The Southmont School Board approved several resolutions related to future capital projects and its collective bargaining agreement during its regular meeting Monday.
The meeting opened with a presentation from Ladoga Elementary students who shared several STEM projects they have been working on in their classrooms.
Second graders presented cardboard models of Trojan horses they created while studying the Trojan War and ancient Greek civilizations as part of their reading curriculum. Students discussed the planning and teamwork involved in building the models.
Third graders shared their experiences learning chess as a way to practice if-then logic without relying on computers. In partnership with the Ladoga Library, students have been using 3D-printed chess sets to learn moves and strategies ahead of an annual tournament between Ladoga and Walnut elementary students.
Fourth graders also demonstrated electrical circuits they built through a partnership with 4-H. Students learned to assemble and solder their own circuits with help from their parents.
Fourth and fifth graders from Walnut Elementary discussed the school’s Mountie Women Inspire event, which brought women working in STEM fields into the classroom to share their experiences and lead hands-on activities. Students learned about topics including chemical processing, agriculture, soil and water conservation.
The board then reviewed its financial position and potential future capital projects. A financial presentation outlined a proposed authorization of up to $49 million in bonds to help fund future improvements and ongoing needs throughout the school corporation.
The authorization is intended to support long-term planning for projects such as bus replacements, technology and facility maintenance. The $49 million is a maximum amount and does not require the corporation to borrow the full amount.
The presentation also showed how the corporation could complete future projects while maintaining its current debt service tax levy, without increasing the tax burden on property owners. The proposed authorization would provide flexibility to complete projects over the next 10 to 15 years.
School officials said the resolution does not give the corporation permission to immediately spend the money. Each future project and bond issue will require additional board approvals and a more specific explanation of the proposed work and costs.
The board approved the project resolution, preliminary determination resolution and reimbursement resolution.
The board also approved its collective bargaining agreement.
Under the consent agenda, the board approved monthly claims and payroll totaling $1,807,413, several staff stipends, resignations and volunteer positions, along with other personnel items.
The board approved the resignation of Nicole Wiers, special education teacher at Southmont Junior High, effective Oct. 30, and Heidi Kiger, instructional aide at New Market Elementary, effective Nov. 13. Robert Trautwein was approved as a long-term special education substitute at the junior high. The board also approved maternity leave for Alysa Poynter beginning May 3, 2027, through the end of the school year.
The next regular Southmont School Board meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. Dec. 14 in the corporation board room.
