School Board Does It Again

Thursday, March 17, 2005

In a repeat of the March 10th meeting, the Pike Township School Board once again tonight gaveled the meeting adjourned and refused to allow the Historic Traders Point representatives to speak to the board. Our attorney, Greg Cafouros, previously had submitted a written request to be included on the board’s agenda, but, no matter, Board President Elaine Eilers closed down the meeting even as Mr. Caforus stood at the podium. There was an exchange of increasingly heated tones from Mrs. Eilers and Board Member David Corbitt telling Mr. Cafouros that the board would hear nothing from HTP. Our group had prepared a presentation that included several presenters to speak on numerous discussion points.

In earlier afternoon events prior to the start of the board meeting, an injunction was filed against the board alleging failure to comply with the Indiana Open Door Law regarding conduct of public meetings. Signs were posted on exterior walls of Central Elementary stating that there would be no discussion at the board meeting about the proposed land acquisition due to a legal technicality. Numerous people turned away and did not attend the meeting.

Keep close check on the Pike School Board web site at www.pike.k12.in.us/board
The next known board meeting is scheduled for April 14th. We must turn out in massive numbers. Spread the word among your neighbors.

About Ross Reller

I am pleased you have expressed interest in learning more about the historic Traders Point area in Indianapolis, Indiana. From 1980 to 1982 I was employed in the PR department at Conner Prairie Museum in Hamilton County. There I learned about William Conner, an important figure in Indiana's pioneer days. A decade later I became interested in the history of the Traders Point area and was surprised to learn that William Conner had been the first land owner in the area. In 1823 he acquired, through the Federal land office in Brookville, a patent for an 80 acre tract carved by Eagle Creek and an Indian trail that was about to be named the first toll roadway through the township (Lafayette Road). Thirty years later a village took shape within this tract. A grain mill on the creek, houses, churches, stores, restaurants, and two gas stations would take shape here in the creek valley hamlet of Traders Point. By 1962 all improvements (except a farmer's co-op) had been removed by the Indianapolis Flood Control Board to make way for Interstate 65 and a new reservoir. This blog is dedicated to preserving evidence of this historic area but I will occasionally use it to discuss related topics. To activate this follow, simply click the confirm button below. If you don't want to follow, ignore this message and we'll never bother you again. I am also a member of the Old Pleasant Hill Cemetery, a non profit association still selling burial plots for those who would like to spend all eternity in Traders Point, and I am an officer in the Pike Township Historical Society and the Traders Point Association of Neighborhoods.

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