Board Business: June 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 June 13, 2023.

Monday’s meeting opened with a welcome to the community members that had gathered for the evening’s meeting. The board approved the Agenda for the evening, including the addendum to the personnel report to include the resignation of the high school choir teacher. The board then heard citizen comments on the evening’s agenda items. One citizen shared that as a member of The People, she wished to redress a grievance on time limit restrictions during the board meeting. Other citizens of the community shared their thoughts in regard to the resignation of the high school choir director and the concerns regarding communication throughout the process. Dr. Lantrip was asked by the board to clarify the current status of the choir program and planned the next steps. She shared that we have an open split position that will be half-time at the high school and half-time at the middle school. Once the position is filled, the focus will be on the necessary steps to make a smooth transition.

The Board then approved the minutes from the May 8 Special Session and Regular Meeting. They also approved the claims, finances, and personnel report.

Jessica Neill was announced as the new principal for New Palestine Junior High. This is a return to Hancock County for Mrs. Neill. She started her career at Eastern Hancock where she taught elementary school, reading recovery, and was an instructional coach.  She served as an elementary principal in Western Wayne for 4 years. She most recently served as an assistant superintendent in Northwestern Wayne Schools. Neill was recognized as the Indiana Association of School Business Officials District VI School Business Support Specialist of the Year in 2022.

Three donations were approved. The Tiny Dragons Staff Daycare received a donation from the New Palestine Education Foundation for $2,000. New Palestine High School received a donation to their lunch accounts from Kappa Kappa Kappa in the amount of $500. The Hancock County Homemaker Association made a donation to the FACS Department at New Palestine High School in the amount of $250.

New Palestine High School assistant athletic director Trent Whitaker was approved for the Cross Country Team to attend camp. This will be an overnight camp at McCormick’s State Park from July 17-19, 2023.

In unfinished business, the board approves the second reading of the Employee Handbook from Katy Eastes, Assistant Superintendent. They also approved the second reading of Board Policies. These policies focused on bylaw revision and consolidation and revision of former policy.

New Business began with director of instructional services Miles Hercamp receiving approval for the 2023-2024 fees schedule and Journalism textbook adoption.

Katy Eastes, Assistant Superintendent, then received approval for the Little Dragons Early Learning and Staff Daycare late fees and curriculum. She then provided the first reading of the Volunteer Handbook. No action was required on the first reading.

Robert Yoder, Assistant Superintendent, received approval for the 114.85 acre Land Purchase Agreement located at W. 300 S. & S. 500 W. in New Palestine, Indiana.

Next, assistant business manager Sarah Gizzi was approved to deposit the 2023 Supplemental Local Income Tax Distribution of $68,341 into the Rainy Day Fund. She was also approved for Janitorial Cleaning Service Contract for NPHS, the Aramark contract for 2023-2024, and the 2023-2024 school lunch prices.

Board member Laura Haeberle received approval for technical corrections to board policy regarding public comment. She also received approval for the deletions of board policies that were no longer necessary due to their redundancy in being covered within previously approved handbooks.

Dr. Lisa Lantrip, Superintendent, provided the first reading of the Student Handbook and Athletic Code of Conduct. No action was required. She then received approval for the creation of and terms for the Joint Services Agreement of the Hancock County Career Center.

Professional meetings were reviewed. No action was required.

The board then opened up for informal comments. Several citizens of the community offered comments of support for the arts, choir, increased communication, and student recruitment for music programming. They also shared a need for a cleaner course registration and class selection process.

The evening’s board meeting closed with board member comments. Mr. Walker thanked everyone for coming and showing support and providing input and feedback. Dr. Ackerman celebrated the wonderful graduation of the Class of 2023 and thanked the board for their work on policy. Mrs. Haeberle celebrated student advocacy and voice in their emails and comments. Mr. Hooker shared his appreciation for the community standing up for what they believe. Lastly, board president Dan Walker thanked students and parents, celebrated graduation, and reiterated that they are listening and acting with the community’s best interest at heart.

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