Good evening. Welcome everyone to Southbank Community School Corporation's Board of Trustee meeting. Today is September the 2nd, 2025. It's 5:37. Um we this meeting is called to order. Mrs. Hernandez, can you please call the
role? >> Yes. Good afternoon, Mr. Marcus Ellison. >> Present. >> Mr. Marcusello >> here. >> Miss Kate Lee >> here. >> Dr. Stirk Green >> here. >> Mr. Carlos Leva >> here. >> Mr. Bill Snideki >> here. >> Dr. Janette McCulla.
>> Present. We have a quorum. We can now move on to adopt the agenda. I'd like to make an amendment to the agenda before we get started. uh to add uh school links cor contract to $50,000 uh or less
um agenda to the agenda. Do I have a motion? >> It's moved by Mrs. uh Miss Mr. Snideki and second by Mrs. Lee, Miss Any questions or concerns? Mr. Hernandez, can you call the role, please?
>> Mr. Ellison, >> I. >> Mr. Costello, >> I. Miss Lee, >> I >> Dr. Green, >> I >> Mr. Lever, >> I >> Mr. Snediki, >> I >> Dr. McCulla, >> I. The vote to amend the agenda is
unanimous. Seven votes. Um, may I we now u have a motion to adopt the agenda? Um, >> so moved. >> Second. >> It's moved by Mrs. Lee, second by Mr. Dr. I'm sorry, Dr. uh Green. Mr. Are
there any questions? Mrs. Hernandez, can you please call the role? >> Mr. Ellison, >> I. >> Mr. Costello, >> I. >> Miss Lee, >> I. >> Dr. Green, >> I. >> Mr. Leva, >> I. >> Mr. Snediki, >> I. >> Dr. McCulla,
>> I. The vote to adopt the agenda passes unanimously. >> We now move to U. Superintendent recognition and announcements. Good evening, Dr. McCullum, board members, members of the public.
Uh, the first announcement we have is uh, Hispanic Heritage Month, September 15th through October 15th. time to celebrate the traditions, Hispanic traditions, everything
in between. The second thing uh we would like to make a correction to one of the uh percentages presented uh last week or two weeks ago and that is Edison school
had an impressive 72.7% passing rate and that is up from 61% in 2024. [Applause] And um I'm going to give a quick
transportation update. In the past, when families went to the schools with a new address change, they would have to provide documentation as to the new address and the secretaries would enter the information provided in the power
school module and then at midnight that power school communicated with the communic with the transportation system. the information would not get to the routers until next day. If the address
was not validated, the routers would never get the address and therefore would not be routed. So Dr. Yian's office with the help of one of the interns came up with an app whereas the
secretary enters the information into that app. The information is immediately sent into powers school validated and sent to transportation. So within the first 24 hours they had
195 changes address changes. After that after about 48 hours they had over 300 address changes. Then the request started arriving one after the other. So, the
latest is this. Uh, the requests for transportations, the pending ones are 160. They're being evaluated. If you are an elementary school student and live outside of half
a mile radius from your school, then you're eligible for transportation. Approved are four 536 and the denied ones were about 50. And the denied ones are basically people living in one district wanting to be transported into
another district. Like especially when it comes to elementary schools, we we cannot afford doing that. In the past, some exceptions were made. We are grandfathering those exceptions, but we
are not approving any new ones. And and I would be remiss if I do not mention that the corporation has lost one of its finest teachers, Mr. Lyall
Daniels, also known as Samuel Daniel, 50 years old, who passed away last Wednesday at Risa. Thank you. >> Thank you.
We now have the opportunity to hear from visitors under action items 9.01, 9.02, 9.03, 9.04, 9.05, 9.06, 9.07, 9.08, 9.09, 9.10, 9.11, and 9.12.
