Updated June 27, 2022

‘Be a listening ear’: Teacher is new equity and inclusion coach, By  Suzannah Couch – March 4, 2021. 

• • On Jan. 21, the Brown County Schools Board of Trustees approved Helmsburg Elementary School teacher Malini Stiles as the equity and inclusion coach for the district.
  • As of late February, Stiles said she had not received any discrimination complaints from employees. “It could be months before someone comes to me, or it could be tomorrow,” she said.
  • Stiles is also a member of the district’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Committee of staff members that was created in 2018. The school board approved a resolution in November committing to ensuring that every student, staff and faculty member feels respected and welcomed in every school building, no matter what.

• ‘Holding our students accountable’: Student Group approaches school board about policy for hate speech, symbols, Suzannah Couch – May 19, 2021

  • The school board has been asked by a group of Brown County High School students to consider implementing a written accountability plan to address hate speech and symbols in the school district. Brown County High School Students for Equity attended the May 6 school board meeting via Zoom.
  • There is no legal definition of hate speech in United States law, but Josephine Fields, the chair and founder of Students for Equity, explained that it is generally “any form of expression through which speakers intend to vilify, humiliate, or incite hatred against a group or a class of people on the basis of race, religion, sexual identity, gender identity, ethnicity, disability or national origin.”
  • “Brown County Schools have struggled with incidents of hate speech and symbols in the past, and such speech has become common background noise in the halls. However, we are not the only school in Indiana to have these types of issues,” Shields said.
  • In 2016, the superintendent of Monroe County Community School Corporation banned the Confederate flag in and on Bloomington High School North’s property after having a meeting with students who were made uncomfortable by four students wearing the flag to school one day. … “Some students reportedly cried when they saw the flags, some students reportedly heard usage of anti-LGBT rhetoric from the group, and many students called it ‘intimidating hate speech,’” Shields said.

Regarding banning the confederate flag and free speech: “the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals has ruled that a ban on a students wearing of clothing depicting the Confederate flag did not violate free speech of the student. B.W.A. v. Farmington R-7 School Dist., 554 F.3d 734 (2009). In its opinion, the court relied on the Supreme Court’s decision in Tinker vs. Des Moines Independent Community School District, 393 U.S. 503 (1969) which held that school administrators must demonstrate facts that might reasonably lead them “to forecast substantial disruption of or material interference with school activities” before prohibiting a particular expression of opinion.” (ref: Confederate flag in school and free speech, Iowa Department of Education.)

Punishment For Microaggressions at Indiana School District, with Greg Lukianoff

• • Megyn Kelly is joined by Greg Lukianoff, CEO of FIRE (Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression), to talk about the absurdity of an Indiana school districts rule book on “microaggressions,” how these policies go against free speech, how the definition of a microaggression has changed in recent years, and more.

It’s time for data-first diversity, equity, and inclusion BY  ROLAND FRYER, June 20, 2022 Fortune,  

• • The average impact of corporate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) training is zero and some evidence suggests that the impact can become negative if the training is mandated.
  • Our intuition for how to decrease race and gender disparities in the workplace has failed us for decades. It’s time to stop guessing and start using the scientific method. Remember when we thought that the Bubonic Plague was caused by a triple conjunction of Saturn, Jupiter, and Mars in the 40th degree of Aquarius?
  • Here is a three-step approach that can turn earnest intentions into good science:
    1. Understand disparities, 2. Find the root causes of bias, Evaluate

Jordan Peterson debate on the gender pay gap, campus protests and postmodernism. Jordan introduces multivariate analysis, e.g. assessments based on “data” and application of the scientific method.

July 1, 2022. The U.S. Supreme Court is Taking Up a Major Case on Election Integrity — And Democrats are Already Panicking by Kyle Becker  

• The case, known as Moore v. Harper, is docketed to be heard in the nation’s highest court next session. It concerns the “independent state legislature” theory, which holds that the Constitution only gives the power to the state legislative branches to change election laws — an obvious point of concern with 2020 election integrity in Georgia, Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin, among other states.
• The court is poised to determine the question: “Whether a State’s judicial branch may nullify the regulations governing the ‘Manner of holding Elections for Senators and Representatives . . . prescribed . . . by the Legislature thereof,” U.S. CONST. art. I, § 4, cl. 1, and replace them with regulations of the state courts’ own devising, based on vague state constitutional provisions purportedly vesting the state judiciary with power to prescribe whatever rules it deems appropriate to ensure a ‘fair’ or ‘free’ election.”
• On February 25, 2022, prior to the state’s primary election on May 17, Republican state legislators filed an emergency appeal with the U.S. Supreme Court, asking to halt the state court’s order until SCOTUS could review the case. The court denied the request. Justices Samuel Alito, Clarence Thomas, and Neil Gorsuch dissented. In the dissent and in a concurrence by Justice Brett Kavanaugh, the justices stated that the independent state legislature doctrine was an important question for the court to resolve.

