Good evening. Welcome to our monthly work session. At this time, though, we will start our public hearing for the 2026 budget. Mister Matt Miles. Thank you, madam president, doctor Smith, and members of the board. As mentioned, tonight we begin our annual process of, presenting the 2026 budget. Again, that begins tonight. On at our next meeting on September 29, we will be bringing this back to the board for approval. The process is very similar to the same process we've had for the last several
years. No major changes there, and must be complete and submitted to the DLGF by November 1. The details of the budget have been posted, both online with the DLGF and at ltschools.org per statute. And the budget also includes our bus replacement can be found on board docks here this evening and online as well. We do anticipate that the DLGF will return an approved budget to MS DLT somewhere
around 01/01/2026. And at that time, we would have the option to reduce the tax rate and the levy, but not increase either of those. So, that being said, that allows taxing districts a tool and some flexibility prior to finalizing their budget with the state. And, as a result, MSDLT takes a conservative worst case scenario approach, when we when we put the budget together for next year.
We overestimate our expenses to kind of a worst case scenario and are very conservative and underestimate our potential revenues just to make sure that we're not leaving any, potential funding on the table, when we do hear our budget get our budget back from the DLGF. So tonight, we will take a high level look at the different taxing, funds. Those being our education fund, which is a reminder to the board, is not driven by tax rates. It is driven by our ADM and set by the state funding, formula.
We will talk a little bit about debt service fund, the pension bond fund, referendum fund, our operations fund, and the rainy day fund, which are driven by local property taxes. We will go ahead and go to the, the 16 line excellent, statement or our budget summary for most of our time tonight. Tonight. And just a few key points as we jump in. As a reminder, the formula the funding formula here is tax rate times our assessed value, equals our levy. And so the levy is the actual revenue amount that the district brings in at
at the end of the day. And, again, it is it is a function of both the rate and our assessed value. At the time of publication of the budget for the '26, '26, fiscal year, our AV was not yet determined and still has some, potential for flexibility there. So we took a conservative approach and really kind of held that AV, below where we really anticipate that it's going to be. I will come back to that a little in a little bit. But usually, I have the only one that we talked about earlier as far as
the tax rate times the levy or I'm sorry. The tax rate times the AV generating the levy. Something just to keep in mind. As that AV, goes up, then our potential levy, also goes up or the rate then in turn could come down to to reach the same levy. We have projected, a property tax cap impact of $13,000,000, for next year. This is, up from $6,400,000 in 2024. We were about to split the difference this year in '25, which is over to
10,000,000. So that number, as that climbs, that does, eat into our potential levy, particularly on the operations fund. I would also remind the board, that our most recent bond rating was completed in May. The district maintained a double a plus long term rating and was upgraded to an a plus from an a rating on July rating. So at this time, I'll just touch on a couple of key points, from the slides. Again, you see that the different funds are the opposite the the, the 2025 rate,
what we have advertised or asked for approval from the DLGS, is two lines ahead of that up above that. And then our projected tax rate, in the middle there. And, again, the big the big thing to keep in mind is that AV, which we anticipate going up, to the tune of about 6.8% of an increase on our on all the all the funds except for our referendum fund. The referendum fund, is exempt from property tax caps.
