I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> Good evening everyone. Um, it's a quiet
night. We don't have anybody here with us except for all of us here at the table. Um, first to start off our meeting, we have a little presentation. Am I going up alone? I'm going up alone. I don't know what to say. Do I have something I have to give him?
Geez, I feel so lonely. Rob, you don't have to get up. Yet. >> Yet. >> Um, but um, I'm here to thank you for everything that you've done. I wanted all of you to know that before Rob got on the board,
um, I knew him socially, and I knew him when he was single. >> [laughter] >> I mean >> And we had a lot of mutual friends. And, um, he was a lot of fun.
And he still is, but when he got onto the board and after he met Meg and after they got married and they combined their families, and I got to know him I found that, even though he's a lot of fun
he's a great dad, he's a wonderful father. >> Thank you. >> He loves this community, he loves the kids here. Um, I, you know, you know he's adopted Meg's kids, um, and he's taken care of the basketball team, and he's done so many things for
all of us, and he and I have become, I think, pretty good friends and we or I learned from him that he and I have a lot of the same philosophies about things and we've had some heated discussions on occasion. But we've
always remained friends and we always come to a mutual agreement and we always want the best thing for our city. So um with that said Rob, I am going to miss you. We're all going to miss you so much. I have no idea what's in here. [laughter]
So if you want to come up and open it. >> Absolutely. 20 glasses. >> I don't know. I don't know what's in it. >> We didn't think that you wanted an orange blanket. So like a the orange blanket has been the gift
that we've been giving the board. So you get yourself You get to go to Ale. >> [laughter] >> That's perfect. >> There you go. What you get? Look flowers. It's a gift card to Ale Emporium. >> Perfect. >> Yes. >> Because that is one of our favorite
places. >> Well good. Okay. >> Thank you. >> go. Absolutely and yeah, we figured there's enough that you can almost get your whole family there. >> [laughter] >> We all love it there. Actually Janice was the one [applause] who started talking to me about coming
on the board. I hadn't even thought about it. Um But it really opened something up for me because I've been law enforcement law enforcement law enforcement. I found a new passion being a part of school admin. The last eight years
has probably been probably some of the most trying times at the school due to budgets and superintendent changes and I think Jill and Janice both will tell you that during the
issue that we dealt with was not fun to be sitting here. Um the one thing I know you'll do, but I'm still going to encourage you everybody is we have always dealt with everything
and come to an agreement whether we agree or disagree in the beginning. We always hit the finish line together by respecting each other. I've learned from everybody. What I thought was it needs to be A somebody brought B to me and at the end
of the day you know, we just agreed upon it. And that's what we got to continue to do. Everybody here has always been about the schools and about the kids and I know I've teased for years that somehow we get a dollar 25 out of a dollar.
Because I mean that's just what we do. We get hit with this big problem and then it gets solved, but it gets solved through the respect that all of us have for each other and and I know everybody's going to keep doing that.
I've absolutely loved the last 8 years. I wish I could do both. I'm not really going anywhere. I'm actually going to be here more. So um you're still going to deal with me. I'm still going to report with you guys. Um
I I've told a couple of you I I want to open that communication up a little bit more cuz I know we've had some questions over the years. But um No, thank you. I I absolutely appreciate everything. >> Wonderful. THANK YOU. >> [applause]
>> OKAY. THANKS, ROB. WE'RE GOING TO MISS YOU. Um we have a personnel and operations update. Mr. Garman is um out of town waiting on his first grandchild to be born anxiously. So, what are you going to talk about? >> Yes, and in fact I'm going to give you a little bit of an update on our learner
profile before we do that. >> Okay. Oh, okay. I'm sorry. >> not at all. I'm going to just It's a very, very brief presentation, but we just wanted to give the board an update on the work that we have been doing in collaboration with NCEE. This is part of our Lilly Endowment work.