At regular meetings, the public is invited to address the board for three minutes regarding action action agenda items. Visitors wishing to address the board on action agenda items must sign the registration sheet prior to the meeting and state the action agenda item which they will address. Individuals may
only speak once during this section of the agenda. Speakers shall properly identify themselves after they approach the podium by stating their name and address for the record. Personnel issues are not to be addressed during open sessions of the school board. The board president may interrupt, warn, or terminate a person's statement if the
statement becomes personally directed, abusive, or obscene. Secretary Lever, has anyone signed up to speak? >> Not today. >> Thank you. We now have the opportunity to hear from visitors on other items. Uh at regular meetings, the public has invited to
address the board for three minutes regarding items not posted on the agenda. Individual individuals may only speak once during this section of the agenda. Speakers shall properly identify themselves after they approach the podium by stating their name and address for the record. Personnel issues are not
to be addressed during open sessions of the school board. The board president may interrupt, warn or terminate person statement if the statement becomes personal, directive or abusive. Anyone wishing to speak? I see you at the podium. Thank you. >> Good evening. Uh Sue Castle for 22
Kennedy Drive. Um I've been coming here for a while. I just want to say I hope that you guys realize I'm trying to offer solutions. Um, I sent you something about composting school kitchen scraps, using propane buses like they do in Leaport, AI tutoring like
they do in Hobart, um, better sidewalks and safety at Marshall, uh, better grant research through the main library with um, on the third floor. Uh, ways to bring in more income um, like community education
that PHM does. um internal audits using the Benford method which I gave to Anaf. Um checking family watchdog US to find pre predators that
may be along school routes uh suggesting financial information on one page which enough did beautiful job. I'm very thankful um multiple ways to improve literacy and raising community awareness. So, um, I've emailed you. I
hope that that some of the things I've suggested are considered. Um, and I definitely want to improve the the lot for our our children. So, um, thank you for giving this opportunity to speak and
also, uh, send you emails that I hope you >> Thank you. May I respond to one of her uh um the school marshall uh >> Oh, the sidewalks. The sidewalks. Yeah. >> Uh has been approved by the city and Oh,
wonderful. >> It just they just couldn't fit it in this year's budget, so they're >> kicking it into the 2026, but it will be done. At least they passed a resolution to get it done. >> Yeah, I've been asking for four years.
That's why I gave it that look. Um I I had hoped the city would find the students at John Marshall a little more of a priority. And I also suggested that um pathway to schools grant which I don't think for but I can't make the
city move but I keep suggesting. So thank you for the update and thank you for pushing that. I appreciate it because it's been a long push for me. Thank you. >> Thank you. Anyone else wishing to speak? Hello, my name is Lauri McGawan. I live
at 2007 East Madison Street. Um, at the August 4th board meeting, Miss Stewart Bridges gave what was to me an unclear explanation for placing a non-certified person in charge of restorative justice implementation in our schools.
This contradicts the goal of trauma-informed restorative practices to reduce exclusionary discipline. Now, we have a plan to open and then expand alternative schools in South Bend, potentially adding even more
outsourced instructional services and firing up that old school to prison pipeline again. Black students account for 65% of school expulsions even though they're only 37% of the total schools population.
For that reason, it's essential that the NAACP have a seat at the table in any discussion of alternative schools and uh in uh in the implementation of restorative practices as well. In fact,
broad community input is required before you contemplate spending more resources for such a vague project. Um, to avoid expulsions, we really need a qualified person to lead that effort and to change the culture. That's what the
DOJ directed us to do a number of years ago. So, I would like to see more thought about this. And then one more thing, what have we done to expand the medical magnet program at Washington
High School? And are there additional slots this year? Do we have additional students in that program? >> Thanks. >> Anyone else wish to speak? >> Good evening, Mrs. McCulla school board members
>> and as you're aware in 2011 the thought bridge consultants conducted its second study for South Bin Community School Corporation on racial issues and their effect on the academic progress of students of color particularly black
students. They concluded that an organization can change its leader, its structure, its vision and strategy. But unless that organization also changes its culture,
no sustainable change will occur. It is apparent that a few schoolboard members in in one aspect are working to change the culture of corruption that has helped define the corporation for years.
