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Board discusses plan to expand resident/nonresident transfers and signature programs; approves RFP process for CTE construction manager
Summary
Superintendent presented a four‑phase effort to grow choice through resident and nonresident transfers and signature elementary programming; the board approved publishing an RFP for a construction manager/constructor (CMC) for the CTE building and set key procurement dates.
Superintendent Dr. St. John outlined a four‑phase strategic effort “aimed at growing choice and opportunity in the district” that begins with community discussion, then would expand resident transfer opportunities, expand nonresident transfers, and develop tailored secondary programs tied to the new career and technical education (CTE) building planned to open for the 2027–28 school year.
Dr. St. John said the district will use criteria consistent with Indiana statute to exclude transfer applicants with serious conduct histories and will manage enrollment increases carefully: “I give [the] metaphor ... like a faucet that we can open or close to various degrees at any time based on capacities that we determine,” she said. She added the district will solicit community input, run surveys that include families currently choosing other options, and coordinate staff interest in building signature programming.
Board members generally urged a proactive approach. One board member said the district should accelerate outreach and planning, with another urging “both feet on the gas” to move quickly to capture potential students. The superintendent announced a community forum for the plan on Sept. 8 at Homestead High School from 7 to 8 p.m. and referenced a web page with details and a feedback form.
On a related facilities procurement, the board approved publishing an RFP for a construction manager/constructor (CMC) to oversee the CTE building project. The board packet included contract exhibits; the district proposed publishing the RFP Sept. 4 and Sept. 11, holding a mandatory preproposal meeting Sept. 12, and requiring proposals by Sept. 25, with interviews scheduled the following week and a recommendation to the board in October. The board moved and approved the RFP publication and schedule by voice vote; the meeting record shows ayes but does not list individual vote tallies.
The strategic plan discussion remained at the community‑input and policy direction stage; the CMC RFP is a formal procurement action that the board approved to proceed.