In my board report, I gave you all an update on our strategic planning work, so kind of our quarterly update with it. So, this was our first year of full implementation of the strategic plan, and um it has just been going so well. Part of
the work has been this learner profile that I'm excited to to share with you all where we are today. And the wonderful thing about this is that it's not a finite moment. So, really the work is kind of getting started right now. We've done a year-long of planning.
We've gotten to a space of being really proud of the work that has been done, and we're excited to launch the work a little bit more uh acutely with our students next school year. Janice and Tara were a part of our initial planning sessions for our
Designing Systems That Work work. I'm going to kind of just go over with you a little bit the process that got us to the development of the learner profile, and then where we're headed moving forward. So, we do love this notion of believing in
our future. We believe that that belief extends beyond buildings, programs, and resources. It's ultimately a belief in our students. It's a commitment to ensuring that every child who walks through our doors is prepared not only to graduate, but to thrive in life, to
contribute to their community, and pursue a future filled with opportunity and purpose. As part of Beech Grove City Schools' participation in the National Center on Education and the Economy's Designing Systems That Work Initiative, we've completed the first major
milestone in turning that belief into action, the development of the Beech Grove City Schools' Profile of a Learner. And I'll share that with you all here when we're done. The purpose of the Profile of a Learner is to answer a really fundamental question. What do we
want every Beech Grove graduate to know, do, and become? While academic achievement remains critically important, today's students must also be equipped with the skills, habits, and mindsets necessary to thrive in an increasingly complex and rapidly
changing world. The Profile of a Learner establishes a shared vision for those competencies, and it serves as the foundation for future instructional design, student experiences, and systemic improvement efforts. So, very difficult to see. I promise you
that I have the um handouts here for you. Um but, what is important here uh for you to know is that we have engaged in a comprehensive design process involving teachers, administrators, students, families, community members, and business partners.
Through a series of facilitated design sessions, participants examined research on future workforce demands. We reviewed national and international best practices. We analyzed significant community feedback, and we reflected on the unique strengths and aspirations of
the Beech Grove community. The process included research and examination of future-ready skills and workforce trends, stakeholder engagement with students, staff, families, community members, and business leaders, collaborative design sessions to identify and refine learner
competencies, and review and feedback cycles to ensure that the profile reflected the values and priorities of this community. And finally, the finalization of a district-wide profile of a learner that will guide future implementation
efforts. So, this work reflects our belief that education must prepare students not only for graduation, but for lives filled with purpose, possibility, contribution, and impact. In many ways, the profile of a learner represents our community's answer to
what it means to truly believe in our future. So, the finalized, which is what we're looking at here, profile of a learner identifies eight core competencies that students will intentionally develop from preschool through graduation.
Together, these competencies represent the knowledge, skills, habits, and mindsets that our community believes are essential for success in work, life, leadership, and citizenship. The first is character. Here, students will demonstrate honesty,
respect, and compassion. They make responsible decisions and strive to do what is right, even when it's difficult. Character serves as the foundation for ethical decision-making and responsible citizenship. Second competency is communication.
Students express their ideas clearly, listen actively, and adapt their communication to different audiences and situations. Effective communication enables students to collaborate, advocate for themselves and others, and engage respectfully in meaningful dialogue.
The third is community building. Students recognize their responsibility to improve the communities in which they live and learn. They take action to meet real needs, serve others, and contribute to positive lasting change. This competency reflects Beach Grove's strong tradition of service and
community pride. The next is critical thinking. Students analyze information, ask meaningful questions, evaluate evidence, and solve problems. They consider multiple perspectives and apply their learning to new and complex situations,
preparing them to navigate an increasingly dynamic world. The next is innovation. Students approach challenges with curiosity, courage, and creativity. They are willing to take informed risks, learn from setbacks, and develop new solutions
that improve their work, their school, and their community. Leadership. Students take initiative. They act with integrity and positively influence others through their actions. They understand their strengths. They use them to make a difference, and they demonstrate responsibility for
themselves, their learning, and their community. Teamwork. Students collaborate effectively with others to achieve shared goals. They value diverse perspectives, contribute their ideas, resolve conflicts productively, and help
create environments where all individuals feel respected and included. And lastly, work ethic. Students demonstrate responsibility, determination, integrity, and perseverance. They show up prepared, remain focused through challenges, and
take ownership of their learning and strive for excellence in all that they do. So, the work ahead is that the completion of the profile of a learner represents the conclusion of what we call the design phase and the beginning of implementation.
