Yeah. Okay. That's awesome. >> But yeah, when I saw you pull in, I was like, I gotta ask about that. So, yeah, >> I'll probably see it around next year, August. >> Okay. All right. I'll keep an eye out. All right. What you looking on summary? >> Hey, summer's almost over. [laughter]
>> Oh, here she come. What she my life away? >> I giving you the for a conference. >> Let me ask you something. Can you can you get your money back for that day or it doesn't matter?
>> I told >> Good evening. Fine, sir. How are you? >> I need to check my I almost right now just a just a Yeah, man. I gave it to >> her. Yeah, I haven't done that yet.
>> Did you get my >> Did you get the email forward to her? >> No, no, no. You're fine. You're fine. Sure. >> Yeah. >> I think that's >> so that means >> something.
>> Don't you think so? What do we say? Congratulations. [laughter] >> I see what you did there. >> I'm coming down with the book. >> Did they get approved? [cough] >> Okay. I said, "Okay, I can't."
>> Thank you. Jennifer there. So, she's going to >> congratulations on your >> so tell or you going to tell us? >> Tell here. No. >> Oh. Um,
you want one of us to do? >> No, >> I'll do it. Do it. >> I know. You were taking a my day to watch these people. Come on. [laughter] That's the majority. >> Oh, it's right under the chair. It's to
your left. >> Other left. >> Look at me. Where did that thing go? [laughter] >> That thing. >> You lost your lid. >> God hurt your mouth. California.
>> Mr. President, whenever you're ready. >> Should we stand for the pledge of allegiance, please? >> I pledge algiance 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. Well, good evening to everyone and welcome tonight to our Metropolitan School Board District of Pike Township Regular School Board
meeting July 23rd, 2026. Welcome. At this time now, we have called to order. So, um, if there's anyone that will step up and like to speak for the good of the cause, you have three minutes. State your name and
come and share for the good of the cause. If there's anyone, >> good evening. My name is Sterling Davis, uh, resident of Pike Township. >> Good evening. >> Good evening. >> Good evening. >> I appreciate the board for taking the time to answer the community questions,
uh, this afternoon or this morning. Uh, it answered a lot of questions. Uh, still, if you see on online, uh, is still some more questions to be answered. Um, ultimately my goal as a resident here is to understand and to
hope for a better process and governance. [clears throat] What it did say is the administration posted the wrong position. Administrators provided inaccurate information. Administration omitted important information. >> Mr. Sterling, we don't need you to
repeat what was posted. We need this to be the good of the cause. >> We know We know what we posted. We don't need you to repeat what was posted. >> Well, I think overall uh I think it gives context, but um my concern as well
as the community concern isn't just to ask of just this one hire. It's how is the governance working all together. Uh the statement was incomplete in understanding the policy. Like the Pike
policy 0144.2 says, board members should be policymakers, not administrators. Give the superintendent full administrative authority and act upon the superintendent's recommendation of employment. And so pol Pike policy
0132.2 delegates administrative authority to the superintendent. So help the community understand how does those policies work together in this situation. Uh your response when it comes to governance. Uh my question is
what government process determine that information was inadequate that the Pike administration gave you and then what is going to be done to that? I understand that we're going to change the policy. Um that leads to more questions, right?
If you're changing the policy, what policy were you enacting when you made the action that you put forth? And now what that sounds like to me as a just a person that don't know all the details, it says we're going to
now write down what we just did versus how we're board and how it should work is you're working from a general policy just as I just read the policy that you guys have put forth. >> Mr. That's what I would have expected is more the appropriate way to handle this
with transparency being at the forefront. Not just opinions, not just emotions, not just blame. It should have came to a point of what happened and this is what we followed and and there's a number count that was put forth or
anything that can validate one candidate over another. I think to understand that as a community person would be >> Davis, your time is inspired. Thank you so much. >> And let me just let me just make a board
president decision at this time and we'll talk to the board about it if necessary. When we talk about the good of the cause in terms of in terms of what is what is wholesome and what is um unifying,
uh we will determine uh what what what is wholesome and what is unifying and what is separating. Again, as the governing body, let me say this again that we we would it would not be wise for us to to put out every decision that
was made during this process. It's not wise to do that. One of the things we do not want to do is create deeper confusion. So, so it's not wise to do that. We we answered seven questions without literally pointing fingers at no
one. What we want to encourage our district to do again is to read uh the answers that we gave and how you interpret them is how you interpret them, but we know according to our attorney and board counsel why we put
them out the way we did. So we we would encourage you to do that. And uh always remember again I I will say this again uh you have state statute, you have bylaws and you have policy in that order. And when you have state statute,
policy and bylaws, we we we hold true to the governing statutes. So um with that said, is there anyone else only for the good of the cause and not the division? No one else. Let's move on to um
Spotlight on Pike Ser Dorsy. >> Good evening. It's wonderful to be with you. >> Um as always, since we last met, we've had a lot of wonderful things happening in Pike. Um, we had the opportunity to proudly partner with the Ortho Indy Foundation, YMCA, and Atlanta Falcon and
Pike alum Mike Terrell to host the YMCA back to school fest and Mike Jerrell football camp and community funday. Um, although the rain forced us to move the event inside, it did not diminish the effort to serve and support the community. The YMCA distributed approximately 1,400 backpacks filled
with school supplies. Coach Bvard and our Pike football family partnered with Mike Derell to provide wonderful football camp experiences. Our Pike High School band performed. Our amazing um Red Devil, junior Red Devils and Guy Creek Middle School cheerleaders um did
their thing and brought just spirit and excitement to the entire event because not only were they cheering and performing in the gym, they kind of moved around to the various locations. Additionally, the Robo Devils were there providing robotics demonstrations. And then we had I'm not even sure how many
vendors, but an amazing turnout of a vendor of vendors that were providing information, resources, and supplies um to the community and it was just so great and we're beyond appreciative to be part of such an amazing event and
such a wonderful community. This past weekend, we had an opportunity to share information about the wonderful educational and employment opportunities in Pike at the Black Expo. So, we were excited to be there. On Tuesday of this week, we kicked off our summer professional development conference,
