Do you want me to call? >> I I kind of um Do you want me to go call? >> If you want to, but I think he he >> as well know when he coming. I don't know because I tried to [snorts] track
back on it. [clears throat] >> Can I send you this? >> Okay. Um, do you want me to wait for Daisy? >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> Yeah. >> Yeah.
>> Um, where [laughter] Huh? Do you want me to move down? Would you feel more comfortable? >> Oh, okay. Okay. >> Um, okay. So, I need to get [laughter]
[clears throat] Okay. All right. Ready? All right. Everybody ready? We're going to call this meeting to order and start with the Pledge of Allegiance. Okay. [clears throat] All right. I just want to welcome everybody and say thank you for coming. Community members and
guests. How are you? And I want to have Ann Vanderbellan read our Elcart Promise. >> The Elcart Promise. Every student is known by name, challenged and supported by highly effective staff and in partnership with the community will graduate career college ready and life
ready. >> Excellent. And most of us know about the invitation to speak protocol. There are white sheets that are on your paper for you to put your name on and it gives you the opportunity to speak. And so what we have is an allotted amount of time. And so what we've asked is everybody
everybody is important in what they have to say. But if you have found that some of the different things that are being said match what you're already going to say, please still speak with your heart and your amount of time that you have, but if you could just match up or make a statement um so that we're not maybe like possibly repeating and it gives us
an opportunity to go through and hear what everybody has to say. So we of course value everybody's public opinion and what everybody has to say, but it's sometimes like great if we can just like follow through with like speaking from our heart, knowing what we're saying. So, with that, let's go ahead and go
with public comment. >> Huh? >> Um, no. I'm going to do that at the consent items. Yeah. >> Do you want me to do that now? You think it's better? Because I can go ahead. >> Yeah. I mean, do you think it's better before we do the public?
>> You know what? I'm going to Okay, you guys, I'm going to step back for just one second if you don't mind. Um, normally when we lose one of our own, we take a moment of silence and we did this week in in in the most I mean just just devastating way. And Jeff Jeff Reiner
who was with us for 30 years and you know being a longtime um parent, community member of this school and watching Jeff evolve into who he was has been one of the most wonderful things to ever see. And to watch him mentor and
take kids you guys seriously. kids that never would have sang a song or play taken a part in a play or didn't did any of that without Jeff's encouragement. And so I just want to take an opportunity to just be thankful for what we had with Jeff. Thankful for the
opportunity and the children that he made a difference in not just a year ago, 5 years ago, today, but forever the impact he's had. So, if we can take an opportunity for a moment of silence and our superintendent will reflect [clears throat] on Jeff also at the end of the meeting, but I just think it's so
important that his family, his children, his peers, his friends, everybody know how much we loved him and appreciated him. and we continue to pray and uh over his family and for his friends as they navigate through emotions of how to
heal. But I know that he would say something like, "You need to keep singing. You need to keep dancing. You need to keep acting." Because that was Jeff. So, um with that, thank you guys for that opportunity. And we'll go ahead with public comment, please. And there is no particular order, but again, I
just want to say speak from your heart. Um but here we go. We're gonna go with Tiana Batisti Wedell. Oh, hey Tiana. Welcome back. Good evening board members. My name is Tiana Batisadell. I reside at 330 KFax
Avenue, South Bin, Indiana. I am here today because I am concerned about the lack of communication and accountability surrounding the findings of the Elcart County Tenur site system assessment report and what those findings mean for black youth in Elcart
Community Schools. In December 2025, I sent a letter to district leadership after reviewing data that showed concerning disparities affecting black students. I asked what steps the district was taking to address those disparities, how restorative and
traumainformed practices were being implemented, and what and what antibbias training staff would receive to address the root causes identified in the report. I was told my concerns had been forwarded to district leadership. I
never received a response. When new leadership came into the district, I reached out again. I shared the previous correspondences, provided additional questions, and asked how the new administration intended to address the findings. Again, I have received no
response. Instead, communication came from legal counsel. Respectfully, I am not asking for legal advice. I am asking questions about children. I am asking questions about educational outcomes. I am asking questions about a
report that identifies disparities impacting black students in your school district. I am a parent advocate. I have clients in this school district. I also filed a complaint regarding the superintendent's failure to communicate
with me. To date, I have received no response from your board about my complaint. My frustration is not personal. My frustration is that when data identifies harm and community members seek answers,
silence sends a message. It sends a message to families that their concerns are not valued. It sends a message to students that disparities reflected in the data are not urgent. The report itself states that implementing an equity strategy requires stakeholders to
take responsibility and actively address disparities at the decision at the decision decisions points where they have control and accountability. So today I'm asking the board what actions have been taken in response to the report and why has communication with
concerned community members been so difficult when the issue at hand is the well-being of children. Last Friday I worked an event and it was an Elcart student that started all of the fights at Howard Park in South Bend.
She told me she went to Elcart schools. The black youth reflected in this data deserve more than silence. They deserve transparency. They deserve accountability. And more important, it is now time in 2026
after 600 years of oppression to take action. Thank you. >> Thank you, >> Gabriella Mrico. Good evening, board members. I just have one question. I'm sorry about my voice. Um,
thank you. Um, I [clears throat] have been told that the new charter school is going to not take kids. Um, but I've also heard that it's a lottery. So, I'm actually cons um considering taking my kid to that school. I have not
enrolled her for the next coming year because of a lot of issues that have had I have had at Elkar Community Schools. Um unfortunately, um these continued even after I came to you guys with the same staff and I feel like it's maybe time to go. But my question is, um,
since my kid is not enrolled in Elkhart Community School, will I be able to, um, go into their lottery system? I know that it's cap, but I've also heard that some students are not going to be going into the charter school because of where it's located. So, that is my question.