The next DSTW execution team has already begun. In fact, we had a planning session today. The important work of operationalizing these competencies through the development of what we're calling learning progressions and classroom implementation strategies.
The next phase will focus on defining what each competency looks like across grade levels, aligning those competencies with curriculum instruction and student experience, identifying opportunities for students to demonstrate and reflect upon their growth,
developing systems for measuring progress, and lastly ensuring that the profile of a learner becomes an authentic part of the student experience in every classroom. Ultimately, the profile of a learner will serve as a guiding framework for teaching and learning throughout Beech
Grove City Schools. It reflects our commitment to ensuring that every student leaves our schools prepared not only with strong academic knowledge, but also with the character skills and dispositions necessary to lead meaningful and successful lives.
The work of developing this profile was never simply about creating a document. It was about defining the future that we want for our students and the future we want for our community. So, when we say, "Believe in our future," we are expressing confidence in
the potential of every learner who enters our schools. The Beech Grove Profile of a Learner is our promise that we will intentionally develop the competencies, experiences, and opportunities necessary to help every student realize that future.
Together, we're building a school system where students truly love where they learn, and where every graduate leaves Beech Grove prepared to make a meaningful impact on the world around them. So, we're very excited to get this next phase launched, and we sincerely
appreciate the engagement of obviously not just Tara and Janice, but our entire community in getting us to this position. We're very excited to launch this work um in the upcoming school year. Thank you for the opportunity, and thank you to Lilly for funding all of this work for us.
I do. This is kind of a summary of everything that we just talked about. There you go. There you go. And that's all that I have. Here. There you go. So you guys we can move right on into personnel and operations, which Mr.
Gorman just wanted us to remind you that his update is inclusive of the work that's being done this summer. And again, he is very sorry that he is not here this evening, but they are very much excited about welcoming this new grandbaby whenever Tommy decides
decides to make his arrival. But he has two actions that he would like for you all to consider. The first is our approval of our employment recommendations. To approve the employment recommendations. >> I'll motion. >> Rob. >> I'll second.
>> Tara. >> All in favor. >> Aye. >> Opposed. >> Okay. >> And then we also had two handbooks for your review, uh the 2026-2027 administration handbook and the transportation handbook. >> Yes, could I get a motion to approve
both of those handbooks, please? >> I will. >> Beth. >> I'll second. >> Jill. >> All in favor. >> Aye. >> Opposed. >> Okay. >> All right. Stewart, you again. Superintendent and business update.
>> So tonight we have a a very important discussion to present to the board. Certainly this is the work that we've been working on for about a year. And that is is all related to our referendum discussion, which is of
course pursuant to Indiana code 20-45-1. It is my responsibility to formally review the proposed referendum and present to the community and to the
board the conditions of the referendum. So I'm going to do that here in just a second. If you have questions for me after that presentation, then of course I am more than happy to answer any questions that you may have. And then tonight, the board at is asked
to approve the referendum tax levy resolution. That is an exhibit that was included in your packet that is quite extensive outlining the conditions of the referendum. But to begin with, it's my legal obligation to
present the facts regarding this discussion. So tonight, the board is being asked to consider a resolution that would place an operating referendum question before the voters of Beech Grove on November the 3rd, 2026.
