The Crawfordsville Community School Corporation held the first of two required public hearings this week, during the regular board meeting, regarding a proposed bond issuance that could total up to $10.5 million through 2033.
Superintendent Dr. Rex Ryker explained that the hearing, required under Indiana law, allows the district to inform the public and gather input on funding for potential renovations and improvements to school facilities, including HVAC systems, roofing, site work, technology and bus purchases.
Ryker emphasized that while the corporation is not currently exceeding any debt service tax rate thresholds, the $10.5 million figure represents the maximum borrowing capacity recommended by financial advisors to provide long-term flexibility. The district is not obligated to borrow the full amount but is preparing for potential future needs under evolving state legislation.
The board also approved a series of policy revisions, staffing updates and procedural changes during its July meeting.
Board members approved school food prices for the 2025-26 academic year, with no changes from the current rates. Mishler Dental was named the new corporation dentist.
Several policy updates were addressed, including revisions to CCSC Policy 6210 regarding purchases of supplies and materials. The board also approved the retirement of Policy 5200, the district’s current attendance policy, and introduced updates to Policy 4320, which focuses on student attendance and truancy prevention.
Key changes in the attendance policy include a new definition of an absent student which covers students in kindergarten through grade 12, as opposed to the previous K–6 definition. A student will now be considered truant if absent for five unexcused days within a 10-week period. Additionally, the required time frame to hold a conference for an absent student has been extended from five to ten instructional days.
The 2025–26 school board meeting schedule was also approved, along with updates to benefits for non-union staff and administrators. The benefit categories were revised to include principals and certified directors working fewer than 260 days, reflecting a contract change for the care director. Health insurance contributions for certified administrators were also updated.
The board approved the Special Education Excess Cost Authorization, which allow for private or residential placements for students with special needs, when needed.
In personnel matters, the board accepted the resignation of Angie Brown, a third-grade teacher at Nicholson Elementary. Twelve new hires were approved, including: Brooke Baird, WCISSC Occupational Therapist, Rodrigo Velazquez, CMS Spanish Teacher, Logan Lowe, Nicholson Teaching Apprentice, Erika Razor and Trinity Pierson, Nicholson 3rd Grade Teachers, Brooke Hutchison, CTE Pre-Nursing Instructor, Emma Bales, Nicholson Essential Skills Assistant, Ashley Fisher, CHS Special Education Assistant, Janelle Simmons, Hoover Receptionist, Amy Carrington, CMS Teacher and ML Coordinator, Elizabeth All, WCISSC Assistant Director and Krista Servies, Athens Virtual Academy Teacher.
Additionally, Meredith Boaz was approved for a role change from Nicholson Instructional Coach to Director of CARA.
The next CCSC board meeting has changed to Aug. 14.