Elevate Ed. Um, it began with remarks from the superintendent, which highlighted our historic 97% graduation rate. um and just the numerous successes that we've been celebrating in um achievement increases within the district. And then we heard from keynote
presenter and who was an award-winning educator and community advocate named Kareem Weaver. And he delivered a powerful message on how critical literacy is and how essential it is that we resist the temptation to be lone wolves and instead
instead act as a pack with quote a shared goal. a common floor which is the minimum conditions every child receives and aligned adult work end quote to ensure all children receive the instructional experiences they deserve. Preliminary numbers show that attendance
was up by 7% this year and the average session rating was 4.8 out of five. So we're very grateful for all of the dedicated educators that attended for Dr. Nunley for our CIT team and everyone
that put so much time and effort into making that experience possible. And one thing that Pike does very well is provide professional development opportunities for our staff members and this was just a great example of that. Last evening um our amazing Pike High
School athletic director Kendra Champion Maloon partnered with our wellness department to host our annual coaches meeting which brings together our high school, middle school, and youth league coaches. The presentations focused on celebrating our coaches for the work they do, providing them with information and trainings to ensure they're equipped
to attend to the physical safety and mental health needs of our student athletes, and emphasizing new and existing regulations and requirements. There was also an intensive focus on program alignment to strengthen our connections and ensure that from youth league to varsity and Pike, we operate
as one team. That was the overarching theme. So, it was just one of those serendipitous things where the messages of the week aligned. We really appreciated that and love that um and that we provide all of our students and families with excellent program services
and the unwavering support that they deserved um that they deserve. And at the end, our different athletics programs broke off into caucuses where youth league, middle school, and high school met. And they talked about what that's going to look like so we can further enhance um how we're working
together to ensure from youth league to varsity, our student athletes are getting the very best here in Pike. Um we want to remind our families that the first day of the 2026 2027 school year is Thursday, August 6th. Um, the back to
school, well, not back to school, I'm sorry, that's in late August. The meet the teacher and schedule pickup nights um for our schools are posted on our school and district website. So, that information can be found there. Um, and we just also want to consider sincerely
thank all of the incredible staff members who've been working so hard this summer and will be returning to work in the coming days. It's really nice when people start coming back when you work in the summer cuz when band starts practicing and you start seeing people that are in teacher contracts, you know, we're about to start the school year.
So, we're extremely excited. Um, we are laser focused on just providing the best educational experiences available to the students we serve and we're looking forward to a wonderful 2026 2027 school year. Last but not least, we want to sincerely thank the donors listed on
this evening's agenda. The Indianapolis Colts Foundation and American Family Insurance have selected Central Elementary School for their uniform distribution this year. Um so they are donating student uniforms, hats, hygiene kits, school school supplies, and pizza
worth an estimated value of $65,000. >> $65,740. So we are so appreciative of that. That event is scheduled for September. I will bring that date to you and details closer to time. We also want to thank the Pike Township Educational Foundation
for a $4,225 to our Pike High School robotics team and also a $500 donation um to our new Augusta North robotics team. >> Thank you, Miss Dorsy.
We're on to reports to the board. Um first up is Dr. Maggie Bishop. Good evening, Mr. President, members of the board, and Dr. Young. Um, this evening I continue to bring for your review additional policies that were
shared back in April um as there as a new release. If you have any questions regarding the policies that are up for review, please let me know and I'll be more than glad to provide additional information for you um as I will be looking for approval at our next board
meeting. All right. Thank you, Dr. Bish. For number A, we are part B look like here. Dr. Bishop, Mr. President, members of the board, and Dr. Young, this evening, I have the pleasure of providing you information
regarding Senate Bill 78. Um many of you know um that Senate Bill 78 is a build upon a system that we Pike has previously put in place as it relates to cell phones. Senate Bill 78 was
passed in the spring and is effective July 1st, 2026. This evening, I'm going to give you some background information along with some of the things that we have done to prepare our schools, our administrators,
our staff, and our families for full implementation when our students return on August 6. So, some background information regarding Senate Bill 78. When legislators met um at the state house between January and March, there was a
great deal of discussion about the increase in um this legislation. Part of the reasoning for um bringing this law was such things as in there was an increase in classroom distractions.
There were mental health concerns as it relates to social media and there was a need for consistent expectations across the state. The previous law basically said that any district or charter needed
to pro provide a policy and guidance for electronics. We did not all have to align. In this particular case, Senate Bill 78 now gives the same parameters for all public and charter schools as it relates to personal communication
devices. So, what that meant was legislators gave school districts and charters a choice. You could go with not bringing the personal electronic equipment to school at all or you could have a storage
secure storage policy. Um, we began working with our administrators and receiving feedback as early as March. And based on that feedback, we worked with Dr. Young and cabinet and we moved forward with what is a secured storage
model and policy. One of the flyers that you see that we've created for families is on the slide. We try to create as many images as possible to help share the message um online and through communication via
email, via IG, Facebook, those types of social media apps. At the elementary level, what that means is that elementary school students will place their personal communication device. And I
will hone in on using personal communication device because Senate Bill 78 is much more than just a cell phone ban. We often hear this is a cell phone ban and that it is, but Senate Bill 78 eliminates any personal
communication device and we'll get into um that here in a minute. So, we chose the students may bring their device, but they must store it away. It must be powered off and it must be inaccessible throughout the school year. at the elementary level that's in their cubby.