and we applaud you for your efforts. However, unfortunately, you do remain committed to operating a dual school system and maintaining the status quo in matters pertaining on how to address things like restorative justice and
discriminating practices as they relate to what children will learn and how they will be treated. That is why it was necessary to share with you a video that we included in this in the email this afternoon that I'm reading from right
now uh that was created by Leasia Consulting. After all of these years, the presentation that your lead investigators concerning the grade change investigation and recent comments by the president of
the South Bin NEA really expose the culture of the South Bin school system, which is deeprooted and reflects the culture that the DOJ has been working to help the corporation change. I won't read the whole email
because I won't have time. But as you know, uh we do have concerns about this time last year, we were planning for the revised code of conduct. Now, I don't know what happened to it. There's no discussion. There's no report on how effective it might be. Instead, you're
planning for an alternative school. You have some that's pushing for a K to8 alternative school, which would be a huge mistake. And we do question the rationale of having someone not certified um over the um restorative justice
practices. As you know, in 2021, >> 30 seconds, >> the DOJ recommended that you have a professional over that kind of work. So, as time goes on, we continue to keep pressing these um important issues. And
like Miss McGawing, Miss McGgoen said, we would like a seat at the table to discuss these matters and we know that you're expanding your community partners. So give us that opportunity. Thank you. >> Anyone else wish to speak?
>> John Pachznney, 18420 Crown Hill Drive. So principles have been charged to make it a great year. Teachers are being charged to make sure it's a great year with their teaching. Students are being charged to make it a great productive year, learn and improve in reading and
math. So, what are the initiatives at the beginning of the school year for the board? Has anybody even thought about it and considered it? Think about it. Marshall Traditional has an initiative of having a mentor program with every first grader in their school. The mentor
is an adult who meets with a first grader for 30 minutes every week to read together. What a great way to to develop a bond relationship and improving reading skills. Maybe this is a program that should be looked at systemwide. I'm
sure there are plenty of elderly people, adults who would have the time to spend a half hour a day to help improve literacy and starting in first grade, especially in the schools where we really need help with reading.
City governments are making cuts in their budget, cutting employees. Some are imposing a wheel tax. County governments are doing the same, all because of the massive loss of revenue. The next budget to be presented to this
board could result in some tough decisions having to be made. While we don't know yet, there is still going to be the loss of tax income, the loss of students, which the exact number is undetermined and other increases in uh
expenses which should lead to some serious dialogue. I hope each of you comes in with an open mind and is willing to discuss, listen, and talk about these issues. We have heard about the biggest loss being students when
they get to going to middle school. Has anyone ever looked at how many come back to South Bend schools as a ninth grader? Why do I bring this up? because I know of four schools who are non-public that
had almost record enrollment in their freshman class. It's almost telling me that once they leave, few come back. That number could be a telltale that once you lose them, you may not get them
back. Jesse Padza, principal of Edison K8. Good evening, Dr. McCulla, board members, and superintendent Eid. Thank you for recognizing Edison um for our iate scores. I want to make sure that I give a shout out to all my staff at
Edison, starting with our instructional assistants, our paras, our bilingual IRS's, and all of our teachers for doing an awesome job. Today I have um with us here so our third grade team, Miss Barroso, can you wave, Mr. Erdo, and
Mrs. Kosher. Great job. Thank you for your hard work. I also um want to um recognize two individuals, two community members um Miss Anne Milligan and Laura Washington who last year volunteered on a daily
basis in those third grade classrooms to make that difference. Thank you everyone. >> Thank you. Anyone else wish to speak? >> One other thing um Mr. Erdle and Mrs. Kosher are our DLI teachers for that for that grade level. So they have two
classes. One of their classroom scored 100% passed on the IE3. Thank you. Congratulations. Anyone else wish to speak? We now move to academic focus back to school university update. Uh doc Mr. Lee
Mrs. Lee will be at the table to give us an update. Am I good? Good afternoon, Dr. McCulla, school board trustees, superintendent Eid, our guests in the virtual world and also in person. I would like to give a
just a brief overview of our 2025 back- to-school university held August of 2025. First of all, just a shared understanding of what back-toschool university is. Back to school university
is the opportunity for certified and non-certified personnel hired currently with the district and those to be hired to help support um academic and also other support sessions um that are
aligned to the goals of the district and especially to address the services that we um the students that we serve here in the district. So I want to share just four points of
the why and the purpose of professional development. First, it helps non-certified and certified personnel to refine their skills. We all enter into into this profession with a level of proficiency.
