Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Yes. Oh, really? down. Never Got something for the board. How's it going? Mr. >> President, how are you tonight?
>> You know, I'm a low key kind of guy. I'm here to throw you back. I got some time out. >> No, I understand. >> I didn't want anything. I just want you under control. That's all. Oh, yeah. Angela, how are you? >> Hi. >> Your mic is spot, just so you know.
>> Oh, yeah. I'm always aware of that. Who's that? >> Oh, for the race. >> In the race. >> Saturday. >> We're not running. Which one did you first? Was that Which
one did you first? Hey, I I got legs hurt on C. Which which one have you all of them? I like this. >> Yeah, that match that place. Yeah, I like it. >> I like that place a whole lot.
I'm going to the last thing. >> Okay, there it is. I was expecting to see it on that. >> Okay, all right. That was >> I'm sorry. That's all right. Where's it at?
>> Yeah, let me get to it. >> Did I miss it? Doing resources. I missed it right here. How we doing? I'm sorry. >> I'll give it to you. >> Okay. Awesome. Thank you.
>> Doing what we do. >> You need my autograph. Okay. And at least one. >> I can I can believe I can do that. >> Yes. going. >> Yeah, you can just
Mr. Vice President, whenever you're ready, >> let us rise for the pledge of allegiance. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation
under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> Good evening to this beautiful, wonderful representation of our Pike Township. Welcome to our May 14th Pike Township School Board meeting. We will start off
in with our public hearing. Miss Gray, we're in the place of Miss Gray. We have Mr. Foster. Good evening, Mr. President, members of the board, Dr. Young. Tonight we are here for the 1028 additional appropriations public hearing for the
2026 general obligation bonds in connection with the 2026 Pike High School Learning and Engagement Center project. Notice of said hearing has been given in accordance with Indiana law. The purpose of a public hearing is to present information and allow opportunity for public input. I will
first introduce Mr. Jeff Quacush, our bond council with Lawrence and Thorberg. Mr. Mr. Grogen Bush will walk through the legal process and the need for the related resolutions in your packet. I'll be presenting these as action items later this evening. Mr. Quenbush.
Thank you, Mr. Foster, Mr. Vice President, members of the board, Dr. Young, it's a pleasure to be with you this evening. Jeff Quac and Bbushes Barnes and Thornberg. Um, tonight you will be having a public hearing on the general obligation bonds that will be used to support the matching portion of the Lily grant that you successfully
achieve for the uh, learning and engagement center that's going to be constructed as an addition to the Pike High School. Uh, this bond issue will be presented in financial terms from Miss uh, Mrs. Belvia Gray and she'll go through all those that information for
you later on this evening. Um, after the we have these two presentations, you will then open it up to the public for any comments specifically on this project and this financing. At the conclusion of that, you will then close the public hearing. Then during your regular action items, Mr. Foster will be
presenting two resolutions that were were in your board packet to cover the different aspects of the bond issue. The first one is the bond resolution itself that actually approves the issuance of the bonds in an amount not to exceed $6,685,000 for a certain term of years and at a
maximum interest rate. The second one does the additional appropriation of the bond proceeds and interest earnings. Just like you have appropriations in your budget be for every expenditure you have, you have to do an appropriation for bond proceeds and interest earnings. but because you don't include those in
your regular budget because you only do those from time to time, then you have this additional appropriation process. So, that's the purpose of the second resolution. If you approve those resolutions this evening, it's our intent to then go out and sell those bonds later this summer uh and then have the proceeds available to start the
project uh along with the grant proceeds that you received uh from Lily Endowment later this fall. If you have any questions regarding the process or any of the documents, I'd be happy to answer them. are very similar to the ones you've approved in past transactions that did not involve grant funds but
also involve capital improvements at the at the district. >> Any questions or comments? >> All right. >> All right. With that, I will turn it over to Mrs. Gray to bring forward the uh financial information for you. >> Hi, good evening, Mr. Vice President,
members of the board. Dr. Young. Always always a pleasure to be here. Um and a fun evening. So much to celebrate, right? Uh tonight I'm here to present information on the uh financial aspects of the proposed borrowing and I believe
there we go. Um so I'm going to go through a few slides. There is information on the school's outstanding indebtedness and then I will talk through the school's borrowing capacity for general obligation bonds. the parameters for the proposed borrowing
and then how the uh this proposed borrowing fits in with the school's overall debt picture. This first slide here shows PIP's outstanding indebtedness and all the debt that you have outstanding. We always talk about this when we come to visit you. Uh you have a downward
sloping debt structure which is uh which provides flexibility for you as a district when you're looking at bringing on other projects. And Pike has always had a history of repaying your debt very quickly, generally 10 years or less,
which over the life of a borrowing saves you in interest expense. We always include a calculation of your general obligation debt limit. And that's because all school districts, all taxing units actually in the state of
Indiana have a maximum amount of borrowing that you can take out in your in your own name in the school's name. It's based upon your most recent net assessed valuation, which is 7.1 billion. Then divided by three and
multiplied by 2% which are outlined in our state constitution and state statute. And then from that we deduct any outstanding principal payments on general obligation debt. So after we do that calculation you have the school has
a uh an outstanding debt capacity of 30.3 million. I do want to note and this doesn't mean you have to borrow this amount. This is just your your capacity right for borrowing. There are many instances both with Pike and many other districts around the state where sometimes your
needs exceed this amount and so then you have a different way to borrow and Pike has Pike has done both types of borrowing. All right. So here's the summary of the proposed financing. Like Mr. Quacenbush mentioned the borrowing amount here, the
6.865 865 million uh satisfies the school's portion of um of the grant that the grant that is the overall grant that you're using for the for the project. Uh we're anticipating an issuance later this summer, early fall with a repayment
of just over one year. On this slide, we include maximum parameters that we can come down from but we can't exceed. So that's the 6.865 million. And then in the legal documents, we include a 6% maximum interest rate. Based upon today's rates,
we're really more in the 3% range. Again, we're establishing maximums. The big thing I want to point out is that we're structuring this debt to stay uh within the school corporation's debt service levy, your existing levy. So, it's around 19.8 million. Uh so when the
because the school has control over the the debt service levy, that's what it's going to be managing to. And then this last slide here pulls all of the information together. The kind of blue gray is your existing debt. The um
teal and yellow represent debt that has been authorized uh by from former uh prior approvals but hasn't yet been issued. And then the light blue represents the repayment on this proposed borrowing. That is all the information I have. If
there are any questions, I'd be happy to answer them. >> Are there any questions or comments? >> I do have a question. Um, so we had you said there is a a maximum amount
for the bond that's going to be issued based on looking at the interest rates that could be as high as 6%. >> Yes, >> I'm asking my question right. I guess ultimately what I'm trying to get at is
with the project that we're looking at using this for and you're saying this is to cover our portion of matching those dollars that we have. Do we and this may be a question I don't know if Dr. Young has to answer or someone else
that that is going to be enough to cover should things arise with the nature of the project like making sure we have enough to cover. >> Yes. Yes. >> Or things like that. >> That's my understanding that it would
satisfy the match and it may perhaps any uh contingency money that would need to be used for the project. It's a good question. Any more questions or comments? >> All right. Thank you very much.