Thank you, Jane. Alain. Hello. >> Hi. >> My name is Rachel. Hi, my name is Rachel and I'm a parent in the district. On May 12th, I stood before this board asking for accountability after years of documented abuse,
bullying, and harassment, inaccurate educational records, and repeated failures to protect my son. That evening, I made five specific requests to this board, accurate educational records for my son, full compliance with FURPA and Indiana law, a formal review
of Lindsey Brander's conduct and false statements made to DCS, a public deadline for the board's investigative review, and a corrective action plan addressing >> um Hey Rachel, I'm really sorry. I I should have caught that quicker. Um, we cannot use um >> pausing this because it's my time.
>> Well, I mean, you use some of your time to talk about Well, then I'm going to stop you because and I need more time. >> Um, >> just days after >> one more time, >> I made these requests. Let me I hope I'm giving more time here. A corrective action plan addressing this board's own
failures and negligence to be made public before [clears throat] the start of next school year. Just 10 days later, I along with two other mothers who spoke that night received letters from this board's attorney giving us 10 days to submit all of our evidence. I met that
deadline. On May 26, board council informed me that the board will review my submissions and an issue and issue a written decision no later than June 30th. That deadline has came and gone. Despite multiple follow-up emails, there has been no written decision, no
explanation for the delay, no communication from this board. None of the requests I made on May 12th have been resolved. For more than five months, I have repeatedly requested a meeting with Superintendent Ree and district staff to establish a comprehensive plan of care for my son's
transition to Elcart High School. Yet, those requests have gone unanswered. Superintendent Ree, board members Dy Davis and Doug Weaver. >> Okay, so Jake, go ahead and stop her time. Rachel, I'm really sorry, but I've asked you once to not use names of members. >> I'm addressing the board that's here. >> Okay. I but again I've asked you to
please um refrain from accusations that we cannot uh support or not support at this time. So >> So next time I should bring a packet with y'all in the emails as evidence because y'all are in the emails. That's all I'm addressing. I'm addressing you as the board that are here and my superintendent which I need to do
because you have quit communicating with me and my son's safety hangs in the balance. >> Okay. So I have no more names to say. Y'all know who you are and you know that you're in the emails. Rachel, again, I'm going to have to ask you to refrain from this conversation and I'm going to
welcome you to try to arrange a meeting with our superintendent. >> I already have for five months. >> Rachel, I'm going to ask that this communication stops at this time. >> You cannot ask that of me. I am allowed three minutes. So, let me finish because you have ghosted me for 5 months. I have
emailed the superintendent and asked for a meeting and she will not remove the time. Rachel, I'm going to have to ask you to not continue this conversation because >> I've already spoken my peace and we're going to go ahead and move on and you're welcome to make an appointment. >> Legal counsel is also ghosting me as a
mother. >> Rachel, I'm going to ask you again to step away from >> now. You're taking away my voice and my three minutes because I address the three people that are here today. >> Okay. If you would like to align that with me, that's perfectly fine. But yes, I am going to say that at this point in
time in this evening, this conversation has been addressed with you and I'm going to ask you to discontin but you have continued to put people's names out there and imp this this conversation is done. Rachel, I'm going to ask you to make an appointment with their certificate.
Can you shut the microphone attorney to me? >> Thank you. because they said that they would get to me. Hannah Ortega, I'm ready for you to speak. Thank you so much. Have a good evening, Rachel. >> I'm good with that.
>> Good evening. My name is Anna Ortega and I'm the parent of a student who attended Pieran Middle School. I'm here tonight because despite following every process Elgar Community School asked of me, my son's educational record esty
corrected. On June 3, I participated in a Furpa. On June 17, district council concluded that parts of my son educational record were inaccurate, misleading, or incomplete and recommended that that corrections be
made. Uh, while I appreciate those findings, they address only part of the issues raised during the heating. I submitted additional documented corrections including incidents of bullying that were never recorded. Um, disciplinary incidents that
administrators acknowledged were code incorrectly subjected statements placed in my son's record and disciplinary actions that occur without his behavior support plan being properly uh followed followed. Despite these submissions, I
have not received a response and my son's record remains incomplete. This also affects his transition to a new school because his educational record should accurately reflect what actually happened. After eight years in Elgar Community School, my family has made the
difficult decision to leave the district. My son was an honor roll student at Riverview Elementary from kindergarten through sixth grade and um had no behavioral issues during his first year at Pier Moran. That changed
his he experienced targeting by staff, repeated disciplinary actions and decline in his mental health and eventually lost his love for the school. as a Spanish mother learning about the massive school to prison pipeline in
Elcart County and that the majority of referrals are from Elkar Community School. I have the question as a parent if the targeting of my Spanish 13year-old son was intentional by the white principal, white assistant principal and white teacher that all
contribute to this abuse of power harassment of my son and my family for the last year. I asked the board to ensure that the district followed through on district council recommendations, reviewed additional corrections I submitted, and provides my son with an educational record that is
factual, objective, and complete immediately. I ask you to ensure that no other families has to spend months fighting simply to have the truth reflected in their child's educational record, which continues to harm my son's educations. Thank you.
>> Thank you, Anna. >> [applause] >> pattern Julie Tyowski. One more time that Thanks. [clears throat and cough] >> Good evening, members of the board, public superintendent. I'm Julie
Tarowski. Uh I along with Sid uh Schaefer, we are in charge of student government and homecoming. And this is like on a whim, but I wanted to make sure I talk about it. So last year was our first ever um large homecoming event. We've had a parade for a few
years, but last year we had food vendors. Uh we had umformational tables. Anybody who wanted to get a table, it's like $20. Um if it's justformational, then it's free. And then we invite food trucks. Um, if you weren't there last year, hopefully
you saw pictures or saw stories about it. Uh, it was a really, really awesome event. It turned out great. And, um, it's everything like I have envisioned and hopefully it just gets bigger this year. Um, we invite all schools, middle and elementary, and then the high
school, each grade level makes a float. Everybody's invited um, to walk in it. We have quite a few athletes walk in it. EFL. Um, and I want to thank obviously Wendy and our communications department. They've
already posted about it. Um, and they've done a great job with that and take lots of great pictures. So, really appreciative of that. But, um, my ask is that you guys spread the word and if you can't make it, I understand, but please promote it. It really is such a fun event. Also, yeah, we had bounce houses.
