South Bend Community School Corporation public meetings in 2021
33 substantive meetings from 2021, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
SPECIAL MEETING, 10:30a.m.
The South Bend School Board will hold a special meeting to vote on a proposed professional agreement with the National Education Association-South Bend covering the 2021-22 and 2022-23 school years. The meeting includes procedural items and a public comment period. The only action item is the contract approval.
- Approval of Professional Agreement between SBCSC and NEA-South Bend for 2021-22 and 2022-23 school years
REGULAR MEETING
The Board of School Trustees will hold a regular meeting on December 6, 2021, starting with a closed session at 4:00 p.m. for collective bargaining, litigation, and personnel matters. The open session at 5:30 p.m. includes action items such as approving renewed school resource officer agreements with the City of South Bend and St. Joseph County, a facilities management contract with SSC, a bus driver contract with AFSCME, and a corrected property tax rate of .7269 for the operations fund. The board will also consider issuing preliminary notice of non-renewal or cancellation of certain administrative contracts.
- Approval of renewed SRO agreements with City of South Bend and St. Joseph County
- Property tax rate correction for Operations Fund to .7269
- Approval of SSC facilities management contract
- Approval of ASFCME hourly bus driver agreement (July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022)
- Authorization to issue preliminary notice of non-renewal/cancellation for certain administrative contracts
REGULAR MEETING
The South Bend Community School Corporation Board will take action on a custodial services, grounds management, and maintenance contract award; permission to bid a year-long fixed-price diesel fuel contract for school buses; and approval to advertise an RFP for district-wide internet service. The board will also receive a collective bargaining update and consider a consent agenda that includes two contracts: Alpha Dog ($32,215 for an educator recruitment campaign) and Oracle ($23,021 for a data warehouse).
- Approval of award for Custodial Services, Grounds Management, Plant Operations & Maintenance and Integrated Facility Management RFP (vendor not named in agenda)
- Permission to bid a year-long diesel fuel contract for school buses (Jan 10 – Dec 31, 2022)
- Approval to advertise RFP for District Wide Internet Service (5–20 Gbps)
- Consent agenda includes Alpha Dog contract ($32,215) for educator recruitment and Oracle agreement ($23,021) for data warehouse
- Closed session for collective bargaining, litigation, and school consolidation strategy
REGULAR MEETING
The South Bend Community School Corporation Board will consider several consent agenda items, including financial reports, payroll, personnel changes, and annual resolutions. It will discuss a closed‑session agenda covering collective bargaining, litigation, and school consolidation. Action items include approving an Edmentum (Plato) contract, a $769,019.81 network and server upgrade contract with CDW‑G, a fund transfer between the Education and Operations funds, and new job descriptions for Gear Up South Bend staff.
- Approve Edmentum (Plato) contract
- Approve network and server upgrade packages totaling $769,019.81 to CDW‑G
- Approve transfer of funds from Education Fund to Operations Fund
- Approve job descriptions for Media Literacy Coordinator and Gear Up South Bend project roles
- Consent agenda: adopt financial reports, payroll registers, personnel changes, annual resolutions, gifts, and contracts ≤ $50,000
REGULAR MEETING
The Board of School Trustees will hold a closed session at 4:00 p.m. for strategy on collective bargaining, litigation, and school consolidation, and to interview prospective employees. At the regular meeting at 5:30 p.m., the board will hear a budget presentation and vote on adopting the 2022 budget, the 2022-2024 Capital Projects Fund plan, and a five-year school bus replacement plan. The board will also consider approving a $3,749,229 Innovative Approaches to Literacy Grant. Consent agenda items include financial reports, payroll, personnel changes, and annual resolutions.
- Closed session for strategy on collective bargaining, litigation, school consolidation, and interviewing prospective employees.
- Action item to adopt 2022 budget, 2022-2024 Capital Projects Fund, and 2022-2026 School Bus Replacement plan.
- Action item to approve Innovative Approaches to Literacy Grant for $3,749,229 over five years.
- Consent agenda includes approval of minutes, financial reports, bills and payroll, personnel report (new hires and terminations), and annual resolutions.