So that when that when AV changes on that, it's gonna change, at more at a all all taxes are are lumped in there. There's no exemption for that. So we anticipate that referendum, rate to go up. I'm sorry. The the AV to go up for the referendum side by 7.655%. So, again, we wanted to be consistent with what was shared online and be conservative. So, we've taken that approach tonight. Once the DLGF, approves the budget in, right around the first of the year, sometimes
Christmas day. It seems like we get that back. We do have the opportunity to lower that, and we do forecast that we'll be in the same range as the 2025 rate, the current rate, when all things are considered. Again, the advertised rate is in front of you. That's what's going to the DLGS. The next slide would be the proposed, oh, excuse me, where we really think that it's gonna be again. Sort of a worst case scenario approach as we've done in the past, which works
has worked well for us. That's all you can do for us. Budget you have to decide, madam president. Thank you, mister Miles. Board, are there any questions or comments regarding the '26 proposed budget? Miss Lawrence. Thank you, mister Miles. It's always really fun when you get to dig into the numbers. I was looking at the 2025 budget that we approved last year compared to the 2026 budget this year. I've noticed that we've seen substantial increases, in miscellaneous revenue, across all of our different
funds. And and by significant, it's in some cases almost doubled. Can you can you is that because of the tax, implications? How what what is moving that needle there? That's a great question. So the miscellaneous revenue the primary driver of miscellaneous revenue for the district is our interest earned. We always take a conservative approach to that, not knowing what interest rates could do going forward, also not knowing how much money we've got invested. So this year and and even going back to last year, we saw some some
healthy, numbers in that in that account, from our revenue, from our interest. It's it's extra money that we can't count on a 100%, but it is nice when it comes. So I I was just as an example, looking at, the education fund, it's projected to increase from the 2025 budget around 76,000,000 to a 153,000,000. Are we confident in these numbers In these productive numbers? So the miscellaneous revenue as we're looking at it here on the slide The miscellaneous
line line 13 a. So across almost all the funds, so the education fund is just one example. Last year, we approved the 2025 budget at 76,000,000. And this year, we're projecting a 153,000,000, give or take. So that may be something I would want to revisit. The the miscellaneous revenue that I was referring to a moment ago really is Line
three versus 13 a, man. Sure. So line 13 a on the form that you're looking at now, that miscellaneous, that's really our all in revenue. So, we're talking when I was answering the early question, that Okay. To operate. The intertete would just be a piece of that. So that the the number that you've got in front of you, I don't have last year's, right in front of me. I may be able to pull it up here quickly, to see. And then we can address this too in the fraud report. Sure. Absolutely. Go back.
I just I I was just trying to reconcile the whole number of agents. We also saw some significant increases in, in projected expenditures as well. I'm just kind of curious, though. I'm just going over my notes here. I'm just I'm just curious what, we see as the increase in expenditures from last year's approved budget. Sure. Across all funds, I would say, again, we take a we take kind of a worst case scenario, and then and maybe even in some, quite frankly.
Many districts, say sort of have a different philosophical approach to when they when they put their budget together and try to really be to the the exact revenue projection, the exact expense projection. And if that works for them, that's great. There there is a risk there, in that, hey. If they if they underestimated those expenses and they come in higher, or they overestimated their revenue, they could be leaving, leaving some some revenue on the table, so to
speak, from the DLGF. They do have caps. They're not gonna give us, more than more than what that the caps are on the operations side. Likewise, everything on the debt the debt side, the debt service, pension bond, or referendum debt, all those are driven by our debt payments. So there's they really are what they are at the end of the day on those. As far as expenses being projected higher, again, we we do kind of take a worst case approach to that. We haven't gotten any bargaining yet, and those things are factored in when we when
we look at what what expenses could do. Okay. That's I mean, that's fair. Those debt service expenditures as well, you mentioned they were rising. In the 2025 budget, it was around 14,000,000, and this year we're projecting 34,000,000. What what accounts for the increase in debt services? We we have taken on some new debt. I don't anticipate it's gonna be quite as high as what we see here. We also, leave some room. We will issue some debt this fall. So the unknowns of that, we go ahead and and look high, and, again, giving
ourselves the the flexibility and the room to reduce that, come to final budget once we hear that back. Thank you. Board, are there any other questions or comments about the proposed budget? Yes, miss Dunn. I Absolutely.
That said, we wanna be cognizant of our rate for our local taxpayers. So so the balance of the two, but I would agree with what you said. Thank you, Mister Miles, will you remind the board of that tax rate, that bottom line number, which will be the question of Joe homeowner out there. Are we going to raise their taxes? Right now, the 2025 tax rate is is a dollar $12.59 per 100 of assessed value, and it would be our goal when this is all said and done to be right in that thing. That would be, that would be post post any credits that they would now receive
as well. So those credits from the state, which is Thank you for pointing that out because I know for any of my neighbors and myself, you wanna narrow in on which number it is. And it sounds fairly reasonable given the assessed values of our homes have continued to rise. Alright. Are there any other okay. Mister Miles, I know there's been a lot of conversation on this dais and locally about the changes to the property tax, issues.