Whether it's inside the classroom or in some of our classes or some of our buildings, the cubby is outside the classroom, but it would be secure there. In our middle schools, the secure location is at a student's locker. At the high school, the secure location is
in a student's backpack and or locker. The backpack was chosen at the high school because there are 3,100 students in that building who have a 7minute passing period and lockers at times are not used because of the amount of time
that is used to get from class to class. So backpacks were chosen at the high school. What devices are covered? Cell phones, tablets, laptops, gaming
devices, smartwatches, any personal communication device that can be accessed through Wi-Fi, internet connected or Bluetooth. Bluetooth becomes important in this aspect because
I don't necessarily have access to Wi-Fi, but my phone may be in my backpack. I have my headphones. I'm able to access that through Bluetooth. So, this law specifically covers that as well. Part of our FAQs that were created that we'll show later, make sure that we
include the Bluetooth language. That's also something that we have placed on our website and communicate with families so that everyone understands the expectation um prior to August 6. There are exceptions to this law. A student may
need a smartwatch because they have a medical need. they're diabetic and that's where they monitor it. A student may need a an electronic equipment because of a learning need. There are exceptions that with medical documentation signed by a physician are
allowed through a 504, ILP or an IEP. And all of that would be established once students get the proper documentation in to an administrator or a teacher of record or someone that can
help work through the process. There's also another window where if in fact there was a large-scale emergency, the superintendent has the ability to have an emergency use of a personal
communication device. that is also listed in the law. The other aspect of Senate Bill 78, which is a couple of years down the road, is that by June or July, I should say, of 2028,
all Chromebook school issu or must be schoolisssued. In other words, I may have a laptop I really like using. It's mine. I bring it to school. I'm able to do my schoolwork. That is our present day. In July of 2028, every Chromebook
must be issued to a student that they use in a school setting. They will not be allowed to use their own personal computer moving forward from July of 2028. Along with the mandates and new law, legislators also shared that schools,
districts, charters would be receiving IDOE guidance. That guidance would give us expectations on what the policy could look like, what some of the um guidance could be on storage versus um not bringing um cell phones or personal
communication devices to school. It also included a list of secured locations which in our case we specifically looked to make sure we were in compliance and the Indiana Department of Education
listed backpacks as a secured location. Also, they wanted to have the IDOE provide guidance to duplicate what's happening in multiple districts. Right? If the IDOE gives this directive, it allows everyone to fall in line with
their guidance and we don't duplicate some of the things that are being done from district to district, school to school. The last part of this law is it does give civil civil immunity. [clears throat] It allows schools, school corporations,
charters, personnel, if in fact we confiscate a personal communication device and there is some um damage that happens to that personal communication device. There is protection that applies in good
faith actions and that is written in the law in the law and as long as we comply and there is no gross negligence no willful or intentional damage then the district personnel everyone has a level
of civil immunity as it relates to personal communication devices. So what where have we been on this road? Uh here is a a brief timeline of where we have where we started and where we currently are. Back in March, um Dr.
Young has leadership meetings monthly. We began the work in March. We started working with administrators asking them to go back to their buildings and ask all the questions that they may have about this potential new law that was coming in July. Um, we felt pretty
confident at that time that this law was going to pass. We took that feedback and that's where we began our base of trying to provide guidance. Also knowing that I would be meeting with the policy committee in late spring and they would
be working with us to update our policy based on Indiana new Indiana code. We did in fact do that. We ad we adopted and published our new policy 5136 that relates specifically to this new
legislation. We have now also met and created our plans for what that storage solution looks like. What it looks like at the elementary, what it looks like at the middle school, and what it looks at like at the high school. In addition, we've
created additional support documents. For example, if I'm a student that needs an exemption to be able to use a personal communication device, we created the document that a family would need to be completed by a physician. So, we continued to work on documents and
guidance for our schools in order to be at the best possible place that we can be when school opens on August 6. In addition, we created communication for our families. We started communicating in May with the
help of Miss Dorsey whether it be through social media, direct email through parent square. Our commun communication began in May. Then we followed up in June and then we followed up in July. Our we've had one
communication in July. Next week, we'll have an additional additional communication in July that's coming directly from the schools to families with important contact information as it relates to office number, nurse number, those types of things.
