April Valela

The meeting agenda was approved, followed by the approval of the consent agenda items, including General Fund Bills, December payrolls, and various fund balances as of December 31, 2025. Superintendent updates covered the upcoming ribbon cutting for new space at Aspen Ridge, the impact of Talon Metals, and a review of school bus accident protocol. Reports highlighted positive feedback on new middle school facilities, updates on NWEA testing, an upcoming snowshoe event, strong performance in athletics (including a new basketball scoring record), and results from a recent Medicaid audit. Business actions included the approval of two new Middle School Volleyball Coaches and the approval of the graduation list pending requirement completion. The Board also authorized negotiations and entered into a Letter of Agreement regarding the disbursement of 27L funds in conjunction with General Fund expenditures after a closed session discussion on the matter.

The organizational meeting focused primarily on establishing board leadership and administrative designations for the upcoming year. Key actions included the election of Crystal LaFreniere as Board President, Scott Mann as Board Vice President, Jim Gray as Board Treasurer, and Chad Korpi as Board Secretary. The Board approved the district bylaws, scheduled regular monthly meetings for the third Monday of each month at 5:30 PM (with an exception for November), and decided to continue the ad-hoc committee process. Further decisions involved designating Nicolet Bank as the depository for school funds and payroll distribution, authorizing specific administrators to execute checks and electronic transfers, delegating election duties to the Superintendent, and retaining Thrun Law Firm as the Board's attorney for the year.

The meeting began with the approval of the agenda. Communications included the presentation of the annual financial audit. Key discussion points involved a report from the Superintendent on financial spending for Athletics and the partnership with NMU. Reports from ARES detailed high attendance at Parent/Teacher Conferences and upcoming events like the canathon and clothing resale. ARMS reported on the first quarter reward outing and the 8th grade CTE Extravaganza. WHS noted the upcoming Veteran's Day Assembly and a mobile Secretary of State visit. The SpEd report mentioned the completion of Handle with Care recertification training and work on an early childhood special education program. Athletics reported the start of winter sports. The Transportation report noted the addition of two new 2025 buses. Business items included the approval to hire three new staff members: one Assistant Caregiver and two LRE Aides. The meeting concluded with closing comments from the Board and Superintendent.

The meeting commenced with the approval of the agenda. Key financial actions included approving General Fund Bills for the period of November 10, 2025, through December 12, 2025, approving November payrolls, and accepting various fund balance reports as of November 30, 2025. Superintendent updates covered the status of 31aa, a ribbon cutting for the new Aspen Ridge gym, and a Westwood boiler malfunction. Reports highlighted successes in ARES robotics competitions, upcoming ARMS concerts, and the reinstatement of the 8th-grade job shadowing unit. Business items included the hiring of a Head Varsity Volleyball Coach, a Head Varsity Football Coach, and a special education teacher, as well as the recognition of two resignations. There was no activity reported by the Finance and Operations, Personnel, or Policy committees.

The board discussed reports from the Superintendent, ARES, ARMS, WHS, SpEd, Athletics, and Transportation departments, covering topics such as the Sinking Fund Project, after school learning programs, sports updates, and bus inspections. The board authorized a leave of absence, acknowledged a resignation, and approved several new hires, including an Assistant Wrestling Coach and an LRE Aide. They also authorized the annual audit with Anderson Tackman, accepted Huntington's bus financing bid, and approved raising the Substitute Teacher Pay daily rate. A community member spoke in support of the positive activities at NICE, and the meeting was adjourned.