But how do we continue to grow? It also helps to create an environment and a climate where certified and non-certified personnel have the opportunity to share ideas and exchange practices. The next is it also gives them the
opportunity to examine um instructional practices as well as support practices and to ensure that we are effectively and equitably meeting the needs of our students and families. And lastly, it is building internal
internal specialists. We know that we have highly effective teachers and also c non-certified staff and we know that they have a lot to offer and we want to build that system where we can be systemic in our practice. So, at the conclusion of the 4-day
event, we did um submit a survey or request that participants participate in the survey. Unfortunately, we only had a 25.9% return rate from the survey. But I do want to celebrate that we had a
historical participation rate of 398 participants that attended the 4-day session. So although we had under 50% return rate, we know that that is something that we need to change for next year and offer it on a daily basis
instead of at the conclusion of the 4day session. However, here are some of the highlights from the data that was collected. These are the categories of job titles. So we have teachers, paraprofessional,
special education staff members and intervention staff. The qu first question or second question was how would you rate the overall satisfaction and we have a 4.19 over a fivepoint scale. How would you rate the
helpfulness of your session according to your job category? We received a 4.17 to five. And how likely are you to recommend BTSU to a colleague? That was our highest score of 4.23 out of five.
Then lastly, we also posed an open-ended question because again, all this information will be utilized to drive 2026. So some of the strengths that we had were the appreciation and the welcoming and the atmosphere of back to school university,
the content appreciation of the content that was offered. And repeatedly we had um comments regarding the PGP points that certified staff members can earn for their license renewal as well as CPR
and AED training for certified and non-certified personnel. that's required for either initial hiring and or license renewal and most importantly that that was fully compensated by the district
and then three areas of growth. There was a request for more sessions. We thought that four days would be long but we're having a request for more sessions. And again the logistics around the spaces in between one session ending and
another beginning. again the request for more time. And then lastly, during um our textbook adoption sessions, unfortunately um the new CKLA adoption was not readily available. It was in in route and so they would have liked to
have their materials prior to the sessions. So the next steps for BTSU 2026 again is to use the data to begin planning the sessions that would be offered. And again um developing identifying and
developing our internal session facilitators and tapping into their areas of expertise and then lastly announcing a save the date in January 2026 so that there's more time for um increased
participation. Again nothing can be accomplished in a silo. So, all of the departments that you see on the screen, we are most appreciative of all of their efforts. Everyone had to add this on to their
normal job assignments and so we are most appreciative to everyone who made this um this these sessions a success. Thank you so much for your time and that concludes my presentation. I now yield
the floor back to Dr. McCulla. >> Appreciate it. Does any board member have any questions? Seeing none, thank you so much. >> Thank you. Appreciate you. >> We now move the consent agenda. It is recommended that the school board of
trustees approve the consent agenda 8.01, which is the approval of minutes August 18, 2025. 8.02, Financial Reports and Statements 8.03, Bills and Payroll for Payment. 8.04 04
personnel report 8.05 resolution requiring annual adoption 8.06 uh gifts and fundraiser. I'm going to pull 8.07 for a separate vote. So we will be voting on 8.01 through 8.06.
Do I have a motion to approve the consent agenda? >> So moved. >> Have second. >> Second. >> It was moved by Mr. Costello. I'm sorry, Mr. Snideki. Second by Mr. Castello. Do I have any questions or comments or
anything you might want to ask? Mr. Hernandez, can you please call the role on to vote on 8.01, 8.02, 8.03, 8.04, 8.05, 8.06, 8.07.
>> You said 8.07 is >> I'm sorry. 8.06. I'm sorry. Okay. >> Mr. Ellison, I >> Mr. Castello. I >> Miss Lee >> I >> Dr. Green >> I >> Mr. Lea >> I >> Mr. Snicki >> I >> Dr. McCulla
>> I the vote to approve the consent agenda with for 8.01 8.02 8.03 8.04 8.05 or 8.06 passes unanimously. We now pull 8.07 for separate vote and under 8.07 7 under
the $50,000 or less. I would like to pull number 32 for a separate vote. So, Mrs. Hernandez, can you please call the role for number
32 on 8.07? >> Mr. Ellison, >> wait. I'm not sure what we're voting on. >> I'm pulling out of 8.07. I'm pulling 32 out of there. >> Everything except 32. >> You know what? You know what that vote is? You know what that one is?