We have a foam/bubble pit um which I know some kids kind of hung out in that the whole night. Um so anyways, it's a really really fun event. It was great weather last year so hopefully we have great weather again. Um and it's just something that I I don't know it was
it's a really good positive and so I would love to see that get bigger and more people show up. >> Is amazing. >> Julie, what's the date? Sorry, it's Friday, September 18th. And then we play new prairie which means it's a half an hour later start. It's a 7:30 start. So
the activities are 5 to 7:30 and the parade is either going to start at 5 or 5:30 and we just go from up at the soccer courts, soccer fields. Hello. Um down Blazer Boulevard into the parking lot. And
>> yeah, >> you did a great job last year and it'll be even bigger this year. I know. >> So excited. I am beyond excited. Hopefully we have as great a weather as last year. So, and thank you for everybody who supports it. >> Yeah, thank you for your work. >> Thanks, Julie. Okay. Um,
let's see. Howard Turner. [sighs and gasps] Good evening. My name is Howard Turner. I live on Beach Street in Elcart. proud graduate of Elkcart Memorial High School from 1983. I I am greatly disappointed that the state that I have chosen to come back and live in is trying to
dismantle the school system that gave this poor workingclass person the same educational opportunities as the people who own the businesses that I have later come to work for. I am against the uh transfer of the charter school from our
also to the charter school. It seems like we're doing this really fast. I was up till midnight watching the schoolboard meeting Friday that I wasn't able to come attend and and speak to. So that that was and then spending yesterday and today reading the the
thing. It just it my school system is not getting benefited at all. I wish we would take time. There has to be someone else that is interested in it besides Premier. we could then have them compete
and give us the best opportunity, but this just this doesn't seem like it is. And that's all I have. Thank you. >> Thanks, Howard. Thank you for coming. Um, Linda Fine, >> I did bring my son for you guys today, just so you're aware.
>> Thanks, Linda. >> Did somebody leave this up here or has this been up here? I think it was first lady that was my concern. You guys have >> Oh, I think somebody left this. >> Um, you can hand it to Dorin.
>> She'll trying to be helpful. All right. So, tonight I again come to you as a taxpayer and a voter. I encourage you to vote against the innovation network agreement. This agreement does not benefit Elkart Community Schools. It instead gives a raise to Premiere along
with their million-dollar grant from Indiana. As a charter school, they can still receive additional funding unavailable to Elcart. The minimum 1% administration fee does nothing to create a positive balance in our budget. I remind you that the state average is for fees is 5%. Our biggest deficit is
in wages, not operations. I point out section 4.1 that specifically states this is a contract, not a partnership. For people who continually call it a partnership, you are misleading the public. A partnership is where both sides share and help each other. There's no sharing in this agreement. Premier
keeps their separate identity. With them keeping their separate identity, there is no influence for Elcart when it comes to test scores. Have we even found out how their scores are going to impact ours? And their scores will be added to ours. And I'm again, I'm not sure that
it's going to be better. I do have a question. It was reiterated several times on Friday evening that Premier is not asking for transportation. Then why does section 14.7 require Elcart to add Premier to our transportation insurance? If we don't have enough drivers now, how
will we be impacted if Premier decides to use our buses for field trips? It's the only reason I can think we would have to add them to our insurance. In researching the dollar law, it is illegal for Elkcart to sell or lease the building without passing a resolution, notifying the state, and starting the
process. In doing this, Elkart has the opportunity to make sure that they are doing the right thing with the building and to try and gain back some community support. Have you explored all of the options for the use of the building outside this agreement? Would you sell your first home to the first person who
viewed it? Did you marry your first date? Right now, the community is in shambles about what is happening and why it has been so secretive. As of today, there are three schools on the dollar list on the state DOE. None of them are
Elkart. Also, please explain to me why on Friday before the public work session, Premier Services was seen disassembling the signage at Oslo and Premier was seen removing boxes from their current housing. This seems
suspicious since nothing has been approved by this board at a time when Elcart needs the community in order to pass a referendum in a few years, which is what I feel you guys are banking on with this agreement. This deception is not helpful.
I again ask that you vote no on the agreement and start the $1 process for sale through the state. Thank you. >> Jennifer Martin. Hello, my name is Jennifer Martin. I'm here tonight as a parent, a taxpayer, and a community member. I've been a part
of the Elcart community for most of my life. I have the privilege of being a parent of two wonderful children, an 11th grader at Elcart High School and an eighth grader at Premier Arts Academy. I am an involved parent. I volunteer help
organize events and school activities. I have supported and will continue to support the teachers, the staff, and the administrators of both schools my children attend. As parents, we have make difficult decisions to help our children succeed.
