Crawfordsville Community School Corp. approved an updated employer-sponsored handbook for the 2025-26 school year, and made changes to its employee provided childcare benefit on Thursday.
The childcare program is only in its second year, and Superintendent Dr. Rex Ryker said the corporation is learning as it goes.
“We did have a grant last year that helped us get equipment and helped us prepare some of the rooms and paid for some of the staffing so that we did not charge last year,” Ryker said.
Ryker said that there aren’t any additional grants funding the program this year, so the prices will have to increase from zero to 50% of the cost.
“It is still an investment for us, but it’s an investment that’s within reach, I think, and fair for us to provide,” he said.
The childcare program currently provides care for 18 children.
The board also approved a request from Jennifer Veatch for a BioLEAP Classroom Grant for $1,000. The grant will allow for purchasing models of pigs, frogs, birds and other animals that students usually dissect. Veatch said the models would be helpful for students as an alternative to dissecting a real animal.
CHS band students were granted approval of a field trip to Branson, Missouri in the fall of 2026. Band students made a presentation to the board on why the trip would be beneficial. The trip will allow for two performance opportunities, one at the Silver Dollar City and the other at Branson on Stage Live. The cost will be covered by fundraisers and donations throughout the 2026 school year.
In other business, the board:
• Spotlighted Crawfordsville High School students Marie Hessler and Melanie Dowd for their excellency in sportsmanship.
• Congratulated CHS baseball coach Brent Motz for being awarded 2024 District K Coach of the Year.
• Recognized Kelly Krug for her excellency as a teacher, transitioning back to teaching kindergarten from first grade due to high kindergarten enrollment.
• Approved the transportation handbook for 2025-26.
• Approved the Willson Preschool Academy handbook for 2025-26.
• Approved the 2026-2027 school calendar.
• Approved a resolution of dormant fund transfer, transferring $1,100 into the rainy day fund.
• Approved the resignations of Carlie Sizemore, an employee childcare infant assistant; Mackenzie Lewellen, a Willson Preschool teachers’ aide; Elizabeth Rooze, Hose Elementary teacher; and Natalie Sizemore, Willson Preschool teachers’ aide.
• Approved the employment of Heather Willhite as a Hoover Elementary teachers’ assistant; Cheyenne Lynn as a Willson Preschool childcare assistant; and Elizabeth Aguilar as a Developmental Preschool Aide at Willson Preschool.