• On March 17, 2022, Speaker of the North Carolina House of Representatives Timothy K. Moore (R) filed a petition for a writ of certiorari in the case. The court granted review on June 30, 2022.

July 6, 2022. Trump’s Virtues – Tom Klingenstein. Many leading Republicans and conservatives want someone other than Donald Trump to run for President in 2024. But this judgment requires an assessment of Trump’s vices and virtues in the context of our current political and cultural circumstances, as well as an assessment of other prospective Republican presidential candidates. Tom Klingenstein, Chairman of the Claremont Institute, explains Trump’s Virtues

June 22, 2022.  Trump has too much baggage Michael Brown on GOP race: ‘I would rather have a less abrasive and reckless candidate’ By Michael Brown, WND

• Last December, I wrote an article titled, “Trump Knocked the Door Down; Let Someone Else Walk Through It.”
• “But now that he has broken the mold, thrown out the old rule book, and forged a new path of leadership, it will be best in 2024 for another conservative leader with backbone and conviction to take the lead. Trump simply brings too much collateral damage with him (and, I remind you, I voted for him in 2016 and 2020).”

COUNCIL MEETING NOTES.  June 20, 2022. 6:30 p.m.

Inflation and policies for justifying pay increases are leading to a cascade of higher labor costs in the county.  Inflation is a tax that affects ALL citizens.

Higher part-time  Labor Costs.  The ceiling for a part-time hourly wage was raised to $16.00. It was in the 9-10 range. The purpose was to compete for workers in this pay range. 

Cost of Living. County employees have routinely received an annual cost of living increase – it was 3% last year.  This year, many county employees received a $2.00 an hour premium pay increase that will be paid over the next two years.  These were employees that worked with the public during Covid.

Pay Grade Increases. County Departments had until the end of June (or the June council meeting) to justify any increases in pay grades and salaries. The council then reviews and tentatively approves pending a final review and approval during the budget hearings. Judge Wertz provided a justification for increases for three positions.  She identified the work requirements and pay comparisons with surrounding counties.

Policy – Pay Comparisons. When he was on the Council, Keith Baker led a 2018 salary study that compared pay levels with counties of similar sizes to Brown county. He also added in the benefits package. The county was at the top of the list for pay and benefits. The Health Insurance benefits for example are probably among the best in the country.  Link to the study below.  County employees criticized the study after Keith’s term ended. They want to compare salaries with the surrounding and larger counties that have much larger budgets. Larger budgets lead to higher salaries, more competition for positions, and likely higher education and experience requirements.

Exceptions. Over the past year, county truck drivers and sheriff deputies received increases in pay and salaries. Turnover and a cost/benefit analysis justified the higher pay. These are positions where specialized training and certifications are similar to the positions in other counties.

Better Practice. Pay Levels – Workload Analysis.   In determining pay, there are standard practices that rely on more than just anecdotal information.  The process starts with an accurate job description that should identify the essential functions, tasks, and responsibilities. The required skills, knowledge, and abilities should align with state laws and regulations for the respective area. Tasks are broken down followed by time-motion studies. The education and training requirements are also identified to determine needed educational levels. This process also supports contracting out functions that become even more cost-effective with improvements in technology.

2018 Salary Study https://independentvotersofbrowncountyin.com/2019/07/18/2018-staffing-study/

Updated: July 20, 2022 

Brown County Matters – Facebook post of this post.

June 14, 2022. I attended the information meeting regarding the tentative/proposed referendum at the June 14, 2022, session.  Copies of the handouts are provided below:  

• • The Superintendant’s presentation provided at the three information sessions: Referendum Community Meeting Slides
  • BC Schools Baker-Tilly Report – The Numbers. The Schools have a low tax rate compared to neighboring school systems (see page 4) and but not all schools opt for a referendum.  
  • BC Schools Early Education Handout
  • General info – Brown County Schools. See also their Website

I have also followed the topic at the Brown County Democrat, history, trends, and have conducted additional research. See 2022 School Referendum – For the Record. 

The last referendum was passed in 2016 by more than 1,000 votes or 59% of the vote. There was a strong campaign by the proponents of the tax including guest columns, Letters in the Democrat, and yard signs. 

