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Votes at a glance: board approves disability month, staffing and policy actions
Summary
The Griffith Public Schools Board of Trustees approved several routine resolutions and personnel actions, including a proclamation for Disability Awareness Month and conversion of two contracted occupational therapy roles into district positions.
The Griffith Public Schools Board of Trustees approved several routine resolutions, personnel changes and policy actions during the meeting following the public hearings.
Summary of actions and outcomes
- Disability awareness month: The board adopted Resolution No. 2025‑6 declaring March as Disability Awareness Month in the district. The board voted in favor and the resolution passed.
- Occupational therapy staffing: Trustees approved creating and hiring two full‑time occupational therapist positions to replace contracted occupational therapy services. The board discussed a cost analysis and said Milestone Therapy (the district’s contracted provider) will continue to provide physical therapy services; the motion to convert two OT positions to district employees passed on a voice vote.
- Policies and readings: The board approved the second reading of a group of policies (Item 4.1), advanced first readings and rescissions (Item 4.2), and approved a first reading while bypassing a required second reading for a student retention policy (Item 4.3) to ensure compliance with recent state changes. Trustees voted to carry the motions.
- Supply list: The board approved the 2025–26 supply list included in the packet.
- Consent agenda and donations: The consent agenda passed. The board acknowledged donations to district efforts including support for an Easter egg hunt and clothing donations to the district’s “Panther Closet.”
Why it matters: these routine approvals set staffing and policy direction for the coming school year and declare the district’s formal observance of Disability Awareness Month. The move to hire two full‑time occupational therapists shifts some special‑education service delivery from outside contracting toward district employment.
Context and discussion: the superintendent and staff said the district currently contracts occupational therapy (OT) services through Milestone Therapy for OTs and OTAs (assistants) and that a cost analysis showed it would be in the district’s interest to employ two full‑time OTs directly. Trustees said Milestone will continue to provide physical‑therapy services because current demand there does not justify a full‑time district employee.
Votes and documentation: most items were approved unanimously or by voice vote. Where roll calls were recorded (in other agenda items), trustees who recorded votes included Emily Connor, Kathy Ruskin, Jessie Aduchi, Jason (last name not specified in the record), and Tina Adams. The board set a follow‑up schedule for policy implementation and for hiring and onboarding the new OT positions.
What’s next: staff will proceed with job postings, hiring and implementing the staffing change and will return to the board where required for final approvals or updates. The board noted upcoming calendar items including the next regular meeting on April 10 at 6 p.m. in the LGI room.
