Jennings County — The Jennings County School Corporation board on an evening vote approved a package of policy, program, staffing and financial items, including a second reading of NEOLA policy updates and multiple community donations.

Nikki introduced the NEOLA policy group and asked the board for approval on the second reading, saying, "I'm asking for approval tonight of this group of Neola policies." The board voted to adopt the policies (motion and tally recorded during the meeting).

Carrie presented course approvals intended to support the district's new diploma and said the additions "give us a little more flexibility and some options for the students to take some other classes." The board approved the course recommendations for the 2026–27 school year.

On personnel, the board approved permission to fill vacancies before the next meeting to avoid gaps in classroom coverage over winter break and accepted a slate of support-staff hires and volunteer coach recommendations. The board also approved Title I non-public tutoring services for St. Mary's and named the tutors to provide those services.

The board accepted a large list of community donations to support student activities, meal programs and supply needs. Philip read gifts from individuals and local organizations that included amounts earmarked for student activities, Panther Pantry support and assistance with lunch balances; he also announced a separate $1,000 donation from Marilyn Wickham for the Panther Pantry (accepted with one recorded abstention). "We have an entire sheet of donations because of the great people of this county," Philip said.

On finance items, the board approved a standard resolution authorizing the treasurer and deputy treasurer to make payments and claims without prior board action through Jan. 8, 2026, and a year-end resolution permitting temporary transfers for 12/31/2025 cash-flow purposes.

Other approvals included an extension of the district's partnership with JAG (which Nikki said had secured funding to continue for a second semester) and an agreement with Calming Creations Counseling to permit parent-paid counselors to see students during the school day for families who cannot access services outside school.

Votes at a glance

- NEOLA policies (second reading): approved, tally recorded as 6-0 (SEG 015–031).
- Course approvals for 2026–27 (high school diploma options): approved, tally recorded as 6-0 (SEG 033–055).
- McKinney-Vento grant acceptance (FY '26, $21,232.50): motion made and approved (SEG 092–119).
- Permission to fill positions before next meeting: approved 6-0 (SEG 132–151).
- Title I non-public tutors for St. Mary's: approved (SEG 152–173).
- Support-staff and volunteer coach recommendations: approved (SEG 174–203).
- Donations acceptance: approved (multiple items, including a $1,000 gift accepted with one abstention) (SEG 204–275).
- Treasurer interim-authority resolution through 01/08/2026: approved (SEG 299–317).
- Year-end temporary transfer resolution for 12/31/2025 cash flow: approved 6-0 (SEG 319–337).
- JAG partnership extension: approved 6-0 (SEG 457–476).
- Calming Creations Counseling agreement (parent-paid in-school counseling): approved 6-0 (SEG 477–506).

Why it matters

The items approved keep the district operational heading into the new calendar year: policy updates maintain consistency with recommended NEOLA language, course approvals adjust academic pathways for the new diploma, and the donations and grant funds target immediate student needs such as meals, clothing and transportation. The fiscal resolutions provide routine authority to the treasurer for short-term cash-flow management, a standard practice at year end.

What’s next

Several items flagged for future action will return to the board in January: Philip said he will bring the Sand Creek roofing low bid back for formal approval and Nikki said she will return with an updated operating agreement related to the Southeastern Career Center if Madison Consolidated Schools elects to rejoin the cooperative.