- Recognitions include Filipino American History Month proclamation and National Custodian Appreciation Day.
REGULAR MEETING
The South Bend Community School Corporation Board will hold public hearings and vote on the 2022 budget, bus replacement plan, and capital projects fund. Action items include a $1,580,417 Common School Fund loan for Chromebooks and carts, a three-year renewal of Beacon Health System nursing services at $1,898,039 annually, and awarding a $1,278,000 bid for secure entry renovations at Jackson Middle School. The meeting also includes a closed executive session on collective bargaining, litigation, and personnel matters.
- Public hearings and approval of the 2022 budget, bus replacement plan, and capital projects fund
- $1,580,417 Common School Fund loan for Chromebooks, replacement parts, and carts
- Renewal of Beacon Health System nursing services agreement at $1,898,039 per year for three years
- Award of bid to Gibson-Lewis, LLC for Jackson Middle School secure entry renovations for $1,278,000
- Closed executive session on collective bargaining, pending litigation, school consolidation, and personnel matters
REGULAR MEETING
The Board of School Trustees will meet to discuss and vote on several items, including a closed session for strategy on collective bargaining, litigation, and school consolidation. Action items include a joint resolution with the City Council, approval of a $17,000 Dual Language Immersion Grant for McKinley Elementary School, and authorization to advertise the 2022 Budget, 2022-2024 capital projects plan, and five-year school bus replacement plan with a public hearing on October 4. The consent agenda covers financial reports, bills and payroll for payment, personnel decisions, annual resolutions, gifts and fundraisers, and contracts of $50,000 or less (none).
- Closed session to discuss strategy on collective bargaining, pending litigation, and school consolidation
- Joint resolution with the City Council
- Approval of $17,000 Dual Language Immersion Grant (Tier II) for McKinley Elementary School
- Authorization to advertise 2022 Budget, 2022-2024 capital projects plan, and five-year school bus replacement plan
- Consent agenda includes approval of financial reports, bills/payroll, personnel report, annual resolutions, gifts/fundraisers, and contracts (none for $50,000 or less)
Board Work Session
The South Bend Community School Corporation Board of School Trustees will hold a work session to discuss proposed revisions to existing policies and new policies recommended by NEOLA. The agenda includes adopting the meeting agenda and adjournment, with the main discussion focused on policy changes covering topics such as nondiscrimination, nursing mothers, electronic monitoring, and staff use of personal communication devices.
- Discussion of proposed revisions to policies: 0112 (Purpose), 1220 (Employment of Superintendent), 2240 (Controversial Issues), 3120 (Employment of Professional Staff), 4120 (Employment of Support Staff), 5410 (Promotion, Placement, and Retention), 7450 (Property Inventory)
- Discussion of new policies: 2266 (Nondiscrimination on Basis of Sex), 4425 (Nursing Mothers), 7440.01 (Electronic Monitoring and Recording), 7530.02 (Staff Use of Personal Communication Devices), 8606 (Bus Drivers and Cellular Telephone Use)
- Technical correction to policy 4430 (Leaves of Absence)
- Action item: adoption of the agenda
- Action item: adjournment
REGULAR MEETING
The South Bend Community School Corporation Board of School Trustees will meet for a closed session to discuss collective bargaining, litigation, school consolidation, and personnel matters, followed by a regular meeting. The board will vote on action items including a resolution authorizing litigation against e-cigarette and vaping product manufacturers, approval of a $677,193.59 Non-English Speaking Program grant, a use and license agreement with the South Bend Alumni Association involving a $10,000 annual donation, and renewal of the NWEA assessment contract. A consent agenda covers financial reports, bills, personnel changes, annual resolutions, gifts, and contracts under $50,000.