>> I don't. No, because they're not numbers. >> I don't want to say the name. So, if you have your consent agenda in front of you, you should be able to see what 8.07 is. >> I mean, I'm sorry. 30. Number 32 is what number? 32. >> Number 32. I thought you wrote it down on your
sheet. Uh >> yeah, >> I want to call out the name. >> That's the contract we talked about. >> Okay. >> Yeah. I thought she wrote it on her. Let me pass it this way in case somebody over don't see >> I don't know
>> you have it. >> I think so. Yeah. >> Okay. So, we're going to take a separate vote before we vote on 8.07. I'm pulling 32 out. Can you call uh a vote on number 32 out of the 8.07, please? >> So, we're approving the
>> If you vote yes. Yes, you will be improving it. >> Yeah. So can you call a separate vote for N for item 32 out of 8.07 please? >> Mr. Ellison >> I >> Mr. Costello >> I >> Miss Lee >> I >> Dr. Green >> I
>> Mr. Lea >> I >> Mr. Sniki >> I >> Dr. McCulla >> nay. So eight number 32 out of 8.07 uh passes six to six yays to one nay. Now
we go and vote for the number 8.07. 07 50,000 50,000 or less. Mr. Nes, can you please call the role? >> Mr. Ellison, >> I. >> Mr. Castello, >> I. >> Miss Lee, >> I. >> Dr. Green,
>> I. >> Mr. Lea, >> I. >> Mr. Snicki, >> I. >> Dr. McCulla, >> I. The vote to approve consent agenda minus 8 point number 32 passes unanimously. We now move to approve uh action item
9.01. It is recommended that the school board of trustees approve action item 901, approval of invoices for take down tree services. Do I have a motion? >> So moved. >> Have a second.
>> It was moved by Mrs. Lee and second by Dr. Green. Are there any questions or concerns? Mr. Nes, can you please call the RO? >> Mr. Ellison, >> I. >> Mr. Costello, >> I. >> Miss Lee, >> I. >> Dr. Green, >> I.
>> Mr. Leva, >> I. >> Mr. Sedeki, >> I. >> Dr. McCulla, >> I. The vote to approve action item 9.01 passes unanimously. It is recommended that the school board of trustees approve action item 9.02, 102 approval of pest control services service
agreement with Orcin LLC. Do I have a motion? >> So moved. >> Second. >> It was moved by Mrs. Lee. Second by Dr. Green. Um, are there any questions? Mr. Hernandez, can you call the role? >> Mr. Ellison, >> I. >> Mr. Costello,
>> I. >> Miss Lee, >> I. >> Dr. Green, >> I. >> Mr. Lea, >> I. >> Mr. Snicki, >> I. >> Dr. McCulla, >> I. The vote to approve action item 9.02 passes unanimously. It is recommended the school board of trustees
approve action item 9.03 approval of RM Transit LSC LLC contract driver agreement. Do I have a motion? >> So moved. >> Have a second. >> Second. >> Motion by Mrs. Lee. Second by Dr. Green.
Are there any questions or concerns? Mr. Nendes, can you please call the role? >> Mr. Mr. Ellison, >> I >> Mr. Castello, >> I >> Miss Lee, >> I >> Dr. Green, >> I >> Mr. Lea, >> I >> Mr. Sniki, >> I, >> Dr. McCulla,
>> I. The vote to approve action item 9.03 passes unanimously. It is recommended that the school board of trustees approve action item 9.04, approval of transportation services contract with first student. Do I have a motion? >> So move. >> Second.
>> Second. It's a motion by Dr. Green, second by Mrs. Lee. Are there any questions? >> Mr. Nes, can you please call the role? >> Mr. Ellison, >> I. >> Mr. Costello, >> I. >> Miss Lee, >> I. >> Dr. Green, >> I. >> Mr. Lea, >> I.
>> Mr. Sadiki, >> I. >> Dr. McCulla, >> I. The vote to uh pass a action item 9.04 passes unanimously. It is recommended that the school board of trustees approve action item 9.04. I'm sorry, 9.05. 5 approval of carpenter
therapy for speech services. Do I have a motion? >> So move >> second. >> Been moved by Dr. Green, second by Mrs. Lee. Are there any questions? >> Mr. Please call the role. >> Mr. Ellison, >> I.
