March 3, 2025

DELAWARE COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION

SCHOOL BOARD MEETING

MONDAY, MARCH 3, 2025

6:30 p.m. 

ADMINISTRATION BUILDING

MINUTES

Present:  Valerie Alexander, President; Jacob Case, Vice President; John Adams, Secretary; David Grasso, Member; Lance Engle, Member; Darin Gullion, Assistant Superintendent; and Greg Kile, Superintendent

  1. CALL TO ORDER

At 6:30 p.m. Board President, Valerie Alexander called the meeting to order.

  1. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE  (Recess Meeting)

President Alexander recessed the regular business meeting to hold a Project Hearing and second Preliminary Determination Hearing.  

The President presided over the hearing, welcoming everyone and introducing members of the Board and speakers.

It was explained to the Board that under Indiana law whenever a school corporation proposes to construct or renovate a school building at a cost in excess of one million dollars it must first hold a public hearing.  Additionally, pursuant to Indiana Code 6-1.1-20-3.1, whenever a school corporation proposes to enter into a lease agreement and/or issue bonds for the construction or renovation of a school building or buildings resulting in total costs in excess of certain thresholds, such school corporation is required to hold two public hearings on its preliminary determination to issue such bonds and enter into such lease agreement.  The first hearing on the preliminary determination for the Project (as defined herein) was held on February 18, 2025.  Notice of both public hearings was published in the Muncie Star Press on February 5, 2025, and was sent via first-class mail to the Delaware County Clerk and any organizations which requested such notice as provided in Indiana Code 6-1.1-20-3.1.  The proofs of publication of the notice of the hearings were presented to the meeting.  

It was further explained that at this hearing all interested people may give testimony and/or ask questions concerning the renovations and improvements to school facilities, including HVAC, roofing, ceiling, lighting, flooring, athletic, parking, and site improvements, and the purchase of buses, equipment, and technology (collectively, the “Project”).  The purpose of the hearings is two-fold: (1) to inform the public as to the proposed Project; and (2) to allow all interested parties, taxpayers, and patrons of the School Corporation to voice their opinions as to the Project and ask any questions.

After the purpose of the hearing was explained, the presentations regarding the need for the Project were given.  An evaluation of the existing facilities was then presented, as well as a discussion of the details of the proposed Project.  The estimated Project cost and schedule were then presented to the public.  It was then explained how this Project could be funded, and the potential tax rate impact the Project would have on the community.

After the above presentations, the President announced the Board would now hear testimony and questions from the public.  There were no patrons who asked questions or gave testimony.

A motion was made by Jacob Case and seconded by John Adams to close the hearing and resume the regular business meeting.  The motion was approved 5-0 vote.

  1. AMEND AGENDA

A motion was made by Lance Engle and seconded by John Adams to amend the agenda, as presented.  The motion was approved 5-0 vote.

  1. COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE FLOOR

No comments were received.

  1. UPDATES FROM PRINCIPALS /DIRECTORS

  1. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS

  • Graduation Pathways/Diploma changes

  • Delta Early Learning

CONSENT AGENDA

A motion was made by John Adams and seconded by Jacob Case to approve the following under Consent Agenda:

  1. MINUTES

  1. Accepted the minutes of the business meeting held on Tuesday,           February 18, 2025.  

  1. FINANCE

  1. Accepted the list of vouchers, as presented.  

  1. NEW BUSINESS

  1. Certified Staff

  1. None.

  1. Classified Staff

  1. Resignation of Amy Ward, Food Service Cook at Delta High School, effective March 4, 2025.

  1. Recommendation to employ Brad Himes as a Grounds Crew employee effective March 15, 2025.

  1. Recommendation to transfer Felicia Morris from a Food Service Cook to a Food Service Assistant Manager at Royerton Elementary School effective March 3, 2025.

  1. Extra-Curricular

  1. Resignation of Brandi Starrett, Head Softball Coach at Delta Middle School, effective immediately.  To remain a Volunteer Assistant Softball Coach.

  1. Recommendation to employ Brad Davis as a Head Softball Coach at Delta Middle School effective for the 2024-25 school year.

  1. Recommendation to employ Aaron Carter as an Assistant Softball Coach at Delta Middle School effective for the 2024-25 school year.

  1. Recommendation to employ Katie Wray as a Girls’ Assistant Track Coach at Delta High School effective for the 2024-25 school year.

  1. Recommendation to employ Tate Dishman as a Girls’ Assistant Tennis Coach at Delta High School effective for the 2024-25 school year.