For our family, that meant choosing the environment, the educational environment that best fit each child. Keeping my oldest son at Elcart High has been one of the best decisions we could have ever made. >> [laughter] >> He has been challenged, encouraged, and
given opportunities that has helped him grow and succeed. For that, I am truly grateful. Thank you. Choosing Premier Arts Academy for my youngest was a very difficult decision for us, but it was pro has proven to be the right one for him. Premier Arts Academy has provided
an environment where he has been able to thrive academically, creativly, and personally. My children like to tease me that I'm always one to want too much information, but I believe informed decisions are the best decisions. Over
the past week, I have taken the time to read and research the proposed innovation network agreement for myself. I wanted to understand it truly what it offers both schools rather than relying on misinformation that has circulated on
social media. What I have found is this agreement creates an opportunity for both Elcart Community High or Elcart Community Schools and Premier Arts Academy. It allows Elcart Community Schools to strengthen strengthen its financial position without reducing
services, raising taxes or assuming responsibility for operating another school. Public building school buildings are fund funded with public dollars. This agreement allows this in investment to remain in public education while
giving Premier Arts Academy the opportunity to be a responsible steward of the building and continuing to use it to serve our community. As a parent with children in both school systems, my hope is that you will approve this agreement. Thank you for
your time and consideration of this parent and taxpayer and a lifelong member of this community. >> Thank you, Jennifer. Uh, Brandon Gerlock. >> Good evening. My name is Brandon Gerlock. Um, I currently serve as the
president of the Premier Arts Academy School Board. Professionally, I'm a certified public accountant with over a decade of experience auditing, advising, and various nonprofit organizations in
governmental units. My career is centered around helping organizations make financially responsible decisions that maximize resources while remaining accountable to the communities that they serve. I also recognize that the
decision before you tonight is not an easy one. We as a community are trying to find a foothold, right? We're trying to figure out what direction Elcart Community
Schools should go. The those responsibilities are significant. As someone who spends their career evaluating financial decisions, I see this as a straightforward question to
stewardship. The board has estimated that maintaining an empty Oslo Elementary School will cost approximately $50,000 a year. An empty building doesn't educate
children. It doesn't strengthen neighborhoods. It simply requires resources that could be used to educate current Elcart Community School students. The innovation network agreement changes
that equation. Instead of spending money to maintain a vacant building, ECS would receive approximately $32,000 a year over the 2-year life of the agreement. This represents a 1% administrative fee,
which is the maximum allowable by Indiana law. Opportunities like this are uncommon. It is not often that a public entity can reduce operating costs, can generate new
revenue, and preserve a community asset, and continue serving children that the asset was built to serve. Just as importantly is this is not a permanent commitment. This is a two-year
agreement with the option to renew for an additional 2 years. So it is not a permanent decision. It gives both organizations the opportunity to evaluate how the agreement is going.
Lastly, as someone who as someone who spent their career helping organizations make sound financial decisions, I believe this agreement reflects exactly what our community should expect from all of us,
responsible stewardship of public resources, thoughtful partnership, and a commitment to putting children first. Thank you for your time. Britney [clears throat] Picket. >> Hi Britney.
[clears throat] >> Good evening. My name is Britney Picket and I'm the proud former Elkcart Community School student, an involved member of this community, and I'm the mother of two children who attend Premier Arts Academy. Like every parent, I want my children to learn, love
learning, feel like they belong, and have every opportunity to succeed. For my son, who has special needs, finding the right learning environment wasn't simply a preference. It was essential. One of the greatest strengths of public
education is that it doesn't have to look the same for every child. Children learn differently, they grow differently, and they thrive in different environments. Families deserve access to highquality public school options that allow them to
choose the setting where their child will be successful. That's why I support this initi this innovation network agreement. This agreement isn't about one school winning and another losing. It's about two public education organizations
choosing to work together for the benefit of our students and our community. Instead of allowing a neighborhood school building to sit empty while taxpayers continue paying to maintain it, this agreement keeps Osceloo doing what it was built to do, serve children.
It brings additional revenue to Elcart Community Schools, preserves another highquality public school option for families, and ensures a valuable community asset continues to fulfill its purpose. Imagine Oslo's hallways without the sound of children learning,
laughing, or growing. I don't think that's what any of us in our community want. As the parent of a child with unique learning needs, I know firsthand that one size does not fit all. When [snorts] families have meaningful public school options, children don't just find
a school, they find a place where they can flourish. My son has found that place. To my children, this isn't about a building or even a playground. It's about continuing to learn, grow, and dream in the city that they proudly call home. I respectfully ask you to vote yes
on the innovation network agreement. Thank you. >> Chris Bartley. [clears throat] >> Hi, Chris Bartley. I guess I'm here as a citizen of Elcart taxpayer. 99% of you know my bonafides, but let me
just review them very quickly. My grandfather was a literal cheerleader for Elcart High School in 1940. Uh my mom and dad graduated in 1967. I have six aunts who attended, one uncle who attended. Two of my children, one of my
grandchildren attend or have attended Elcart Community Schools. I've been employed for with Elcart Community School for 20 years. I also graduated Elkart Community Schools. I was the last graduating class of Weston Elementary.
That was really long ago. Um, but that was the last time really that there was a big closure of schools. Uh, Weston and Rice were closed at the same time. Um, I was the last ninth grade in
middle school. I understand disruption in your history, in your continuity of your educational experience. Um, I'm seeing firsthand what can happen to a school building that gets sold. Premier Arts Academy is not the enemy
here. Public charter schools fulfill a purpose. I am so glad that good friends, neighbors, colleagues have found a home and a good fit for their students. The laws that have been passed in the
state of Indiana make this by default an adversarial situation. I have no opinion as to whether Premier Art should take over the building with the innovative
partnership or contract or if we do the dollar trade. Elkart Community Schools is never going to get back. I love my city and I love my school system. Elker Community Schools is never going to get back 5,000
7,000 students where we need these buildings. We have a surplus of buildings. We need to decide what is the best use of them for the entire community. But what I'm really here to talk about is trust and respect.
uh the behaviors of and actions of the administration and the school board is been a textbook example of how to lose trust and respect. >> Informal talks with different entity entities apparently have uh been in
works long before the building closures were announced. There has been incomplete and biased information given to stakeholders. The fact that information came from Premier Arts before it came from Elcart Community Schools is troublesome. And it was
embarrassing Friday that there was nobody in the room available to answer the most basic of questions regarding this very serious topic. Please do better. Thank you.
Andrea Hardy. Here we go. >> Hi, Andrea. >> I am here to address a documented pattern of administrative avoidance, institutional double double standards,
and a total failure of accountability. On May 19th, following my public comment at a previous board meeting, the district issued me an official letter acknowledging my complaint for a fourth level review under policy 9130. In that correspondence, the district
held me to a strict non-negotiable 10-day deadline to compile and submit a massive packet of evidence. I respected the process. I met the deadline. I submitted my comprehensive evidence packet on May 27th. That same day, I received an official written
acknowledgement from board council stating, "Consistent with the terms of policy 9130, the board will review all re relevant material in an executive session and provide you with this written decision by no later than June 30th, 2026.