>> Thank you. >> Thank you, Mr. Vice President. Uh, as I mentioned, this is an opportunity for public comment. So, if there are no questions on the bond or the financing or financial summary, I'd like to make a recommendation that we make that time available. >> Thank you very much, Mr. Foster.
That concludes our public hearing. Now we'll move on to our regular school board meeting. Starting off with for with the for the good of the cause. If any patron would like to take this platform, you have three minutes. You start off by mentioning your name to talk about anything for the good of the
cause. Good evening, Dr. Young, members of the board, cabinet, uh, public. Um, I am Chris Ludy. I am the president of the Pike Classroom Teachers Association. And with our agenda, I'll be quick. Um,
first, I would like to u note the uh retirement of Rick Hen from Pike High School. It was board approved a couple of months ago, but Rick has been a chemistry teacher at Pike High School
for 38 years. He was a mentor to me when I moved from New Augusta to the high school. He is a former president of PCTA. He mentored me in that role. And
to say that he has left an impact on Pike Township is an understatement. and I wanted to rise and say that Rick Houston will be missed. Also, I'm very proud to um announce that
on Monday I was lucky to go to Lincoln Middle School and join Dr. Tapler and Sarah Dorsy and Jennifer Smith Margraphth, president of the Indiana State Teachers Association.
As Rita Maxi, a sixth grade English teacher at Lincoln, was named the minority educator of the year for the state of Indiana. Marita has been a very strong member of
the uh racial affairs committee within ISTA and that is um very she is we should all be proud. Um I would also like to congratulate all of the teachers of the year and staff members of the year that
we are about to recognize. But there is one of these teachers that I need to recognize personally. She right now is saying, "Oh, please don't do that, Chris." I need to recognize Sandy Ramos because
besides being district teacher of the year, Sandy was the math teacher on team Polaris when I was hired 22 years ago. And Sandy and I worked side by side for 11 years.
Sandy and I were so close that we both married our spouses a week apart from each other. She has a 19-year-old son. I have an almost 19-year-old son. So, I would just like to say kudos
to Sandy and to selecting her as district teacher of the year. It is more than deserved. And then finally, a little plug. I'm sorry it's not really a public event, but I know eighth grade teachers can or
eighth grade teachers at Guyian and Lincoln have invited some of their parents. The high school version is too early probably for parents, but tomorrow is riata day. And if you don't know what that means, um, this will be the 22nd
year at New Augusta North, the seventh year at Pike High School, and the second year at Guyian Creek Middle School. Students build cardboard, styrofoam, and duct tape boats, and we will race them across
the pool. Um, I would like to cordially invite Dr. Young, the board members, um, cabinet members if you would like to come. Uh, the Pike High School version happens from about 7:45 to about 9:45.
The Guyian Middle version happens from about 10:15 to 11:45. And the New Augusta version happens from about noon to about 1:00. It is simply a hoot.
It will also be livereamed. Um, uh, search for it, but it will be on YouTube tomorrow. >> Thank you. >> Thank you very much, Mr. Moody. Is there anyone else for the good of the cause?
All right, we'll be moving on to Spotlight on Pike. Miss Sarah Dorsy, >> good evening. It's wonderful to see you all again. We, as always, have a lot of great things to celebrate here in Pike, and I'm only going to be able to mention
a very small number of them. Um, first I would like to ask you to join us in congratulating our phenomenal Pike High School unified track and field team um who celebrated their first overall first place team finish in their meet at Ronali on Tuesday. Uh, as you may
realize, this is only their second year um, at Pike High School, but they are incredible u, and they are very excited to celebrate their first place team finish. Your last chance to see them um this season at home is on Monday at 6 pm
at Pike High School. So, I encourage you to come out and cheer them on. And we are also celebrating several student athletes on our Pike High School boys and girls track and field teams for their recent Mick and Marian County individual and rele relay team
championships and podium finishes. Um, on Friday, tomorrow, our Pike Performing Arts Department will proudly present Spring Sing at 7 PM in the Pike Performing Arts Center. If you've not been and you're able, please go. Um, in
addition to being an evening of wonderful entertainment that showcases the gifts of our current student, this event also brings back a lot a lot a lot of Pyth Choir program alumni in a way that really honors um the impact that
our performing arts program has on the students who participate. It is really incredible and it's just one of those experiences that gives you chills and really gives you um an opportunity to feel that Pike community in action. Uh last evening, our Pike Aquatic Center
hosted an incredible community water safety event uh which featured life-saving information from experts from the Pike Township and Indianapolis Fire Department's free inwater skills sessions which were led by some of our Pike High School swim team members, a Q&A and autograph signing session with
USA swimming national team member Marissa McClendon, who was also the first black woman to make a US Olympic team, and she won a silver medal as well, which our students got to try on and take pictures with a free diving clinic and a free swimming clinic which Marissa helped conduct for the Pike Swim
Club members. Um she shared her story and it was so powerful and and inspiring and she was beyond gracious signing multiple autographs for our students and standing for pictures for way past her aotted time. So, we want to thank her and it was just amazing to see our
students in the pool swimming with her, learning from her, learning from her and uh then see our parents and our younger students who maybe are just getting introduced to swimming interacting with our Pike High School students and really appreciate how well they were doing. Uh,
and last but not least, I want to really thank Coach Grace and our aquatic center staff for their commitment to making Pike a water safe community and providing opportunities for our students to develop a love of swimming. Um, and I think that effort and the success of it is reflected in the success of our Pike swim team this year. So, we're so proud
of them. We want to congratulate Eastbrook Elementary School principal Dr. Sherah Gardner and Central Elementary School principal Dr. Gail McGee who recently received their doctors of education and organizational leadership degrees from Maryanne
University. They're amazing school leaders and we are very proud of them. Last but never least, we would like to thank the generous donors uh listed on this evening's agenda. We have Alden Wagaman who donated clothes hangers, belts, and
backpacks to Lincoln Middle School worth an estimated value of $155. Fedillo mo readader who donated jean shirts, sweatpants, underwear, and socks to Lincoln Middle School at an estimated value of $255. College Park Elementary School collected
633 hygiene items for the Pike Red Zone food pantry worth an estimated value of $3,000. Common Ground Christian Church donated um items to the Pike Red Zone Pantry worth an estimated value of $166.67.
