Trustees reviewed the claims docket ahead of the August 12 meeting and asked staff for clarifications on several line items including credit‑card payments, a district mailing machine, event vendor payments, a parade float, service contracts and utilities.

On credit cards, staff explained the district posts one consolidated payment that reflects multiple cards held by trustees and the superintendent and agreed to provide a breakout spreadsheet showing individual card charges. Trustees asked about claim lines for a mailing machine (claim 88761) and were told the district plans to retire the machine in the coming year because digital notification now replaces mass mailed Title I notices. The board asked staff to confirm that transition.

Trustees queried vendor payments for a back‑to‑school rally (three items totaling $750) and a $700 parade‑float prepayment (the vendor required payment in advance). Staff confirmed the float was paid up front. The board asked for confirmation that a contractor’s invoice (claim 88951) was a final payment and that the individual will not receive further contracts; staff said the contractor did not renew this year. Trustees also discussed a towel service (Sentier) and were told weekly service charges will drop to about $50–$60 until the contract ends in 2026, down from about $200–$300 previously.

On utilities, trustees asked why multiple line items appeared for NIPSCO (gas) and water department charges; staff explained that different buildings have multiple meters, resulting in multiple line items on the docket. Trustee Gomez noted a spike in bills and asked staff to analyze which schools saw the largest increases. Trustees requested the invoices and supporting contracts be attached to future claim dockets where applicable.