- Closed session for strategy discussions on collective bargaining, litigation, and school consolidation
- Action item: Resolution authorizing litigation against e-cigarette and vaping manufacturers
- Action item: Approval of $677,193.59 Non-English Speaking Program grant for 2021-2022
- Action item: Use and License Agreement with South Bend Alumni Association including $10,000 annual donation
- Consent agenda includes approval of July 2021 financial statement and personnel reports (terminations, new hires)
REGULAR MEETING
The board will vote on approving the Shared Rights and Responsibilities document, which replaces the Student Code of Conduct, following a review process with community feedback and DOJ input. Other action items include a bid award for a mobile classroom/lab from Farber Specialty Vehicles for $274,359, approval of a Transpo service agreement for the 2021-2022 school year, and permission to issue an RFP for custodial services. The meeting also includes a closed session for collective bargaining, litigation, and school consolidation discussions.
- Vote on Shared Rights and Responsibilities to replace Student Code of Conduct
- Bid award for mobile classroom/lab: Farber Specialty Vehicles, $274,359
- Transpo service agreement for 2021-2022 school year
- Permission to RFP for custodial services with integrated facilities management
- Closed session for collective bargaining, litigation, school consolidation, and prospective employee interviews
REGULAR MEETING
The board will consider a resolution authorizing the superintendent to establish, revise, and lift mask requirements based on health guidance. Other action items include approving an annual financial report, an option agreement with Historic Landmarks Foundation of Indiana, a student reengagement program with Graduation Alliance at $2,000 per student, and an Edmentum contract. The consent agenda covers bills, payroll, personnel decisions, and routine resolutions. A closed session is scheduled for 5:00 p.m. to discuss collective bargaining, litigation, school consolidation, and personnel matters.
- Resolution to allow superintendent to adjust mask requirements (item 10.01)
- Option agreement with Historic Landmarks Foundation of Indiana (item 10.03)
- Indiana Student Reengagement Program with Graduation Alliance, Inc. at $2,000 per student (item 10.04)
- Approval of Edmentum contract (item 10.05)
- Approval of personnel decisions including new hires, terminations, and emergency permit dismissals (consent agenda)
REGULAR MEETING
The board will discuss the Fall Re-Opening Plan for the 2021-22 school year, hold a closed session for collective bargaining and school consolidation, and approve a consent agenda including financial reports, personnel decisions, and contracts up to $50,000.
- Closed session for collective bargaining, pending litigation, and school consolidation
- Discussion of Fall Re-Opening Plan (COVID-19)
- Consent agenda: approval of bills, payroll, and personnel decisions (new hires, terminations)
- Annual resolutions adoption
- Contracts $50,000 or less approved under consent agenda
REGULAR MEETING
The Board will vote on multiple action items, including two bond proposals for building projects, a $97,200 agreement with Equal Opportunity Schools, and a professional learning contract with Resolute Educational Solutions. A closed session is scheduled for collective bargaining, litigation, and school consolidation discussions. The consent agenda includes routine approvals of financial reports, payroll, personnel decisions, and contracts under $50,000, such as a $7,500 facility lease with The History Museum and a $37,000 Montessori consulting contract.
- 2021 General Obligation Bond Project approval for unspecified amount
- Approval of General Obligation Bonds Series 2021B to fund a portion of the 2020 School Building Basic Renewal/Restoration & Safety Project
- Collaboration Agreement with Equal Opportunity Schools for $97,200
- Approval of Resolute Educational Solutions agreement for equity-focused professional learning plan (Black Male Achievement)
- Consent agenda includes two contracts: Greene Center School lease with The History Museum ($7,500) and National Center for Montessori contract ($37,000)
REGULAR MEETING
The South Bend Community School Corporation Board will hold a closed session to discuss collective bargaining, litigation, and school consolidation. In the open session, the board will adopt a consent agenda covering financial reports, payroll, personnel decisions, gifts, fundraisers, and contracts of $50,000 or less. Additional action items include approving a vacation‑day payout resolution, a new director job description, and an amendment to Policy 0167.3 on public participation.
- Approve $18,800 Coaching for Equity consulting contract with Lori Cohen Consulting
- Consent agenda approval of financial reports, payroll registers, personnel decisions, gifts, fundraisers, and contracts ≤ $50,000
- Resolution to approve vacation‑day payout at individual per diem rate for non‑unionized employees
- Approval of job description for Director of Human Resource Operations and Strategic Initiatives
- Adopt amended Policy 0167.3 governing public participation at board meetings
Common Council and South Bend School Board Joint Meeting
The South Bend Common Council and School Board are meeting jointly to discuss a joint resolution and hear public comment. The agenda also includes opening remarks from officials, adoption of the agenda, and adjournment. No details on the resolution's content are provided in the agenda.