They donated shoes for students at snacks at an estimated value of $478.20 and gas carts for a family at snacks worth an estimated value of $200. We want to thank Daisy Troop 5462 for hosting a dental hygiene drive for the
Pike Red Zone food pantry. Um, and that was worth an estimated value of $150. Fish Creek Public Academy hosted a food drive for the Pike Red Zone Food Pantry worth an estimated value of $2,500. New Augustus South collected toiletry
items for the food pantry with an estimated value of $200. Our Pike Township Education Foundation awarded classroom grants totaling $6,746 to teachers at Pike High School, the Nathaniel Jones Early Learning Center,
New Augusta South, and Central Elementary School. They donated $100 for an exceptional learner scholarship. They donated $500 to support our top 30 and alumni hall of fame dinner. They donated $220 to support Pike
Ignite. They donated $1,250 um for a mascot costume purchase for Pike High School um through the Pike Township Educational Foundation. We would like to thank Mr. Michael Eaglesen who is a proud Pike alumni and business
owner of um Teach, Plan, Retire. He saw um what some of our faith partners had done to help cover this CCDF shortfall, voucher shortfall for our families, and he asked if he could help as well. So, he made a donation of $4,661.60
to cover that voucher overage shortfall um for students at Fishbach and Central Elementary School. So, we're extremely um grateful to Mr. Eaglesen for that generosity. And last but not least, we would like to thank um the Compass Group, Chartwells, for donating $2,500
for the Pike Bread Double Dash, which will take place this Saturday. And then next Monday is our food pantry date from 4 to 6 at the Pike Freshman Center. >> Thank you, SARAH. NEXT, we have reports to the board. We're going to combine uh teacher of the
year and classify employee of the year and retirey celebration certified staff and classified staff presented by Dr. Hunter. >> Good evening, Mr. President, members of the board, Mr. Vice President, members of the board, Dr. Young and our honored guests. Tonight we gather not simply to
recognize the names but to celebrate the impact the kind of impact that shapes schools strengthen communities and transform the lives of children every day. We honor our classified employees of the year whose work often happens behind the scenes but is taught in every hallway, every classroom and every
successful day of learning. They are the steady hands and faithful presence that keeps the heartbeat of our school strong. We celebrate our teachers of the year who carry the sacred responsibility of sharing shaping minds and igniting possibility. Their classrooms are not
just spaces of instruction but places where confidence is built, futures are formed and hope is restored. We recognize our principal of the year whose leadership sets the tone, holds the vision and creates environments where both students and staff can thrive. That guidance is the competence
that keeps our schools moving forward with purpose and excellence. and and we extend deep gratitude to our district retiring staff whose years of service have built the foundation we now stand upon. They have given not just time but wisdom, patience, and unwavering
commitment. Their legacy is written in the success of countless students and the strength of our district. So tonight, we simply say thank you for their excellence, their leadership, their service, and the lasting imprint they leave on the lives of our children. When you hear your name, please come forward. Starting with our classified
staff of the year, starting with the N the Nathaniel Jones Early Learning Center, Terrell Mlan, Central Elementary School, Neil Wilson. Thank you. >> College Park Elementary School. Car Elementary School. Brian Gonzalez.
Eagle Creek Elementary School. MARIA COMPOS Eastbrook Elementary School. SAMUEL, Fishback Creek Public Academy, Aya Menhal, Giant Creek Elementary School, Monica
Meyers, Augusta Public Academy South, Whitney Pipsy, Snatch Crossy Elementary School. RASHIDA DOCKERY Creek Middle School. STEPHANIE WAGE Lincoln Middle School. Jerel Mo Academy.
Matthew Jones, >> Park Preparatory Academy. Andrea Balance, Pi High School, the ASC Administrative Services in Teleruth. facilities Philip PALMER technology
and transportation came let's give a round of applause our classified staff of the Yeah. HEAT. OKAY, here we go. Now, we're prepared to acknowledge our district teachers of the year. Starting
with D9 from the Jones Early Learning Center, ELIZABETH BID Central Elementary School, Ashley Ciper, College Park Elementary School, VICTORIA MILL Elementary School, CHA EAGLE CREEK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL.
