Crematory ($175) to the Benjamin Moore Journalism Scholarship. Caplinger’s Fresh Catch ($750) and Integrity Machine Systems ($500) were donated to the NPHS Robotics program.

New Palestine High School principal Jim Voelz and athletic director Al Cooper were approved for the Girls’ Soccer Camp. This will be an overnight team camp at Purdue University. This camp will take place July 11-13, 2023. They also were approved for the NPHS Cheer Camp. This is a 4-day overnight camp at Indiana University. It takes place on June 19-22, 2023.

The board continued working on policy curation, revision, and management. They heard a second reading on 5 new policies. The 5 new policies were approved. They also approved the deletion of one policy based on its repetitive nature.

In new business, the board heard the first reading of the Employee Handbook from Mrs. Katy Eastes, Assistant Superintendent. Board Member Brian McKinney then provided the first readings on two policies. No action was required. There was also the continuation of the ongoing process to review, revise and delete the unneeded policies. The board approved the deletion of the 9 policies using this process.

Director of Instructional Services Miles Hercamp received approval for the adoption of the Social Studies and Science books for the next cycle of instructional textbooks.

Assistant Superintendent Bob Yoder received approval to execute a purchase agreement for property located at W. 300 S. & S. 500 W. in New Palestine, Indiana.

Assistant Superintendent Katy Eastes was approved as authorized to sign agreements for Alternative Services and Private Residential Placements. She was also approved for a Memorandum of Understanding between CSCSH and JSquare 1, LLC. This will allow our students to continue to access mental health services. Mrs. Eastes then received approval to enter into an agreement with Educational Audiology Resource Solutions (EARS) LLC and with Tommy Roesch, a Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist to best meet the needs of our students with auditory and blind/low vision assistance.

Board reviewed professional meetings. No action was required.

The board ended with excitement for the upcoming graduation of our students, our many celebrations, excellent school visits to some of our schools and the day’s work session. They highlighted the wonderful, safe and fun prom. The school play was super and they closed with their appreciation for our teachers this week and every week.

The board’s next meeting is scheduled for Monday, June 12 at the CSCSHC Administration Office at 6:30 p.m.

Board Business: February 2023

This blog post is intended to keep you up to date on the happenings of the Board of School Trustees of the Community School Corporation of Southern Hancock County. Please read below for a recap of the board’s regular meeting on Feb. 13, 2023.

Monday’s meeting began with recognition for New Palestine Elementary student Natalia Dickinson. She was recently selected as a local and regional winner of the American Legion’s Flag Education program.

From left: NPE Principal Kayleigh Fosnow, Larry Houston from the American Legion, NPE student Natalia Dickinson, and CSCSHC Board President Dan Walker.

Six donations were approved at the meeting. Matt Hayden donated $140 and James Smith donated $50 toward NPE lunch accounts. The University of Indianapolis issued a check for $5,000 to the district’s Grow Your Own teacher recruitment program for participating in the New America Grant. The New Palestine High School athletic department received six donations earmarked for new gymnastics uniforms from the New Palestine Lions Club ($1,000), Hoosier Homes and Integrity Carpet Care ($500 each), UPS Store #2845 ($400), Bell Mortuary ($300), and John Lytell ($200). Tom and Jessie Hurst donated $100 to the NPJH robotics program. Auto Air & Hearing donated $300 to the NPHS gymnastics program.

The board heard a second reading of 13 new policies. As mentioned in June’s board recap, the board is transitioning from NEOLA to Church, Church, Hittle, and Antrim for policy curation and management. As a part of this process, new policies must be adopted and old policies must be deleted. The 13 new policies were approved.

Director of Instructional Services Miles Hercamp received approval for the district’s slate of summer school and Summer Enrichment opportunities for 2023. Registration information on these programs will be available soon.

The board approved the district calendar for the 2024-2025 school year. The calendar is available on the district website.

NPHS Principal Jim Voelz received approval for the 2023 Commencement ceremony. Commencement will be held on Friday, May 26, 2023, at 7 p.m. at Kelso Stadium. The first rain date will be Saturday, May 27 at 11 a.m. The second rain date will be Saturday, May 27, at 7 p.m. The third rain date is Wednesday, May 31 at 7 p.m. Information on tickets for Commencement will be shared with senior parents soon.

Assistant Business Manager Sarah Gizzi received approval from the board for the cancelation of checks that have been outstanding for at least two years. This is completed annually in accordance with guidelines from the State Board of Accounts.

Superintendent Lisa Lantrip received approval for an amendment to the contract between the district and The Skillman Corporation, which manages the New Palestine High School renovation project. Due to delays and supply chain issues, the renovation project has extended beyond the original agreement date. The amendment will allow Skillman to continue to manage the project.