  1. Recommendation to employ Erin Heflin as a JV Softball Coach at Delta High School effective for the 2024-25 school year.

  1. Recommendation to appoint Mia Ramsey as a Volunteer Assistant Softball Coach at Delta High School effective for the 2024-25 school year.

  1. Recommendation to appoint Kevin Grim as a Volunteer Assistant Softball Coach at Delta High School effective for the 2024-25 school year.

  1. Recommendation to appoint Lauren Griffis as a Volunteer Assistant Unified Track Coach at Delta High School effective for the 2024-25 school year.

  1. Recommendation to appoint Jordan Ashton as a Volunteer Assistant Girls’ Tennis Coach at Delta High School effective for the 2024-25 school year.

  1. Recommendation to appoint Lendon Schwartz as a Volunteer Assistant Baseball Coach at Delta Middle School effective for the 2024-25 school year.

  1. Recommendation to appoint Steven Paul as a Volunteer Assistant Softball Coach at Delta Middle School effective for the 2024-25 school year.

  1. Recommendation to appoint Ryan Miskinis as a Volunteer Assistant Softball Coach at Delta Middle School effective for the 2024-25 school year, pending successful completion of all pre-employment testing.

  1. Conference Requests/Field Trips

  1. Chyenne Wilder requests permission to attend The Science Behind Writing Forum: Building Effective K-12 Writing Programs to be held on February 20, 2025 at ECESC in New Castle, IN.

  1. Brandi Starrett requests permission to attend the ECA Workshop to be held virtually on March 5, 2025.

  1. Tyler Harris requests permission to attend the IHSAA Golf Coaches Clinic to be held on March 7, 2025 at the Cardinal Room in Lebanon, IN.

  1. Roger Spaulding requests permission to attend the 2025 School Counselor Workshop to be held on April 11, 2025 at Ball State University in Muncie, IN.

  1. Maggie Neckers requests permission to attend the 2025 Aspiring Principals Conference to be held from April 11, 2025 through                 April 12, 2025 at MSD of Lawrence Township in Indianapolis, IN.

  1. Amy Larrabee requests permission to attend TitleCon 2025 to be held on April 15, 2025 at the Embassy Suites in Plainfield, IN.

  1. Carrie Clevenger requests permission to attend the Multilingual Spring Mini Conference to be held on May 7, 2025 in West Lafayette, IN.

  1. Carrie Clevenger requests permission to attend SIOP Train the Trainer Cohort #1 to be held from June 10, 2025 through June 12, 2025 in Lafayette, IN.

  1. Use of Facilities

  1. Jane Adams, Eaton Alumni Association, requests permission to use the Eaton Elementary School gymnasium on May 17, 2025 from 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. to hold an Alumni Banquet, as presented.

The motion was approved 5-0 vote.

AGENDA

  1. FINANCE

  1. Purchases over $5000:

A motion was made by Jacob Case and seconded by David Grasso to approve the following (item 1):

  1. Electronic Strategies EDU $249,171.20

(Chromebooks)

The motion was approved 5-0 vote.

  1. A motion was made by Lance Engle and seconded by David Grasso to approve SA5’s, as presented.  The motion was approved 5-0 vote.

  1. Dr. Gullion, Assistant Superintendent, gave a Monthly Finance Review.

  1. NEW BUSINESS

  1. Certified Staff

  1. None.

  1. Classified Staff

  1. None.

  1. Information and Proposals

  1. Superintendent

  1. A motion was made by Jacob Case and seconded by Lance Engle to approve the request for ½ an unpaid day, as presented.  The motion was approved 5-0 vote.  

A motion was made by David Grasso and seconded by John Adams to approve the following (items b-d):

  1. DHS Girls’ Basketball Trip, as presented.  

  1. DHS Boys’ Swim Trip, as presented.  

  1. DHS Girls’ Tennis Trip, as presented.  

The motion was approved 5-0 vote.

  1. A motion was made by Jacob Case and seconded by Lance Engle to approve the University Media Services Agreement for Graduation, as presented.  The motion was approved 5-0 vote.

  1. The Board considered the Project Resolution to complete the Project at a cost of more than one million dollars.  Upon motion duly made by Jacob Case, and seconded by David Grasso, the Board adopted the resolution attached as Exhibit A by a vote of 5-0.

The Board considered the Preliminary Determination Resolution to issue bonds and enter a lease agreement in order to complete the Project.  Upon motion duly made by John Adams, and seconded by Lance Engle, the Board adopted the resolution attached as Exhibit B by a vote of 5-0.

