Following Nicholas' presentation, the board approved a motion to accept the Architect Agreements 14-137, 14-138, and 14-139 for lease rental and general obligation bond projects with Gibraltar Design.

The school board also voted to approve the recommendation for land survey services with Cash Waggner and Associates. This will break down the building project and will verify where site utilities are located, as well as give a topographical survey of the area. Board member Terri Johnston voted in opposition.

As per statute, the school board opened a public hearing on the additional appropriation for the general obligation bond proceeds. There was no public comment. The board voted to approve the additional appropriation resolution, as presented, and also gave its approval to adoption of the final bond resolution.

In other business, Superintendent Dan Foster reported on the following:

• EPCS is partnering with Purdue University as one out of 10 schools chosen to join Purdue to learn how to shift the classroom focus to a more student-centered learning environment.
• A School Threat/Safety Assessment took place a few weeks ago. Overall EPCS does a good job, but there is room for improvement. The school corporation was given ideas on how to minimize any threats to its campus and ways to increase its safety measures.
• The ID badges have been distributed to all employees – a positive step in school safety.
• The IDOE School Accountability Grades have been distributed and all three EPC schools received A’s – this has not happened since 2009. All students and staff were commended.

The school board voted to approve sick days for a certified employee.

As per federal guidelines, the first reading on a Wellness Policy for School Board Policy was presented.

In recognition of Veterans’ Day, board president Joe Cunningham asked that all veterans be commended and recognized.

The minutes of the board's Oct. 27 special meeting were amended to reflect that board member Mike Tetzloff ran the meeting. Board member Larry Beach also stated that he voted in opposition of the purchase of iPad cases. The board then approved, as amended, the minutes of the Oct. 13 regular meeting and the Oct. 27 special meeting.

Foster gave a financial report for the period ending Oct. 31. The Condition of Funds Statement indicated that all corporation funds had positive balances. The General Fund Comparison Statement showed 42.1% of the yearly appropriation remains of the 6-month budget the corporation is currently using. There was discussion on purchasing iPads, iPad parts, and the tuck-pointing project at the bus garage.

Principal reports:

Elementary school principal Jill Collins reported the elementary school will have a program for Veterans’ Day Nov. 11 in the elementary school gym; Veteran Tyler Campbell will be the guest speaker. The elementary school recently collected 2,356 food items for the food pantry. Thursday, Nov. 13, singer/songwriter, Randy Beard, will visit the elementary, spending time in all grade levels and extending his visit for Family Literacy Night that evening. The elementary will team with West Central for the first family fitness event of the year – swimming.

Middle school principal Ryan Dickinson reported that representatives from the community are teaming with Junior Achievement to present students with career options. Eighth-grade students are going to the Wagon Wheel Theater to see “A Christmas Story.” Sixth-grade students will see “Rudolph” at Purdue. The middle school will attend the Veterans’ Day program at the high school. The “Warrior Up” club is underway again this year. The National Junior Honor Society is planning some upcoming activities, including a toy drive. And middle school athletics are underway.

High school principal Rick DeFries reported that the Veterans’ Day Program for will be Nov.11, featuring guest speaker, Jim Terry. School safety scenarios for professional development are taking place to help with being prepared in a crisis situation. The high school is utilizing their 15 new security cameras. The fall play, “Rebel Without a Cause,” was presented Nov. 8-10. All three fall sports teams won their sectionals this year. Football continues into regional competition Friday, Nov. 14, against Pioneer. Winter sports are underway.

Board comment: Staff and students were commended for receiving the outstanding school accountability grades. The Boy Scouts were welcomed to the meeting – they were working on their citizenship badges.