Fees for Little Dragons Pre-Kindergarten for 2023-24 were approved. This information will be shared on the district’s website and social media later this week. Fees for the district’s new Tiny Dragons staff daycare were also approved. The district will offer this new daycare for children of corporation employees at NPE beginning in August 2023.

Dr. Lantrip received approval to close NPE to out-of-district applications for the 2023-24 school year. Due to the expansion of Little Dragons Pre-Kindergarten and the creation of the Tiny Dragons staff daycare, our district will take extra care to ensure future growth does not cause NPE to run out of room.

Mrs. Gizzi presented to the board regarding the $4 million General Obligation Bond the district will issue later this year. This bond is not expected to have an impact on the district’s tax levy or property tax bills.

The board’s next meeting is scheduled for Monday, March 10 at the CSCSHC Administration Office at 6:30 p.m.

Board Business: Jan. 9, 2023

This blog post is intended to keep you up to date on the happenings of the Board of School Trustees of the Community School Corporation of Southern Hancock County. Please read below for a recap of the board’s regular meeting on Jan. 9, 2023.

Monday’s meeting began with the oath of office for Jon Hooker and Brian McKinney. Both board members were reelected to the board in Nov. 2022. Mr. Hooker and Mr. McKinney begin new four-year terms on the board. The board also approved a reorganization in accordance with corporation bylaws. Dan Walker will be the board president, Laura Haeberle will serve as vice president, and Dr. Matt Ackerman will be the secretary. Mr. Hooker will serve as the board’s legislative liaison. Mrs. Haeberle and Mr. McKinney will serve as the board’s policy liaisons.

Superintendent Lisa Lantrip was recognized by the board during the board’s Accentuate the Positive agenda item. Indiana University recently awarded Dr. Lantrip with the Outstanding Leadership and Contribution to Education Award. The award is given to graduates of the Indiana University Educational Leadership Program who have had a distinguished career in education, have shown outstanding leadership, and have had at least 15 years of experience in a leadership role.

From Left: Board Member Brian McKinney, Assistant Superintendent Bob Yoder, Board Secretary Dr. Matt Ackerman, Board President Dan Walker, Superintendent Lisa Lantrip, Board Vice President Laura Haeberle, Assistant Superintendent Katy Eastes, Board Member Jon Hooker, and Director of Instructional Services Miles Hercamp.

Tim Smith was approved by the board as the corporation’s new Director of Transportation. Mr. Smith comes to the corporation with a number of years of experience in a similar role in multiple corporations in Indiana.

New CSCSHC Director of Transporation Tim Smith.

One donation was approved at the meeting. Brandon and Jennifer Wilson donated $1,500 to the New Palestine High School robotics program.

In accordance with Indiana law, the board must designate a corporation treasurer and deputy treasurer each year. The board re-approved Bob Yoder as treasurer and Ashlie Worth as deputy treasurer.

The board also approved a Transfer of Funds Resolution.  The district is required by law to end the calendar year with a positive balance in all accounts. This resolution will allow the treasurer to move unspent dollars in certain accounts to zero out accounts with a negative balance.

The board approved the 2023-24 out of district transfer packet. Families who live outside the district’s boundaries and wish to apply for acceptance to Southern Hancock may complete the application on the district’s website starting Feb. 5.

Two agreements with outside organizations were approved. Mrs. Eastes received approval for an agreement with Allison Charette, who is an Independent School Psychologist. She will work alongside school psychologist Ethan Obenauer. An agreement with Maxim Healthcare Staffinf, Inc. was also approved to assist the corporation in filling critical open positions as needed.

Thirteen policies were heard in a first reading. As mentioned in June’s board recap, the board is transitioning from NEOLA to Church, Church, Hittle, and Antrim for policy curation and management. As a part of this process, new policies must be adopted and old policies must be deleted. The 13 new policies will be heard in a second reading at the board’s next meeting prior to a vote to approve.

Following the conclusion of the regular meeting, a special session meeting was held for the Board of Finance. This board is required to convene once per year to review the district’s finances. Assistant Business Manager Sarah Gizzi updated the board on the district’s investments and fiscal indicators. These indicators are determined by the state of Indiana and include enrollment, revenue, balances in specific district funds, annual deficits or surpluses, and salaries and benefits.

The board’s next meeting is scheduled for Monday, Feb. 13 at 6:30 p.m. at New Palestine Elementary.

Board Business: December 12, 2022

This blog post is intended to keep you up to date on the happenings of the Board of School Trustees of the Community School Corporation of Southern Hancock County. Please read below for a recap of the board’s meeting on December 12, 2022.

Monday’s meeting began with the recognition of New Palestine High School senior Alyssa Kauchak on her selection as a National Merit Semifinalist. 16,000 semifinalists nationwide were selected from more than 50,000 high scorers on the PSAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test.