- Joint resolution open discussion led by Councilman Troy Warner and School Board Member Dr. Ruth Warren
- Public comment period with 3-minute time limit
- Adoption of the agenda as an action item
- Statements from Mayor James Mueller and Superintendent Dr. Todd Cummings on future opportunities
- Historical remarks by Council President Karen L. White and School Board President John Anella
REGULAR MEETING
The South Bend Community School Corporation Board will hold a closed session for collective bargaining, litigation, real estate, and school consolidation before the regular meeting. The board will vote on action items including a Head Start MOU, K-12 social studies and 9-12 ELA curriculum adoptions, a $206,566 Newsela contract, a $54,624.50 Learning Science International contract for Jackson Middle School, and a BloomBoard Inc. proposal. A transportation update will also be presented, and the consent agenda includes personnel decisions and financial reports.
- Closed session for collective bargaining, litigation, real estate, school consolidation
- Approval of Head Start MOU
- Adoption of Social Studies K-12 curriculum
- Approval of $206,566 Newsela contract for non-fiction instructional resources
- Approval of $54,624.50 Learning Science International contract for Jackson Middle School
REGULAR MEETING
The South Bend Community School Corporation Board of School Trustees holds a regular meeting that includes a closed session to discuss collective bargaining, pending litigation, school consolidation, employee interviews, and job evaluations. The board also considers a consent agenda covering financial reports (none reported), bills and payroll, personnel decisions, annual resolutions, gifts and fundraisers, and contracts under $50,000. Recognitions include Nurses Appreciation and student achievements.
- Closed session for strategy on collective bargaining, litigation, and school consolidation
- Approval of consent agenda including bills, payroll registers, and personnel decisions (attached)
- Adoption of annual resolutions required by policy
- Strategic plan presentation under academic focus
- Superintendent announcements: moment of silence for three individuals, Brown v. Board proclamation, June meeting dates
REGULAR MEETING
The Board of School Trustees will hold a closed session at 4:30 p.m. to discuss strategy on collective bargaining, pending litigation, and school consolidation. The regular meeting includes recognitions, superintendent announcements, and a consent agenda covering financial reports, payroll, personnel decisions, and annual resolutions. A capital referendum and minority bidder update will be presented as an academic focus item.
- Closed session for collective bargaining, litigation, and school consolidation
- Capital referendum and minority bidder update
- Proclamations for Teacher Appreciation Week and Asian-American Pacific Islander Heritage Month
- Approval of consent agenda including bills and payroll for payment
- Personnel decisions including new hires and terminations
REGULAR MEETING, 5:30P.M.
The South Bend Community School Corporation Board of School Trustees will consider approving a Human Capital Audit—a job classification and compensation study with fees not exceeding $76,640. The board will also hold a closed session to discuss collective bargaining, pending litigation, and school consolidation. Other action items include approval of the MTSS academic plan and new job descriptions for Enrollment and Attendance Coordinator and District Community Standards Coordinator. Consent agenda covers financial reports, payroll, personnel decisions, annual resolutions, gifts/fundraisers, and contracts under $50,000.
- Closed session on collective bargaining, litigation, and school consolidation
- Action to approve job classification/compensation study for up to $76,640
- Approval of MTSS (Multi-Tiered System of Supports) plan
- Approval of job descriptions for Enrollment and Attendance Coordinator and District Community Standards Coordinator
- Consent agenda includes contracts under $50,000 and personnel decisions
VIRTUAL SPECIAL MEETING
The South Bend Community School Corporation Board of School Trustees is holding a virtual special meeting with two action items: approving an Empowerment Zone Memorandum of Understanding and an equity statement. Public comment is accepted via email on these items before voting. The meeting is otherwise procedural.