We will continue with our communication so that everyone has an opportunity to truly understand that Senate Bill 78 was passed by state legislators and it is effective July 1st, making it
very clear that this is Indiana state law that the MSD of Pike Township is merely following. That's right. >> We have ongoing reflection. We want to know what is going to go well and what is not. We
understand that the guidance that we've given thus far, we may need to tweak it. There may be a gap. Uh for example, I met with um administrators in June to cover all of the documents and all of the guidance that we have to best
prepare them. From their feedback, we came up with additional pieces of guidance that we felt we needed for them. So, it's important for us to continue to work with them so that we can give them everything that they need
to help us all meet the expectation of this law. So, what does that mean from a no personal device use? That means from the start of the school day to the end of the school day, you are not allowed to have, use, or should be
turned on a personal communication device. That means not on in use and out during passing periods, lunch, study halls, classrooms, hallways, restrooms. You are not to access your personal communication device until after the end
of the school day. That covers all areas. It is truly bell to bell. Okay. >> Can I ask a question? >> Yes. Does that does that also reflect on but on on the bus and at the end the morning
and then and then once they get into all the >> um there is a caveat to that that I will answer at the end. Um no no no worries um because the committee had a great discussion about that very thing. >> Okay. >> So these are some of the um guidance
documents that have been created that you have access to. Um we created a personal communication device for administrators. It very much reads like here's the question, here's the answer. It is an FAQ that is approximately three to four pages long. We also created an
FAQ for administrators and the latest FAQ that was created is the multimedia um FAQ. This guidance came about from one of our librarians asking about audiobooks. Great question. it was a gap
in thinking about how um audiobooks and some of the uh other audio equipment is that we use. So, we took the time to create additional guidance for K12 so they're able to better navigate some of those questions. On your right, you see
some of well, it could be on your left depending on where you're sitting. Um you see some of the images that were created and some have already been shared. I know you've probably seen them on social media um and sent through Parent Square. We try to create visual documentation. Sometimes that's easier.
I I will use myself as an example. I'm much more apt to read an image than I am several paragraphs. So, we created several images in multiple languages to provide a snapshot of the major p points
of this particular law. In addition, those documents have been shared throughout with the help of Miss Dorsy. They have been sent out via parent square. We have now placed them on our website. When you go to our website, you will automatically receive
an alert that tells you, hey, here is information about SB78. In addition, on each school's website, there is now a page that has information about Senate Bill 78 along with the FAQ that um
provides additional information, well, discipline, right? This that has to be part of the conversation. There were multiple times that we looked at certain ways in which to look at it in working with um Dr. Young and him working with administrators. There is a broad um
degree of guidance where it's [clears throat] not a first offense, second offense, third offense per se. Our guidance is you navigate in the way in which that scenario brings you to. Um the way in which you handle an elementary student may not necessarily be the way in which you handle a high
school student. That guidance has been released and is accessible in the handbook. Schools will be making individual decisions about how they move through their discipline. Every building is different and Dr. Young has allowed them to be able to make those decisions
based on their particular building as long as they fall within the guidance that has been uh approved by um here at central office. We also want to make sure that we're following we want everyone to follow district procedures, right? That is the
more consistent we are whether you're in an elementary school or whether you're in a middle school, the easier it is for everyone. We also want to avoid classroomtoclassroom inconsistencies. The guidance becomes very important if I am in one class and then I go to another
class and it looks very different. The law is the law. There is no inconsistency from that standpoint. But what we're asking for as it relates to consistency is making sure that the law is enforced consistently. teachers specifically, we were asking
them to communicate the expectations and we have those guidelines in the uh folders that we've created for them. Principles will be covering this information upon their return. We're also asking them to follow our building level procedures. What happens um when
you see that a student is not following um the law? What what are your next steps? And we've laid those out. We want them to work very closely with administration and we want them to know that we want administrators to take the lead when it comes to that. Specifically, if we ever get to a point
where we're having a phone confiscated, right? We want instruction to continue as much as possible. We do not want this to become a disruption. We want them to work very closely with administration so that they can do what they do very well,
and that's teach their classes. So, what are students expected to do? They are expected to arrive with their devices secured. They're expected to make sure that they're stored throughout the day turned off. They're we're asking them to avoid texting, messaging, avoid
any kind of personal use, whether um it's trying to access their earbuds or their personal communication device through Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. We're asking them to follow school directions and we're asking them to follow Senate Bill 78.
What um the only caveat expectations or differences would be if a student has a medical necessity, an IEP accommodation, a 504, if there is an emergency that is potentially called by um Dr. Young, or
any other exception that would be allowed through Senate Bill 78. violations. Here is an example, an example only. Um, that may vary depending on where you are. We we want all students all students are expected
to comply with Indiana State Bill 78, right? That's not a that's not a choice. Um, personal communication devices in our policy 5136, there will be consequences for non-compliance and not following the
law. So, a first offense could be a reminder. Hey, Maggie, go ahead and let's get that put away. Remember, this is the law. You need to have it turned turned off and put away. Maggie comes back the next day not quite convinced that she has to follow the law. Then, we
move on to the progressive discipline steps and where that could lead a particular student, whether it's any multitude of things that are listed on that sheet in school, Saturday school, um, [clears throat] conference with a parent, the ability
not to bring your personal communication device to school. There are a wide range of consequences. So, I I think the key thing is understanding that this this would follow all of the other types of um discipline consequences in that we follow progressive discipline with this
particular um Senate bill, parent communication and emergencies. Families should also understand the bell-to-bell expectations, right? Families need to understand Senate Bill 78 is state law. That became state law on July 1st. We want them to understand
that if there is an emergency that they can contact us and we will do all that we can in a timely manner to communicate with their students. We have created guidance for our office staff so that everyone has a understanding of the
answering phones and how important that really is now being that students will not have access to their personal communication devices. We want to make sure that um we are clear on if a device is confiscated, what that process will
look like and being in constant communication with families on the return of that device securely. So during emergencies, as I said, Dr. Young may have one. I hope we never have to use that. Um but they would be allowed to navigate in that space to be
able to use their personal communication device. So, some quick FAQs. This is actually a screenshot of the FAQ that is on the website. Can students use their phones during lunch? No, they cannot. Their phones can't even be out. They must be
in a secured location belltoell. That includes passing periods. Can a teacher allow a student to use their phone? No, they cannot. I think um for [clears throat] some of us, we've moved in a direction
where a student would access their schedule on their phone. Some of the things that we've been doing for many years, we have to rethink because of this law. So, um and we we maintain that choice, Miss Tony. >> Okay.