June 30th has come and gone, and despite two follow-up emails, I have been met with complete silence. Today is July 14th. The district's own self-imposed, legally advised deadline is now two full weeks overdue. I have
checked my email, my standard mail, and my certified mail. There is no written decision. More importantly, there has been zero communication explaining a delay asking for an extension or offering a new timeline. The double standard here is staggering. When the district sets a
deadline for a parent, we are expected to comply immediately or forfeit our rights. when but when the administration sets a deadline for itself, a deadline explicitly put in writing by its own legal counsel, it is treated entirely optional.
This isn't just a minor administrative oversight. The failure to provide a timely response or basic communication is a direct demonstration of the exact patterns of administrative avoidance and systemic failure that I have heavily documented in my primary submission. I
would also like to acknowledge that we as parents are expected to wear many hats. But navigating a system that is actively working against us forces us into a position where we have to constantly fight to be heard in to ensure that our child's needs are met.
It's a fundamental breakdown of trust and support and places the child at a disadvantage. Furthermore, I know for a fact and we have seen that I am not the only parent here in the room dealing with the district who is promised a June 30th
decision only to be completely ghosted. It's a pattern. Rules and policies only work when they apply to everyone. If you expect parents to respect your timelines, you must respect your own. I am asking the board tonight what is the
status of my policy 9130 written decision and why is this administration permitted to ignore the very legal deadlines it establishes. Thank you >> Angela Whitlo. >> Good evening. I'm speaking as a community member and a parent of two ECS
graduates. Article 4.1 nature of relationships. The parties rel parties relationship is contractual and nothing in this agreement is intended to or shall create a partnership. This is what the contract reads. Current parents,
staff, and the head of PAA refer to this contract as a partnership. Even our own ETA refers to it as a partnership. This should sound an alarm as PA, ECS, ETA and the community are not understanding that this is a contract. Why? Could it
be from the amount of inre interrup or gaps in the contract? Could it be because the term good faith has been repeated numerous times in a contract which is wild. This contract leaves open-ended agreements that would need to
be voted slash agreed upon that could include transportation, school resources, and added liability per our own lawyer. We currently have staff who have been contacted recently by PAA staff to recruit them, excuse me, [clears throat] and also speak about the partnership to
gain reources from ECS. PAA continues to recruit ECS staff. How does that benefit us? 11.2 2 additional services. This is where I mentioned before about possible possible additional services being voted/ agreed upon. Our lawyer mentioned
only if the board agrees, but here we sit on Tuesday, July 14th, waiting on the vote. PA announced on June 30th that ECS board would vote July 14th. As of July 7th, around 1 p.m., ECS informed me that they did not have the updated contract and that the board was still
deciding on the days for the public meeting and what day they would vote. Tell me why it looks like PAA persuaded our own school board of when they wanted the vote to happen. If PA can do that, I have a difficult time believing that ECS couldn't be persuaded to do additional
agreements at some point. This would take resources that are already limited away from ECS students and staff. This would then create a partnership, as Ashley mentions, instead of a contract. Give the building to PAA free and clear from any contract. Let them do it the
legal way. I absolutely understand parents finding the school that best fits their child. There are no negative feelings towards PAA and what amazing things that they give students. ECS needs to focus on building back our foundation and we need to and we really don't need the extra work that this
agreement may bring or the resources it may take. Please vote no. Thank you. >> Thank you to everybody that commented. Thank you for your courage. Thank you for your opportunity to speak what you needed to say. We appreciate that. And on that, we're [clears throat] going to
move to our consent items. So, I have a motion. >> I move. >> A second. >> Second. >> Okay. Any discussion, which would be me, and that's where I'm going to talk about the wonderful gifts that have been bestowed upon us by our community. at
$14,27042. We received from Wei Impact Properties $1,500 to be used for t-shirts. Um, as we move through the consolidated schools, which is wonderful for our incoming students, NIPCO donated $500 for school supplies. Star 004 LLC
donated $500 to Roosevelt for our early learning centers for our little ones. and the Michigan Porch Porch uh club in conjunction with the Michelle Hostettler Memorial Scholarship donated $1,800 to the Elcart Area Career Center. And this
one is awesome. Kensington Machine Products donated stainless steel and aluminum materials at a cost of $9,970 to be used for our CNC machining program, which is growing amazing. So, I compliment our community at $14,27042.
Thank you for continuing to believe in Elcart Community Schools. And on that, we will [clears throat] move um old business. We are check off. And now we are at >> We got to vote. >> Oh, gosh darn it. I'm sorry, gang. We're going to go ahead and vote. So, um all
in favor >> I >> I >> Any opposition? Do you need to do >> Oh, yeah. >> It's got to be on. >> Yeah, I'm on. There's got to be a roll call. >> Let's do a roll call. >> And I >> Doug Weaver. >> Hi.
>> Troy Scott. >> Hi. >> Kelly Mullins. >> Hi. >> Dy Davis. >> Hi. >> Eric Ivory. >> Hi. >> Right. Thanks everybody. Okay. So um now
we will be moving on to new business and we will be discussing the innovation network school agreement with Premier Arts Inc. >> Good evening members of the board >> board. It is my recommendation that the board of trustees approve the innovation network agreement with Premier Arts
Academy as presented. This this partnership is critical financial decision for the stability of Elcart Community Schools. The reality is that whether we approve this agreement or not, the Oslo Elementary facility will inevitably be transferred to a charter school under current state law. By
choosing to approve this this partnership or this contract, we turn a forced transition into a strategic financial advantage. This agreement immediately eliminates ongoing maintenance and utility expenditures for the building, removing these significant costs from our budget. Furthermore, it
provides us with additional dollars we would not otherwise have. This is a revenue positive agreement which ensures less budget cuts to classroom and/or students services. In essence, this additional revenue is substantially equal to the cost of a pair of professional. By moving forward with
this model, we are optimizing fiscal resources while maximizing revenue that directly supports student success in our schools. >> Okay. Do I have a motion? >> Motion. Second. >> Second. >> Okay, I have a motion in a second. Um,
any discussion? >> Is uh this the first reading of this? >> Is anybody asking us to wave second reading or first reading? >> I would ask. >> Go ahead, Troy. Yeah, I I believe it uh
was not in the motion, but because of the public work session that we've had and the uh the time that we spent on it, I I would ask that second uh reading be waved uh for those reasons and amend the motion stating such.