>> Mr. Castello, >> I. >> Miss Lee, >> I. >> Dr. Green, >> I. >> Mr. Leva, >> I. >> Mr. Snedi, >> I. >> Dr. McCulla, >> I. The motion uh to approve action item 9.05 passes unanimously. It is
recommended the school board of trustees approve action item 9.06, approval of the Logan Community Service Agreement. Do I have a motion? >> So moved. >> Second. >> Moved by Mr. Snideki, second by Dr.
Green. Are there any questions? >> Mr. NZ, can you please call the role? >> Mr. Ellison, >> I. >> Mr. Castello, >> I. Miss Lee, >> I >> Dr. Green, >> I >> Mr. Leva, >> I >> Mr. Sedki, >> I
>> Dr. McCulla, >> I The vote to approve action item 9.06 passes unanimously. It is recommended the school board of trustees approve action item 9.07, approval of IvyTech Academy. Do I have a motion?
>> So moved. >> Second. >> It's been moved by Dr. Green, second by Mrs. Lee. Are there any questions? Mr. Hernandez, can you please call the role? >> Mr. Ellison, >> I. >> Mr. Castello, >> I. >> Miss Lee, >> I. >> Dr. Green,
>> I. >> Mr. Leva, >> I. >> Mr. Snakei, >> I. >> Dr. McCulla, >> I. The vote to approve action item 9.07. Uh, passes unanimously. It is recommended that the school board of trustees approve action item 9.08,
approval of the OG Plus training. Do I have a motion? >> So moved. Second. >> Second. It's >> been moved by Mrs. Lee, second by Dr. Green. Are there any questions? >> Just I and I I haven't looked to see if
it got changed, but I noticed that it had the old address on this. And I meant to email, but I forgot. So, our our old school corporation address on the >> on the contract. >> On the contract. >> It has the old address on the contract. >> Yeah. We just need to update that.
>> And you just need to correct that. Okay. That would be corrected. >> We can fix that. >> Okay. Thank you. Any other questions, comments, concerns? Mr. Hernandez, can you please call the role? >> Mr. Ellison, >> I. >> Mr. Costello, >> I. >> Miss Lee, >> I.
>> Dr. Green, >> I. >> Mr. Leva, >> I. >> Mr. Snicki, >> I. >> Dr. McCulla, >> I. The vote to approve action item 9.08 passes unanimously. It is recommended that the school board of trustees approve action item 9.0. 09
approval of first student invoice from February McKenna Vto Vintu. Do I have a motion? >> So moved. >> Second. >> A second. Been moved by Mr. Snide, second by Mrs. uh Mrs. Lee. Uh are there
any questions, concerns? >> I I do have one question. I understand what this is for. I just wondered if there's like I know the number of shifts on the McKenna Vento students. How do we map that out for the year like to budget for that? It seems like it would be a huge
challenge. >> It is a challenge. Um the the number of Mcken Vento students changes by the day. The minute they secure a home, they no longer are in that category. Uh in the
past, we used to transport uh basically students uh with housing in security. from border to border and then the Elcart County U or Elcart schools would pick them up at
the border and take them to their schools. So now if one of our students lives in Elcart, we have to transport them from here all the way to Elcart. So that poses a challenge, a big challenge.
>> Mr. Costello. Yeah, I have a question uh just to uh update the public and everything on this uh first source or first student uh bus service. Is it because of bus
shortage or drivers or why do why are we um hiring out >> this >> uh to uh for a per for a student? Okay, these these are uh invoices from past months.
Uh the services had been rendered already. Uh it is it provides a challenge also logistically to have to pivot and change your route. Right now to take a student
to Breamman, Gan Alcart. uh by law we have to give them the transportation. If we can't we contract with first student. Now first student is out of the picture this year simply because uh they
no longer have a foothold in Southbend. They moved to Naz. We asked them to help us out since we were short about 12 drivers. They sent us eight drivers uh who will be driving our buses.
Um but mo moving forward we have to look for additional services to in order to be able to service these students. >> Thank you. >> Any other questions, concerns?
>> Mr. Nedes, can you please call the role? >> Mr. Ellison, >> I. >> Mr. Mr. Castello >> I >> Miss Lee >> I >> Dr. Green >> I >> Mr. Lea >> I >> Mr. Sedeki >> I >> Dr. McCulla >> I the vote to approve action item 9.01
passes unanimously. It is recommended that school board of trustees approve action item 9.10 approval of first student invoice for March McKenna Vinto. Do I have a motion? >> So moved. >> Do I have a second? >> Second.