Can you just explain for members of the public what impact that has on our district? I know it's not as much on our district as it is others, but I think it's a good opportunity as we're discussing budgets to talk about the implication Absolutely. Of decisions that are made at the state house and how those impact our opportunity to provide the resources we need to operate this district. Yeah. This is a great question. And it's and it's sort of a complex answer, so I'm gonna I'm gonna try to keep it simple as much as possible. So our education fund, would set off to the side on that question.
That is driven, it is by state decisions that come out of the legislature when they set our budget, the state budget. About 50% of that drives, the funding for k 12 education. So that drives the first column. The rest the other, middle four columns there are, local property tax driven. And so, different credits, that homeowners may receive, this circuit break go to our circuit breaker impact. There's a new supplemental property tax deduction, that benefits homeowners.
We're talking about, going as we move forward, there'll be additional business tax credits for personal property, other other credits that are going to benefit, Joe homeowner or Joe business owner that ultimately what they do is they drive down, revenues potentially for this for school districts. So you're gonna find, moving forward, districts, in the past, we've really met we've managed to a tax rate, and we were just talking about that.
Right now, our rate being a dollar $12.50 again, that formula of rate times a b equals the levy. So I think you're gonna find across the state, folks are gonna really, look at what the levy amount is, what's the real dollar amount that the school district is getting because, all the the levers most of the levers that were pulled, in the state house this year drive AV. And so as the AV goes down, either your levy's gonna go down or your rates gotta go up to maintain the same same revenue.
Thank you for the questions. Yes. So thank you, miss Lawrence, for digging into the budget. I do appreciate how you always have a very helpful It's a great question.
And and I hope I didn't offend anyone with my Jo Homer. My wife's Jo also. Jo. So, absolutely. Absolutely. Board. So I gotta be a guy. Oh, The funds that you see across the top, our education fund, our debt service fund, really we're kinda narrowing in on our operations and our and our education fund to answer this question. And I appreciate the fact that you do know the answer. So in short, June and December, we we bring to the board approval to transfer
funds between those accounts, and and we we actually transfer them in both directions. And the reason we do so is so that the revenue matches up with the fund that paid the expense. The state allows us to move up to 15% out of the education fund into operations. We've not eclipsed that. I believe in June, we were somewhere between 1213%. But that is where we do have the authority to do so, given board approval. And and so that's what those done.
Jojo, whatever property tax owner to understand where their property taxes are going. Because I think that that is something that that we need to highlight that the district, number one, has a very, very small that homeowners know what where their tax dollars are going, and in some cases, they're not staying here.
No. It's a great question. Great point. Just I just pulled up, to your point. Our our spring twenty twenty five transfer, due to if a student's, residence is in MSC of Lawrence Township boundaries, but that student chooses to go to a prop a a charter school, then the the, the operations dollars follow that student as well. And it has to do with the incremental increase, and it's not every but I'll
leave it at that. But it's it's a it's a percentage of those those dollars go to whatever charter school it may be. For us, this this spring, it was just over $42,000. So, again, that was year one. This is the first time that transfer has taken place. To your point, it's all gonna be driven on ADM and what happens there. We will make those transfers twice a year. So, basically, in lieu of that money coming into to our, our our accounts, it will go elsewhere. It is sort of, I guess, baked into the cake, if you will, of, the
revenue that we do expect to see. It's a tough one. It's so we, you know, we talked a little bit about interest, earlier. You know, what is that number next year? I don't know. Hopefully, it's zero. But there likely will be some numbers there. So we'll we'll continue to watch that. You know, there are a lot of things going on in in Marion County now when we talk about, you know, sharing transportation resources or sharing proper you know, assets, buildings, and those types of things. So, it it'll be interesting going forward to see see see exactly what happens.
But, mister Miles, that's not built into the budget. The DLGF backs those dollars out after the fact. And so we'll know based on enrollment where kids are gonna go once a DM is. But also remember, Ward, it will happen twice a year based on the signature property. It's a free fall, and those dollars are backed out by the DOJF and given directly to the charge. Is there any way that we can We don't it doesn't come from us.
