Board approves consent agenda, lease resolution, handbook and two grants including $4 million AI learning award

The MSD Southwest Allen County Schools board approved a series of routine and programmatic motions at its July meeting, including consent‑agenda items, contracts and grant acceptances.

The board approved the consent agenda (minutes of June 17, 2025; bills, claims and payroll; and personnel recommendations) by voice vote after no items were removed for separate consideration. The consent agenda included multiple personnel recommendations that took effect as part of routine business.

Randy Levy presented a repeated CCBCC Coke agreement that had been before the board at the prior meeting; with no changes noted, the board approved the agreement by voice vote.

The board also approved a resolution of amendment related to a lease for the 2025–26 districtwide facility project, a legal step the administration described as part of the bond issuance process. Hannah from Barnes & Thornburg was present as legal counsel for questions; the administration said the lease documents will be executed in August as the bond process moves forward.

The 2025–26 administrative handbook was approved. Superintendent Dr. St. John noted one notable handbook change: effective July 1 each year, administrative contracts will be renewed for two years for administrators with an evaluation rating of "highly effective" or "effective" in the most recent school year unless otherwise recommended by the board.

Two grant awards were approved:

• A digital learning grant in the amount of $4,045,200 to support artificial‑intelligence literacy for staff and students. Dr. St. John said the district intends to use the funds to subscribe to a tool identified by the district AI committee, called Magic School AI, and to advance responsible and ethical AI use. The board approved acceptance of the grant by voice vote.

• A $15,000 teacher residency grant from the Commission of Higher Education to pilot a full‑year teacher residency. Dr. St. John said the pilot pairs Ball State student Aidan Homan with Covington third‑grade teacher Angie Erwin; the grant supports the resident and the mentor teacher. The board approved the acceptance of the grant by voice vote.

Board members offered brief comments of appreciation as the meeting closed; there was no public comment.

Actions recorded during the meeting will be followed by administrative steps (execution of lease documents in August; implementation and procurement tied to grant conditions).