Southern Hancock Co Com Sch Corp board accepts $50,000 donation, approves trips, calendars and contracts

The Southern Hancock County Community School Corporation board unanimously approved a series of routine but operationally important items on Feb. 9, 2026, including a $50,000 private donation designated for the districtSchool Safety Program, the cancellation of eligible outstanding checks under State Board of Accounts guidance, an overnight student trip, calendar approvals and a student-support services contract.

Board President Dan Walker opened the meeting and the board moved swiftly through the consent agenda before turning to new business. Sarah Gizzi, the districtBusiness Manager, reported that Ryan and Angela Gookins donated $50,000 specifically to the School Safety Program; the board accepted the gift by a 5-0 vote. Gizzi also presented a list of checks eligible for cancellation under state guidance (checks outstanding two years past issuance); the board approved the cancellation and receipting back into designated funds.

In other actions, the board approved an overnight hotel stay near Plainfield for NPHSperforming group Diamond Sensations to support competitions scheduled for Feb. 27and Feb. 28, 2026, citing student safety and rest. The board approved recommended commencement dates for the Class of 2026 and adopted both the draft master calendar for 202728 and an update to the 202627 calendar. The board also approved the 202627 staff daycare fee schedule and a professional service agreement with Angels of Hope Home Care to provide student support services for students with identified special needs.

All motions reported in open session passed unanimously with roll-call-style results recorded in the minutes (5-0); motions were typically moved by Board Secretary Brian McKinney and seconded by Amanda Wooton. No public comments on agenda items were submitted.

Votes at a glance

- Approve agenda: Motion by Brian McKinney, second Amanda Wooton — Approved 5-0. - Consent agenda (minutes, claims, personnel): Motion by Amanda Wooton, second Brian McKinney — Approved 5-0. - Accept donation ($50,000) for School Safety Program: Motion by Brian McKinney, second Amanda Wooton — Approved 5-0. - Cancel outstanding checks per State Board guidance: Motion by Dan Walker, second Brian McKinney — Approved 5-0. - Diamond Sensations overnight stay (Feb. 2728, 2026): Motion by Brian McKinney, second Amanda Wooton — Approved 5-0. - Commencement dates for Class of 2026: Motion by Brian McKinney, second Amanda Wooton — Approved 5-0. - 202627 staff daycare fees: Motion by Dan Walker, second Amanda Wooton — Approved 5-0. - 202728 NPCS master calendar and update to 202627 calendar: Motions moved/seconded as noted in minutes — Approved 5-0. - Professional service agreement with Angels of Hope Home Care: Motion moved/seconded as noted — Approved 5-0. - Adjournment: Motion by Brian McKinney, second Jon Hooker — Approved 5-0.

Why it matters

The actions formalize funding and operational decisions that affect student safety planning, academic scheduling and the provision of specialized student services. The donation will be deposited to the School Safety Program fund; cancellation of stale checks reconciles accounting records per state guidance. Calendar and fee approvals set the districtoperational timeline and cost structure for staff daycare in the coming school year.

Board members did not receive public testimony on these items and voted unanimously on the proposals. The board meeting record includes attachments for each item (field-trip request, calendars, contract documents and claims lists) for public review per district practice. The board adjourned following member comments and recognition items.