It's all good. All good. I'm interested in the Miller. Back Creek Public Academy. Riley St. Greek Elementary School. HE SQUIRES no Augusta. Uh the public campus south
descript. school. ALISON LUK Middle School, Isaiah Smith, >> Lincoln Middle School. SHANNON ROLLINS Academy North. CHRISTINA ALRE ACADEMY SANDOS and Park High School. Colin Hunt. Just
give them all a big round of applause. Thank you. Thank you for your service. And this time for our teacher, district teacher of the year. Let's give him another big round of
applause. Now for our district teacher of the year that has been announced. This individual is a master at building strong lasting relationship with students through care, consistency, and high expectations. This teacher creates an environment where
students feel safe to take risk, ask questions, and grow in confidence. Every student is met where they are with the perfect balance of encouragement and challenge, ensuring that each one has the opportunity to recognize their own potential. But the influence of this educator does not stop there. Beyond
daily instruction, this person serves as a pillar of support for an entire school community. With professionalism, organization, and a solutionoriented mindset, they consistently focus on what is best for students. Whether collaborating with colleagues or
supporting initiatives or stepping in wherever there is a need, this educator demonstrates reliability and a positive spirit that strengthens the culture around them. A true team player, this individual works side by side with others to share ideas, support student
success, and build meaningfelt connections. They are generous with their time, always willing to lend a hand or offer guidance. Because of this, they help foster a sense of unity and shared purpose that benefits both staff and students alike. What truly sets this
educator apart is a commitment to ongoing going above and beyond. Through initiative and dedication, they create meaningful opportunities that extend learning beyond the classroom. bring in influential voices to inspire students and recognize service experiences that
cultivate empathy, compassion, and a deep understanding of the world around them. These efforts reflect a deep belief in developing the whole student. Please join me in a round of applause as we recognize the 2025 2026 Metropolitan
School District teacher of the year, Miss Franimo's Pike Academy. Let's give a big round of applause. Congratulations. At this time, we would like to celebrate our retirees for their excellent service and dedication to the students, staff,
and community. Thank you. At this time, we would like to announce our principal of the year, Chris Jones. Nice cross. We love you. Thank you, Miss Jones. Now, we will
celebrate our retirees for their service and dedications to the students and staff in the community of the MSD of Pike Township. When you hear the name, please come forward. From North Augusta North, science teacher with 25 years, Becky Nicole.
55 years of service. We can minister to instructional coach Deborah Horn with 34 years of service. Central Elementary School English assistant Reyes for 22 years
of service. Assistant director of loving care for 22 years of service. College Park Elementary School site leader with 14 years of service. Barry Jennings, a transportation bus driver for our students with 14 years of service.
William Herman Herman, transportation bus driver for our students with 19 years of service. TERRY TAYLOR transportation bus driver for our students with 50 years of service. MARTIN TURNER transportation bus driver with 22 years
of service. CAROL ROGERS Business office accounts received their 16 16 years of service. June Char, assistant director of transportation with 30 years of service. KENNETH KRE math teacher with 31 years of service.
PROFESSOR NUSH Middle School for 25 years of service. DANIEL OKCONOR Park High School science teacher with 28 years of service. RICHARD HONC receptionist with 20 years of service. BRADLEY,
transportation bus driver for our students with 25 years. Curtis Brown, Pey Co athletic director with 13 years of service. PAYA, transportation bus driver for our students with 22 years of service. MICHAEL,
freshman center secretary with 34 years. Roxan Dennis IERSON transportation with 21 years of service. JOYCE ELLIS is elementary school art teacher with 18 years. PENNY PARKER and Van Creek Middle School music
teacher with 26 years of service, Bill Moss. Let's give allies a big round of applause. Thank you, Mr. Vice President. >> All right, moving on to reports to the boards. Item C, Mr. Holly,
transportation update. >> Good evening, board vice president Anderson, school board members, and Dr. Young. Thank you for this opportunity to provide you with an update of the Pike Transportation Department. During this presentation, I will share information as relates to the current daily
department. >> Mr. Give one second. Let's pause one second. We're going to allow a few a few seconds to allow everyone to leave >> or stay or stay >> hopefully in a quiet manner. >> You're welcome to stay.
>> You're welcome to stay. >> Yeah, >> you are. But >> we have plenty of We have lots of seats. >> You don't mind? Thank you. >> Whatever.
All right, Miss Holly, please continue. >> Good evening, Board Vice President Anderson, school board members, and Dr. Young. Thank you for this opportunity to provide you with an update of the Pike Transportation Department. During this presentation, I will share information as relates to the current daily
operations of the department, student writership numbers, current staffing, information regarding the CDL training department, information regarding our field trip
department, and finally bus maintenance data, and also answer any questions that you may have regarding the transportation department. The Pike Transportation Department is committed to supporting student achievement by providing a safe and efficient transportation system for the
students that we serve. This is our commitment to our school community and we strive to achieve this every single day. We believe the school day begins the moment a scholar steps into the bus and that a safe and reliable ride to school sets the stage for a great day of learning. All of our scholars that come
to Pike have the ability to become future doctors, teachers, architects, artists, first responders, and achieve in every possible field of human endeavor. Understanding this, our transportation staff works tirelessly to ensure that our fleet meets the highest standards possible for the students that
we serve, allowing our students to focus on what matters most, is their education. Our transportation department is a 16-hour day operation beginning at 5:00 a.m. with mechanics and office staff reporting to work, followed by drivers
and monitors to get their day moving with the workday ending at 9:00 p.m. During this time frame, we are transporting students to school and back home using our three- tiered routing model. During our first tier, we transport our students to Pike High School. On our second tier, we transport
students to our seven elementary schools. And finally, during our third tier, we transport our scholars to our three middle schools and two elementary choice schools. We're also providing transportation for over for our half-day preschool students, transportation for students that attend the Indiana schools
for the hearing impaired and visually impaired, as well as transporting students to midday field trips and after school programming such as tutoring and after school clubs and athletics. We've continued to work hard to be better stewards of our resources by
re-evaluating and consolidating bus routes over the past few years. We've been able to streamline operation from 94 bus routes down to 88, which has allowed us the ability to assign additional drivers to support our Pike students who are temporarily displaced.
Working with Mr. Jacob, our director of wellness and our social workers. We have been able to provide additional drivers for special pickups to ensure that even our students that are temporarily living outside of boundaries our boundaries due to homelessness or foster care still have reliable ways to get to their home
schools. Currently we Mr. Holly one more time please pause. >> Are you all having a hard time hearing? >> Yeah. >> Okay. Can I have a moment to go like me? Okay. I think people are trying to get pictures.
I don't know. I will see. Thank you, Dr. Young. Mr. Holly. >> Okay. Thank you. Yes. Currently, we are transporting 100 students that fall into this category of either being um temporarily displaced either due to homelessness or uh in the foster care system.
