The Celina Board of Education held its March meeting on Monday March 17th. The board heard from community members expressing concern and seeking information on the future of the district's building project and the Celina Field House. During the meeting, board members Julie Sommer and Jon Clouse shared their thoughts:

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The following is an AI Generated summary of the March Meeting of the Celina Board of Education:

Meeting Notes

1. Improving student accountability and performance through the ICU program.

• ICU Program Implementation
  The ICU program was implemented to improve homework accountability and student performance. It involves a communication chain that alerts parents and students about missing assignments and provides targeted interventions. The program has led to improved completion rates, reduced discipline issues, and better attendance.

• School Performance Metrics
  The school has seen improvements in attendance, behavior, and coursework completion. Out-of-school suspensions have decreased significantly, and students are more engaged and less anxious about falling behind.

Conclusion

1. The ICU program has been successful with a 98.5% completion rate and positive feedback from parents and students.

2. The school has achieved better attendance and reduced suspensions, contributing to a positive learning environment.

2. School Activities and Facility Updates

• Rewards Days and Activities
  The school organizes various activities like trips to Sky Zone, bowling, roller rink, and field days to motivate students. They also have Mix It Up Fridays to encourage interaction among students.

• Fun Nights
  Fun Nights are successful events similar to school dances and serve as fundraisers for Relay for Life. They are well-attended and enjoyed by students.

• Sports Programs
  The school offers a variety of sports including cross country, volleyball, football, bowling and soccer.

• Veterans Day Assembly
  The annual Veterans Day Assembly at the middle school continues to be a successful event with good turnout.

• Robotics Club
  A new robotics club is being developed to engage students in STEM activities. The club is working on a challenge to help students with disabilities improve fine motor skills.

• Bulldog Buzz
  Bulldog Buzz is a student-run website featuring videos and content created by students for Celina Middle Schoolers.

• Eighth Grade Washington, D.C. Trip
  The trip is facing challenges due to rising costs, making it difficult for some students to afford. Efforts are being made to find partnerships and fundraisers to support students.

• Mini Relay for Life
  The school has raised over $330,000 for the American Cancer Society. Students take ownership of fundraising activities, and the event has personal significance for the community.

• Facility Updates
  Updates on elementary and high school construction projects, including playground equipment installation and building progress. The projects are on schedule despite weather challenges.

3. Community concerns and financial planning for school facilities and funding

• Public Participation
  Three community members, Teresa Howick, Scott Miller, and Tim Homan, expressed concerns and suggestions regarding the athletic facilities project and decision-making processes.

• Athletic Facilities Project
  Discussion on the renovation and construction plans for athletic facilities, including the track, field house, and stadiums. Community members expressed the need for transparency and alignment with survey results.

• State Budget Impact
  The treasurer discussed the potential impact of the proposed state budget on school funding, highlighting significant reductions in state funding and the shift of financial burden to local taxpayers.

• Donations for Student Lunch Balances
  The board acknowledged generous community donations to cover outstanding student lunch balances, benefiting 313 students.

• Treasurer's Report
  The treasurer presented financial reports, including cash summary and appropriations, and sought approval for the report and donations.

• Superintendent's Report
  The superintendent requested approval for personnel items and discussed the salary schedule for an assistant treasurer position.

Conclusion

1. There is a general consensus among some community members on focusing on specific projects, but no final decision was made.

2. The proposed budget could lead to a $2.5 million cut in state funding over two years.

3. Donations will directly cover student lunch debts, with funds allocated to the Food Services Fund.

4. The Treasurer's Report and donations were approved by the board.

5. Personnel items were approved, and the salary schedule for the assistant treasurer was presented.

4. School District Financial and Infrastructure Planning

• Fiscal Assistant Position and Succession Planning
  The treasurer's department has an unfilled fiscal assistant position. Discussions were held about the need for this role, considering Michelle's upcoming retirement. The plan is to hire someone for succession planning, allowing them to learn the district's systems and processes.

• Head Start Report Approval
  The board reviewed and approved the Head Start report after discussions with Amy, confirming everything looked great.

• Athletic Complex and Field House Discussion
  The board discussed the future of the athletic complex, including the decision to move to a new high school complex and the potential costs of maintaining the current field house. Concerns about accessibility, community preferences, and financial responsibility were raised.

• Financial Planning for School Projects
  The board discussed financial planning for various school projects, including the high school, track, and field house. The focus was on ensuring funds are available for educational priorities and infrastructure needs.

Conclusion

1. The board approved the salary range for the new position.

2. The Head Start report was approved by the board.

5. Decision-making on field house maintenance and budget management

• Field House Maintenance
  Discussion on the financial implications of maintaining an 85-year-old field house, considering survey results and fiscal responsibility.

• Decision on Field House
  Debate on whether to keep or demolish the field house, considering costs and survey feedback.

• Budget and Funding
  Clarification on the budget for the high school and field house projects, including LFI funds and state contributions.

• Community Concerns
  Addressing community concerns about funding and the impact on taxpayers.

Conclusion

1. The board is in a dilemma between maintaining the field house for sentimental reasons or being fiscally responsible by not investing further.

2. A special meeting is suggested to vote on the decision to keep or demolish the field house.

3. There is confidence in the budget covering necessary expenses, with contingency funds available.

4. Clarification provided on the funding sources and the levy passed in 2021.

6. Budget management and planning for school facilities

• Budget and Fundraising
  The discussion focused on staying within budget for athletic facilities and exploring fundraising options. The group agreed not to request another tax levy and to seek sponsorships or fundraising for additional expenses.

• Bus Garage
  The group discussed the purchase and future needs of the bus garage, including potential renovations and costs. There is uncertainty about what needs to be done to the building.

• Meeting Scheduling
  The group discussed scheduling a special meeting to continue discussions. Various dates were considered, and March 25th at 6 o'clock was agreed upon.

• Track and Field
  The condition and potential renovation of the track were discussed, including the possibility of changing its shape and the urgency of repairs.

Conclusion

1. Next meeting scheduled for March 25th at 6 o'clock.

Next Arrangements

 [ ] Schedule a special board meeting to vote on the field house decision.
 [ ] Prepare a list of outstanding alternates with associated costs for the next meeting.
 [ ] Share financial estimates and plans with the community via the website.
 [ ] Next meeting scheduled for March 25th at 6 o'clock.