It comes directly from the DOJF, and we'll share that with our legislators that that should be transparent Yes. When those dollars are shipped. Mhmm. K? But we don't get to control that as a school corporation. That happens at the tax board, the DOJF guy, so you'll know. That's who handles taxes. The the Department of Global will give it to a finance of that. They take care of that. And those are publicized, but I'm not sure, madam, board members, how that's changed on their end. K? It's being being the first year that that's happened, it'll it will be interesting to
see how that is shared publicly. You're like Noted. And that's not on us. Noted. Yeah. Alright. Thank you, board, for all the questions. Does anyone have anything else? Yeah. Doctor. Mohall. Questions to be transferred out with the same thing as transfers. I don't think we want to do it. Yes. Line 16? Yeah. Yes. Those are the transcripts we were talking about earlier. Yes. Just a different labeling. Okay. Thank you. If there are no further questions from the board, at this time, we will open it up for anyone from the public who has questions or comments.
Okay. If there are no comments from the public, just a reminder to the board and the public, we do have two weeks until our public adoption and vote for the budget. Please feel free to reach out and ask questions, but we will have the adoption of the 2026 proposed budget on September 29. At this time, I'm gonna close out the public meeting. First item, 3.01
blue ribbon updates with doctor Nesbitt. Okay. Thank you madam president, board members, doctor Smith. Let's talk about the blue ribbon phase two. Here's your overview. Same info we had last time at the by and large. Those middle schools, including Craig, are moving along. Middle schools are pretty well done. There's still a few things going on. Like, fall break, we got wrapped up there. Craig Academy walked that again today. It's they're really cruising through there. You would not recognize the the whole area where we used to all all be. And then classroom additions, of course, at Crestview Forest Glen and Mary Castle. And then in this building, we're still working on some roofing and signage.
Okay. So let's look at our guaranteed entry saving. This is the the bulk of our our activity right now. You can tell over the summer, we knocked out the HVAC in four buildings, and three of the roofs are done. We still have two, going Indian Creek is on the tail end. Brook Park, that material will arrive this week, and so we're starting up at Brook Park. Lawrence North Bend, maybe by, our work our board meeting here at two exact one maybe wrapped up. That's a quick project. And then we're obviously in preconstruction. We have had, those projects been bid out. We've been touring those buildings and and then the design phase for the, HVAC and
roof of those. Craig Academy, here's a shot. Looking in there, that's the old that's Matt, that's your old office, mister Miles. And then down the hallway there, Paul Creek Valley Middle School. Again, just a little bit of wrap up work, some landscaping going on there. And that's up on the roof. Took a little chore and got some fresh air this week and and looked up on. See. You can see some a little more shingling going on there and and some, coping. Crestview, we have the footers going in for the four classrooms there. Forest Glen, also footers for their six classrooms. Bear Castle, they're winning the race right now. They got footers and the start of walls.
Harrison Hill, rough work wrapped up there. So we we actually just knocked that one out. We are we're complete on Harrison Hill now. Indian Creek looked to looked to be done by fall break. It's about three quarters of the way through. And I I had mentioned, Lawrence North Bandruff is cruising right along. It's a pretty small project. And that concludes Luringham phase two update for the board of education. I'd be happy to field in your questions. Thank you, doctor Nussbaum. Did anyone tell you that you have a great voice for our guest? I hear a face made for radio quite a bit. I didn't know if you had done that prior in your ID. So We actually did a little bit of radio work Yeah.
