What the board voted on March 24: internships, contracts, voting site, bond timeline and fund reconciliation

The School City of East Chicago Board of Trustees took votes on several items at its March 24 meeting. Most motions passed by roll call; the notable exception was debate over a reconciliation memo that passed 3–2.

Votes at a glance

- Item 6.01 — Technology student internship: Motion to approve by VP Joelle Rodriguez; second by Trustee Gomez. Vote: unanimous approval by roll call.

- Item 6.02 — Contract for CPR certification (Michelle Connick): Motion by Trustee Gomez; second by VP Rodriguez. Vote: unanimous approval by roll call.

- Item 6.03 — Reconciliation memo (legacy grants and fund transfers): Board approved the memo after extended discussion and a restarted roll call. Vote recorded as 3 in favor (VP Joelle Rodriguez, Secretary Diane Smith, President Taylor) and 2 opposed (Trustee Gibson King, Trustee Gomez). The approval authorizes staff to proceed with transfers and returning funds as directed by the State Board of Accounts and directs further reconciliation work before funds are transmitted.

- Item 6.04 — Designation of Carrie Gosch as an early voting site: Motion by Trustee Gomez; second by VP Joelle Rodriguez. Trustees asked who was responsible for notifying voters; staff indicated that the county board of elections will issue notices and flyers will be distributed after the board’s approval. Vote: unanimous approval by roll call.

- Item 6.05 — Review of bond issuance timeline: Attorney Harris explained the schedule for issuing bonds through the East Chicago Multischool Building Corporation and the next step (a public hearing at the next meeting). Vote: approved by roll call.

- Item 6.06 — Memorandum of understanding with the City for bus use during Fusick Fest: Motion by VP Joelle Rodriguez; second by Trustee Gomez. Vote: approved by roll call.

- Item 6.07 — Professional development request: Motion to approve by VP Joelle Rodriguez. Vote: approved by roll call.

- Item 6.08 — Personnel report: Motion to approve by VP Joelle Rodriguez; Trustee Smith noted a personnel item that requires further discussion but voted in favor. Vote: approved by roll call.

- Item 6.09 — Appointment to the finance committee: President Taylor appointed VP Joelle Rodriguez to the finance committee under Policy 0155.1; the appointment was announced and committee membership completed.

The board also ratified a previously passed policy (00173) that needed a formal motion and second recorded in the minutes as a technical correction. Several consent-agenda motions included a removal of a claim (number 97009097090) from the claims docket prior to final approval.

Next steps: Business Operations and the finance team will continue detailed reconciliations of legacy funds and report updated figures to the board before transferring money back to state or federal sources. The next board meeting is scheduled for April 14, 2026, at 6 p.m.