[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6206980,"mediaKeyId","3759989-ea35858b1e16f010ddeaefd89ddda868","parentId",3759989,"title","Munster High proposes new handbook rules on attendance, AI, dress code and extracurriculars","audioSeconds",1682,"startMs",1620000,"endMs",3302000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3759989-ea35858b1e16f010ddeaefd89ddda868&start=1620&end=3302","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3759989-ea35858b1e16f010ddeaefd89ddda868/thumbnail_1620000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6206980/Indiana/Munster-High-proposes-new-handbook-rules-on-attendance-AI-dress-code-and-extracurriculars","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6206980-2e496c189c758dcfbdc56fb069fb5e2b/orig.mp4?Expires=1770636097&Signature=ONacRJZMr95LygjhMExM4oXihLQ-zP6KDtmsf~OUdlgrzwuOKqd3a4g09ymAKe3Uu4VQkRwFL11dune8gKc500X4Y-DADzUvq9U0zWgCPNVRjrxBozV5fsHAM4qcqxfU18bnNWUVC7SE4OpW2izfbMvcKWXm4xTNzAHyRsMwXxYkNq6FMPBzW-3VQH8utjfA2NsDvG9DWvjYyVm-Omv~VDePl-X4X7vKXAGzHjGV85URMGgdrthIwiCSj8MSxe7vOoUeoIFLLpeXrszAkQjHhQE5jNGKgQ32DVjndcaF0fPqoGjrDy41rkxzmjkcdvPM~JpifOq-jRq4OizOxwoogw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","School Town of Munster","date","2025-06-11T08:40:53.233Z","article","Munster High administrators presented a package of handbook revisions they recommended for the 2025–26 school year, covering attendance rules, academic dishonesty policies tied to artificial intelligence, dress-code changes, extracurricular offerings and other student conduct provisions.

Principal Nolan summarized the changes, saying most were language clarifications or updates required by state law. He said the handbook now distinguishes attendance standards for dances (90 percent) and for field trips that require students to miss class (94 percent, the state benchmark). \"We felt like [94 percent] was a pretty high bar for some of our students,\" Nolan said, adding the lower 90 percent bar was intended to avoid excluding students from dances that are important community events.

The handbook adds detailed guidance on academic integrity and AI. Nolan said the policy \"at default prohibits the use of AI in the classroom, but does allow for two additional policy placements for teachers depending on the class or the assignment\" and that an \"honor statement\" will require students to attest when they have not used barred tools on a given assignment. The proposed process includes local detection tools, department chair review and a required meeting with student and parents before administrative discipline is recorded.

Administrators also proposed reverting to a no-hats/head coverings policy in school buildings with an explicit exemption for religious headwear, citing security and identification concerns. The handbook creates a tiered consequence system for violations of the co-curricular/extracurricular pledge, clarifies eligibility processes tied to state-required forms (overnight field trips, sudden cardiac arrest protocol, physical exams) and adds new clubs and activities, including Fellowship of Christian Athletes and an Italian culture club. The athletic department will add girls flag football at varsity and junior-varsity levels for the coming fall.

The board asked clarifying questions about the attendance thresholds and AI enforcement. Nolan said administrators had discussed methods to avoid punishing students who missed school due to widespread illness or one-time events and will permit administrative discretion in those cases. Board members praised the district’s proactive approach on AI and on using social workers and the Munster Police Department to provide interventions for students cited for alcohol, tobacco or drug violations.

The handbook revisions will return to the board for formal action at the July meeting; Nolan asked board members to send any additional edits (including typographical fixes) before that agenda deadline.

