Clare Public Schools

The Board Workshop focused on District Updates. Key discussion topics included the budget amendment, enrollment trends and projections, bond project updates, the facility plan, the strategic plan, the upcoming operating millage renewal, and the transportation RFP. The Board also discussed a potential sinking fund millage.

The meeting included the approval of the consent agenda and subsequent payments for January 2026, totaling over $1.5 million, along with specific payments to Gateway Refrigeration Inc. and Sharpco Welding & Fabrication LLC. A presentation was given by Clare Middle School students highlighting the accomplishments of the National Junior Honor Society program, including community service activities and academic standards. The Student Body Vice President reported on the success of the Snowball Dance and a recent spirit assembly, and recognized a student winner of the VFW Voice of Democracy competition. The Superintendent reported on construction progress for the gym project, expected start dates for window work, the upcoming Request for Proposals (RFP) for transportation services, and favorable bid results for the Brookwood Fencing and Filter First projects. Action items included the adoption of the 2025-2026 proposed budget amendments and the approval of board policy revisions.

The organizational meeting involved the election of officers, with MacDonald named President, Cole as Vice-President, Sharp as Secretary, and Dancer as Treasurer. The Board established the date, time, and place for regular monthly meetings and determined to continue using the consent agenda format. Key actions included designating Huntington National Bank and PFM Asset Management LLC as bank depositories and authorizing the Business Manager to invest surplus funds for the 2026-2027 period. The Board also appointed Thrun Law Firm as legal advisors and Weinlander Fitzhugh as auditors for the 2025-2026 fiscal year. Further actions involved appointing the Superintendent's Secretary to oversee school elections and post public notices, and adopting the Governance Team and Board/Superintendent Standards of Practice for the 2026-2027 period. Finally, committee appointments were made for various boards and teams.

Key discussions and actions during the meeting included the approval of the consent agenda and payments, including specific authorization for payments to Gateway Refrigeration Inc. High School students presented an overview of the Outdoor Recreation & Education course, detailing activities like Wilderness Wednesdays and earned safety certificates. The Superintendent reported on construction progress for the gym and cafeteria, noting project holds due to weather and a cost-neutral change order for window replacement. He also provided updates on projected state aid funding, enrollment decline, and the upcoming operating millage renewal. The Board approved a request for the BPA to attend State and National Leadership Conferences and authorized two change orders related to the fire suppression project and conduit installation. Finally, the Board approved a partial reinstatement for a student for the second semester.

The meeting included a presentation on Number Corner by Primary School Math Coach Jennifer Pettersch and teachers. Student Body President Kyley Wyman reported on fundraisers for Adopt-A-Family and upcoming events. Superintendent Matthew Forsberg discussed bond progress, grant updates, and holiday events. The board approved a drama trip to Chicago, a contract award for the high school gym fire suppression project, Superintendent Forsberg's goals and contract extension, and set the date for the organizational meeting in January 2026.