To give you a sense of the scale of our daily operations, we have a fleet of 137 buses ranging from our large 84 passenger buses down to our specialized 15 passenger mini buses. Our fleet drives over 6,900 miles every single day. That is over 1.2 2 million miles a
year with 6,851 bus stops made daily. Our focus remains exactly where it should be based on all of these things that we do on the safety of our students who step onto a a Pike bus every single school day. This student ridership data highlights the expanding role our bus fleet plays
in the daily lives of our Pike families. Over the last four years, we've seen a consistent increase in our student ridership numbers. While we saw a significant surge of roughly 500 new riders annually between the 2223 school year, the 2324 school year, and the 2425
school year, this year we have noticed an increase of approximately 90 new student riders with a total end ofear number of 8,942 students being transported on our school buses. To put that in perspective, with a total of enrollment of approximately
10,300 students, nearly 90% of our student body relies on a Pike bus to get to school safely. We attribute this continued yearly increase to the overall enrollment gains that our district has experienced over the past several years. This next slide is about the people that
make it happen, which are outstanding bus drivers and monitors, our skilled mechanics, and amazing operational support staff. It takes a village to move a school district and we are incredibly proud of the diverse team that ensures our students arrive safely and ready to learn. First, we have our people behind
the steering wheel. Our 100 drivers on staff do more than just steer a bus. They are the first Pike staff member many of our students see each and every day and they make up the largest portion of our dedicated crew at 63%. providing an extra layer of care. Pike
has 46 bus monitors and they make up 20 27% of our transportation staff. They are essential for student safety, offering specialized support for those students with unique physical needs or developmental needs. Next, we have our skilled diesel mechanics. Our seven
mechanics are the unsung heroes that keep our bus fleet in tip-top condition. They are 5% of our entire staff. And finally, our seven office support members, including myself, our assistant director, our dispatchers, field trip coordinators, routing coordinators.
They're at 5% and they act as the vital communication link between our drivers on the road, our school community families, and our school buildings. This next slide provides information on our Pike CDO training department. Pike Township Schools has another school in our district that is for adults and it's
our Pike Township CDL training school and it's it's for those that aspire to become school bus drivers and is facilitated by our Pike Transportation Training Department. Since 2022, we have trained 20 people to become CDL school bus certified. This 8-week training
program includes classroom instruction from the Indiana Department of Education Transportation Department and the Pike Transportation Training Department. It also includes over the road training that equips drivers with the skills and knowledge necessary to operate a school
bus both safely and responsibly. The classroom instruction covers topics such as traffic laws, vehicle operation, defense of driving, and also special needs training such as the safe use of a wheelchair lift. The over the road training provides
trainees with real world driving scenarios as well as comprehensive training on passenger safety including loading and unloading procedures, bus evacuation procedures, and communication protocols with the transportation center. Other training provided by the Pike
Transportation Department includes CPR and first aid training, crisis prevention intervention intervention training, which is training that teaches drivers and monitors how to safely manage difficult situations that may occur on a school bus, primarily focusing on ways to identify and de
deescalate a crisis on a bus. Additionally, our department receives stop the bleed training which is facilitated through the support from our district's wellness department. This training teaches our staff how to treat more severe injuries until a first responders are able to arrive. To our
knowledge, we're one of the few districts in the state that offers both stop the bleed and CPI training to our transportation staff. One of the most exciting and fun responsibilities of the transportation department is the transport of our students to extracurricular activities and field trips. There is
nothing like seeing the joy and excitement on our students faces when they prepare to go on a trip. During the 2526 school year, the transportation department facilitated 2,139 extracurricular trips through scheduling and planning with our
classroom teachers. Our department's goal is is to extend the learning environment for our students beyond the traditional classroom setting. Examples of field trips that are scheduled include outings to the Indianapolis Zoo, the Children's Museum, Performing Arts
Center, and the Pike Aquatic Center. We also transport our students to locations outside of Marian County and even outside of the state for activities such as athletic competitions, performing arts, ROTC, and robotics. We also assist with our district's after school touring programs and after school clubs by
providing transportation home in the evening on our after school extracurricular buses. By providing these services to our students, we believe our department not only plays an important role in broadening our Pike students learning experiences but also supports our classroom teachers learning
objectives for their students. This slide provides bus maintenance data from the 2026 Indiana State Bus Police Inspection. Our mechanics or staff do a wonderful job maintaining our bus fleet and have an integral role in supporting the safe operations of our school district.
Every school year, every school bus in the state of Indiana is required to be in inspected by the Indiana State Police Department. This is done annually. The inspections are crucial for ensuring the safety and reliability of school buses for the safe transport of students in the state of Indiana. These inspections
typically involve checking various safety related systems such as brakes, lights, tires, stop arms, exhaust, emergency exits, just to name a few. This ensures that every school bus that is that is transporting students meets regulatory standards are in good working
condition. Based on the 2026 results, the MSD of Pike Township received 100% fleet readiness status after inspection, which means that every bus in the fleet that was inspected received certification from the Indiana State Police say stating that they were roadworthy and safe to transport
students. This concludes my presentation and thank you for this opportunity to share and provide you an update with the transportation of the transportation department and I'll answer any questions you may have at this time. >> Are there any questions or comments? I have a comment. Congratulations on 100%
of our buses making it through. I know that's a lot of hard work and that's a lot of vehicles. So, thank you for your leadership in that area. >> Thank you. >> Also have a comment. Uh the our transportation department is probably one of the most busiest and with all the
moving parts and every time I I go over uh I see a steady machine, a nice system working and the place is always clean. So, I thank you very much for your hard work. You and your staff, Mr. Holly. >> Thank you so much. I do just want to say thank you for all the work you and your team do to get our
students safely to and from all the activities and assist with their learning. >> Thank you. >> Any more questions or comments? >> Thank you, Mr. T. >> Thank you. >> Next, we have reports to the board. Item
D, Nathaniel Jones Early Learning Center presentation slashupdate. Mr. Gruber. Good evening, Mr. vice president, members of the board, Dr. Young. Um I am excited to share with you just some updates that uh that I have about the
NJC expansion project. Um later this evening I will be presenting the second round of bid packages that uh were put out for this project and we are excited to be starting here in the next few weeks. School lets out on May 21st and I
anticipate there will be equipment on site May 22nd. Um so um there there have been a few presentations uh to the board. I know Dr. Young has spoken uh at length about the why of the early learning center
expansion and and I think it it simplest is we need more space. Uh we have families that are still on a wait list. We have kids that are at our elementary schools and we just need a bigger space to put all of these three and foury olds under one roof where they can be cared