>> Okay. So, Troy, if I'm correct, you're asking me to amend this um motion to add that we are going to wave second reading. Is that correct? >> Yeah, that's correct. I didn't I didn't hear that we there was waver in the motion. So, >> that is correct.
>> Okay. So, I need to close this one out and then restate the motion. Monica. >> Okay. >> Greg, can you >> Greg, can you >> just need to ask that the first motion
be withdrawn and then restate the second motion. The second motion being the waiver of any requirements. >> Can you repeat that? >> Sure. The first motion would need to be withdrawn >> and then the second motion can then be
restated. >> Okay. Um and then Greg, I have a question for you, please. In doing so, as board representation, you would like me to withdraw the first motion with a motion and a and a roll
call and then I will reinstate. >> Actually, I think I slightly disagree with my colleague. I think that Mrs. Vanderbellan as the individual who made the motion can amend her motion with a second. Then you can proceed to a vote without any further action. That would be my recommendation. So, I am amending
my motion to wave second reading on the innovation agreement. >> It's a move to approve and to wave second reading on the contract. >> Okay. So, I'll ask for a move to approve. Okay. And I'll have a second. >> Second.
>> Figured. Okay. And so, we'll need a roll call on that. >> We need some discussion because I have >> Okay. Um I I just want to say that I I appreciate everybody who came out during the work session to share their
perspectives. It was encouraging to see how passionate people the families were to speak about their child's educational experience. I strongly believe that parents have the right and the responsibility to advocate for their child and the school choice is a very
important pathway for parents to choose the educational environment that best meets the needs of their child and that's what a lot of people talked about on Friday. However, tonight's decision that's not what we're deciding tonight. We're deciding whether the innovation
agreement gets whether the innovation agreement gets approved or not. parents still have the ability to choose Premier Arts as their school of choice. The decision that's before us tonight is whether we have been provided sufficient information to justify accelerating the
timeline for another entity to take possession of the building. That's what we're deciding tonight. So, as a school board member, my responsibility is a little bit different from what the parents have shared. My responsibility is to determine whether accelerating a
timeline is the most responsible decision for Elcart Community Schools and whether it serves the best long-term interest of our district and the students we serve. I appreciate that the superintendent brought forth a recommendation, but it
does not resolve the concerns I have regarding the quality, completeness, and timeliness of the information provided to the board. I still have unanswered questions that um are essential for my ability to make
an informed decision. I don't fully understand how the innovation network accountability structure will affect how Elcart is supposed to report the grading under the new state accountability model. I also have unanswered questions regarding
the remaining debt on ISO, how that obligation will be addressed and where that debt will be assigned. While I recognize that there are projected financial benefits associated with this agreement, I don't believe those benefits outweigh our responsibility
um when compa outweigh our the benefits don't our way when you compare to our overall financial challenges facing our district and because this is such a significant decision those financial decisions uh gains are projected and they are relatively modest compared to
the financial state that the district is in. I don't believe those anticipated financial benefits outweigh the importance of being fully informed and fully understanding and evaluating the long-term implications of this decision. Nor are they significant enough to
justify accelerating the timeline rather than allowing the normal statutory process to occur. My decision is not based on whether I support charter schools or school choice. My decision is based on whether I believe I have been provided sufficient information to
responsibly support accelerating the timeline. Before I support accelerating a statutory process, I need sufficient, timely, and reliable information demonstrating that accelerating the timeline is in the
long-term best interest of Elcart Community Schools. At this point, I have not received what I need to feel comfortable when for that reason, I cannot support the innovation agreement. >> Are we excuse here? Are we voting to
wave second and then we'll have comment because or should we comment now? It's appropriate for the board to comment at this point in time since it was subsumed within the original motion. Um you don't need to take a separate vote on
>> Okay. I just want to waving secret. >> Okay. >> Okay. I'd like to um make some comments um if you'll indulge me please. >> Elcart Community Schools is more than a school district to me. I graduated from ECS. Both my daughters graduated and
many family members have graduated from ECS. I've spent many years volunteering in our schools before serving on this board. This community is my home. It's my commitment and my commitment has always been to the students, families, and taxpayers of Elkcart Community Schools. This board has spent a lot of
time working through this agreement with our superintendent and legal council, having very candid discussions and asking for changes that could benefit ECS within the confines of the law. I value and respect each of my fellow board members. I appreciate their
passion and unwavering dedication to our students and district as a whole. None of us would be sitting here if we did not have a passion for our community and a desire to make our school system better. Being a board member means making difficult decisions. It means
looking beyond what we wish the situation was and making decisions based on laws that exist exist today, the financial realities facing our district and what we believe is in the best long-term interest of Elcart Community Schools. Those decisions are not always
popular, but they are our responsibility. After careful reviewing this agreement and considering all the alternatives, I support moving forward with this agreement. Not because I believe it's a perfect solution. It isn't, but because I believe it's more financially
responsible option given the timetable, the legal and financial environment in which Elkcart Community Schools operates today. While these dollars are modest, they are better they are better than continuing to spend additional taxpayer dollars while waiting for the $1 statutory
process to run its course over the next 6 to 12 months and end up with the same outcome. This agreement will not determine the future of Elkcart Community Schools. Families will across Elcart County and
statewide. Declining birth rates and increased educational options mean every school district is competing for students. In Elcart County, the last 5 years show a decline in county births for each year. This equates to the next 5 years of smaller kindergarten pools.
We cannot control these demographic changes, but we can control in how we respond. Families choose schools where they believe their children will thrive academically, feel safe, and have opportunities to succeed. If we want
more families to choose Elcart Community Schools, we must give them every reason to do so. Our responsibility is to focus relentlessly on what matters most. Improving student achievement, strengthening literacy and academic
outcomes, engaging families as true partners in their children's education, supporting and retaining outstanding teachers and staff, and being responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars entrusted to us and investing those in our students.
