Anika M McVay

The board meeting covered several topics, including a student representative report on school activities and sports. A public hearing was held regarding the 2026 school budget amendment, with confirmation that the amendment would not result in a tax increase. Monthly status reports for the SAVE improvements and the Greyhound Performing Arts Center were presented and accepted, with updates on construction progress, change orders, and future completion timelines. Finally, the board discussed and proposed revisions to the Aldo Leopold Intermediate School handbook, specifically regarding supply lists, PBIS expectations, and clarifying disciplinary action duration in days.

The board met to discuss returning students to one hundred percent in-person instruction and to review legislative changes regarding school operations. It was decided that students would return to a five-day-a-week, in-person schedule, with an option for parents to continue with remote learning. Additionally, the board addressed the James Madison property, approving the scheduling of a public hearing to discuss the sale of the building.

The Board of Education meeting included a presentation from Black Hawk Elementary students regarding their morning meetings. Key actions included the approval of bills and financial reports, the hiring of new certified and support staff, and the acceptance of various resignations and leaves of absence. The Superintendent provided an update on district security, facility maintenance, and community partnerships. Additionally, the Board approved an allowable growth request for the At-Risk/Dropout prevention program and appointed a representative to the Des Moines County Conference Board.

The board conducted two separate closed session expulsion hearings. For the first hearing, the board moved to place a student in online learning and prohibited them from accessing school property until the end of the school year, requiring a safety plan for future in-person learning. For the second hearing, the board moved to expel a student until April, with provisions for online learning and strict limitations on school property access until August, conditional upon the implementation of a safety plan.

The board discussed salary and handbook recommendations for non-bargaining Meet & Confer staff groups, including specific base wage increases for various administrative and service roles. Additionally, the board held a discussion regarding a potential bonus for special education staff.