Monday, Sept. 12, the Franklin County Community School Board met for a Preliminary Hearing on Proposed projects, a Public Hearing, and Additional Appropriations Hearing, and then the regular Call to Order school board meeting. 

Amber Orozco, school board attorney, began the Project and Preliminary Hearing on Proposed Projects item by stating that before a school corporation may spend more than $1M to build, repair, or a alter a school building, they will be financed or leased by bond. 

Superintendent Tammy Chavis followed up with the Overview and Need for the Projects. Back in February, the board was presented with a facility study. The board was already aware of the issues regarding the chiller at the High School, and that it needs to be replaced. The estimated cost of this would be roughly $450K. She also states that the board is moving forward with solar panels, and that this presents an opportunity to move forward with a potential turf project on the football field. This project would support all athletics and youth programs. Lastly, because of the facility study, the board looked at three buildings; the high school and middle school included. There are a couple of rough sections needing replaced as we move into the winter seasons.

Speaking to the board was Mark Shoemaker of STIFEL & Nichols. His presentation explained how projects would be financed and the effect it would have on the typical taxpayer. In summary, he explained the outstanding debt and the steady levels between years 2021-24. By 2025, the levels would begin dropping, following a significant decrease by 2026. This is due to the 2021 GO Bonds being paid off. Mark then went on to explain the NAV, which is the biggest determining factor in a school's tax rate. This rate is meant to remain steady and neutral. The biggest jump comes from home prices and agriculture. With a new potential GO Bond of $2M, the aim is to keep lowering the tax rate.

There were no sign-ups for the Public Hearing.

Orozco spoke again to summarize Project Resolutions, which is required when school corporations plan to spend $1M per building. These also require a signature from the board. The motion to accept was approved. She next summarized the Preliminary Bond Resolution, which contains project costs and maximum interest rates. The motion to accept was approved. Lastly, Amber summarized the Reimbursement Resolution, containing project costs. The proceeds from the bonds will be used to reimburse for the costs of renovations. The motion to accept was approved. Following, the Public Hearing was adjourned.

Kendra Sparks spoke next to discuss the Additional Appropriations Hearing. The school board, currently, is requesting additional appropriations of both the education and operations fund of $500K. This is due to last year's budget being tightly created. Things have changed since the last bond was issued and the ADM growing. There was no public comment. The hearing was closed.

After came the Public Hearing for the 2023 Budget. Kendra stated that:
· Education Fund: $15M
· Operations Fund: $7M
· Debt Service Fund: $4M

This brings the total budget for 2023 to $27M.

The Bus Replacement plan, according to Keith Isaacs, states that the board is on a five-year plan. This plan involves replacing two buses per year.

Isaacs then moved on to the Capital Projects and Capital Assets Plan. As listed, there are only three corporation vehicles that have been junked, one needs to be replaced. The water heater at the football field needs replaced, a projector replacement on the first floor of the middle school, a portable stoplight for 101, a walk-in freezer for BES, and lastly, fiber optics ongoing payment. Isaacs also adds that there is a roof replacement and a corporation-wide HVAC payment. There was no public comment.

The Public Hearing was closed.

Following the Pledge of Allegiance, the board felt no discussions were needed regarding minutes, expenditures, donation and grants, field trip requests, and personnel. The motion to accept was approved.

The Financial Report is as follows:
· Education Fund Balance: Increased by $2,008,353.96 in the past year.
· Operations Fund Balance: Decreased by $415,355.49
· Investment Interest Earned: Increased by $6,228.99
· Cafeteria Report: Increased by $357,025.85
· Latchkey Fund: Increased by $3,363.02

Chavis followed up the financial report with a few celebrations. Starting off, September's Educator of the Month, Eva Hoffman of Mt. Carmel, was awarded. Next was Annette Taylor of Laurel, who was awarded for September's Support Staff of the Month. Lastly was Mrs. New, principal of Laurel Elementary. She had originally wanted to paint a new mural in the Laurel cafeteria, and after a full summer, she upgraded the halls of the school.

Dozens of cartoons and characters, all in pairs thanks to the votes of all staff, now line the halls with inspiration quotes, vibrant colors, and fun interaction for the children. Everyone is encouraged to visit Laurel Elementary to check out the new art throughout the school and see what a wonderful job Mrs. New and her team did on the halls.

There were no statements from public and employers.

The Teacher Appreciation Distribution Grant was briefly discussed and motioned to approve.

The Adoption of Additional Appropriations held no discussion due to earlier mentions. The motion to accept was approved.

Next was Whitney Gillman, presenting some high school handbook changes. Whitney proposes new disciplinary measures to be taken for high school students to try and lessen the amount of OSS. These new measures are sectioned into levels as infractions and range from write-ups, call to parents, coming in an hour before school or staying after for an hour, and limiting OSS until student has exceeded all level warnings. 

The School Improvement Plans are as follows, starting with Mt. Carmel:
· Special Ed continuation growth in mathematics
· Continuous growth in Information Techs
· Accel learning to close gaps

For Laurel:
· Growth in Attendance rate
· Increase NWEA by 5 points.

The motion was approved.

Also approved motions involved the 2022-23 route extension for bus 54 (only if needed), and the high school synthetic turf project (hiring of Fanning & Howey).

Following was FC Commissioner Tom Linkel. Regarding the property on 1020 Franklin Avenue, owned by the school corporation. This property cannot be leased out according to Orozco but transferred or bought out. As of right now, the property would be bought as is and the board holds no responsibility for repairs or renovations. Dispatch would be moved from the security center for public safety. Other locations were discussed, but each posed high financial obligations. The board agreed on the conditions of acquiring a written notice from Curtis Ward. In return, the Brookville Town Council would have a new place for meetings.

Finally, John Palmer stood up and represented the Franklin County Redevelopment Commission involving housing up on Reservoir Hill. Sewers would need to be added, but the goal is to add between 96-200 houses. These are based on bonds on an average payback between 10-25 years.

The school board will meet again in October to follow up on any discussions and updates.