• • Brown County Schools referendum passes, By Suzannah Couch -May 4, 2016

Who can vote?   IC 20-46-1-16 Qualified voters  Sec. 16. (a) The individuals entitled to vote in the referendum are all of the registered voters resident in the appellant school corporation.   (b) An individual who changes residence from a location within a school corporation to a location outside of the school corporation less than thirty (30) days before an election under this chapter may not vote on the public question. [Pre-2006 Recodification Citation: 6-1.1-19-4.5(c) part.] As added by P.L.2-2006, SEC.169. Amended by P.L.109-2021, SEC.76.

State Funding of Schools. In FY20-21, Total K12 education investments accounted for 50.2% of the state general fund appropriations.

Indiana – Education Policy – School Choice and Vouchers. Indiana is recognized as a school choice state. The Brown County school administration (the school board, former superintendents Hammack and Shaffer) have been against funding for vouchers that provide citizens with a choice for educating their children. In 2021, the budget bill containing the school voucher language and ESAs passed the House 96-2 and the Senate 46-3. (Ref: Indiana expands school voucher program to include most middle-class families, by Margaret Menge | The Center Square contributor,  April 23, 2021._

Justification. The need to maintain or increase the revenue from a referendum appears to be the same as it was in 2016.  By state law, the proposed increase must be based on need vs a want (a nice to have). Indiana Code 20-46-1-8 allows the governing body of a school corporation to adopt a resolution to place a public question on a ballot if the governing body determines that the school corporation  …

1. cannot carry out its public educational duty unless it imposes a referendum tax levy or
2. that a referendum tax levy should be imposed to replace property tax revenue that the school corporation will not receive because of the application of circuit breaker credits.

Meeting this standard (see 1) implies a thorough analysis of alternatives. This would include the identification of the costs, benefits, risks, and the respective risk mitigation strategies. Put another way, what specifically will be the effects of not passing a new referendum?

The criteria used to make the decision should clearly reflect that the tax levy is a critical need for the school to carry outs its educational duty.  Should a criterion include the inability to meet the guidelines from the state regarding student-teacher ratios? 

Decision-makers. The voters decide on the quality of the analysis and the school’s proposal for a tax levy.  “In the case of the school corporation’s determination to have a referendum, there is no statutory remonstrance opportunity that is separate from the referendum itself. Whether it succeeds or fails depends on the results of the vote.” – DLGF

Economic Situation. Unlike in 2016, the economic situation is a little different this time around. Record inflation, gas, and food prices. The stock market is experiencing significant losses affecting 401Ks and retirement income.  Inflated home values and high demand for homes along with annual property assessments have resulted in yearly property tax increases for many if not most residents. The cost of utilities continues to increase.  In 2017, a statistically valid survey identified that the county has a low to moderate-income level of 53.1%. This combined with many residents with fixed and declining incomes combined with social security not keeping pace with inflation, reinforces the obligation to validate that continuing a tax increase is the best option.

County Taxes. The county has one of the highest income tax rates in the state, doubled it in 10 years, has maxed it out, and has been relying on annual property tax increases and borrowing to fund the county government.   

Continuing the tax vs taxes decreasing. The increase in revenue from the referendum is about a million a year. Typically, a selling point on renewing a tax is that it is about the same, or in this case, maybe it could be a little higher, e.g, residents will not see an “increase.”  Seems every time a tax increase is proposed in the county, it is always followed by comments like “it’s just a few dollars or just pennies a day.”    

National Issues.  Covid policies and mandates and school shutdown policies may affect some voters’ desire to vote Yes to a tax increase.  Associations and teacher unions supporting policies such as Critical Race Theory (CRT) may also undermine the support for public education in general.

• • National School Board Association (NSBA): ” Following the National School Boards Association letter sent to the White House comparing parents to domestic terrorists, the nation’s largest teachers union sent a letter to social media companies encouraging them to crack down on “propaganda” surrounding Critical Race Theory (CRT) and other education concerns raised by parents.” (1)
    • National Education Association (NEA).  “Despite NEA claims that there are unfounded beliefs regarding “graduate level courses about racism,” in U.S. public schools, the union approved a plan to implement CRT in 14,000 school districts across all 50 states in July.” (1)
    • Four days after the NSBA letter was sent, Attorney General Merrick Garland issued a memorandum that called on the FBI to “use its authority” against parents who threaten or use violence against public school officials. (1)

• • (1) Reference: Nation’s Largest Teachers Union Wrote A Letter Calling On Social Media Companies To Restrict ‘Propaganda’ About Critical Race Theory, Daily Caller, Jan 13, 2022).

Brown County Schools, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Policy.