The President further stated the Board needed to consider a Reimbursement Resolution.  Upon motion duly made by Jacob Case, and seconded by David Grasso, the Board adopted the resolution attached as Exhibit C by a vote of 5-0. 

  1. Superintendent Kile informed the Board about the following fundraisers:

  1. Tim Cleland, DHS Girls’ Tennis, requests permission to hold a Smash Cancer fundraiser on May 6, 2025, as presented.  Proceeds go towards local cancer organizations and families.

  1. Chase Criswell, DMS Athletics, requests permission to hold a Chipotle fundraiser on May 17, 2025, as presented.  Proceeds go towards DMS athletics.

  1. Assistant Superintendent

  1. Donations:

  1. A motion was made by John Adams and seconded by Lance Engle to approve the request for Delta High School to accept a donation in the amount of $50.00 from Bob and Claudia May, as presented.  The motion was approved 5-0 vote.

  1. LETTERS/NOTES

  1. BOARD MEMBER COMMENTS

Lance Engle – Mr. Engle stated there is a lot going on in the elementary schools with IREAD and he knows our teachers and students are prepared and they are going to do great.  He wished good luck to those moving on to the Spelling Bee at Ball State this weekend.  He commented it’s a different experience and can be fun and scary all at the same time.  He stated he participated in Academic Bowl when he was at Delta and it is an intense, but fun experience.  He’s sure those kids are going to have fun no matter how well they do and wished them good luck.  He informed Ms. Gossett her team did a great job at Freshman Orientation and he knows the changes have been a headache.  He stated everyone is probably learning on the fly and it’s still changing, but thinks our schools are as prepared to handle this as any other school in Indiana.  He stated the counselors did a great job explaining it at Freshman Orientation as well as Ms. Gossett tonight.  He knows they were probably nervous because it’s all new and they are trying to explain it to students who aren’t even in high school yet.  He commented our school is prepared and we are going to be fine with these changes and will do great with it.  He thanked Coach Cleland and the tennis team for continuing to do the Smash Cancer fundraiser.  He stated that fundraiser touches a lot of people and is impactful to our students and community.  

David Grasso – Dr. Grasso concurred with his fellow board member.  He appreciates the Preschool and thanked them for their presentation.  He congratulated the winter sports teams on their accomplishments.  

John Adams – Mr. Adams concurred with his fellow board members.  He gave a shout-out to the sports teams and Mr. Clark.  He stated he attended the State Wrestling Finals and ran into Mr. Clark at 10:00 at night after he had been at Huntington in the morning.  He commented he is putting a lot of miles in for Delta.  He stated that it is a long day, he puts a lot of hours in, and he’s thankful we have him because he’s one of the best.  He appreciates what he does for us.  He stated we have other employees in the corporation who do the same thing, but when you see a guy on social media and posting pictures everywhere, you know his love for the students and our school community.  He wished all teachers and students good luck on IREAD and looks forward to the results for that.  He thanked the May’s for their donation and stated we have a lot of folks in our community who step up and donate to our school and he greatly appreciates it.  

Jacob Case – Mr. Case wished everyone the best of luck on IREAD, Academic Bowl, and Spelling Bee.  He congratulated the Winter Guard team on their accomplishments this year.  He congratulated the girls’ basketball team and stated they did great this year.  He congratulated the girls’ and boys’ swim teams, and the wrestling team.  He stated it seems like every weekend we are seeing something about Delta teams.  He congratulated the Preschool program.  He concurs with Mr. Adams about Mr. Clark.  He stated Mr. Clark does a lot for the school.  He gave a shout-out to Mr. Penrod.  He stated he sees Mr. Penrod driving a bus a lot when he needs to and he’s doing a lot as well.  He thanked him for all he’s doing for transportation.  

Valerie Alexander – Ms. Alexander wished everyone good luck on IREAD.  She gave a shout-out to the 2nd grade teachers who will be doing this for the first time.  She wished good luck to the boys’ basketball team at Sectional’s this weekend and hopes they are successful.  She thanked Mr. Murphy for his expertise.

  1. FUTURE MEETINGS

  1. A regular meeting for the Board of School Trustees is scheduled for Monday, March 17, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. at the Administration Building.

  1. ADJOURNMENT

A motion was made by Jacob Case and seconded by David Grasso and Board President, Valerie Alexander, adjourned the meeting at 7:47 p.m.

March 3, 2025

VALERIE ALEXANDER               


JACOB CASE


JOHN ADAMS 



DAVID GRASSO


LANCE ENGLE