Amy Hammond

The School Wellness Policy for MSD of Shakamak aims to support the health and well-being of its students by promoting nutrition and physical activity at all grade levels. Key priorities include ensuring access to healthy foods and beverages, meeting federal nutritional guidelines for meals, and integrating nutrition education into the curriculum. The policy establishes a Coordinated School Health Advisory Council to oversee development, implementation, and evaluation efforts. It also details standards for competitive foods, physical activity and education requirements, and other wellness-promoting activities. Evaluation will occur every three years to assess compliance and foster continuous improvement.

The meeting commenced with a Board of Finance session which included appointing officers and noting that the district currently holds no invested funds. During the main session, the Board underwent reorganization, electing new officers (President, Vice-President, Secretary). Key actions included appointing a Legislative Liaison and Treasurer, scheduling regular Board meetings for 2026, and setting Board Member compensation for 2026. The Board recognized a student for the Character Counts Award and celebrated accomplishments by BPA members. Personnel actions included accepting a resignation, terminating a custodian, and approving the hiring of a maintenance director, a volunteer assistant basketball coach, and several long-term substitute instructional/teaching aides. The Board also approved a substitute teacher rate increase and the reorganization of responsibilities for a special services coordinator, including a stipend. Further approvals covered the 2026 Pre-payment of Claims Resolution and a property tax service quote. A first reading of the 2026-2029 Strategic Plan was conducted, followed by reports from the Superintendent and Principals. Patron comments focused on a request for increased gym time for the biddy basketball program.

The meeting commenced with a Student Spotlight Presentation featuring an elementary student. Key business included recommendations regarding personnel matters such as resignations, terminations, and new employment for several track coaching positions, as well as a maternity leave request. Other items for consideration included approving the solicitation of competitive bids for Food Service Management Company (FSMC) services, revisions to the Wellness Policy following a triennial assessment update, and the adoption of the 2026-2027 School Calendar, the Key Fob Access Policy, and the MSD of Shakamak Strategic Plan for 2026-2029. The meeting also included reports from the Superintendent and Principals, and a legislative update.

The regular session included a presentation by the Drone Team Members. Agenda items were added to include an appointment for a 6th Grade Boys Basketball Coach, a retirement letter from a Cafeteria Cook, and approval for a Health Sciences Teacher and Athletic Training Services Contract. Key actions included the approval of various personnel changes, such as hiring a new Elementary Teacher, Bus Driver, Cafeteria Cook, and ECA Sponsors and Coaches. The Board unanimously approved Brian Pilant as Chief of the MSD of Shakamak Police Department for the upcoming contract period. The Board also approved declining participation in the Teacher Appreciation Grant (TAG), donating a 1998 Ford Van, approving a music instruction service proposal from Rhythm Garden Music, LLC, setting adult meal prices for the 2025-2026 school year, approving ECA financial reports, and approving a school website/messaging proposal from Apptegy. Finally, the Board approved advertising the 2026 Budget. The Superintendent's report noted a great start to the school year and provided a construction project update.

Key discussion topics for the board meeting included a Student Spotlight Presentation, calls to order, personnel actions such as resignations and terminations, and the new employment of a part-time evening custodian. Other items for approval involved a maintenance agreement with Sycamore Engineering, the sale of two old buses to Blessed Hope Baptist Church, authorization for the Corporation Treasurer to process outstanding bills and make year-end appropriation transfers for the 2025 calendar year closing, and the handling of Grants in Place Awards. The agenda also included reports from the Superintendent and the Elementary and Jr/Sr. High Principals.