Bay-Arenac Independent School District

The meeting agenda was approved as amended to include the Hybrid Framework for the Superintendent's Evaluation for non-consent discussion. Key items communicated included recognition for School Board Recognition Month, updates on NEOLA Fall 2025 policies, a review of the Three Year Budget Forecast, and discussion of the 2025-2026 First Budget Amendment and a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) appeal. Under the non-consent agenda, the Board approved the Personnel Report, which included new hires, transfers, and retirements, approved the expense statement, ratified the first budget amendment, approved a retainer fee for Thrun Law Firm, approved the NEOLA policy updates, and approved revisions creating a CTE Associate Director Position and a CTE Lead Principal Position. Furthermore, the creation of a Director of Communications, Strategic Marketing, and Community Engagement position was approved, as was awarding a professional services contract for the Culinary Arts/Blooming Chefs restaurant spaces. The FOIA appeal was denied, and the hybrid framework for the superintendent's evaluation was approved. The Board subsequently entered and returned from a closed session to discuss the Superintendent Evaluation.

The Board conducted a regular meeting which included an amendment to the agenda to include a closed session following the superintendent's report for Attorney Client Privilege. Key discussion items included a presentation on expanding college access for skilled trades students, an update on renovations for the Blooming Chefs Restaurant and Culinary Arts classrooms, and a report on Early Childhood 32p staffing, where administration requested general fund support to cover costs until potential supplemental appropriation notification. The board also reviewed the NEOLA Fall 2025 Policies Update for a first reading, covering various policies on curriculum, discrimination, substance abuse, bullying, and records management. The non-consent agenda addressed personnel actions, including recommended hires for a Central Registry Secretary and an Accountant, and the processing of a retirement notification. The board approved using general fund support for Early Childhood staff costs through January 2026 and approved hiring an additional full-time Early Childhood Specialist. Following the Superintendent's Report, the board convened in a closed session under attorney-client privilege.

The Work Session agenda was approved, followed by communications including the Superintendent's Goals. Under the consent agenda, requests for out-of-state and overnight travel were approved. The non-consent agenda addressed the approval of the Personnel Report, Contracted Services Agreements, the rescinding of the resolution to join the State Complaint Challenging 31aa Language, and the approval of the resolution to opt-in to 31aa Funding. Discussion items focused on the potential hiring of an additional Full Time Early Childhood Specialist due to program growth and the discussion regarding utilizing approximately $41,000 from the general fund to sustain Early Childhood staff through January 2026 due to the elimination of the 32p line item in the state budget.

This special meeting was convened at the request of a parent. The primary discussion involved reviewing documentation submitted by the parent and the District concerning the parent's request for a formal hearing before the board. Following thorough discussion, the board determined that there was no evidence of a substantive matter presented by the parent, noting that the evidence submitted by the District demonstrated compliance. The board subsequently voted to deny the parent's request for a hearing, and it was noted that a formal letter communicating this decision would be dispatched to the parent.

The meeting included discussions and approvals on various topics such as the work session agenda, personnel report, expense statement, and the addition of part-time positions for Early Middle College. The board also approved the bid for a new van purchase and a resolution to join the state complaint challenging the 31aa language. The Superintendent's report highlighted the HSC CARES Grant for a CTE Trailer and provided updates on the Future Safety and Security Project and Career Center Expansion.