>> Thank you. >> Um any other questions for me as it relates to Senate Bill 78? >> Yes. I'm sorry. Go right ahead. Um I know that in past the students have used their phones for um to check out books
to um and or to show their student ID number. So does that mean they will be going back to their lanyards and they will be required to wear lanyards at all times? And >> there are many elements of um how we used to do things that are going to come
back. For example, um having been over at the high school this week, they are reworking home rooms so that students can go pick up their schedules. They're going to they're making the posters. I lived in that world. That was part of my job. Um we're going back to that so that
there is no question that a student will not need to access their personal communication device to get their student ID, their schedule, any of those things. >> Last question. Um, this one, >> this particular one.
>> Yes. >> Are there are these going to be posted in the classrooms by the door? I mean, are there going to be >> I mean, to me, this is great for a student that has these questions. >> And I'm just saying that it it would help the teacher soften the blow to tell them if they pull their phones out.
>> So, I'm just asking, is this going to be something that's posted in the hallways and and not just the locker room because they tear those down, but I'm thinking in the classroom. Um so teachers will have the ability to access um the the what is titled the personal communication device support documents
which that is found. Some of our administrators have been hard at work. For example, if you've gone into the freshman center, you'll see a large banner that has one of our logos that kindly reminds our students that they will not be able to use their electronics. And it is a nicesized
banner. So many of them have already begun that process. Um I'm meeting with another set of administrators tomorrow um to review what we can continue to do and I will certainly share your um feedback, Miss Tony, so that um we can
think about how we can continue to increase this communication. >> Thank you. >> Great job, Dr. Bishop. >> Yes, sir. Excellent. >> And uh Miss Kelly on the committee. Um I think uh and Miss Dorsey for the
communications because we stressed uh um bill um 78 is not uh pike law. It's state law. >> Um but pike law is in my mind power down
for success. >> Yes, >> if we could use it that term. >> Absolutely. I I was wondering if we could create a a a a inexpensive market ideology to where teachers would wear a t-shirt
that would carry that slogan at least once a month >> that would say power down for success to remind students um that we are serious about the ideology of uh of of of these uh ect
items being in our system. Um, and it would take some mental pressure and verbal vernacular off of our teachers if they could just wear that t-shirt maybe once or twice a month uh to designate
that uh to remind our students of the visual of uh power of um of of cell phones and all other items pertaining to that. So, I'll let you and uh Dr. Young work that out and uh all whoever else that needs
to be worked out. >> Absolutely. And I'll get feedback from the teachers before I >> Yeah. [laughter] >> Yeah. So, I mean it would be it would be the only high school or school system in the district that would be promoting that type of situation. So, uh you could
uh look at that and and and see if that would work. Um it's it's part of you know >> Yeah. >> helping the situation. >> Understood. Pastor Mora, we will we will review all feedback. I I know we're all as we're we're two weeks away from the
first day of school. Um and that's an exciting time, but we continue to increase our communication with families um so that they know what to expect. Our um incoming freshmen are coming in next Monday. Um and uh Mr. Wali added an
additional day just for freshmen to come in, take their student ID, uh receive their Chromebook. It's another opportunity for him to reinforce as Senate Bill 78. Then he's bringing them all back on Tuesday and and that that administrative team is ready for registration, schedule pickup, um school
IDs, and they they are well on their way with creating banners and putting up signage. Um, and so I know that they're working very hard to try to hit this as many ways possible so that families truly understand that this is legislative.
This is legislative, that this is a law. Um, and that it's not about whether or not you get a choice on whether you want to actually do it or not. >> Um, Dr. Bishop, I've got a couple questions. It's around the the exceptions. One, obviously, I'm glad
they allowed. There's clearly the need for some for exceptions. My concern is both protection for the teachers and the students in those situations. You know, in elementary school, you pretty much have one teacher. It's pretty easy to keep track of that. The high school, elementary schools, you're going between classes.
>> What kind of how will the students be identified as? So, if I don't have a a student in my class, but I see them with their device out and I know don't get on to how can I know not to get on to them because they've got an exception. And I guess in the se the second part of that
is if I see a child who a student who does have an exception but they're not using it for the purpose of that exception. They're in the hallway and they're texting clearly. So kind of those two different ideas. >> Okay. So first scenario is of course we have to balance um student information.
Um, but we're thinking along the lines of providing some piece of documentation for a student that may have um an ILP, an IEP, a 504, or have a medical exemption so that although I may not have you in class, I still have some
degree of something that can support that I have the ability to have this equipment. >> And I would that's a process. you know, we have our teachers of record to meet with the other gened teachers always to share these are the accommodations that this child so that's been in place for
at the start of each hot it's a hot pass. They have a hot pass. >> Yeah. I just like to think about I know teachers and staff in general are super human but man remember every kid [laughter] might have a pass that you know some >> to your point yes to your point Mr.