- Approval of the Empowerment Zone MOU (action item 4.01)
- Approval of the Equity Statement (action item 4.02)
- Public hearing on action agenda items via emailed comments (45 minutes total, 3 minutes per person)
VIRTUAL BOARD WORK SESSION
The South Bend Community School Corporation Board of School Trustees holds a virtual work session with a discussion item on strategic planning. Procedural actions include call to order, roll call, adoption of the agenda, and adjournment.
- Discussion of strategic planning
VIRTUAL REGULAR MEETING
The South Bend Community School Corporation Board will hold a virtual regular meeting to vote on second readings of 11 revised policies, including those on background checks, reduction in force, and use of seclusion/restraint. The board is also set to approve a TimeClock Plus contract for time and attendance and receive a transportation plan update. Consent agenda items include personnel actions and contracts under $50,000.
- Second reading of 11 revised policies: background checks, employment of substitutes and resource personnel, reduction in force, teacher suspension, entrance requirements, seclusion/restraint, school facilities use, and drug/alcohol testing for CDL holders
- Approval of 2021-2022 TimeClock Plus contract for time and attendance implementation
- Transportation plan update presented under Academic Focus
- Recognitions for Coach Chad Johnston (Coach of the Year), Rose Calhoun (Armstrong Teacher Educator Award), and Oliver Davis (White House webinar invite)
- Closed session at 4 p.m. for collective bargaining, litigation, and school consolidation discussion
VIRTUAL REGULAR MEETING
The board will vote on approving secondary school reentry to in-person learning. A closed session is scheduled beforehand to discuss strategy on collective bargaining, litigation, and school consolidation. The consent agenda includes approval of financial reports, payroll, personnel decisions, and contracts for $50,000 or less. Recognitions and proclamations will also be made.
- Closed session for strategy on collective bargaining, litigation, and school consolidation (3:00 p.m.)
- Approval of secondary reentry to in-person learning
- Consent agenda: financial reports, payroll, personnel changes, contracts ≤$50,000
- Recognitions: National Paraprofessional Day, Assistant Principals Week, National Library Week
- Academic focus: Head Start, Virtual School, Empowerment Zone MOU
VIRTUAL BOARD WORK SESSION
The Board of School Trustees is conducting a virtual work session. Discussion items include updates on the master compliance plan and announcements regarding upcoming in-person and eLearning days.
- Update on progress under the master compliance plan
- In-person day scheduled for Wednesday, March 24th
- eLearning day scheduled for Friday, March 26th
VIRTUAL SPECIAL MEETING
The South Bend Community School Corporation Board of School Trustees will hold a virtual special meeting to discuss a resolution opposing three state bills (HB1005, SB412, SB413). The board will also adopt the agenda and adjourn.
- Discussion of resolution opposing HB1005, SB412, and SB413
VIRTUAL REGULAR MEETING
The Board of School Trustees met to conduct administrative business, including the approval of previous minutes and a consent agenda. Discussions included an overview of a Redesign Agreement and a Secondary Reentry Pilot program.
- Redesign Agreement Overview
- Secondary Reentry Pilot discussion
- Approval of February 22, 2021 meeting minutes
- Consent agenda including financial reports, payroll, and personnel decisions
VIRTUAL REGULAR MEETING
The board will first hold a closed executive session for collective bargaining, litigation, and school consolidation. Then it will discuss a recap and academic redesign of Hay and Tarkington schools, and consider a consent agenda covering financial reports, personnel decisions, and contracts up to $50,000. Public comment is limited to action items only.
- Closed session for collective bargaining, litigation, and school consolidation
- Academic redesign discussion on Hay and Tarkington schools
- Approval of minutes from Feb 8 and Feb 15 meetings
- Recognitions: Washington Girls Basketball, Holly Swartz, senior student-athletes, Del'Shawn Taylor
- Consent agenda includes personnel decisions and contracts under $50,000
VIRTUAL BOARD WORK SESSION
The South Bend Community School Corporation Board of School Trustees is meeting virtually for a work session. The agenda includes a closed session and a discussion on a policy item, though no details are provided. The meeting also includes adoption of the agenda and adjournment.