>> Been moved by Dr. Green, second by Mrs. Mr. Snideki. Are there any questions or concerns? Mr. Nandez, can you please call the role? >> Mr. Ellison, >> I. >> Mr. Cassello, >> I. >> Miss Lee, >> I. >> Dr. Green, >> I. >> Mr. Lea,
>> I. >> Mr. Snicki, >> I. >> Dr. McCulla, >> I. The vote to approve action item 9.10 passes unanimously. It is recommended that the school board of trustees approve action item 9.11, approval of first student invoice from
April McKini. Uh, Vinu, do I have a motion? >> So moved. Do >> you have a second? >> Second. >> Been moved by Mrs. Lee, second by Dr. Green. Are there any questions or concerns? Mrs. Hernandez, can you please call the role? >> Mr. Ellison, >> I.
>> Mr. Castello, >> I. >> Miss Lee, I. >> Dr. Green, >> I. >> Mr. Mr. Leva, >> I >> Mr. Sneki, >> I >> Dr. McCulla, >> I. >> The vote to approve 9.11 passes unanimously. It is recommended that the
school board of trustees approve action item 9.12, approval of first student invoice from May McKenna Vinu. Do I have a motion? >> So moved. >> You have a second. >> Second. >> Been moved by Mrs. Lee, second by Dr. Green. Are there any questions or concerns?
>> Mr. Mr. Hernandez, can you please call the role? >> Mr. Ellison, >> I. >> Mr. Costello, >> I. >> Miss Lee, >> I. >> Dr. Green, >> I. >> Mr. Leva, >> hi. >> Mr. Snedi, >> I. >> Dr. McCulla,
>> I. The vote to approve action item 9.12 passes unanimously. We now move to board communications. Does anyone wish to speak? Uh, I guess I will ask a couple
questions. Where were something that we unanimously voted on for the safety of our children were having pair professionals in our buses. We had one incident so far this year and
it ended up no prayer professional was in that bus. Uh I I was I understood we had since uh our CFO is not here tonight, he makes it right there. >> Oh, he is right back there.
>> Oh, he usually makes it a little more cheery when he's out here. But uh uh especially when he gets raises up. Uh but uh I guess how far are we away from getting that
aid in every bus? The way I understood by human resources they had uh a lot of applications uh is it is it waiting for security checks or what what's going on?
So, so we have two priorities um for that and that's special ed and bus. Now, we we are moving pretty good in terms of filling those positions. Um and we do have people that we're going to transfer to the bus pair
positions that are um the the positions that they're in right now are really not a fit. So, what we're doing now is we're leveling those things out. So it might be one or two buses that they don't have Paris. So what we're going to do is we're gonna
level that out, but but I'm we're just asking to keep in mind that placing Paris in the special ed department is vital because of federal law. So So >> I >> Yeah. So we're what we're we're competing and we're competing pretty
good. We had we had a mad rush when we allowed um so we did things like limited background checks because we have 30 days by statute to do background checks. And so um we got about we probably got
about 10 people in that way. And what it means is they they can't have anything show up on their limited background check. And if it comes back inconclusive, we send them to the police department and they have to get a confirmation letter from the police department that clears them. So the the
good news is that we did have a significant response. Um the bad news is that the uh the market, you know, may not let us fill everything, but we have filled over 50%, which is good. So we're
going to just keep plugging at it and keep recruiting. light bulb just lit up. I got another idea. If you end up being short >> and uh save money so we don't have to >> uh with the price of your administrators, don't you think they
they could be par professionals for a few hours a day? What do you think pair professionals? >> No, no sound. >> Thank you. Anyone else wish >> I I still wanted to ask one more thing
please. Uh another thing we talked about is uh training for all our people. What are we doing >> about that or we we >> Okay. So uh so we did start with CPI training which is which is vital for
deescalation and um so the transportation department they're doing a really good job with staying in touch with um say like security did some of the CPI training which which was awesome. So they're staying in touch with student services and special
education because those are the two departments and security. So those are the three departments that can provide them with the safety training for dealing with students and fights and you know escalating parents. Um and we have talked to them about how we will support
them. Um you know there all kinds of feed parents are attacking drivers. Not in South Bend. Oh, thank goodness. >> Cuz all boys. >> So, we Yeah, we are telling them, you know, we're going to support you. We're going to make sure, you know, that we have the necessary meeting um and get an
understanding with with parents and then get an understanding with students. >> All employees need to be trained >> for CPI, >> not just certain ones. Uh >> they need to know who the IEPs are. And
>> so I can say that um Miss Lee is doing a fantastic job with that. That that's the premise of BTSU so that you know the mass training type things, the things that are state regulated like we can get those things done in one place at one
time. And so, you know, that's a part of the the success of PTSU and that planning which did a really good job with with some of the like like the necessary stuff, the new stuff that came up this year from the state. >> One other issue that was brought up
earlier in our when we took place is the nursing. Are they all in place now? >> We are still short about six nurses. I know we were short eight. They hired two this week. They should be uh
in the nurses. >> Are we still under the same contract with the same people? >> We are with Beacon and we are looking at the contract and the contract does say that for every uh spot that is not filled, we can
withhold 48,000 at the end of the year. >> Okay. Uh, I just want to let the people know and us to know what if everything is being at least worked forward. >> Thank you. Anyone else wants to speak?