for by the wonderful staff that we have in our early learning center. Uh but I think there's a there's another layer to it that that Dr. Young has shared repeatedly and and I love how he explains it. You know, oftentimes in education we look at the learning gap,
right? And what we have seen and what the data shows is that the the students that are coming through our early learning center, by the time that they get to third grade where they're taking the Ivory test, there is no learning gap. In fact, they're they're performing above state average. And so, why not
give as many children as possible in Pike Township an opportunity to completely eliminate the learning gap that may at one time have existed? And by expanding the early learning center, we create an environment where that can happen for twice as many kids as we're
serving today. So several months ago, I came to the board and I gave you just a preliminary introduction to the expansion project. And these are some of the graphics that I showed. On the left, we have the existing building. This is from the northwest corner of the property just
above 79th Street and uh New Augusta Road. And on the right is the future site. Um so you can see in dark gray that is the existing structure in white is the new uh structure which includes a multi-purpose room and two learning
pods. Uh once again this was just a rendering very early on in the beginning um of the site plan. This shows kind of how we're going to rearrange parking lots to separate our car riders and our staff from the school buses in the back of the
of the building just to ensure that we have safe operation on a regular basis. And the team over at the early learning center is not having to put out cones and remove cones and and coordinate all of the coming and going of the property. But now what I'm excited to show you is all of the renderings of the project it
as it has gone out to bid. So once again, this is from the northwest corner. So, we're kind of sitting over top of 79th Street and and New Augusta Road. And this is looking at the Early Learning Center. The circular area right there, that is the current entrance to the Early Learning Center. And where you
see the angled roof uh in the I guess it would be the southwest corner of the property or of the building. That is the new uh multi-purpose room that can function as a cafeteria, a gymnasium, a small conference center, a an
auditorium, whatever they need it to be. And then we have the two learning pods behind it, as well as a playground that is almost uh tripling in size. Another rendering, but this is just from the opposite corner, southeast corner. This gives you a better view of the of
the playground where our buses are going to be coming and going. and it is a dedicated bus lot. So, we don't have to worry about our our families coming in and having to navigate when when our buses come late when they're bringing our um developmental preschool kids in.
They can come whenever it's convenient and everything is completely isolated. The other thing that we looked at here is from a security perspective along that back part, back playground right there will be a security fence. So our kids can be out of playground in in the
recess and they can't run away. Um, not only that, but nobody can get in. So we will have a a very secure place for all of those kids to play and enjoy the playground. I would also note that there's we are going to be putting artificial surfaces in throughout the
entire playground which allows them to go out almost regardless of weather. Uh the beautiful thing is it could pour at 9:00 in the morning and by 10:00 they can go out and play. We don't have to worry about mulch or anything like that and we will have all of our fall
protection in place. Going to be a very safe playground. This is just a view from the far front parking lot. So on the very left hand side of the photo, you'll see a double door, glass double door. That door exists today. So that's kind of where the early learning center ends. And
everything to the right of that door is all new construction. And uh one thing I'll point out is we we added these sloped uh roof lines because right above there are going to be glass windows uh in order for us to get natural light into that big open space
and and get some sunlight in there for the kids. This is a classroom. If you've been to the early learning center, this looks very very familiar. We are going to maintain the look and feel of the classrooms because we want it to be similar in nature to what is already there. We don't want uh our families to
go from the existing early learning center to the new side and think it's a completely different space. So, a lot of the elements will remain the same uh in the classroom. This is something that I think was uh really a really smart and a really
forwardthinking thing that uh Dr. Young approved and that is a serving line. So right now we're serving our kids directly in the cafeteria with a portable serving line. Um but one of the things that uh Dr. Young always talks about is we don't know what the future holds. And the way that we're building
this uh this facility, if some crazy thing happened and we had to turn this into an elementary school, we're 100% ready to go. All we have to do is change out the small chairs for big chairs, but we can serve kids uh just like we serve kids here at the elementary school. Um
so this is it's going to have a full commercial kitchen just like our elementary schools have. Uh, and it's going to be a great great opportunity for those kids to learn those skills. So, when they come here to kindergarten, they're they're already veterans. They're ready to go.
Uh, this would be as if your back is to the existing early learning center. Currently, there's a wall with a window in it. So, imagine we're standing underneath that window looking into the new space. these big glass double doors that go out to the playground area. And then we would go down the hall and that
would take you down to that uh that serving line that we just saw in the other other photo. And that just another shot that's actually looking in those glass doors that we just saw. Uh this is just the edge of the playground there. And then this I I'm just so excited
about this space. Uh so many colors. It's going to be a very bright and exciting place for the kids to be with a lot of flexibility. There will be three areas that can be all um separated through curtains. Um and so we can have
different activities going on throughout the space. It can feed I want to say about 250 kids at one time. Um and then we could host all of our families in one place.
Just another shot of it um with some of the artwork and the color schemes that we're going to be putting in there. and um not for some of the maybe less exciting details, but I just wanted to share a couple updates. Uh like I said, I will be presenting later tonight or
asking for approval tonight of the of some bid packages. But uh what I am excited to share is that when we began this process, our cost estimations for hard construction costs were north of $25 million. So all in we
were about $26 million. And that's kind of been our target all along. Now that we've received all of the bid packages, I'm happy to say that we are currently $1.2 million under our budget on on hard construction costs.
Um I I believe that a lot of this has to do with the with bringing on a partner like Core Construction and them going out and working in the in the general trades industry and inviting people to come and bid the job. But as I mentioned
previously when I was asked in a board meeting, I believe that this project is just very attractive. Um it's a it's a large enough project that it keeps them busy for, you know, 12 to 14 months. Um but it's not something they're going to have to commit a ton of labor to. And
the bids show that. The bids show that we're going to have a great project under budget, which gives Dr. Young uh a lot of flexibility for other projects that we may have throughout the district and other needs that are always coming up. Um, as I previously mentioned at the beginning, uh, we do hope to start
construction as soon as school is out, uh, with excavation, excavating equipment on site, site demolition, um, is only going to be about 2 weeks before we actually start digging footers and and all of those things. So, it's going to go quick. Um, I know that the end goal of opening around January 2028
seems like a long ways away, but it is not. It's going to go by very, very quickly and we're just very excited about this opportunity to bring this beautiful facility to life for the community here in Pike Township. I'll answer any questions that you have.
