Aaron Matthews

The meeting included discussions on the 2025 Series Bonds and P.A.T. Repayments. Reports were presented by the Elementary Principal and the MS/HS Principal. Key administrative updates covered education and legislation, board training, approval of a fund balance letter by DESE, an SAC meeting update, APR, the Career & Technical Education Grant, a SpedTrak purchase, a kiddie cushion wood fiber workday, and an SRO update. The board addressed citizen communication regarding a gift card for Joe Talbot. The session involved the review and partial adoption of multiple Policies and Regulations, with exceptions noted for Policy 4160, Policy 7115, and Regulation 2240. Updates were provided on building projects, including track and field lighting and flood lighting repairs at the Elementary School. The 2024-2025 Audit was presented and approved. The 2025-2026 Transportation Routes & Riders List was approved, and snow removal bids were opened and awarded to Weinmann Lawncare for the 2025-2026 school year.

The agenda was approved with two additions: Homeless Liaison and School Vans. Discussion included budget amendments, payment of checks, and thank you letters received from the DeKalb Fire Department. Principal reports were presented for both Elementary and MS/HS levels. Key discussion points included legislation and legal updates, Formula Committee progress, AMI plan approval, Homeless Liaison training completion, MUSIC property walkthrough status, presentation of the 2025-2026 Budget to the state board, AMI day reporting, approval of the SRSA grant, resubmission of a Title Grant, and updates on Building and Ground projects such as football field work, HVAC repairs, and 2025 Bond Projects (Track/Stadium lights/Rushville drive). The board hired a Building Project Architect for upcoming projects and reviewed MCE policy updates, which will be voted on in October. The board approved the appointment of Travis Dittemore as the Homeless Liaison. Discussions also covered the towing and repair of a school minivan, including providing a gift card to the tow truck driver, and options for leasing/purchasing a District Minivan or Transit Van. The date for the October Regular Board Meeting was set for October 14, 2025.

The board meeting included presentations from LJ Hart Company on bonds and future projects, and from Westbrook, CPA on the audit report. Discussions covered legislative ballot language, SB 90 tax break regulations, bus inspections, food service grant items, REAP grant application, federal budgets, FTE for all programs, custodial work, S.A.C. meeting, wellness funds, and ESSER III spending. The CSIP plan was accepted, and board policies were discussed and adopted. September enrollment numbers were reviewed and approved. The preschool enrollment and waiting list were reported on. The board accepted the snow removal bid from Larry McElfresh.

The meeting included reports from the Elementary and MS/HS Principals. The superintendent reported on legislation, water testing, lift inspection, HVAC repairs, bus inspection information, S.A.C. meeting items, and biometric screening date. Citizen communications addressed concerns about a wall near the propane tank and updates on PTO carnival funds for the elementary music program. Discussions covered the LJ Hart Bond work agreement and bond refinancing documents, approval of the agreement with L.J. Hart for bond underwriting services, approval of the audit for the 2022-2023 school year, homeless provisions, board election sign-up dates, continuing the four-day school week, and planning for the 2024-2025 school year.

The meeting addressed several key areas including financial items such as bond payment transfers and payment of checks. There were discussions around CTA feedback, nurse and librarian reports, elementary and high school principal reports, and the superintendent's report covering topics like the resignation of the Education Secretary, state legislation on open enrollment, MSHSAA guidelines for home school students, board election signup, sunshine law requests, and COVID leave. Additional discussions covered HVAC units, playground maintenance, security enhancements with a card reader for the weight room, baseball/softball field planning, special education support through ACES, preschool operations, ACT scores, and memorial donations. The board also addressed HVAC unit problems and set the date for the February board meeting.