These are things that we can control. And if we do these things well, these are the things that will determine whether families choose or continue to choose ECS. My focus and commitment has always been and will continue to be on the students
of Elcart Community Schools and putting the strongest position to serve and putting ECS in the strongest position to serve students. They are the future of our community and they deserve the best education and foundation we can provide. else on the board.
>> I'll make a a comment. Um, you know, I've said um before and I will continue to say that my focus remains on stewardship, flexibility, and a level of protection. That's my focus. Uh, our responsibility uh is to be good stewards over taxpayer
assets. Um, this agreement allows for us to put a building back into service in an effective way in my estimation. Uh we all know the reality of our district. We have some declining enrollment, financial challenges that we are trying to overcome. Um every responsible
revenue source should be considered and it must be considered. I think a network innovation agreement provides for that even if it's in a nominal way. Attorney Hickenbog during our uh public work session on Friday did a very nice job laying out in a very clear and
concise way what Indiana law is as well as the processes and the effects of both pathways. What I take from that is that legislator created this option because it recognizes that there are situations where collaborations not partnerships
benefits our community or serves our communities a little bit better. But I do want to be clear. For me, this is not about giving anything away. For me, it's more about negotiating an agreement that includes accountability and some defined levels of protection and expectations.
I don't view this as choosing between Oakart Community Schools nor Premier uh Arts Academy. I choose I I view this as choosing between two legal options. And for me, because of the things that we face right now, I support the recommendation of our superintendent to
move forward with the agreement. Scott, do you have anything? >> Okay, >> Kelly, >> yes. >> Sorry, I didn't know if you could hear me. Yes. >> Uh I I I think everything that's been said tonight has been very well said,
not only from uh the parents and community members that spoke, but also uh from our board members. Um you know, to tonight's decision um is one that uh I I wish that I you know, this board was
not faced with making. It's a decision that um that has been forced upon us by legislation and our legislators as as a way the law was written when we can no longer uh use a building and and and consolidate and close a building. We've
got two options, you know, in reality uh to do this. It's the dollar law which everyone has referred to which essentially we transfer go through the statutory process transfer the building for a dollar.
This process takes anywhere from six months to maybe possibly over a year and it comes with a cost and I think it's been referred to that we now we would have to maintain the building during that time uh to the tune between4 and $50,000 if not more if some unforeseen
incident or issue uh like flooding, vandalism, fire were to happen to the building. We all know that this is a time that this district is working through financial issues, working through uh
financial deficits that did not occur overnight that have been in the works for a while and we're not going to resolve and solve these issues overnight. But when an opportunity presents itself that although the numbers aren't large but officially
responsible decisions need to be made. The other option is this agreement. I again I don't like either one of these options, but for this option, as Eric stated, it keeps a building remaining
purposeful for the reason that building was put into play to educate children. At the end of the day, they may not all be our children or they may not all be uh Elkart County children, but a majority of them are. Secondly, um
there is, you know, a stream of new revenue that we are desperately needing and is very difficult with school funding to come up with and produce. $30,000 a year may not seem a lot, but
$60,000 total over the length of this agreement is something that I think being a good steward of the taxpayers's money is something that is weighed in on my decision. So purely based on the business decision and financial decision regarding this agreement in this school,
it's one it's a decision that I I truly do not want to make. But as a board member, I have to make tough decisions. We have to make tough decisions. And this decision uh and my my vote will be to support this agreement because I
think it is the fiscal fiscally responsible uh vote to have currently in the financial situation the district is in. Thanks.
>> Before I make any kind of a comment, I I just want to confirm um Mr. Hixen, if you could just step up here. I want to confirm the way that we practice Robert rules of order and the way that we have changed this uh motion.
We are able to move the motion to a second reading based on the fact that Mrs. Vandervellin made the original motion and we do not need to vote on moving it to wave the second reading then turn around and move to approve the
contract. I just want to make sure that we are practicing legal stature with the Robert rules of order before I move forward with anything. >> Believe it's certainly within uh the discretion of the board if you want to bifurcate the motion and conduct a motion first on waving first and second reading, but there's nothing
inappropriate under the law or under Roberts to combine them. So that a vote in favor would be a vote in favor not only of the approval of the agreement but to wave second reading. >> Okay. >> The contrary would be true as well. >> Okay. I just want to confirm that we are
moving forward legally in any decision that we are making. >> You are >> um and I I want to applaud um all of the public that spoke on behalf of Premier Arts and on behalf of Elmer Kart Community Schools and those that came Friday supporting both of them together. Um this is like everybody said, I really
don't need to elaborate as much because my peers have shared many valuable um statements and those that have spoke on behalf of both have supported very many. Um, I will concur that I do not believe that at this point in time, I can completely understand how this benefits
Elkcart Community School now, 5 years from now, 10 years from now, looking ahead and looking forward. So, as I applaud anybody that wants a successful business, anybody that wants to change the future of any child, they have that ability to succeed with the full support
of us. But as an Elcart Community School Board member, I will stay aligned with my constituents, my families, my staff that ask me to do what I was chosen to do, voted in, is to stay with my oath of supporting Elcart Community Schools. And at this point in time for me, I do not
feel moving forward with the innovation agreement is what aligns with how I celebrate my community and those that voted me in to represent them, their families, and and the future of our community school. However, in saying that, I want to say that I support anybody that has an opportunity to do
whatever is in the best interest of their children, but my alignment is with my school and my community. So, in saying that, we'll move forward with a roll call vote and we'll see where we're at. >> And Vandervillan, >> yes. >> Doug Weaver,
>> no. >> Troy Scott, >> I. >> Kelly Mullins, >> nay. Dy Davis. >> Hey, >> Eric Ivory. >> Hi. >> Okay,
come on up, Greg. >> And Madam Vice President, my advice is that uh the motion fails based upon the lack of a majority vote. >> Okay. Thank you. Please record that the motion has failed based on lack of majority support.