>> So, uh, one question first, the capacity of this, I know it's enough to bring the kids that we've got dispersed back in. Does it also give us a little bit of room for growth as well? >> Yeah, based on our current numbers, it it does. My hope is is two years after I
come back and saying, "Hey, listen. We have, you know, a drove of students that are are coming to Pike Township and and we uh need to to look at expand, you know, what'll probably be a new location." So, for our current numbers, yes, but fingers crossed I'm wrong.
>> Okay. And then last, we good with this? >> We're good. Okay. We're good with this. All right. >> Are there any more questions or comments? I just want to say I am excited to see this um and that you were
able to get under budget >> is >> not just by a little multiple >> that's even even better even better with all that's going on with construction and everything. So that's >> thank you
>> good news. >> All right, Mr. group. Well, first of all, let me thank you for your transparency. >> Yeah. >> Um and the um the choice of the um construction uh management who who who
uh who proved to uh uh to be a great uh resource for us. Um how would um do you think we'll have many change orders? Uh we do have a savings. Yeah. Do you think we're we're going to be able to get away from change order
ideas? Yeah, to be honest with you, the only change orders that we may see is if we experience something underneath the ground that we weren't anticipating, right? >> So, we did core sampling. So, we feel very confident with what's over there. It also helps that we did construction there 7 8 years ago when we built the
early learning center. Um, but the reality is is there was a structure there even before the early learning center. And so we may run into a few things, but one of the things that I discussed with core construction is that I wanted a very healthy contingency in the project to ensure that if we have
anything uh for example um a line treatment to stabilize the ground, we have a line item in that budget already uh and in the project costs. So I don't anticipate change orders um barring something
really unexplainable to be honest with you. But you have not thrown it out though. >> No. Okay. Thank you. Thank you. And another thing uh too in the in the uh whole makeup of the uh situation. Uh first of all, I want to thank you for putting those numbers. Uh I think it's
important for the community uh to know the numbers. And the numbers might be big, but it's a big project. >> Mhm. >> And so when you do big projects, you pay big money. And I think people need to know uh what they're paying and and when
they see this begin to resurrect, they have some idea of what what's going on in Pike Township physically and financially. >> Yeah. >> Uh um and that I feel that makes a community comfortable with with the the progress of a school district. That's just me.
>> Yeah. >> Thank you, Mr. Very informative. Thank you very much, Mr. Gruber. Next, we'll move on to our action items. Starting off Starting off with action item A, minutes of the board education regular meeting, April 23rd.
>> I move we accept the minutes as presented. Second. >> First and second. Are there any questions or comments? If not, we'll move on to votes. All in favor say I. >> I. >> Any oppose? >> Motion carries. Next, moving on to
action item B, human resource report. Dr. Hunter, due to the confidentiality of the human resource report, we won't entertain any questions or comments. >> Mr. Vice President, members of the board, Dr. Young, I request your approval of the HR report as presented. >> So move. >> Second.
>> First and a second. We'll move on to vote. All in favor say I. >> I. >> Any opposed? Motion carries. Thank you very much, honor. Next action item C, request for textbook adaption of approval world language
grades 8 through 12. Dr. Gaywood. >> Good evening, Mr. Vice President, members of the board, and Dr. Young. I request your approval for action item C, request for textbook adoption, world languages, grades 8 through 12. >> So move. >> Second.
>> First and second. Are there any questions or comments? If not, we'll move on to vote. All in favor say I. I. >> Any oppose? Motion carries. On to action item D. Request for the textbook
resource adoption. Approval Pike High School CTE courses. Dr. Gatewood. >> I request your approval for the textbook resource adoption for Pike High School CTE courses as presented. >> So move. >> Second.
>> Are there any questions or comments? If not, we'll move on to vote. All in favor say I. I. >> Any opposed? Motion carries. Lastly for Dr. Gaywood, action item B, Pike High School updated course materials, ELA, grades 9 through 12. Dr. Gaywood,
>> I request your approval for Pike High School updated course materials, ELA, grades 9 through 12 as presented. >> So move. >> Second. >> Have first and second. Are there any questions or comments? If not, we'll move on to vote. All in favor say I. >> I.
>> Any opposed? Motion carries. Thank you, Dr. Gaywood. Next, we have action item F, approval for the supplemental circ curriculum for Nate Jones Early Learning Center. Miss Hardman. >> Good evening, board vice president,
members of the board. Dr. Young, I am requesting your approval for the attached supplemental math curriculum for the Nathaniel Jones Early Learning Center. >> So move. >> Second. Have a first and a second. Are there any questions or comments?
If not, we'll move on to votes. All in favor say I. I. >> Any opposed? Motion carries. Thank you, Miss Hartman. >> All right. Thank you. >> Next action item G. Approval for the Perch program for advanced physical fitness. Mr. Emman, good evening. Uh,
Mr. Vice President, members of the board, Dr. Young, I'm seeking approval for action item G, approval for the Perch program for advanced physical fitness class at Pike High School as presented. So move. >> Second.
>> We have a first and a second. Are there any questions or comments? >> I just want to thank Mr. Herman for answering all the questions I sent in about this. Thank you. >> All right, we'll move on to vote. All in favor say I. >> I. >> Any oppose?
>> Motion carries. >> Thank you, Mr. >> Would like to combine actions items H and I. request to bid the early uh Nathan Early Jones expansion and also to request to
seek bids of the FCPA and the SCEES paving project. Mr. Gruber. >> Uh thank you, Mr. Vice President, members of the board. Dr. Young, I'm seeking your approval for action items H and I. H is for uh a request to accept
the bids of the NJC expansion project. As a reminder, that includes 16 different bid bid packages for a total of a little over $16 million. And then action item I is to seek bids for the paving projects at both Fishbach Creek
and Snacks Crossing. I request your approval as presented. >> So move, Mr. Gubber. >> Second. >> We have a first and a second. Are there any questions or comments for action items H and I? If not, we'll move on to vote for both.