Process and Due Diligence on behalf of all citizens. My interest as a citizen is in the decision-making process. Has the school corporation performed its due diligence?  When was it identified that another referendum may be needed? Was this identified by the strategic plan? What actions were or have been taken? Does the analysis of alternatives support and justify the need?

• • Outline – Community Decision-Making Process

Systemic Decline in Enrollment. The school has experienced a systemic decline in enrollment since about 2008/2009 and has successfully managed to do the more or same with less revenue. This includes applying for and receiving grants from a variety of sources that have led to improvements in the quality of education. 

Population projections for the county indicate that the population peaked in 2020 and will continue to decline. Brown County has one of the older demographics in the State.

Demographics. Given demographic projections, what is the best case, worse, and the average case regarding enrollment over the next few years?   What is the state guidance regarding student/teacher ratios?  How many classrooms and teachers will be needed at the projected enrollment levels? Correspondingly, how much infrastructure (number of schools) will be needed?

In summary, the School, through an analysis of alternatives, need to make the case that the new tax levy is needed. Voters can assess the quality of the analysis in support of their respective decision.

o. Short meeting. I was 20 minutes late and the meeting was over. It was like Christmas. Commissioners selected the vendor for the paving contracts that cover 20 miles. An additional 10 miles is expected to be paved with the money from the Community Crossings Grant.

Approved and Funded Paving Plan RoadWay Improvements – Approved and funded projects

Brown County Matters – Facebook Post

BCRSD (Brown County Regional Sewer District). Board members: Clint Studabaker, Mike Leggins, Phil LeBlanc, Richard Hall, Matt Hanlon

Public Presentation BCRSD Wastewater Strategy and Sep 2021 Watershed Study.  Public presentation (will streamed) tentatively scheduled for Juy 18, 2022. Time to be determined.  Available locations at which a representative of the board will be available for questions is at Helmsburg, Spunica, Van Buren schools.

What’s new?

• • The justification of need for expanding and forcing sewer service has been based on speculation regarding the lack of records for septic systems and age of homes. There is no specific documented evidence of failing systems. This has been confirmed by the two previous BCRSD Presidents.  A well-designed and maintained septic system has an indefinite life per EPA and Presby.
  • Some of the water samples have indicated that “some” of the E.Coli is human-caused indicating a failing system. However, the number of systems that may be contributing to the problem was not identified. A large percentage of systems would justify the investment of tax money and support the scope of the wastewater strategic plan.
  • Note that the Proposed County Wastewater Plan was developed by “government appointees” – not elected officials. This plan is not aligned with the County Comprehensive Plan that does have to be approved by “elected” officials after holding the required public hearings.
    • No information has been provided regarding whether or not the plan and study would be pre-briefed to the Commissioners and Council at a public meeting.
  • Note also an RSD will not need the approval of elected officials to force their plan onto the citizenry. An RSD also has the power to invoke eminent domain that may be needed to get the required easements (estimated at 190 in the Bean Blossom area). However, without a valid need, residents may have a legal base to fight the granting of easements if so desired. Residents can also contract for their own water samples to validate findings.

Helmsburg – Lake Lemon.  There is a valid and documented need for sewer service in the Lake Lemon Area and for upgrading the Helmsburg Plant.

Additional Information 

Link to the Strategic Plan:  I found the following statement in the Plan to be misleading: “The primary source of E.coli has been found to be from humans.” (Ref: Executive Overview, p vi). Per the watershed study, the primary source IN SOME SAMPLES has been found to be from humans.

• • The modeling information was interesting: ”Only if 100% of  documented septic systems are failing do they contribute a significant volume of E. Coli to the entirety of Brown County.” (Ref: Watershed Study, p70)
  • The BCRSD still pushing the expansion of sewer service without an understanding of the scope and extent of the problem. No information was identified as to how many “systems” are failing to include what it could cost to mitigate. The Pareto Principle suggests that 80% of a problem (human-caused e-coli) could be from 20% of the causes (failing septic systems ).
  • If the BCRSD think they have the needed evidence (probable cause) of failing systems,  then get a warrant from a Judge if needed to inspect the system (s) to confirm the assumptions. Residents could also voluntarily agree to an inspection of their system.

Water Management District (WMD).  This would shift the responsibility to the county to manage individual septic systems – at a cost TBD.

Sept 2021 Water Study Appendix B

Sewer Rates.  An example of additional costs related to sewer service provided by Nashville. The Town Council recently (June 2022) approved a 25% water rate hike. First hike since 2012, Future hikes to be more frequent.

• • PDF August 2012 Sewer Rate Chart Outside Town – downloaded June 15, 2022

Town council proposes 24.7% increase to sewer rate; private company ‘looking into’ purchase of town water utility