If approved later this summer, the changes will take effect for the 2025–26 school year and administrators said they plan training for teachers on implementing the AI and discipline components.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","School Town of Munster Regular School Board Meeting 6/9/25","oneSentenceSummary","Munster High administrators presented a package of handbook revisions they recommended for the 2025–26 school year, covering attendance rules, academic dishonesty policies tied to artificial intelligence, dress-code changes, extracurricular offerings and other student conduct provisions.","taxTitle","School Town of Munster, School Boards, Indiana","taxId",58177,"location","Indiana","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6206984,"Teachers, parents urge board to reinstate Elliott principal Nicole Guernsey",2637,3662000,6299000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3759989-ea35858b1e16f010ddeaefd89ddda868&start=3662&end=6299","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3759989-ea35858b1e16f010ddeaefd89ddda868/thumbnail_3662000.jpg","/articles/6206984/Indiana/Teachers-parents-urge-board-to-reinstate-Elliott-principal-Nicole-Guernsey","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6206984-67ff65bb2aec5cfc8c3c3c9fff177e90/orig.mp4?Expires=1770636097&Signature=WCv1f7Bux6xIe-W8ZyF1gAemw3u~wheR2b0tBDowAdsiE36qa4mZtenT00m0uGyCJKmKBYUZeQvO28LxRK3u39xrmflH-0cqIJBYJPt9S35xfBSR4tQbos6FZUJZD~sZuC6FvLtTOCMykpGf-OXInGlrXyGTtIOthJ6S-efnQTND4JF4DKktgP-OmQz5RhbEHJ6MfnkR5EZXKKg8cagg4gHgXD7THbdBj5S7G-qQWcr74urAvlj2rYUOayEYTYSXRLsp2JLUsi8FG2WeBgmhvZKxj0tVUW8-T-RQUp0WgtylUsd7b~jAuC-B0-X4nSHiH6b-y47a1dXhCf3JcVoZuA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Dozens of Elliott Elementary staff, former employees and parents addressed the School Town of Munster Board of School Trustees on concerns about the removal of Elliott Principal Nicole Guernsey.

Speakers said Guernsey has led Elliott for more than a decade and characterized her as a steady, compassionate leader. \"Nicole has been the heart of our building,\" said Andrea Leeser, a reading specialist at Elliott Elementary. Several speakers urged the board to explain why Guernsey's position was posted and asked the board to investigate the decision \"fairly and unbiased,\" as one commenter put it.

The speakers said Guernsey established close staff and community ties and cited examples of classroom support, student advocacy and staff mentorship. \"She is the heart of our school,\" said a former Elliott teacher, who described 16–17 years of service and asked the board to consider that institutional memory and relationships in any personnel decision. School nurse Lisa Mickelson told the board she had worked with Guernsey for seven years and praised her \"compassion and professionalism.\" Several other commenters asked that the board read letters of support submitted on Guernsey's behalf.

Board members and Superintendent John Heller responded that there was no board action on this agenda and that the board meeting was not the venue for personnel hearings. \"There is no board action related to that topic,\" Heller said and invited anyone with concerns to contact him directly while he remains superintendent for the coming weeks.

Speakers highlighted what they said would be the effects on students and staff if long-serving leadership is changed. Commenters repeatedly requested clarity about the reasons for the personnel change and asked the board to explain the process that led to posting the principal position.

No formal motion or personnel action on the Elliott principal position was presented to or taken by the board at this meeting. Board members said any personnel matters that require action would appear on a future agenda and that members of the public should submit concerns to the superintendent or board office for follow-up.

The public comment period on this topic concluded without a vote; the board reserved personnel decisions for appropriate confidential or future agenda processes.

The board will receive any formal personnel recommendations through its normal agenda process. Members of the public who addressed the board tonight said they expect the district to communicate next steps to Elliott families and staff.","More than a dozen Elliott Elementary staff and community members spoke at the School Town of Munster board meeting to protest the removal of Principal Nicole Guernsey, urging the board to explain the decision and consider reinstatement; board members said there is no board action on the matter at this meeting.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6206965,"Superintendent John Heller to depart; board begins search, receives over 30 applications",0,6133000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3759989-ea35858b1e16f010ddeaefd89ddda868&start=6133&end=6133","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3759989-ea35858b1e16f010ddeaefd89ddda868/thumbnail_6133000.jpg","/articles/6206965/Indiana/Superintendent-John-Heller-to-depart-board-begins-search-receives-over-30-applications","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6206965-7d6bb6276a16a3cbacccb37b318d049b/orig.mp4?Expires=1770636097&Signature=UqajIlW-cR44lbM-7i-6Xrj8BS0S5kqqB7Th5F55zt427aikKvD7qA3LC9xTwsjp7JOYdz0feoJRbSXf5Qb7RWl9QvfxwEB3iP4MgNonT9fwRzqI-7OoknqpfdShseVdw3YuRRGm1B~pnstEjoFUrCfGEk1fbYdGlL6R3yvb46WbpbuoxK86VRb7Nir6HI0MBCRwGN4j3qJBY9SA0dWbKl2rCVeC2JnPhtfatAqR4ezQBV9T2Gx3T7W-KeSP4wudOHUBVHD-AHYd8u9nTPdiLIoohxi74ZBeqxHcA9pmjmakqT5-LwLZa7-Z6dc7g1lsAQ0pMMU3aYputO26KhuHSA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Superintendent John Heller announced his upcoming departure and the School Town of Munster Board of School Trustees outlined the district's search process for his replacement.