Years and years ago. Yes. Okay. Alright. Board, are there any questions or comments about the Blue Ribbon updates? Okay. Thank you for asking. Could it be rude? I think I know the answer to this. But for members of the public who know that we just opened this building, what happened that caused a need for a roof Great question. To paint the roof? Yeah. So we started the high school construction project really planning, like, about 2015, 2016. And at that time, the roof roof was still under warranty, still in good shape. The warranty expired about the time the building was ending, and sometimes we can get
a few more years after that. But, really, it's a lot of the traffic from construction deteriorated faster. So, basically, at the time of planning, we didn't need a new roof. You don't tear off a roof that's still under warranty, put a new one in. But through construction, the extra traffic deteriorated a little faster. And so, unfortunately, rains came shortly after construction, and it starts leaking. I'm like, yep. Yep. It just ran out of warranty, and so we had to go back in. I I was on the band app when that happened, and noticed the panicked emails to my group of those band teachers. I'm glad to know we're resolving that.
One other quick what are we doing to ensure that members of the two shall meet? Sure. So we have, biweekly meetings go to OAC meetings, owner, architect, contractor. And our first agenda item every time is safety concerns. And so we always talk about what state do you end? And I can tell you, I I had a rough meeting at at Brookport last
week, and we're coming out training. And I said, okay, guys. We put a crane up. You know, I can't have any students underneath it, and there's a collective groan. I sorry to be a pain, but student safety is our number one priority. And so we also talk about no fraternization between contractors. And and, again, that that's my role, representing the school as the owner. And I and I I'm always very firm in saying, you do you know, short of a good morning or hello, you do not talk to students, you do not talk to staff. We we'd like to do that very separate. And then we also talk about safety barriers. We put up Jersey barriers, jersey barriers, fencing.
That that's a constant, particularly at the elementary level. High school, you know, we they're a little bit, but elementary, we definitely you know, at at, Crestview right now, we have a mound of dirt that's really attractive to elementary aged kids. Okay. Guys, we need to get a snow fence around that so that we don't have kids, you know, rolling down the it's a big mound of dirt. They're they are very attractive. And if anybody who has had kids in Mary Castle knows that the hills are the whole thing over there. Yeah. Thank you. Any questions? I don't have any questions. Again, I wanted to say thank you for with the forward thinking of the boards
that came before us and the work that we're going to embark upon with, Mackenzie. I was grateful enough to attend a conference with these wonderful ladies and our superintendent and had the opportunity to visit two schools in Compton. And the disparities between those two buildings was just shocking. One was brand new, absolutely gorgeous, the other not so much. And the intentionality that this board, that the boards before us have done to make sure that there is they're equal. It's not equity.
In this case, that there are equal buildings that look the same, that feel the same, does not go unnoticed. And so thank you for your continued work to make that happen. Also, the deferred maintenance that I saw that was not being taken care of, in the one building, just again, may give me so much gratitude for being part of a district that is really not just thinking about our scholars today in 2025, but is thinking about who will enter our doors five years from now, ten years from now, and making sure that we have welcoming facilities.
So, just wanted to to share that. We're just across the country, not just in Indiana, we're really paving the way. Literally paving the way. Thank you for that, board. Any other questions or comments? Alright. Thank you, doctor Nesbitt. And to go along with that, we just saw pictures of the progress at Craig Academy. At this point, we will go to 3.02, a request for resolution on authorizing the naming of Craig Academy Professional Development Room with mister Kuznick. Thank you, madam president.
Doctor. Smith, members of the board is now honored tonight to bring to you as information. A request for resolution authorizing the naming of Craig Academy professional development room in honor of mister Troy Notarora. I'm gonna skip a lot of the whereas before we get to the meat of this presentation. Mister Troy Notarora has served as a teacher and assistant principal at Fall Creek Valley Middle Middle School, principal of Craig Middle School, and principal of Belzer Middle School. Mister Troy Notar also served as grant coordinator, director of curriculum, construction, and professional development, and chief academic officer. Mister Troy Notar has faithfully served the Metropolitan School District of Lawrence Township for thirty
two years with distinction and dedication, embodying the highest ideals of the teaching profession. Throughout his career, mister Notar has positively impacted the lives of thousands of students, colleagues, and families, inspiring generations of learners through his passion for education, his commitment to excellence, and his genuine care for each individual. Mister Notar's leadership, instructional expertise, and innovative practices have contributed significantly to the growth and success of Gregg Middle School, Belzer Middle School, and the broader Lawrence Township School community,
bringing recognition and honor to the district. Mister Notar has consistently demonstrated unwavering loyalty, integrity, and service to the MSD of Lawrence Township, building relationships that extend far beyond the classroom and leaving a legacy that will endure for years to come. His extraordinary career reflects a model of professionalism and devotion to public education and student achievement, serving as both a mentor and role model for fellow educators and as a beacon of inspiration to students whose lives he has touched. I present this to you as information, per your board policy.