All in favor say I. >> I. >> Any oppose? Motion carries for action items H and I. Thank you, Mr. Gruber. Next, we have action item J, school board resolution approving the 1028 reimbursement bond issue, additional
appropriations of board proceeds and interest, earnings, and related matters. Mr. Foster. >> Good evening, Mr. Vice President, members of the board, and Dr. Young. I recommend your approval of the resolutions as presented. >> So move. >> Second. >> We have a first and a second. Are there
any questions or comments? If not, we'll move on to vote. All in favor say I. >> I. >> Any oppose? Motion carries. I'd like to combine action items K, L, and M, claims, and allowances, contracts, and
donations presented by Mr. Foster. >> Thank you, Mr. Vice President, members of the board. Dr. Young, I recommend your uh approval of contracts uh claims allowances and all donations as presented. >> So move, Mr. F. >> Second.
>> We have a first and a second for action items K, L, and M. Are there any questions or comments? If not, we will move on to vote. All in favor say I. >> I. >> Any opposed?
Motions carries for action items K, L, and M. Thank you, Mr. Foster. >> Thank you, Mr. >> Lastly, on to board member items. Dr. Moore, first of all, let me congratulate all of those who have received their earned doctorate degrees uh in the uh
area of academia and uh pray that uh they will be much useful in the development and in the strengthening of the academics of our children. Uh, also I want to thank everybody for their presentations
tonight. Your presentations were uh informative and so effective that you shut me down tonight. I thought that was great. Uh, when you put the good information out there the right way, there's no need to make any comments about anything. So thank you
for well put together presentations and we hope you will continue to do that so we don't have to say anything about your presentation but a good job. Amen. >> Thank you Dr. Moore and Mr. Hooer. >> All right. Um May is the uh most fun and
most exhausting probably month of the year. Um the calendars packed. Had a great time going to uh senior honors and the exceptional learners breakfast this morning. Seeing our students getting rewarded both with awards and then monetarily with the scholarships is just
it's awesome because the launchpad that that gives them into their next phase of life just so uh thank you to everyone who's involved with that. Mr. Ludy, I'm looking forward to the riata tomorrow. Long as I don't fall in the pool while I'm there watching, you know, we're we're all good. Um and congratulations
to all the folks who won were recognized tonight. classified employees of the year, certified um everyone, all of our retirees, just you know, all that's what it's all about. The the the service that they're putting in and everything they're doing for the students. Um being
around for a while though, there are a couple that um while they're all awesome that you know gets are special and um whenever I was deciding to run for the board, the hardest decision about it was it meant I couldn't keep coaching middle
school softball anymore. Um, as what made it easier was when Mr. Dawkins came to me and said, "Well, if you do that, Nurse Stephanie is going to take over." And so, Nurse Stephanie has a her and her daughter and um have a special place in my heart cuz they took on that thing
that I love and um are doing it way better than I ever did. So, I really appreciate Miss Nurse Stephanie. Well deserved. And then Mr. Moss with retirement. Um I don't know how many folks up here on the board know Mr. Moss. is an institution at Guyian Creek
Middle School. Um he um has a personality to match that. He's going to be big shoes to fill and um so just really want to wish him well in the next phase um whatever the next journey is for him. Um and then just the last thing I want to say and I know none of them
are listening or care but you know we saw this great presentation about our early learning center. We know the numbers of what we can do. Um, it would just for our state government, please fund it. You say you want our kids to do better. You say you care about education. That is where it happens.
Stop spending so much time making social media post and do what's right for our kids. >> Thank you, Mr. Hooer. Mrs. Barnes. >> Uh, like my fellow board members said, May is such a busy month for us in education. I did have the pleasure of
going to the court of honor for Pike Township's very first female Eagle Scout, Kaden Price. And so, congratulations to her. Uh, also was uh with fellow board members this morning at the exceptional learners breakfast.
It's always a special time. And last but not least, don't forget that Saturday is the Red Devil Dash. All of us are signed up. I'm passing your
race packet with your race number. That's Dr. Moore. Miss Kelly, I got you, Miss Mr. Huffer. Ready? >> Okay. See you on Saturday.
>> Thank you, Mrs. Barnes. Miss Kelly, >> again, we have all been on our tour of Pike here lately. Um, had an opportunity on election day to work with some of our Pike High School students at the polling
site where I was. I was so excited when I saw our students getting involved in the process that was and I got to see one of them this morning when I was at the leaving the exceptional learners breakfast
and just excited for the future that our students have um and the the fact that we had four of the students on the that are graduating with exceptional that are exceptional learners that are graduating
they are graduating with honors. So, I was very excited to see that. We had several students that are graduating with GPA of 3.0 or higher. So, very excited about what's happening with our students.
Participating in the Red Devil Dash on Saturday, looking forward to spring singing tomorrow night. Um, what else have we been doing? We the lots of things have been going on. This has been, like I said, a very busy month,
but so exciting. All the celebrations of those that have retiring. Um, thank you for your service to Pike and our students. Our students would not be who they are and where they are without you. Um, and thank you to even to the cabinet.
We've made it to another year. On the 22nd, we will get to breathe a little bit. and um looking forward to taking some time to refresh, reflect so that when August comes, we're ready again.
But and again, thank you for all the information that was shared. Um so informative and looking forward to all the exciting things that are coming to the district. >> Thank you, Miss Kelly. Dr. Young.
>> Thank you, Mr. Vice President. I I I wish I could join the board on Saturday. I'll be in Melville with the baseball team. Otherwise, I'd be right there with you. Um, I also want to congratulate everyone that was recognized today. Thank you for the staff um that helped to organize this event. I saw a lot of
smiles and people that were appreciative. So, thank you for helping to make that special for those individuals. With this being our last board meeting for this school year, to the students, thank you for working hard. Enjoy the summer. Be safe. I
believe I say this every year to the staff, have a great summer. Recharge, reset, have fun, don't have too much fun because we need you back in the fall. And with that, um, thank you. >> Thank you, Dr. Young. Uh, lastly, in the
place of our president, uh, in absence of our president, uh, he he sends his well wishes. I'd like to thank again congratulate the recipients and also at the exceptional learners breakfast that was very, very special. Thank you, Dr. award for your efforts uh that really
stuck out uh your efforts to bring the extra money in to give uh meaningful scholarships to our exceptional learners. Um to my fellow board members uh good luck for tomorrow and I'm very excited to see what our administration team is going to do at the regata race pool race tomorrow. I can't wait to see
what you I believe in you. I can't wait to see what you're going to do. With that being said, can I get a motion to close? >> So move, Mr. President. >> Second. >> Thank you. We got a sign. >> Yeah, we can sign resolution. >> I have