Board of School Trustees member Dr. Matt Ackerman (left), NPHS senior Alyssa Kauchak, and NPHS Principal Jim Voelz.

The board heard a second reading of 14 new policies. As mentioned in June’s board recap, the board is transitioning from NEOLA to Church, Church, Hittle, and Antrim for policy curation and management. As a part of this process, new policies must be adopted and old policies must be deleted. The 14 new policies were approved. Fourteen additional new policies were scheduled to be heard in a first reading, however, this agenda item was tabled.

Six donations were approved. Jason Gruelich donated $500 to the NPJH robotics program. Integrity Machine Systems donated $500 to the NPHS robotics program. Brandon and Jennifer Wilson also issued a donation to the NPHS robotics program for $1,000. Krystal Bush donated $11,500 to the Van Bush Memorial Scholarship Fund. Ninestar Community Trust Operation Round Up Program donated $1,000 to the NPI robotics program. Fidelity Charitable has donated $1,500 to the NPHS Teacher Appreciation Fund.

NPHS Band Director Jon Carney received approval for the Winter Guard to hold an overnight event at NPHS on December 28.

Director of Instructional Services Miles Hercamp and Mr. Voelz received approval to add 20 courses to the New Palestine High School curriculum over the next two years. Courses will be added in multiple areas, including construction and engineering. family and consumer sciences, language arts, and science.

The board approved a resolution for Assistant Superintendent Bob Yoder to transfer funds from various accounts. The district is required to finish the calendar year with all accounts having a positive balance. This resolution is passed annually and permits the district’s business department to transfer funds accordingly to align the district budget. 

Mr. Hercamp presented the district’s summer schedule for 2023, including Summer Enrichment plans, summer school, and summer remediation plans. Mr. Hercamp also updated the board on the current status of plans for the Hancock County Innovation and Education Center, which is a collaboration between business, community, and education leaders in Hancock County.

Four community members addressed the board regarding personnel matters in the district’s transportation department.

The board’s next meeting is scheduled for Monday, January 9 at 6:30 p.m. at the CSCSHC Administration Office.

Board Business: November 2022

This blog post is intended to keep you up to date on the happenings of the Board of School Trustees of the Community School Corporation of Southern Hancock County. Please read below for a recap of the board’s meeting on November 14, 2022.

Monday’s meeting began with two recognitions. New Palestine High School seniors Madelyn Potter and Aynslee Dellacca were honored for being selected as finalists for the Hancock County Community Foundation’s Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship.

L-R: Board of School Trustees Vice President Laura Haeberle, NPHS senior Madelyn Potter, NPHS senior Aynslee Dellacca, Hancock County Community Foundation board member Katie Molinder, and NPHS Assistant Principal Nicholas Mitchaner.

The corporation’s school psychologist, Ethan Obenauer, was also honored by the board. The board recognized him as part of School Psychologists Week.

L-R: CSCSHC Assistant Superintendent for Student Services Katy Eastes, School Psychologist Ethan Obenauer, Assistant Director of Special Education Dr. Jennifer McNeany, and Board of School Trustees President Dan Walker.

The board heard a number of comments from members of the public regarding a personnel matter in the district’s transportation department. These comments were heard in accordance with the board’s policy on public participation at board meetings.

The board heard a second reading of 14 new policies. As mentioned in June’s board recap, the board is transitioning from NEOLA to Church, Church, Hittle, and Antrim for policy curation and management. As a part of this process, new policies must be adopted and old policies must be deleted. The 14 new policies were approved. Fourteen additional new policies were heard in a first reading. These policies will return for a second reading at a later meeting.

Five donations were approved. School Based Behavior Consulting, LLC donated $1,000 to the New Palestine Junior High robotics program. Salesforce also donated $500 to the NPJH robotics program. Scopelitis donated $55 to the NPE extracurricular account in honor of their employee, Ashley Jenning. Ms. Jenning recently celebrated her 11th anniversary with the company. She has asked the firm to make a charitable contribution in lieu of the anniversary flowers the company usually provides. Brandywine Elementary music teacher Michelle Epple was awarded a $325 grant from the Riley Festival. NPJH teacher Mark Sanders was awarded a $1,200 educator grant from Forum Credit Union.

Assistant Superintendent Bob Yoder received board approval on the district’s expenditure goals for 2023. The district is required to have these goals and receive board approval for them,

The board received a report from Director of Instructional Services Miles Hercamp and Curriculum Coordinator Brian Dinwiddie on the district’s summer offerings, including high school summer school and summer credit recovery, summer enrichment camps, and summer remediation programs at the elementary level.