Mr. Costello. >> Yes. I I also would like to direct a couple questions uh several questions to our superintendent, Mr. Reid. Um, I want to first salute you on
uh the start of a school year. I know there's a few bumps out there um but very few and um I don't know if people realize the magnitude of planning that
you had uh going into this start of the school year but it was enormous and it was great uh from everybody in the central office all the way down through the lines uh ending up with teachers in the
classroom that I thought everything as far as I'm concerned was done with great care and planning and uh I really appreciate it and I think everybody else
in the community has appreciated it as well. Uh I do have some questions. Does everybody have schedules? They're supposed to. >> Okay. We hope
uh enrollment which uh I heard I talked to my friend uh Mr. Henderson uh from Riley the other day and at the football game and he said that the enrollment was up at Riley. How about other schools? Well,
>> are you hanging in there or >> the the pre preliminary numbers indicate a growth, but I am skeptical and that's because I don't like to celebrate in advance. I want to make
sure that the no-shows are accounted for, everything is accounted for before we say we've had growth. So, but the numbers it looks like right now I this morning I look at this number every morning I go to power school all
students in the district >> 14,000 some I had to look up the second graders for the bikes for kids 116 as compared to last year was like a thousand some >> sure
>> so that's that there is an indication of growth but >> no celebrations stability. >> It It shows a little bit of stability and again I think you ought to and your
staff ought to take credit for that. Um and I I heard about nurses and uh paras. What about teachers? Do do we have all teachers hired in classrooms? >> Uh we still have over 40 vacancies. that
working on >> um we are uh expanding the apprentice teacher program but we don't want to grow it too much where it >> uh are they basically what in elementary or middle schools
>> uh the vacancies I know we have 16 at the middle school and the rest are throughout >> okay well I I can remember coming back one time at Jackson Middle School And uh there was this the time I was working
there as a parah and I had to take a classroom for a couple months uh because we didn't have uh six or seven teachers um in that building to start out the school year. And I just th those are the
things um you can't control very well. But those are the sometimes the most important uh things to keep in mind if you want a successful start of a school year. You
have to have teachers in place. You have to have stability in a in the school and their classrooms. And um believe me, it takes a lot of effort on a lot of people's part. Human resources uh they they struggle um you know uh
trying to find quality people in order for those classrooms. But I want to try to reassure everybody in the South Bend Community School Corporation that I I feel everyone in this school corporation
is bending over backwards to make it successful for students and uh you know and I I want to thank you Mr. Eid and your staff >> and everybody in those buildings. Uh, I
want to thank you for your dedication. Thank you. >> Thank you. Anyone else wish to speak? Seeing there are no other comments, the next school board budget work session will be here at Brown at 4:30, followed by the school board meeting, which will
be 5:30 on September the 17th, 2025. Do I have a motion to adjourn? >> So moved. >> Have a second. >> Second. >> It's been motioned by Miss Lee, second by U. Mr. Snideki. Uh, all in favor
signify by saying I. All oppose. N. >> The school board trustee meeting is now adjourned. Thank you all for coming.