It requires two board meetings, so I'll bring it back to you at September 29 board meeting for Thank you, mister Kuznick. Board, any comments regarding this. I mean, I don't think words can be enough other than mister Notary, your impact is gonna continue to be felt in this township for decades. Thank you. Mister Noder, this is not your last board meeting. You are required since you will be retired to attend the board meeting on September 29. Will you commit to that, sir?
I will commit. Okay. That's all I need to hear. Thank you for it. Doctor Smith, I'm I'm fearful that we may be incentivizing retirements by by giving naming rights. No. It's very well it's very well deserved. No one else retire right now though. Congratulations. Thank you. At this time, we will move on to 03/2003, the twenty fivetwenty six and twenty sixtwenty seven early enrollment window update with doctor Hass Brown and mister Houston. Good evening, president Norman, doctor Smith, members of the board. We're pleased to bring this information to you tonight, the application and enrollment windows, not
only from the school year but going on to next school year, and you can see the overlap. If you look with us at the presentation, you'll see that we have two windows for nonresident applications. We are currently still accepting nonresident applications for the current school year and that will go on through the last day of the school year. And starting on March 2, we'll begin accepting applications for the following school year. Additionally, registration for all grades for the following school year will begin immediately following winter break on Tuesday, January 6.
We'd be happy to answer any questions. Alright. Thank you for that, doctor Hass Brown. Board, any questions or comments about the enrollment window updates? Yes. Doctor Mulholland. I'm asking this of a newer board member. Is this a change from the previous year? Like No, ma'am. This is just part of our, true this is what we do each year to update. Okay. Thank you. Never mind before we hand to bring it to you. We have to bring it to you for your approval every year to open those windows. Thank you. Any other questions or comments, George? Alright. Thank you.
We'll move on to the drum roll of the Viola Policy Updates. Second reading with doctor Harshbarger. Madam president, doctor Smith, and members of the board, at the August 15 work and monthly board meeting, I brought forward for first reading the Ola Special 2025 revision packet. For statute, I now bring that policy revision packet back for second reading. Thank you, doctor Marshbarger. Board, are there any comments or questions regarding the Neola updates? Yes. I just had a question about, policy five two At this time, we do not
have any request that I'm aware of. How about you, sir? Not at all. But coming soon. Coming soon. Any other questions or comments? I just had a comment. I appreciate the reference in a lot of these updates to the Senate enrolled and House enrolled acts that perhaps initiated the change. So once again, for the public, when the state changes some of the laws, then that rolls down to our policy changes so that we are in. Alright. Thank you, doctor Harshbarger. Barter.
If there are no other questions. Thank you to the policy committee too for all of the reading. It's been a busy year. Ask. What's the that's a good question, miss Lawrence. If it's a committee of two. Yes. I think it is a rank of eight. It's a direct partnership, I guess. Yes. A lot of backup savings. Okay. Well, thank you, doctor Harshbarger, once again for your work. At this time now, we can move on to our action items. So he's already staying up there, the approval of the Neola policy updates.
Madam President, Doctor. Smith, members of the board, here moments ago, I presented to you Neola special update 2025 revision packet for second reading. I now recommend the board approve the policy update package as So moved. Second. Okay. Properly moved, miss Tuckett. Seconded, miss Dunn. Any questions or comments before we move to vote? Alright. All in favor? Aye. Any opposed? Alright. The ayes have it for the approval of Genoa ten fifteen twenty twenty five.
Madam president, Doctor. Smith, and members of the board, comments before we move to vote? All in favor, comments before we move to vote? All in favor of the approval of the personnel reports? Aye. Any opposed? Alright. Approval of the personnel reports at this time. I will turn the microphone back over to miss Johnson. It should be on prod. It's on. Good evening, madam president, doctor Smith, and members of the board.