This action follows months of financial analysis, planning, and discussion regarding the long-term fiscal outlook of Beech Grove City Schools. As the board is aware, Beech Grove City Schools faces significant financial challenges
resulting from changes in state property tax law, ongoing circuit breaker impacts, and revenue limitations that continue to place pressure on the district's operating budget. After reviewing current revenue
projections for the years 2027 through 2034, the administration and the board have determined that the district will be unable to fully carry out its public educational mission without this operating revenue.
The proposed referendum would allow voters to consider continuing critical services through the district's Believe in Our Future Initiative. Specifically, referendum revenue would
support existing essential student services, including school bus transportation, school facilities maintenance, and student safety and security services including school resource officers.
These are services that directly impact every student and family in our community each day. If approved by voters, the referendum would authorize a maximum property tax rate of 57 cents per $100 of assessed
valuation generating no more than $4.4 million annually for a period of up to 8 years beginning in 2027 and continuing until 2034.
If approved by voters, same paragraph, Laura. While the actual median home value in Beach Grove is approximately $185,700, state statute requires that figure to be rounded to $200,000
for purposes of the ballot language. As a result, voters will see a $200,000 median home value referenced in the referendum question. Based on the district's financial projections,
the owner of a home valued at $200,000 would pay approximately $1.04 per month or $12.48 more per year in addition to the property taxes that
they're paying now during the first year of the referendum. If assessed valuation growth continues as currently forecasted, that daily cost is expected to decline over time as the tax rate required to generate the
approved revenue is reduced. The ballot language is prescribed by state law and therefore must state that for a median residence of $200,000, the property's annual tax bill would
increase by approximately $493 per year. To be clear, $493 is not in addition to what the property owner is paying. Property owners who have a home valued
at $200,000 are currently paying $480.52. The resolution also acknowledges the requirements established by Indiana law regarding charter school participation in operating referendum revenue.
The district has completed the required notification process and eligible charter schools that elected to participate will receive distributions as required by statute. It is important to know that tonight's
action does not approve a tax increase. Rather, it allows the community to decide whether these essential services should continue to be funded through a voter approved operating referendum.
Ultimately, this decision belongs to the residents of Beech Grove. By approving this resolution, the board would simply place the question on the ballot and provide voters with the opportunity to determine
the future level of investment in their local public schools. This recommendation is consistent with our commitment to transparency, fiscal responsibility, and our belief that strong schools remain essential to a
strong Beech Grove community. Therefore, I respectfully recommend approval of the referendum tax levy resolution and authorization to place the operating referendum question before the voters of the school city of Beech
Grove on November the 3rd, 2026. >> Anybody have any questions? It's a lot to take in, isn't it? Um, could I have a motion to approve the referendum tax levy resolution? >> So moved. >> Jill? >> I'll second.
>> Brian, was that you? Brian? All in favor? >> Aye. >> Opposed? Okay. >> Thank you. >> Um, can we get a motion to approve the minutes and the claims for May and June? We'll do that the same time. Can we get
a motion to approve both of those, please? >> I'll make that motion. >> Tara? >> I'll second. >> April? All in favor? >> Aye. >> Opposed? Okay. Um, we had some fund raisers. There's not a whole bunch, but could I get a motion to approve all of those?
>> I'll motion. >> Rob? >> I'll second. >> Was that you, Beth? >> Mhm. >> All in favor? >> Aye. >> Opposed? Okay, do we have any stories we want to share before we end this meeting?
>> I have a success story. Um, the library, Beech Grove branch of the library, had to do a quick turnaround because um, to host the library the library board meeting. Typically, it's scheduled out
years in advance, and Fourth Avenue branch scheduled to um, host but unable to 5 days before Fourth Avenue. So, we had to do a quick turnaround time. Quick. It is quick. And usually, um, we have plenty of time to ask members of
our community to talk about how they like Beech Grove branch. Well, we had to put a turnaround. We had to put a turnaround. Came in and um, spoke about the relationships between the library and the school system. And it went very well. It went so well
that the stodgy library board burst out into applause along with all the people in there. Very sweet. None of us are surprised by that, but still it was surprising for people there to be um resoundingly motivated in the breach of
probity in this So, thank you, Dr. Hammond, for coming and speaking about how well we all work together. >> I can't imagine this community without it. It's just so critical. We appreciate you. Thank you, too. >> Did you talk about C-9?