Board members and community speakers praised Heller's three years in the district. \"You made people feel seen,\" board member Smith said, acknowledging Heller's visibility across schools. Heller said he appreciated community remarks and reiterated that he will remain superintendent for several weeks and is available to hear individual concerns.

Board member Smith provided an update on the superintendent search. The application deadline has passed and the board received \"over 30 applications,\" she said. The board will meet with search firm BWP on Wednesday, June 11, when BWP will present an initial slate of candidates and offer resources for interviewing and evaluation. The board said it plans to conduct interviews in June, which may be in person or online, and will narrow the slate thereafter. The board said it will not \"settle for less\" and will repost the position or appoint an interim superintendent if a suitable finalist is not identified.

Board members reflected on Heller's tenure and said the district will seek a candidate who can continue work on initiatives begun under Heller, including district alignment and strategic planning. Board members and staff said the transition will include orientation and that the board will announce next steps following the BWP meeting and internal candidate review.

No formal personnel action to replace the superintendent occurred at this meeting; the board's next regular meeting is scheduled for July 14.","Superintendent John Heller confirmed he will remain in office for a few more weeks while the board conducts a search; the board said it received more than 30 applications and will meet with the search firm BWP to review candidate slates and interview timelines, with possible interviews in June and a decision or next steps to follow.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6206970,"Board approves kitchen equipment and classroom furniture projects; Allied Book Co. contracted to dispose of outdated textbooks",2582,980000,3562000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3759989-ea35858b1e16f010ddeaefd89ddda868&start=980&end=3562","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3759989-ea35858b1e16f010ddeaefd89ddda868/thumbnail_980000.jpg","/articles/6206970/Indiana/Board-approves-kitchen-equipment-and-classroom-furniture-projects-Allied-Book-Co-contracted-to-dispose-of-outdated-textbooks","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6206970-e4374e26f90466942a001e6b1311761b/orig.mp4?Expires=1770636097&Signature=oi9SS7OpsbGu5qZ6FLmmMc6RbfKB9YOv~cZjfpps5Rru9T7f7NxIEaPpMiPq~HjvvNpdD6NS0x8mrPn64LNUxi00o3m5-xnrEH07EnP3D1oalDCkQfjZgVGXLUFkEfm9cwUuUmKiTXZ9RfwUsR~uhzv3r~36FAVI67IS2JgtCEDqgrh6bokylluHF1Ec85c5q9UJdRwCP-temy2gu-1ZTvrADqpqxz0EYPEB-erC2LT50HJoHDz6UnOhbpwI2fTywFCAunLtTzK1V0MHIbiJmPT2rY~g4qUlVr1wETgZ2poTDpS~gP76MfazwScZrOwJLVSX5AB03Kj98rQau0uu5Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The School Town of Munster Board of School Trustees approved several facilities and equipment projects at its meeting, including kitchen upgrades, classroom furniture replacement and curricular-materials disposal.

Director of operations Justin Begley described a project to replace aging serving lines and a combi oven at Eads (project 20250331). Begley said the combi oven \"takes water and heat\" to control moisture and time for varied recipes and that the equipment and serving lines are \"in dire need of being replaced.\" He said the district will fund that project from the food-service account. The board approved the Eads serving line and combi-oven replacement 5–0 following a motion.

Trustees also approved a furniture purchase (project 20250530) to complete classroom furniture replacement at the middle school; Begley said the buyout completes orders for 20 classrooms and follows earlier purchases that replaced teacher desks. The board recorded a unanimous vote on that item.