The board also received a report from Mr. Yoder regarding the district’s enrollment numbers after the Department of Education’s count day in September. The district reports an enrollment of 3,742 this year.

The board’s next meeting is scheduled for Monday, December 12 at 6:30 p.m. at the CSCSHC Administration Office.

Board Business: October 24, 2022

This blog post is intended to keep you up to date on the happenings of the Board of School Trustees of the Community School Corporation of Southern Hancock County. Please read below for a recap of the board’s meeting on October 24, 2022.

Monday’s meeting began with recognition for New Palestine High School Athletic Director Al Cooper on his selection as the Charles Maas Award winner by the Indiana Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association.

NPHS Athletic Director Al Cooper (middle) with Board of School Trustees member Jon Hooker (left) and NPHS Principal Jim Voelz (right).

Two donations for the NPHS robotics program were approved. Arlington Dental Group donated $250 and Brandon and Jennifer Wilson donated $500. C&K Pfeiffer, Inc. donated $1,000 to the NPJH robotics program. Four donations to the NPHS athletic department for the Van Bush Memorial Scholarship fund were also approved. Stephen and Peggy McCracken donated $50. Angela and Curtis Jones also donated $50. Space and Sites, LLC donated $100. Advanced Poolcare, Inc. donated $500.

The board approved the sale of 1,030 ft. of property along US 52 to the State of Indiana for an improvement project which will include new ADA sidewalk curb ramps. In order to complete the project, it was necessary for the district to sell this small parcel to the state.

The master teacher contract for 2022-2023 was approved. A number of public hearings were held during the bargaining process. The board’s ratification of the contract is the final step in the contract process. The 2023 budget also received final approval from the board.

The board’s next meeting is scheduled for November 14 at 6:30 p.m. at the CSCSHC Administration Office.

Board Business: October 3, 2022

This blog post is intended to keep you up to date on the happenings of the Board of School Trustees of the Community School Corporation of Southern Hancock County. Please read below for a recap of the board’s meeting on October 3, 2022.

Monday’s meeting began with a public meeting on a master contract tentative agreement between the district and the New Palestine Classroom Teachers Association. The master contract will be voted on at the board’s next meeting on October 24.

Two donations were approved. Dean Folkening gave $300 to the New Palestine High School boys golf program. Service Engineering, Inc. donated $500 to the NPHS robotics club.

The board heard a second reading of 15 new policies. As mentioned in June’s board recap, the board is transitioning from NEOLA to Church, Church, Hittle, and Antrim for policy curation and management. As a part of this process, new policies must be adopted and old policies must be deleted. The 15 new policies were approved. Fourteen additional new policies were heard in a first reading. These policies will return for a second reading at a later meeting.

The board approved meeting dates for 2023. You can view the board’s schedule for meetings next year here.

The board approved the 2023 budget. The budget was previously advertised in accordance with state guidelines and a public hearing regarding the budget was held at the board’s September 26 meeting.

Three other financial items were approved related to the 2023 budget. A resolution permitting the County Adjusted Gross Income Tax (CAGIT) to be distributed to the district’s Operations Fund was approved. A resolution permitting Assistant Superintendent Bob Yoder to reduce the 2023 budget appropriations as necessary was approved. Finally, a resolution authorizing Mr. Yoder to transfer funds from the district’s Education Fund to the Operations Fund as needed was also approved. These resolutions are approved annually to permit Mr. Yoder to balance the budget throughout the year.

The board heard a report on innovation in the district from New Palestine Intermediate Principal Vincent Meo and Innovation teacher Randall Stant. Mr. Stant curates innovation curriculum at NPI.

The board’s next meeting is scheduled for Monday, October 24 at 6:30 p.m at the CSCSHC Administration Office.

Board Business: September 26, 2022

This blog post is intended to keep you up to date on the happenings of the Board of School Trustees of the Community School Corporation of Southern Hancock County. Please read below for a recap of the board’s meeting on September 26, 2022.

Monday’s meeting began with three public hearings related to the corporation’s 2023 budget. Hearings for the full budget, capital projects plan, and bus replacement plan were all held. These public hearings are required by law as part of the budget approval process.

Two donations were approved. Inline Painting donated $500 to Mr. Large’s Service Learning class at New Palestine High School. Estes Design & Manufacturing donated $500 to the NPHS robotics club.

Two field trips were approved. NPI students will travel to Dayton, OH to visit the National Museum of the United States Air Force on May 19, 2023. The NPHS varsity winter guard will travel to Dayton in April for the WGI World Championships.

The board adopted resolutions regarding the capital projects and bus replacement plans.

The board reviewed fundraising reports from all six schools. These reports do not require board action.

The board’s next meeting is Monday, October 3, 2022, at 6:30 p.m. at Brandywine Elementary.