>> Yeah, so just a C-9 update. Uh we had our meeting last week. Uh month end uh no students of the month, obviously. Uh but uh we did have a second reading of the budget for the uh upcoming school year. It was approved. Um so, that's that's positive news. And then we actually
started paying down the delinquent funds for state and federal for the adult program based on um a uh a plan to set aside money for the utilities for this year. And so, I think about $60,000 or so was
applied to three delinquent accounts. And there's I think seven or eight delinquent accounts. So, um we eliminated two of them off the off the ledger. So, it's good. >> redirection. Another success story is our our number of years with Rob Challis. We
have thoroughly enjoyed his all of his participation and >> We will miss you. Are you sure you want that new job? >> I kind of got to have it. >> We have enjoyed you. We thank you so much for your service.
And that's truly a success story. >> I'm not going far. >> That's right. >> Well, good luck. >> Are you still on the RDC? >> I don't have to change. >> For now? >> Currently, yes. >> Do you have an RDC
update you want to give us or >> Uh last month they actually gave the disclosure. I think they sent you all the information uh where they break down the four townships that the money gets funneled through in the end. I haven't done it. Um
as far as the projects going right now, I know the Little League has some great ideas. Um they're doing their final presentation uh this Thursday. Um do you want me to go to the meeting Thursday or
>> You don't think you can cuz you're officially resigned. >> well, there's a meeting Thursday. >> Okay. >> Um >> Oops. >> But other than that >> because you're not a voting member. Yeah. >> We uh we had talked about doing a presentation
with the RDC and with everything going on this month, I think we're going to push ours to July. But um really other than that there hasn't been much going on. They've They've set some new members and
everybody's kind of getting their feet set. >> Great. Do you want to follow up on anything on the education thing? >> I'm good. >> You never have. >> Um the park this Thursday at Serete Bolton the second third third summer
concert will be going on starting at 7:00. >> Yeah. Um one of my associations on the lake wasn't there for the meeting last month because of stupid weather things. Um I understand that the golf outing was a complete success. >> Absolutely. >> Yeah. >> Everybody had a great had a great time.
Weather did not get in anybody's way and the dinner apparently they had 145 people attend, which is more than they've had in a long time. It was their 50-year anniversary. Dennis Buckley was the alumni of the
year and Corey Wynn was teacher of the year, so I'm sure that brought in some extra people, too. So, that's all I have for the alumni association. >> How nice. >> Anybody else have anything else? >> I wanted to commend our our audience for graduation.
They turned the lights the graduates for the first time. >> You were absolutely right. >> And they don't make a big deal of anyone graduating or or anything like that. I had the night before had been to a South Coast graduation and it was full it was awful. I mean the
terrible thing to say, but the audience just was not very kind to the graduates. And B True, we should we were so we should be so proud of them. Because they they don't go they're not obnoxious.
>> I I agree with you, Beth. I think this year was the best crowd we've had in a really long time. >> I think so, too. I I don't think we've ever had anybody this quiet, actually. It was really nice. Really nice. >> It was perfect. >> Yeah, it was perfect. It was a great
day. Anything else? Oh, 1,000 views? How about that? Wow. >> You you killed the stream. >> That's awesome. Yes, yes. So great. >> Okay, well, Rob, since it's your last meeting, would you like to adjourn?
>> Uh I will motion that we adjourn. >> Okay, and who would like to second? >> I'll second. >> Tara. All in favor? >> I. >> Okay, good night, everybody. Thank you.