Moving on to the next. It is the school technology advancement account STAa application with DJ Rhodess. >> Uh good afternoon board. Uh superintendent Ree. I'm here to recommend approval of the submission of the school technology advancement
account application known as STAa. >> Do I have a motion? >> So moved. Second. >> Second. >> All in. Uh, roll call. >> And Vanderland. >> Yes. >> Doug Weaver. >> Yes. >> Troy Scott.
>> Hi. >> Kelly Mullins. >> Yes. >> Dy Davis. >> Hi. >> Eric Ivory. >> Hi. >> Thank you. Um, thanks TJ. Um, Rhonda, hold on. I'm going to put Monica first. >> Yeah, Monica, you're going to come up. Administ um classes. Administrator
conflict of interest. >> Good evening, board. and Superintendent Ree, uh, you have before you in your packet disclosures from administrators with regard to conflict of interest. Um, and those conflict of interest are legally mandated for your approval.
>> Do I have a motion? >> Move. >> A second. >> Second. >> Um, and then I I would just like to say if I could introduce Monica. >> Oh, yeah. >> Yes. [laughter] >> If you could stand up. This is Monica Conrad. She has um she's our our school
legal counsel. She is now here and we are so happy to have you and very excited and looking forward to working with you for a very long time in making things wonderful for Elkart Community Schools and our community. So, thank you for being here with us.
>> Yeah. Yeah, for sure. Um okay, so we'll do a roll call, please. >> And Vunderellon, >> yes. >> Doug Weaver, >> yes. >> Troy Scott, >> hi. Kelly Mullins. >> Uh, yes. >> Dy Davis. >> Hi. >> And Eric Ivory. >> Hi.
>> Okay. Rhonda, >> we are looking at resolution for rainy day transfer. >> Yes. Thank you. Good evening. The administration recommends board adoption of a resolution to transfer funds um from the rainy day fund to our food service account.
>> Okay. Do I have a motion? >> Move. >> A second. >> Second. Choice of discussion. Roll call. >> And Vanderbillan. >> Yes. >> Doug Weaver. >> Yes. >> Troy Scott. >> Hi. >> Kelly Mullins. >> Hi.
>> Dy Davis. >> Hi. >> Eric Ivory. >> Hi. >> Okay. Ready for our next thing. Resolution authorizing property tax fund transfers. >> Yes. Uh, the administration recommends adoption of a resolution author authorizing property tax fund transfers
pursuant to House Enrolled Act 1210-2026. >> Motion. >> Motion. >> Second. >> Second. >> Any discussion from the board? Okay. Roll call. >> And Bundillan. >> Yes. >> Doug Weaver. >> Yes.
>> Troy Scott. >> I. >> Kelly Mullins. >> Hi. >> Dy Davis. >> Hi. Eric Ivory. >> Hi. >> All right. Thank you. Uh from the superintendent andor staff. >> Yes. Um in closing, I just want to say and take
a moment. Um our school corporation, as Miss Mullins um has stated, has lost one of his own recently. In memory of Mr. Jeff Reiner, we celebrate his dedicated service as a music teacher across our district. Jeff was a deeply valued member of our educational family whose
passion positively impacted the lives of countless students and colleagues at multiple schools. We extend our deepest thoughts, our support, and condolences to his family, friends, and the many school communities he's touched. Before we conclude this evening, I would
like to provide an update regarding our recent meeting with the distress unit appeal board on July 1st. It was indeed a a productive and collaborative conversation where we shared the meaningful work our district has already accomplished to strengthen our financial
position. I am grateful that DWAB, that's their acronym, recognized and appreciated the quick, thoughtful actions we have taken in such a short span of time. We received encouraging news that based on these initial steps, our district expected to receive a very
favorable report from the board and extend our time with them for another six months. However, while this is is positive news, our work is just beginning to ensure our expenditures are fully aligned with our revenues. Duab will continue to monitor several key
areas over the next six months, including staffing and rights sizing the staff to our current enrollment, program analysis, the administrative and district structure we have in place, our facilities, the class ratios,
transportation, contracts, and health insurance plans. We are facing a decline in revenue that state funding alone will not address. So, it will take all of us working together to make the strategic long-term decisions necessary to protect our
district's financial health. Through this process, our focus will remain exactly where it belongs, on the achievement and the growth of our students. I want to thank our staff for their continued dedication, and I look forward to keeping our community informed as we navigate this important
journey together. Lastly, I'd also like to provide a brief update regarding an elementary athletics program. After careful consideration, we have decided to pause the programming for the upcoming school year to to conduct a comprehensive review. This
pause will allow us to evaluate our current offerings to ensure they align with our long-term goals for student development while also addressing the current annual cost of over $250,000 and finding ways to make these programs more effective and financially
sustainable for all of our elementary schools. Thank you. And um thank you for allowing um me to share these thoughts tonight. >> Thank you um from the board. >> So I know everybody does not want to hear that it's going to soon be back to
school time. Nobody wants to know that. But I do want to share with you that I'm sorry, Laura. I'm sorry. But I have to say that I have the privilege and honor of going throughout our elementary schools and reading to a lot of our kindergarteners. And just the other day, I happened to be in a store where a
handful of them came running up and they were so excited. They were like, "Gi, Gigi." And I was like, "What are you guys doing? This is so exciting." And your parents, they were buying school supplies because they were so excited for the school year to start. So, I just wanted to share with you that there are those of us that are wanting to elongate
summer for a very long time, but I want to say that our littles were very excited to be buying crayons and a lot of dry erase markers. I don't know what that was about, but there were a lot in their little satchels. So, that was exciting to see that our little ones are
excited to be back to school. So, on that, I say everybody enjoy your summer um as much as you can. And um let's hope for no sunshine bill to be passed because I really don't want the sunshine to be in not until 9:00 in the morning. So, there's that with your legislators.
On that note, we are adjourned. Have a great evening.