Hofer I you can take a middle school or you know the middle schools have 7 to 800 the high school has 3100 even during a passing period right you may not know that student whatsoever you don't have them in class you you're a senior level class and you're you're dealing with a
freshman we that concern came about early on in trying to make a determination of how we can share that information because as I stated earlier there's a balance in what we can share if that particular student is not one of your students Right. And so that but we'll continue to look at that. Uh we
think that that's going to be one of the more challenging aspects of this law especially during passing periods. >> Yeah. And what about the other if they're using it? >> So in the FAQ there that scenario is >> totally addressed. It is very clear that if you are not using in the manner in
which it is given from the do supporting document, you will lose that ability to do so. >> Okay. and and we tried to be as transparent and put it in writing so that everyone understands that. >> Okay. Thank you. >> I have a question. So, mine is more
about systems. Um, now that parents are not reaching out to their students throughout the [clears throat] >> excuse me throughout the day, that's going to increase the number of phone calls that come into the office. Yes. and also increase the
amount of messages that the office staff at each building will have to deliver these messages in a timely manner for for students. >> Yes. >> Are our administrators kind of having that in mind? Are they putting some things in place so that
parents can feel comfortable knowing that they can communicate those those things whatever those things are and have a have a student receive those messages in a timely manner? >> So yes, we have a process that we have
created for office staff. Um one of the early on um pieces of feedback that we received was the importance of always having the phones answered. So some of our guidance ask administrators to create a phone in essence phone
assignment because the main person who may be responsible for answering the phones they need to go to lunch and that phone still needs to be answered. So schools are being asked to create a assignment uh per the that covers the
entire day. So secretary A is going to cover 8 to 11 12 to 2. In the meantime, Secretary B is the backup to A and then you if you have Secretary C because in our middle schools or you have three,
Secretary C is going to cover Secretary A's lunch. We have a total rotation for administrators to use as an example. In addition, we provided a template for administrators to share with their office staff. You receive a message.
You're making a determination on this. Is this an immediate? Is this I need to get this to you by lunch? Is this I need to get this to you by the end of the day. They also will keep record of when they received the call and when the message was given. We want to make sure
that all of the documentation is present on our end. We know that Maggie called at 11:00 a.m. She needs to give this message to her student. that student message was delivered at 11:25. Here's my record of it. And so that
guidance was specifically made for schools to get us all on the same page. >> I like that. >> Thank you. >> Could I could I could I add to what you're saying, Miss Barnes? And that's why um when when Miss when Dr. Bishop brought that context up.
My main concern was uh the communication u uh with parents, heavy communication with parents to shift the structure of the household now to shift the mindset of the children
handling these systems now. uh and and for them to communicate differently with those children when they go out the door. Communication is different now. They don't have the phone like they used to. Uh we have a system
here that you just brought to foolish brought before us. But they have to change the system in their household now with the phone system when it comes to talking to this child at school. Now, that's why we wanted the heavy communication
uh on our website and the heavy communication that we saw here to make sure that the parents will shift the household and not depend on us to do what they ought to be doing as well. But what what you brought up is is is what
needed to be done as well. Um, Miss Barnes, I will also add that we provided um somewhat of a a timeline on our communication. For example, letters are going to go out in May, in June, in July. Uh, social media posts are going to go out in May, June, and July. But
once um school starts, morning reminders, um, end of day reminders, back to school night reminders for families. That's one of the most popular days of the year, right? It's awesome to have all of our families in buildings. That becomes another opportunity to
communicate with our families what Senate Bill 78 brings for us this year. [snorts] Um, so we're continuing to navigate uh the communication piece, looking at every possible avenue to continue to make sure our families understand the expectations of this law.
>> Yes. >> Would they would they be able to They're probably going to kill me for saying this. Will the department chairs secretaries be able to help out? >> Can you I think from from Mr. Wallally standpoint, he's looking at anybody and everybody to help [laughter]
>> with this cause. Um I know he's met with um his administrative team and his department chairs as they are finalizing things. Um so I don't believe that I think we're all Mason are in this collectively, right? If you're in the building, you need you're going to need
to be able to help out with this. >> Thank you. Mhm. >> Good presentation. >> Thank you, doctor. >> Welcome. >> Anybody else? >> Thank you, Dr. B. >> Thank you. >> We're on to [clears throat] uh action
items. First up is the approval of our minutes. My regular meeting July 19, 2026. >> So, move our president. >> Second. Move and second that we approve our minutes from the July
9th I'm sorry I said 19 9th meeting 2026. All in favor say I. >> I oppose. >> Thank you. Next up is action item B. Dr. Bishop on
the education policy. >> Oh, she's just Mr. President, members of the board, and Dr. Young. I seek your approval of action item B, approval of board of education policies as presented. >> I move we accept the policies as
presented. Second. >> And second that we accept action item B as presented. Are there any questions on action item B? >> All right. Question, Mr. President. >> Uh, Dr. Moore. >> Uh, the 3362.01
4362.01. Dr. Bishop, uh, is there a way if someone happens to fall into inside of this policy, >> how would they go about, uh, getting the help that they need? >> Um,
>> yes, we actually covered this particular policy um, yesterday when we met with our administrators. We have a pretty concrete I think uh procedure that uh administrator, a teacher um anyone because this is an obligation to report
to um law enforcement. Uh we have very specific directions for them to do when hopefully this doesn't occur, but we're very comfortable in um providing uh very concrete steps for our staff and
administrators should this occur. Um, and we actually just covered that with our leadership team are uh in Dr. Young's retreat yesterday. So, they it's hot off the presses, pastor Moore. >> Good. Will it Will it reach the board?
