Board approves consent agenda, personnel appointment and summer hiring authority

The Carmel Clay Schools board approved routine consent items, including payroll, claims and minutes from recent meetings, by voice vote. During the personnel portion of the meeting Dr. Holly Herrera announced the appointment of Brian Beerman as principal of Woodbrook Elementary School and summarized his prior experience.

The board adopted a resolution in support of military families to enable the district to pursue or renew Purple Star designation through the Indiana Department of Education; Mr. Woodward presented the Purple Star renewal requirements (a three‑year designation, school points of contact, a public display and a commitment to guarantee job interviews for qualifying service members) and the motion to adopt the resolution passed by voice vote.

The board also approved an annual administrative request to grant authority from June 10 through August 26, 2026 to the superintendent (Dr. Tom Orike) and Dr. Herrera to hire certified and non‑certified staff and accept resignations during the summer to accelerate hiring; administration said that all hires and resignations will be reported to the board at the next meeting and that background checks will be completed prior to offers.

Separately, finance staff explained and the board approved a routine transfer of cash reserves between district funds to rebalance cash (education, operating referendum, rainy day and self‑insurance funds) and reduce the need for temporary inter‑fund loans to the self‑insurance fund.

The board observed appreciation for staff and students and thanked community partners including the mayor for attending recognitions earlier in the meeting.