Administrators recommended using Allied Book Company to pick up and dispose of obsolete curriculum materials after textbook-adoption cycles; the board approved that contract 5–0.

Begley also provided construction and facilities updates: fine-arts classroom flooring and ceilings are installed; theater seating is scheduled to arrive later in the month with stage work ongoing; Wilbur Wright bleacher demolition and reinstallation were underway with an anticipated completion date of June 20; a 30 Fifth Street parking-lot and storage project was out to public bid with an opening scheduled for June 26; and two buses are expected in the fall with an Indiana State Police inspection planned.

All projects approved tonight were presented with funding sources and implementation notes; trustees asked no substantive funding changes at the meeting.","Trustees approved replacement of serving lines and a combi oven at Eads (funded from food service), a middle-school classroom furniture purchase funded from bond proceeds, and contracted Allied Book Company to remove obsolete curricular materials; construction updates for theater and athletic facilities were presented by operations staff.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6206975,"Board approves 2025–26 fringe-benefit updates; federal mileage rate to take effect July 1",2131,1182000,3313000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3759989-ea35858b1e16f010ddeaefd89ddda868&start=1182&end=3313","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3759989-ea35858b1e16f010ddeaefd89ddda868/thumbnail_1182000.jpg","/articles/6206975/Indiana/Board-approves-202526-fringe-benefit-updates-federal-mileage-rate-to-take-effect-July-1","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6206975-fad6ba6318cc4dc83175c2b5ea1ffc18/orig.mp4?Expires=1770636097&Signature=KYSwV-WhYYs~-0WxD8t-6YgsKyE3ANZcybwnmKiP1r9sOfit8SAXJWSw6KplKJOskiHktqcPzoZQl8m4vlPm7NjnvxHOl~NyNBLKXE9IoP3zpBq81Ep-H0ZmRf75AIqFKjArZtKdWKIs4E6lr-AKu31FwtFHBl~E3GAJkH-nJv5dnQufLFhdjP9X-WWm6U3XlHLdQcoEV0HH6xgxC~UooiWiDZqi4K4FqtQcyqXdAe5RXWxQD8m2uOiN~Y8VwlWXq-kYWhw49ByTqD4Dt5aWqDTq9Z7XCWKG5kZBwmpLDcguYqCSFMsCLvEonm4ScSlyv2Y5YH5jW76KO4pOpXO3yg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The School Town of Munster Board of School Trustees approved updates to classified, transportation and administrative fringe-benefit documents for the 2025–26 year and received notice that the district will apply the federal mileage rate change on July 1.

Administrators presented changes described mainly as language clarifications and housekeeping updates. The classified-staff package includes an adjusted prorating schedule for PTO, clarified work-injury reporting steps and a small planned increase for the district portion of medical insurance \"by $300,\" the presenter said. The board approved the classified staff fringe benefits 5–0 following a motion to adopt the package.

Transportation benefits updates clarified attendance-incentive language to prevent overlapping incentives; the board approved that package 5–0. Administrative fringe-benefit language was also cleaned up to align PTO buyback timing with administrators' contract years and to remove expired transition language; that package passed 5–0.

Separately, the board was notified that the federal mileage reimbursement rate issued in January will be applied by the district beginning July 1 under board policy. The presenter cited the new federal rate (70¢ per mile) and said the change does not require a separate board vote, only notification under existing policy.

Board members asked about affordability and confirmed district business office review. The presenter said district business staff supplied the updated mileage figures and insurance amounts and that the modest cost increases had been budgeted and reviewed.

All fringe-benefit approvals were recorded as unanimous votes at the meeting; the mileage-rate change was informational and will be implemented July 1 under board policy.","The School Town of Munster board approved changes to classified, transportation and administrative fringe benefits for 2025–26, including minor insurance increases and mileage stipend adjustments tied to the new federal rate; the administration said the district budgeted for the modest increases.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Munster High proposes new handbook rules on attendance, AI, dress code and extracurriculars

Teachers, parents urge board to reinstate Elliott principal Nicole Guernsey

Superintendent John Heller to depart; board begins search, receives over 30 applications

Board approves kitchen equipment and classroom furniture projects; Allied Book Co. contracted to dispose of outdated textbooks

Board approves 2025–26 fringe-benefit updates; federal mileage rate to take effect July 1