The June 18, 2026, meeting of the Loogootee Community School Corporation Board of School Trustees was marked by significant leadership transitions, personnel approvals, and recognition of those who have helped shape the corporation’s success.

Prior to the regular meeting, a public hearing was held at 5:02 p.m. regarding the superintendent contract for Dr. Shelley Christmas, who will assume the role of superintendent effective July 1, 2026. No public comments were received. The hearing was closed following a motion by Dr. Brooke Hawkins and a second by Nick Toy.

Following the hearing, Dr. Christmas expressed gratitude for the opportunity to lead the corporation. “I am truly honored and humbled by the confidence the Board has placed in me. I want to thank each board member for their trust and support. I am grateful to serve a forward-thinking, student-centered board that continues to position Loogootee for success. This corporation and community have provided me with incredible opportunities, and I look forward to building upon the strong foundation already in place while serving our students, staff, families, and community in this new role” stated Christmas.

Board President TJ McAtee congratulated Dr. Christmas, stating, “Congratulations Dr. Christmas. We are happy to have you.”

The regular board meeting was called to order at 5:05 p.m. in the LHS Media Center following the Pledge of Allegiance. Board members in attendance included McAtee, Toy, Brent Courter, Hawkins, and Chad Wade.

The board unanimously approved the May 21 meeting minutes, corporation claims and vouchers, and a comprehensive list of personnel recommendations.

The board approved several personnel recommendations in preparation for the 2026-2027 school year. Among the most notable appointments were the selection of Dr. Shelley Christmas as Superintendent of Loogootee Community School Corporation effective July 1, 2026, and Dr. Brian Harmon as Administrative Consultant effective the same date. The board also approved John Neideiffer as Director of Maintenance and Stephanie Roberts as Food Service Director, both effective August 1, 2026.

At Loogootee Elementary School, Katie Callison was approved for the Library/Makerspace position, Sheila Smith was appointed to the PAWS Daycare program, Kayla Tedrow was approved for the Before School PAWS Daycare and Preschool Teaching position, and Mindy Grow was hired as an Elementary Instructional Assistant. The board also approved several extracurricular and academic leadership positions, including Shawna Walton as Math Bowl sponsor, Moriah Bullock as Spell Bowl sponsor, Marci Arthur as Yearbook sponsor, and Shannon Wagler as STEM/Robotics sponsor.

At Loogootee Middle School, Shealynn Arthur was approved as Junior Beta sponsor, Victoria Bauer as Grades 5-8 Yearbook sponsor, and Sarah Knepp was approved to serve as sponsor for Grades 5-6 Math Bowl, Grades 5-6 Student Council, and Grades 7-8 Student Council. The board also accepted the resignations of Carmen Martin, Loogootee High School Math Teacher, and Asia Crim, Loogootee Middle School Science Teacher.

Board members took time to recognize the contributions of retiring leaders. Courter expressed appreciation for both Dr. Harmon and Corporation Treasurer Sandra LaMar, noting that Loogootee Community Schools is “in a better place because of the two.”

McAtee echoed those sentiments, praising Dr. Harmon’s impact on the corporation and thanking LaMar for her passion and leadership.

Dr. Christmas also paid tribute to both retiring administrators by stating, “I would like to wish Dr. Harmon well on his retirement and thank him for his leadership, mentorship, and friendship. His vision and dedication have helped move Loogootee Community Schools forward in countless ways, and I am grateful for the opportunity to continue learning from him throughout this transition.” She also recognized LaMar’s 15 years of service as Corporation Treasurer by stating, “Sandra is one of the very best in her profession, and her dedication, knowledge, and commitment to Loogootee have been invaluable. Our corporation is stronger because of her work, and while her retirement is certainly well deserved, she will be missed deeply as well.”

Dr. Harmon responded by thanking the board for its confidence and support throughout his tenure. He said, “It has been an honor to serve and work with such a stellar team. I feel that the board has been left in stellar hands.”

The board also approved the first reading of new and revised board policies, the disposal of outdated technology equipment, and the 2026-2027 student handbooks for Loogootee Elementary School, Loogootee Middle / High School, and the corporation’s virtual learning handbook.

During her Curriculum and Technology report, Dana Campbell highlighted a successful spring across all three schools. At Loogootee Elementary School, third-grade students gained real-world business experience through their Café Project-Based Learning activity, where they completed resumes, interviewed for jobs, served breakfast, and managed costs. Mrs. Wade wanted to thank Todd & Blair Baker for their support of this PBL.  Fourth graders showcased their research skills during the annual Wax Museum, portraying notable individuals connected to Indiana, such as Larry Bird and Bobby Knight. Students were also recognized for academic achievement through the AR 100-Point Reward by pieing Mrs. Wade in the face.

At Loogootee Middle School, sixth graders partnered with local organizations on the “Blooming Together” beautification project, planting and maintaining 21 downtown flower planters. Seventh-grade students participated in the CHAT Program through Hoosier Uplands, while students and staff enjoyed the annual 8th grade vs. teachers kickball game. The month concluded with outstanding middle and high school choir and band performances showcasing student talent.

At Loogootee High School, students participated in community service projects coordinated through local businesses and government agencies, gaining valuable experiences while serving others. Senior Awards Night recognized academic excellence, scholarships, and student achievements. Students also enjoyed the annual May Day activities, while seniors celebrated the end of their high school journey with a trip to Holiday World before graduation festivities.

Loogootee Community School Corporation was recognized as a Project Lead The Way Distinguished School Corporation, Loogootee Elementary was recognized as a PLTW Launch Distinguished School, Loogootee Middle School was recognized as a PLTW Gateway Distinguished School, and Loogootee High School is a PLTW Distinguished High School. Loogootee School Corporation is one of the smallest school corporations in the United States that offers the PLTW coursework for kindergarten through high school.  Additionally, Shannon Burch and Leeza Adams attended Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence professional development training in Bloomington, supporting the corporation’s continued efforts to integrate emerging technology and AI literacy into classroom instruction.

Following the completion of business, the board adjourned at 5:31 pm by unanimous vote. The next meeting of the Board of School Trustees is scheduled for July 16, 2026.