Board approves multiple routine items, directs community forum on Herald Times property by March 2026
Summary
Trustees approved the consent agenda, accepted donations, adopted policy 5-1-1-1, approved the MCEA collective bargaining agreement, personnel recommendations, contracts, and Resolution 2025-25; trustees also discussed the Herald Times property and asked administration to convene a public forum to gather input no later than March 2026.
At the November meeting, the Monroe County Community Sch Corp board approved multiple agenda items and issued direction on the Herald Times property.
Votes at a glance: On motions moved and seconded in open session, the board approved the consent agenda (moved by Ross, seconded by Asia), accepted over $9,000 in donations (moved by Ross, seconded by Ashley), adopted policy 5-1-1-1 on resident and nonresident eligibility (moved by Ashley, seconded by Ross), approved the collective bargaining agreement between MCCSC and the Monroe County Education Association (MCEA) (moved by Ross, seconded by Asia), approved the personnel report (moved by Ross, seconded by Ashley), approved contracts and a quote (moved by Ross, seconded by Tianna), and adopted Resolution 2025-25 (tax anticipation warrant) (moved by Ross, seconded by Erin Wyatt). Each motion was presented as contained in the board packet and carried by voice vote.
Herald Times property and community forum: Dr. Henderson briefed the board on the Herald Times property (acquired in 2022), describing the site as roughly eight acres with six usable acres after a floodplain exclusion, approximately 77,000 square feet of mixed space, and about 170 parking spaces. Trustees discussed environmental concerns, renovation costs, assessed value, current uses (storage and bus parking), and public perception. The board directed Superintendent Winston and staff to organize a forum or other mechanisms to inform the public about potential uses and solicit feedback no later than March 2026 to inform any referendum timeline; Dr. Winston confirmed the administration would work to convene that engagement.
Why it matters: The Herald Times property is centrally located in the district and could be considered for consolidated services or sale; trustees emphasized the need to balance fiscal implications, ongoing operating costs, and community perception before any major capital project or referendum.
Quotations: "Direction from the collective board" was recorded as the intent to convene public feedback; Dr. Henderson summarized current uses: "Currently, we are utilizing the property for material and equipment storage as well as additional bus parking."
Next steps: Administration will plan and schedule a community forum and report back to the board; the next regular board meeting is scheduled for Dec. 16, 2025.
