Local News

Jan 13, 2025

Celina Board of Education Meeting for January 2025


At Monday's meeting of the Celina Board of Education, Celina School Superintendent Brooke Gessler provided the board with an update on a Community Survey for input on what will be done with Celina's Field House:

Click Here

The Presentation to the board and committee will take place at a work session in March. 

 

To view the meeting:

Click Here

The following is an AI Generated summary of the Celina Board of Education Meeting for January 2025:

Meeting Notes

1. Celina City Board of Education Organizational Meeting

  • Election of Officers
    The board conducted elections for the positions of president and vice president for 2025. Adam Schleucher was elected as president, and Mark Huelsman was nominated for vice president but faced a tied vote.

  • Appointment of Liaisons
    Board members were appointed to various liaison roles, including legislative, tax abatement, Head Start, and community or student achievement.

  • Board Meeting Dates for 2025
    The board discussed and adjusted the meeting dates for 2025 to avoid conflicts with school events and other commitments.

  • Treasurer's, Superintendent's, and Board's Authorizations
    The board reviewed and approved the authorizations for the treasurer, superintendent, and board.

  • Board's Declaration of Insurance Coverage
    The board discussed the insurance coverage declaration and confirmed preferences.

Conclusion

  1. Adam Schleucher was elected as president. The vice president position faced a tied vote.

  2. John will continue as legislative liaison, Carl on tax abatement, Julie on Head Start, and Mark on community or student achievement.

  3. March 3rd moved to March 10th, April 21st to the 14th, and August 18th to the 11th.

  4. Authorizations were approved without major changes.

  5. No board members opted to purchase additional insurance.

2. TriStar program developments and facility updates

  • TriStar Program Updates
    TriStar has introduced new staff and programs, including a new manufacturing instructor and job coach. They have engaged students in various community events and achieved significant contributions in a food drive. Recruitment efforts include 8th grade tours and sophomore day.

  • Work-Based Learning and Online Applications
    TriStar has transitioned to an online application system for students, providing instant data for staff. Work-based learning is emphasized, with efforts to expand early placement and external experiences.

  • Facility Updates
    The transition to the new building was successful, with efficient moving and recycling efforts. Demolition of the old building is scheduled, and construction progress on the 712 building continues with steel setting and plumbing work.

Conclusion

  1. TriStar continues to grow and adapt, focusing on community involvement and student recruitment.

  2. The online application system has improved data access, aiding in program planning and student placement.

  3. The facility updates are progressing well, with demolition and construction on schedule.

3. Field House Renovation and Associated Costs

  • Field House Renovation
    Matt from Garmin Miller provided an update on the field house renovation, discussing the process permit, meetings with Miami County officials, and the selection of the prescriptive method for evaluating the building code. The focus is on minimal renovations to maintain the field house, with cost estimates and plans for structural modifications, HVAC system replacement, and ADA restroom installation.

  • HVAC System Replacement
    The current HVAC system needs replacement, with plans for gas-fired DX rooftop units and mini splits for heating and cooling. The cost is significant, covering 22,000 square feet at $23 to $28 per square foot. An alternate option to eliminate air conditioning could save $88,000 to $96,000.

  • Field House Electrical Renovations
    Electrical renovations include new panel boards, selected demolition, fire alarm installation, and technology service entry raceway. The fire alarm system is a new requirement due to assembly occupancy codes.

  • Restroom Renovations
    The field house lacks ADA-compliant restrooms, necessitating renovations in the existing coach's office. Costs cover general trade work and plumbing, mechanical, and electrical elements.

  • Additional Parking
    An alternate proposal for additional parking was discussed, with costs for asphalt, sidewalks, utilities, and lighting. The total project cost is estimated at $340,000 to $465,000.

Conclusion

  1. The renovation is estimated to cost between $1.3 million and $1.7 million, with a focus on minimal invasiveness and cost-effectiveness.

  2. The HVAC replacement is a major cost, but eliminating air conditioning could reduce expenses.

  3. Electrical renovations are necessary, with a focus on meeting new code requirements.

  4. ADA-compliant restrooms will be added, focusing on minimal invasiveness.

  5. Additional parking is considered, but costs are significant.

4. School administration updates and approvals

  • Survey Update
    Brooke provided an update on the upcoming public survey, including the timeline and purpose. The survey is set to open on February 10th and close on February 21st, with analysis and presentation preparation to follow.

  • School Board Recognition
    The importance of recognizing school board members for their efforts and dedication was discussed, emphasizing the often thankless nature of their roles.

  • Treasurer's Report
    Michelle presented the Treasurer's Report for December, detailing revenues, expenditures, and various approvals including bank reconciliation and donations.

  • Superintendent's Report
    Mrs. Gessler discussed classified and certified items, extracurricular activity moratorium, and TriStar FFA Leadership Conference approval.

  • TriStar Career Compact
    Discussion on hiring Tom Summer to assist TriStar in exploring becoming its own entity, separate from Salina City.

  • 2025-2026 School Calendar
    The school calendar for 2025-2026 was discussed, with changes made to workdays for teachers.

  • Board Policies
    A second reading of board policies was conducted, with updates guided by NEOLA to align with current laws.

  • Core Committee Participation
    Discussion on board member participation in core meetings related to construction projects, with considerations for future attendance.

Conclusion

  1. The survey timeline and purpose were shared, with a presentation scheduled for March.

  2. Appreciation for school board members was publicly expressed.

  3. The Treasurer's Report was approved.

  4. Various resolutions and approvals were made, including a moratorium and conference approval.

  5. Approval was given to hire Tom Summer for exploration purposes.

  6. The 2025-2026 school calendar was approved.

  7. Board policies were approved.

  8. Future meeting dates will be shared for board members to decide attendance.

Next Arrangements

 [ ] March 3rd meeting moved to March 10th
 [ ] April 21st meeting moved to April 14th
 [ ] August 18th meeting moved to August 11th
 [ ] Future meeting dates for core committee participation will be shared.


Severe Weather Alert