Annette Gilbertson

The meeting included the reorganization of the 2026-2027 school board, including the election of board officers such as the president, vice president, clerk, and treasurer. Housekeeping items were addressed, including the designation of an official newspaper, bank depository, and authorization for board officers to borrow money and use facsimile signatures. The board also established the schedule for future regular meetings. A consent agenda was approved covering financial reports. Public comments were received, and staff and students were recognized for their contributions. Administrative reports featured a presentation on the Apple Distinguished School work being implemented at the elementary level, highlighting the purposeful use of technology to enhance student engagement and the student experience.

The board meeting included the swearing-in ceremony for new members, followed by personnel approvals. The board discussed the implementation of a new safety plan incorporating emergency protocols from the 'I Love You Guys' foundation. Recognition was given to students for solo and ensemble music performances and a community mental health initiative. The administration provided updates on upcoming commemorations for the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, ACT testing preparations and results, a survey of new teachers, the ongoing selection process for elementary ELA resources, and the progress of collaborative teaching teams.

The board discussed student recognition for various sports teams, honor bands, and school activities, including a community service project regarding cereal donations. Administrative reports were reviewed, and progress on capital improvement projects was discussed, including an upcoming referendum for high school and elementary facility improvements. The board approved two scholarship awards, early college credit applications for high school students, and the hiring of an additional middle school math teacher to address enrollment growth. A policy discussion occurred regarding the reimbursement of board members for conference expenses.

The meeting involved a review and approval of the minutes from the December 8th regular meeting and special meetings, as well as approval of financial reports from the committee of the whole meeting and personnel approvals for January 2026, including coaches and transfers. Public comments were heard regarding the reconsideration of the annual one-week spring break schedule. Correspondence included a notice about mandatory login password updates for the Diligent platform and an inquiry about board member participation in a candidate meet-and-greet event in March. Staff and student recognition included commendation for the custodial staff and community members following an incident in the PAC, and recognition of a staff member for receiving the Apple Distinguished Educator award. The administrative reports focused on an update to the district's strategic plan, detailing progress across its four pillars: student growth and achievement (including increasing ELA proficiency rates and enhancing Professional Learning Communities processes), exceptional staff (improving onboarding/offboarding, developing mentorship programs for teachers and PAR professionals, and onboarding substitute teachers, alongside professional development focused on mental health), family and community partnerships (continuing birth to five outreach, community reading events, and improving communication efforts), and financial and operational stewardship (addressing building needs and potential referendum planning, and educating staff on new health insurance services).

The meeting included administrative reports focusing on the utilization of Achievement Gap Reduction (AGR) funds, which support interventionists in closing achievement gaps, primarily in reading for grades K-3. Discussions detailed how AGR funds, totaling $241,000 allocated to the district, are used for one-on-one and small group tutoring, aligning with the goal of improving student growth percentiles. The presentation also covered the implementation of Act 20 requirements, noting that the district was well-positioned due to existing interventionist staff to address students scoring below the 25th percentile on Amesweb Plus assessments. Data tracking success rates, including students graduating from intervention plans, was shared. Future plans involve supporting all tiers of instruction, continuous collaboration, making data-driven decisions, and working towards reducing the need for intensive interventions long-term.