This evening, the school board of Lawrence Township approved the hire of doctor Crystal Thorpe as the chief of secondary education. At this time, will you come forward, miss Thorpe? Doctor. Thorpe comes to the Lawrence Township from the Washington Township where she has held the role of Director of Teaching a recipient of numerous awards and accolades including 2020 National
Association of Secondary School Principals of the Year. She has presented numerous times for the Indiana Association of School Principals, Indiana Association of Public School Superintendents, the National Association of Secondary School Principals guiding current and aspiring administrators on best practices ranging from building leadership to women in leadership and effective advocacy of the state and national level. She has numerous academic publications, often contributing to the NASSPS principals leadership program.
Maxine, according to doctor Smith, having followed doctor Thorpe's career over the years, I've seen her firsthand her loyalty to public education and her track record of leading educational institutions and fostering academic excellence. I'm confident that she will bring tremendous insight and experience to our district leadership team. Doctor. Thorpe shares, I'm honored to join MSD of Lawrence Township Schools, a district with future forward vision rooted in innovation, embodying a strong culture of excellence, and led by exceptional
leaders. I'm looking forward to serving great schools and a great community, and I'm truly thankful for this amazing opportunity. She has earned her Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education and English at Indiana University in 1992. She completed her Master's degree in Educational Administration at Butler University in 1995 and she holds a PhD in education administration from Indiana State University 2019. Join me in welcoming doctor Thorpe to Lawrence Township School.
And you have a guest with you this evening. Would you like to introduce? Her fiance is with us. Thank you for sharing your work. Congratulations and welcome, Doctor. Thorpe. Alright. At this time, we will move on to administrator and board comments. Would anyone like to go first? That's it. Yes. Doctor Mahalans. I will just add that it's a pleasure also to speak to different districts, and it reinforces what all that we are doing well here. I often go to the conferences, and as I'm taking taking away a lot of takeaways, it's often people asking, well, how do you guys do?
Or you guys are all already doing this or that. Miss Sassen. I don't have and I wanna reiterate, what Doctor. Mahaland said. It is a sheer pleasure when you see the great work that is happening in this district. And I don't know I know seeing Tennessee two years ago, I don't know that I truly understand, understood the the great work that we were doing in comparison to other districts. And it is humbling. I have immense gratitude for the work that is going on in our schools with the cabinet, but also wanna give a huge shout out.
Sheila Blankenship always takes care of all of us. We have flights, that we have hotels, that we eat good food. And I just am so grateful to have you, just supporting us along the way. And you also helped give us some maternal love and guidance too, which is well appreciated. So thank you. Well said. Yes. Thank you. Everyone's said the same that I I feel. It's always energizing to go to conferences to validate the good work that we're doing and also to see that there are many other, people out there who are committed
to the students in their district equally passionate and equally wanting to advocate and go the distance for their kids. So it's just it's it's it's very, I don't even know what the word is. Encouraging. Sorry. I'm tired from the flight. But yeah. And then, just real briefing. District 3 update. If anyone wants garden tomatoes, they're over there. Please send them on their way out. We Westside. Yes. So, yes. Castleton tomatoes. If doctor Smith, I'm gonna send it to you now.
Tomorrow morning, our doctor Dana Altmire is gonna be out for on display. She's presenting tomorrow board. So we'll be there to support her at the state superintendent school board conference. So good luck tomorrow, doctor Al Baier, who is our director of communication. I also wanna recognize, because we won't do this, and she's very humbled. But recently, we participated in the state superintendent super intended of color conference. And our distinguished chief of human resources, Carla Johnson, was recognized for her distinguished, career as one of the top administrators in the state of Indiana.
So we wanna recognize can call upon. I know you guys are gonna wanna do that, but she was recognized in front of a wonderful group of educators throughout the state. So and board members, I will sit down there tomorrow morning at your conference. That's right. And our next, board meeting will be September 29 at 7PM. And at this time, I will entertain a motion to adjourn. So moved. Second. Properly moved and seconded. Thank you, everyone.