Ashley Jones

The Board of Trustees meeting included special recognitions for students and staff, and a discussion regarding board reorganization. The board reviewed and approved consent items, including financial reports and minutes. The Superintendent provided updates on district safety, including summer training and audits, as well as progress reports on the construction of the new elementary building. Administrative reports were presented covering enrollment, attendance, standardized testing, finance, athletics, and technology. The board approved the hiring of a high school principal and a school nurse, certified instructional materials, and authorized a contracted services agreement. Following an executive session, the board approved various personnel contracts and letters of assurance for the upcoming school year.

The committee reviewed completed and upcoming employee and student programs, including the Biggest Winner Contest, various physical education initiatives like the Kids Heart Challenge, and safety instruction such as CPR, AED, and First Aid training. Additional topics included the presentation of health-related content regarding anti-drug and tobacco awareness, dental hygiene, and defensive driving. The meeting also covered the status of state-mandated health screenings and reporting, as well as an update on the annual SHAC activity report and recommended changes to the wellness plan submitted to the school board.

The council discussed various employee and student health programs, including a wellness contest for staff and upcoming health-related educational presentations covering topics such as anti-drug awareness, poison prevention, and dental hygiene. Updates were provided on recently completed trainings for mental health, digital safety, and sex trafficking awareness, as well as ongoing physical education and safety initiatives. The committee reviewed and approved a revision to the district wellness plan to include Mother/Son events. Additionally, plans were discussed for hosting a spring immunization clinic for students.

The Board discussed and took action on several items including the approval of the Wellness Plan for the 2026-2027 school year, the ESC 11 Benefits Cooperative Interlocal Agreement, and the Interquest Detection Canines contract. The Board also formally accepted the resignation of the School Board Vice President and reviewed procedures for filling the resulting board vacancy. Discussions were held regarding the naming of district-owned streets, though no action was taken pending further clarification from the city.

The agenda for the meeting covered several key areas, including establishing quorum and pledges. The meeting reserved time for Public Forum/Comments to the Board. Key items involved Special Recognition for Students of the Month, and approval of Consent Items, which included financial reports and minutes from the previous month's meeting (specifically the February 2, 2026 meeting minutes covered items from January 2026 and December 2025). Reports were presented by the Superintendent regarding Eminent Domain and Construction Update (noting concrete pouring is planned after thawing and an end of May 2026 completion target). Administrator reports covered attendance, enrollment figures, and activities like the Kids Heart Challenge kickoff and Debate team competitions. Financial reports indicated utility usage was up, and property tax funding was on track. Athletic reports highlighted the Girls Basketball team winning the Holiday Classic Tournament and updates on various sports seasons. Technology reported on upcoming security training and network connectivity improvements. Action items included the review and approval of the 2024-2025 Financial Audit Report, approval of an order calling the trustee election for May 2, 2026, adoption of a resolution declining a daily period of prayer, approval of Board Operating Procedures, and delegation of authority to the Superintendent to seek waivers for the 2025-2026 school year. Personnel actions included approving the resignation of a School Nurse effective the end of the 2025-2026 school year, and approval of the Superintendent's evaluation and contract extension until June 30, 2028.