Coby E. Culbertson

The meeting agenda was approved by the Board. A significant discussion point involved the consideration and unanimous approval of a purchase contract with Hewlett Packard, Inc., totaling $1,219,361.70, allocated for the purchase of student and staff laptops for the 2026--2027 school year. Additionally, the Superintendent briefed the board members regarding an incident where a student and parent were struck in a crosswalk at Audubon Elementary School.

The regular board meeting, conducted in a hybrid format, began with the Pledge of Allegiance led by Prescott Elementary. Discussions included a presentation from Principal Chris Nugent regarding positive developments at Prescott Elementary during the Open Forum session. The Board Salutes recognized the Carver Elementary School First Lego League team for their Robot Design Award and Hempstead High School junior Bella Miller for winning the Iowa Class 2A Girls Wrestling State Championship. The Board unanimously approved the Consent Agenda, which covered the Treasurer's Report, Listing of Accounts Payable, Budget Report, and various committee reports and action items. Key actions during the committee reports included approving HP, Inc. as the sole-source provider for computer equipment, approving the final acceptance and payment for the Hempstead Football Field Storage Building Project, tentatively approving plans for the Irving Elementary School Roof Replacement Project and setting a public hearing date, and approving the Budget Guarantee for Fiscal Year 2026-2027. New business included the unanimous decision to expel one student from attending the district.

The meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance led by students from Prescott Elementary School. Key discussions included the Finance and Support Services Committee report, which covered the positive relationship and special fixed pricing secured with HP Inc. for computer equipment, updates on multiple district projects such as GEM addition and roof replacements at Eisenhower, Keller, and Irving Elementary Schools, progress on the Hemstead shed replacement, updates on the Sageville fuel oil tank replacement design, bidding for the retaining wall replacement at Dalzel Field, and the review of plans for the Irving Elementary School roof replacement, estimated at $550,000. The committee also discussed facility efficiencies and re-engagement with Envision Architects regarding potential strategies. The Educational Programs and Policy Committee report detailed a review of the elementary math curriculum, which is seven years overdue for revision, leading to the committee's recommendation for the adoption of the I Ready mathematics program for grades K-5 for the next seven years. Furthermore, a resolution was approved to levy property tax for the fiscal year 2026-2027 regular program budget adjustment.

The document contains agenda items and minutes for multiple meetings, including a Regular Board Meeting on February 9, 2026, and a Special Board Meeting on February 9, 2026, as well as a Regular Board Meeting on January 12, 2026. Key discussions and actions included the Treasurer's Report and Listing of Accounts Payable for January 2026. The Facilities/Support Services Committee report addressed approving H.P. Inc. as a sole-source provider for client computer equipment, final acceptance of the Hempstead Football Field Storage Building Project, tentative approval of plans for the Irving Elementary School Roof Replacement Project, and approval of the Budget Guarantee for Fiscal Year 2026-2027. The Educational Programs/Policy Committee report covered policies regarding quorum for meetings, Board of Directors' member compensation, student special health services, student activity funds, and broadcasting of Board meetings. New Business included considering the expulsion of a student. The Special Board Meeting involved the unanimous approval of a purchase contract with Hewlett Packard, Inc. for student and staff laptops and a briefing on a student/parent incident in a crosswalk. The January 12th meeting included approvals for the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report, the At-Risk/Dropout Plan for 2026-2027, a Modified Supplemental Amount request, and several change orders for construction projects.

The Regular Board Meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance led by students from Marshall Elementary. The agenda was approved. Key discussions included a presentation from the Principal of Marshall Elementary School regarding current successes, which occurred during an open forum segment. The Board Salutes recognized the Hempstead High School Debate Team, Dubuque Senior High School students for their Model United Nations participation, and Fifth-grade students for their Arts Trek Field Trip. The Consent Agenda, unanimously approved, included the Treasurer's Report, Listing of Accounts Payable, and various committee reports and policy reviews covering personnel, professional service contracts, special education, and health services. Under the Facilities/Support Services Committee Report, the Board received and approved the June 30, 2025, Annual Comprehensive Financial Report. They also approved the At-Risk/Dropout Plan and the corresponding Modified Supplemental Amount request for the 2026-2027 school year. Several construction-related change orders were approved for projects at Irving Elementary School and the Hempstead Football Field Storage Building. An agreement for the Sageville Elementary School Fueling System Improvement Project was approved, and the Board tentatively approved plans for the Dalzell Retaining Wall Repairs Project, setting a date for a public hearing. The Board also approved an agreement with FEH Design for the Irving Elementary Playground Replacement Project and approved the Quarterly Budget Report. Under the Educational Programs/Policy Committee Report, an exemption request for Physical Education was approved. Finally, the 2025-2026 Board Committees were approved.