- Closed session at 4:30 p.m.
- Discussion item on Policy (no details provided)
- Adoption of the meeting agenda
- Audio files of the meeting available online
VIRTUAL REGULAR MEETING
The board will first hold a closed session at 4 p.m. to discuss collective bargaining, pending litigation, and school consolidation. The regular meeting will then include recognitions, proclamations (Black History Month, National School Counseling Week), superintendent announcements (WiFi on entire bus fleet, school closure for Presidents' Day), a hearing of visitors, and approval of a consent agenda covering financial reports, bills, payroll, personnel decisions, annual resolutions, gifts, fundraisers, and contracts up to $50,000. There will also be a discussion on reopening and extended learning time.
- Closed session for collective bargaining, litigation, and school consolidation
- WiFi installation on entire bus fleet
- Discussion on reopening and extended learning time
- Approval of personnel decisions (new hires, terminations)
- Ratification of contracts for $50,000 or less
VIRTUAL REGULAR MEETING, 5:30p.m.
The South Bend Community School Corporation Board of School Trustees met virtually on January 25, 2021. They held a closed executive session prior to the public meeting to discuss strategy on collective bargaining, litigation, and school consolidation. During the regular meeting, the board discussed an academic focus on 'right sizing' or school reorganization, heard public comments on action items, and approved the consent agenda including personnel decisions, bills, and annual resolutions.
- Closed session for strategy on collective bargaining, pending litigation, and school consolidation
- Discussion of 'right sizing' school reorganization with attached slides
- Public hearing for action agenda items (45 minutes, 3 minutes per speaker)
- Approval of consent agenda including personnel decisions (new hires and terminations) and financial reports
- Recognition of Pokagon Contribution, Amanda Russell, Jackson Middle School PLTW award, and foundation leadership changes
VIRTUAL EXECUTIVE SESSION MEETING
The South Bend Community School Corporation Board of School Trustees will meet in a virtual executive session to discuss strategy on collective bargaining, pending litigation, and school consolidation. The board will also receive information about and interview prospective employees, discuss individual employee status and job performance evaluations, and train board members with an outside consultant. No public votes or decisions are expected during this closed-door meeting.
- Discussion of strategy on collective bargaining (IC 5-14-1.5-6.1(b)(2)(A))
- Discussion of strategy on pending litigation (IC 5-14-1.5-6.1(b)(2)(B))
- Discussion of strategy on school consolidation (IC 5-14-1.5-6.1(b)(2)(E))
- Receive information and interview prospective employees (IC 5-14-1.5-6.1(b)(5))
- Board member training with outside consultant on role performance (IC 5-14-1.5-6.1(b)(11))
VIRTUAL REGULAR MEETING, 5:35p.m.
The South Bend Community School Board will consider approving weighted grades for dual-credit courses, which would assign higher point values to more challenging classes. The board will also hold a closed session to discuss collective bargaining, litigation, school consolidation, and personnel matters. Consent agenda items include financial reports, payroll, personnel decisions, contracts under $50,000, gifts, fundraisers, and annual resolutions.
- Approval of weighted grades for dual-credit courses (action item 10.01)
- Closed session for collective bargaining, litigation, school consolidation, and personnel
- Consent agenda approval of financial reports and payroll (items 9.01-9.02)
- Personnel decisions including new hires and terminations (item 9.03)
- Contracts for $50,000 or less (item 9.06)
VIRTUAL ORGANIZATIONAL MEETING 5:30p.m.
This virtual organizational meeting of the South Bend Community School Corporation Board of School Trustees will elect officers for the year, appoint a treasurer and deputy treasurer with $300,000 bonds each, and authorize the president to appoint committee members. The board will also install newly elected members.
- Election of board president, vice president, and secretary.
- Appointment of Kareemah Fowler as Treasurer and Jenise Palmer as Deputy Treasurer, each bonded for $300,000.
- Authorization for the president to appoint board members to committees and organizations (passed 5-2, with Oletha L. Jones and Jeanette McCullough voting no).
- Installation of newly elected board members by the St. Joseph County Clerk of the Circuit Court.