>> Yes. Okay. >> We will definitely share um it is an administrative guideline um that I will gladly share with you. >> Thank you. >> You're welcome. >> Yeah. Are there any other questions on these uh policies recommended? Action
item B. No other questions in. We're on the vote. All in favor say I. >> I. >> Oppose. >> Thank you, Dr. Bishop. >> Uh, human resources report, Mr. Elmore. >> Thank you, Mr. President, members of the
board, Dr. Young, I ask that you approve the HR board report as presented. I move that we approve the HR report as presented. >> Second. >> We move and second that we approve the HR report as presented. And due to the
confidentiality, we will not discuss the report at this time. We move on to vote. All in favor say I. >> I. Opposed. >> Thank you, Mr. Elmore. >> Thank you, sir. >> And we'd like to combine action items E and F and G for recommendation of
approval. Mrs. Gray, >> point of clarity. We need action item D. >> I'm sorry. Thank you. Thank you, Mrs. Barnes. Action item D. I'm trying to get us on out of here. [laughter] You can understand me.
>> Good evening, Mr. President, members of the board. Dr. Young, >> seeking approval for action item D. Request approval to apply for the arts project support grant as presented. So move. >> Second. >> Been moved and second that we accept
action item D as presented. Are there any questions on action item D? >> No questions. We're on the vote. All in favor say I. >> I. I oppose. Thank you Mr.
>> Hmon. Now Mrs. Gra. We like to recommend approval action E FNG for recommendation. Good evening, Mr. President, members of the board, and Dr. Young. I request your approval of action item E, claims and allowances. Action item F, contracts,
and action item G, donations as presented. >> I move that we accept action items E, F, and G as presented. >> Second. >> Moved and second that we accept action items E, F, and G as presented by Ms.
Monet Gray. Are there any questions on items E F or G? No questions. We're on to vote. All in favor say I. >> I. >> Oppose. >> Thank you, Mrs. Gray.
>> Board member items, Dr. Moore. >> Thank you, Mr. President. Um, >> I just like to say that I'm looking forward to a great school year. Uh, we're not far from it. um want to uh
say beyond a shadow of a doubt that we have had some turbulent times here recently and that's what happens when you have people involved in boards and and administration. You you will have turbulent times but those turbulent
times are usually utilized to make people better and to make systems better. Um sometimes people miss the whole uh picture of things um when they
uh don't get both sides of the street. Life is a two-way street and sometimes people don't get the the both sides of the street and they can miss the truth and the honesty of of what's really going on.
Uh so uh I think uh we need to be very cautious of how uh we all lead and how we all carry ourselves because we navigate the lives of of students.
Uh and we are and we are supposed to be examples and uh we might not be the best examples at sometimes but we ought to try every day to be the examples that uh um that
students can look up to. Um, we were people before we were degreed and uh I think that's more important being the best human being we can be because that's what we were before we were what we are today. Thank you, Mr.
President. >> Thank you, Dr. Moore. Mrs. Wilson, >> um, just wanted to say I'm looking forward to the school year and it's going to be talk about turbulence. It's going to be interesting to see how these students perform when it's time to give
those phones up cuz I know my granddaughter's two years old and she doesn't like to give hers up. So, we're going to be in trouble. But, I think that we have a great staff of Pike uh teachers and administrators. And I think between them, the administrators, the
superintendent, as well as the board, we can all come together and make this a smooth ride when it comes to that situation and move on to something else better to make Pike better. >> Thank you, Miss Wilson. Um, Mr. Huffer.
>> All right. Um, really glad to hear that, uh, Elevate Ed was such a success. Loved hearing those numbers. Actually, you saved me from sending an email because I was going to ask for some of those numbers. So, that was that was awesome to hear. here. I hope all the teachers and staff that attended um got everything out of it that they were hoping to. So, it's a a great thing that
we're able to provide. And just really kind of echoing some of the other things that have been said. I just everyone that's on staff that's getting ready to come back, enjoy that last week or two that you've got. Uh rest up all you can and um thank you in advance for everything you're getting ready to do
for all of our our students out there. >> Thank you, Mr. Hook. for Miss Barnes. >> Uh, I certainly want to echo my fellow board members sentiment about the first week of school coming up. Most of you know I'm an educator, so yep, I'm starting school on Monday myself. [laughter]
Um, but uh, I certainly want to make sure that you know that we appreciate you. We see you. Um, we want the best for you this school year and for our students. We want the best for you as well. Um, I typically don't share
personal stuff, but Mrs. Wilson uh kind of gave me a little nudge. Uh, I'm also a writer and one of my poems was selected by Indie East. It'll be made into a mural downtown in Indianapolis. UM,
[applause] so I'm really excited about that. And if you want to go see it, it's getting installed now, but it'll be finished um by the end of August, and it'll be at 2811 East 10th Street, Sweet A, and it'll be on the storefront. So, thank
you, Miss Wilson. You're welcome, >> Miss Kelly. >> All right. Good evening. >> Good evening. >> Looking forward to the 2026 2027 school year. Again, has been want to echo, I'm excited that everyone was able to um
gain new insight and knowledge during Elevate Ed. I echo, rest, refresh for this last period. um because our students are coming back and
we need to be ready for them and we do appreciate everything that is being done. Um making sure the staff has been making sure that families are aware of all
that's going on with Senate Bill 78. [clears throat] We appreciate that. Parents, please, please, please follow the guidance and understand as was said in the presentation, this is not a public [cough] thing. This is not
a individual school thing. This is a state law that has changed how we must function. So, we appreciate your patience as we're working out everything and looking forward to a great school year.
