Meeting Report · Richland-Bean Blossom School Board
Board awards $2,735,856 bid for softball and baseball turf projects.
The new turf will improve safety and maintenance for both fields, with work scheduled to begin this summer.
Highlights
Key Highlights
- 01Board awards $2,735,856 bid for softball and baseball turf projects.
- 02Board approved setting aside $2,255,500 for the biomed life sciences project.
- 03Four school psychologist in training positions were created.
- 04Latch Key fees for the 2026-2027 school year were increased.
- 05Edgewood High School pool deck replacement was approved for $120,015.
- 06Edgewood Primary School was recognized for Level 1 High Reliability Schools certification.
Written for residents
Summary
The new turf will improve safety and maintenance for both fields, with work scheduled to begin this summer.
The Board awarded a $2,735,856 bid to Skiilman for softball and baseball turf projects. The project also includes a $51,977 chain link fence and an $80,685 sidewalk to enhance student safety when walking between the junior high and high school. Staff noted that improved facilities help the corporation compete for students.
Members approved a resolution to set aside $2,255,500 from construction bond dollars for the biomed life sciences project. This action fulfills a specific documentation request from the Indiana Economic Development Corporation for a $500,000 grant. The grant money must be spent by 2028.
The Board created four school psychologist in training positions. These four-year positions are fully funded by a federal grant, which also covers the cost of an education specialist degree for the employees. Board members expressed concerns about the lack of a formal job description approval and future placement for these employees after the grant ends. Staff clarified that the positions were advertised, and the employees remain RBB employees throughout the program.
Latch Key fees for the 2026-2027 school year were increased. Dr. Sanders stated that the increase is necessary due to the state's financial position for school corporations and aims to provide competitive salaries for staff. The program currently serves 85 students in the morning and 65 in the afternoon, offering before and after school child care on campus.
The Board approved a $120,015 bid from Jack Lori Group to replace the Edgewood High School pool deck. The existing tile deck has experienced issues with loose tiles, rusting, and bulging, creating a safety hazard. The new epoxy type flooring will have a rough surface to resist slipping.
The Board approved a $112,476 career coaching grant subaward agreement, which pays for the salary and benefits of the high school career coach. Members also approved the declaration of surplus items, including a farmhouse, barns, and silos, noting that asbestos removal is required before demolition. Additionally, the Board approved extending the sub for insurance pay program to administrators, allowing retiring administrators to serve in various support roles.
The summer school program was approved, featuring a new partnership with the Boys and Girls Club for kindergarten and first-grade remediation. Edgewood Primary School was recognized for achieving Level 1 High Reliability Schools certification, a significant accomplishment in continuous improvement. Arnold Caldwell, Director of Maintenance, was also honored as the IASBO Director of the Year.
The Receipts
Fiscal Decisions
Create position of school psychologist in training
To create a new position for school psychologists in training, fully funded by a four-year grant. The grant covers salary, benefits, and an education specialist degree. Four internal candidates were selected.
Approval of Consent Agenda
Approval of minutes from March 24, 2026, financial report for March 2026, gross wages for March 13, March 26 (mini payroll), and March 27, 2026, claims and prepaids from March 1-31, 2026, regular claims vouchers for April 21, 2026, personnel actions (resignations, retirements, non-renewals, leaves, terminations, appointments, transfers), and a donation of equipment from Boston Scientific. Also approved four field trips.
Approve Latch Key fees for 2026-2027 school year
Approval to increase fees for the before and after school latch key program to help cover costs and provide competitive salaries for staff. The specific fee amounts were not stated in the transcript, only that they were increased.
Approve Summer School Program
Approval of the summer school program for June 1-18 (EPS/EIS) and June 1-19 (High School), and July 20-30 (Junior High jump start). The program includes a partnership with the Boys and Girls Club for kindergarten and first grade.
Approve Sub for Insurance Pay for Administrators
Approval to extend the sub for insurance pay program, previously for teachers, to retiring administrators. This allows them to sub in various roles including expulsion examiner, transportation support, building support, event assistance, construction project assistance, and substitute teacher.
Approve Declaration of Surplus Items
Declaration of the farmhouse, barns, and two silos (one 24 ft by six rings/6,500 bushels, one 18 ft by six rings/2,750 bushels) as surplus. The structures are in bad shape, and asbestos removal is planned before demolition.
Approve Replacement of Edgewood High School Pool Deck
Approval to replace the existing pool deck tiles, which have issues with looseness, rusting, bulging, and puddles, with an epoxy type flooring that is slip-resistant. The lowest quote was from Jack Lori Group.
Approve Ready One 2.0 Resolution
Approval of a resolution requested by the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) to specifically document that $2,255,500 from the construction bond dollars approved in the fall has been set aside for the biomed life sciences project. This is required for a $500,000 grant from Regional Opportunity Initiatives (ROI).
Approve Career Coaching Grant Subaward Agreement
Approval of a subaward agreement for the career coaching grant from Regional Opportunity Initiatives (ROI), which funds the salary and benefits of Susan Harrington, the career coach at the high school. The grant runs from January 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027.
Award Bid for Softball and Baseball Turf Projects
Awarding the bid to Skiilman for the softball and baseball turf projects, which includes a base bid, a chain link fence alternative, and a sidewalk alternative. The total bid came in under the estimated cost.
Also discussed
Budget Discussions (No Vote Taken)
Saving money for the school corporation
Estimated: $500,000
Goal to save $500,000 this year, potentially up to $1,000,000. Taking individuals out of the classroom for school psychologist in training positions is a big part of saving the $500,000.
Excess cost in federal grants
Estimated: $200,000
Federal grants often start on January 1st but school year contracts begin later, leading to excess costs. The Seeds grant received $750,000-$800,000 in its first year. The government does not want to know about planning for modifications to spend excess costs until later.
School psychologist position open
Currently have two school psychologists for the entire district. Paying for contracted services due to lack of applicants for an open position.
Latch key program funding
The latch key program has always been supplemented by the education fund.
Summer school funding
State reimbursement for summer school is not enough to fully fund it. Discussion about potentially reducing transportation costs by having group stops instead of home drop-offs due to high fuel costs.
SEEK money
SEEK money is now coming in, helping to build up balances. Last month, approximately $400,000 came in. The school's portion is $30,000 per student.
Transfers from education fund
Currently transferring $250 per month. The goal is to get to 15% of transferring from the education fund, but they are currently under that.
Tennis courts
Need to look at the tennis courts soon as a patch put on them years ago is past its expected life.