>> Thank you, Miss Kelly, Dr. Young. Thank you, Mr. President. I echo what has been shared in regards to enjoying the remainder of the uh summer for our students and our staff. I also echo the excitement to have our um
school year start off and have our students return and and staff return. I always if I can like to help fellow Pike parents out so you can tell your children that the superintendent said this that in the next week or so it's probably time to get back on those regular routines and those early
[clears throat] um nights to bed so that they're ready for the first day of school. So thank you. >> Thank you Dr. Um um I have a few comments to make here and statements
and so bear with me as I make them. Let me thank um M. I don't see him but there he is. Mr. Jacob, Mr. Jacob and Mrs. Champion Mlin for uh the event on last night with the coaches. What a great
event. Uh got a chance to attend, Mrs. Wilson and I and um as I sat there and um just observed the room with several parents and coaches uh just reminded me of the great uh
opportunity that Pike uh uh certainly has uh put before us. Um the theme uh was one team and and I stated this to Miss Mlin again earlier today in a meeting. um one team that kept
resonating when when she got through all of her presentation, she still got back to one team. And I sat and I thought about the fact that um yes, we are one team from the governing body to the administration to the teachers to the
students to the community. We're one team. and sometimes one team uh don't always see eye to eye but but at the end of the day they come together for that championship run and so um I kept sitting there thinking about that uh one
team and so um I I want to again express my appreciation to uh you all for yesterday's event I sat there for Mrs. Wilson for 2 and 1/2 hours [laughter] for the for the entire event and uh my
first time of of of setting amongst the uh coaches in community like that. I certainly enjoyed myself yesterday and uh found it very fruitful. Um I I I do want to say uh real quick on our on our
um on our um good of the cause. want to want to go back and reiterate that again. We we and and we do know that public comments are now allowed in every uh board meeting. Uh but also there is a
way to have public comments. And so um we we want to remind those who have public comments, this is for the good of the cause. It's not for dension, not somebody going to tip somebody off and you're doing something for someone else.
We don't have those type of board meetings here. And so again, uh for the good of the cause, we always hope that uh you can share uh for the good of the cause. You don't get the opportunity to come and beat up the board or you don't
get that opportunity. You don't get that opportunity to come and accuse the board of corruption because I don't think that's no seven member here on this board intentions at all. We didn't signed up for that. So, so again, we uh
uh will always is legislated to have public comments, but there's a way to have public comments that will be unified and will will continue. And even if you disagree, that's one thing, but accusatory of the board, that's quite that's quite a different story. and uh
and we have to we would have to deal deal with those type of uh comments. So um uh keep that in mind when we when we are uh doing public comments. Um let me thank many of you who who are in this
room tonight both board and staff for your uh actually that's what uh their professional opinion was. how how uh actually that's what uh their professional opinion was. How how
ironic. So um that uh those of you who did reach out that meant uh the world to me and encourage us to continue to uh be good public servants. Um, I want to read a statement that came from uh our um
fellow board in the IPS that sent a board letter to us and wanted to make sure that we got this out and read. So, so I will read it here in just a minute. Also uh we have had uh uh well wishes
from both state top state level and top city level officials elected officials saying that we stand in support and solidarity with you uh and the board as you serve and do your judiciary responsibility. Uh the letter reads as
follows. A dear MSD of Pike Township Board of Education members, the Indianapolis Public School Board commissioners offer its support to the MSD of Pike Township Board of Education Board President Dr. Terry Webster and
the Pike Township community following the reported evang vandalism targeting Dr. Webster's home. While the circumstances remain under investigation in it is we affirm we reaffirm a
principle that transcends any one district or community. Acts of intimidation, threats or violence directed toward elected officials, public servants or their
families have no place in our communities. No public servant should face intimidation for faithfully carrying out the responsibilities entrusted to them by the communities they serve.
Service even in difficult moments is one of the highest expressions of citizenship. We believe the strength of a community is not measured by the absence of disagreement but by the character which it is responds to disagreement.
When we choose to res uh respect over hostility, dialogue over intimidation, and service over division, we honor not only one another. We honor every child.
This is crucial. We honor every child who is looking to us for an example. That really riveted my heart. In doing so, we strengthen the public trust upon which our schools, our communities, and our democracy
depends. And that's signed by seven board members of the of the um of the um of the Indianapolis uh IPS public school. And so we appreciate our IPS public schools for
standing with us. And I want to take a moment to just say uh several of you have asked me how am I doing. In eight years of public service uh here in the school district, I never thought that
that that I would become the target of uh vandalism. However, um uh that that comes with the territory. Um, and so when someone asks me, "How am I doing?" I usually respond, and this is not sarcastic, from the perspective, uh,
hey, I just count it worthy that the good Lord uh uh I'm honored that the good Lord counted me worthy uh to suffer for him. That that and I mean that from the depths of my heart because I know another man that was spit on, lied on,
crucified, and all of that. And so when you talk about intimidation, uh, no board member up here is seven of six of us, five of us up here, six. And no board member up here is feeling the emotions that both me and my family is
feeling and toiling through because of uh the uh the uh vandalism. But I will not coward down and I'll always continue to be the servant that God has put on my heart to be until I'm done on this
board. So I want to thank you all again for your entrusting this board and serving and we're going to continue remain committed to our children and committed to our district and committed to doing what we have been called to do
as elected officials. I'm very proud and I'm very thankful uh to uh my fellow constituents for coming alongside of us and serving in this capacity. All right. Thank you. Tonight um we'll entertain a motion to >> so move Mr. President.
>> Second >> meeting ajourn. >> That's fine.