Darren Barnes

The board discussed administrative reports covering elementary enrollment, district end-of-year events, and legislative updates regarding district classification. Action items included electing a medical benefit plan hard cap, adopting the district calendar for the upcoming school year, approving continued employment for probationary teachers, and recognizing staff tenure. Additionally, the board approved a food service agreement with Chartwell's, a trust transfer to the Cadillac Community Foundation, and several requests for unpaid and PTO leave.

The board conducted a workshop session that involved reviewing items under each standing committee. The public comment segment included presentations regarding compensation data at area schools, updates on upcoming high school events, inquiries regarding student graduation timelines, and discussions concerning varsity coach meetings, the status of the Hoffman house, and community concerns regarding fundraising practices by coaches and parents.

The board meeting included the approval of bills and a consent agenda. Administrative reports covered recognition for the elementary school's environmental status, updates on middle and high school events, and information regarding classroom visits focused on Standard Based Learning. Action items included the approval of a change in course requirements from Junior Seminar to High School Seminar, the approval of a 2025-2026 budget amendment, and the approval of an unpaid leave request for a staff member.

The meeting included an amendment to the agenda to eliminate verbal committee reports. Under the consent agenda, the Board approved prior meeting minutes and bills totaling $950,487.82. A presentation was made by Jamison Haggerty from SET/SEG regarding an MSAFE award presented to Dr. Hejnal on behalf of the District, which included a $1000 check, recognizing the District for having very few claims. Administrative reports noted preparations for the new school year, sufficient players for sports teams, and open postings for Instructional Coach and Math-ELA positions. Key action items included authorizing the levy of 3.40 mils for the Bond Project Debt Fund, adopting a resolution to borrow $1,300,000 via State Aid Operating Notes, authorizing the levy of 17.7451 mils on non-homestead properties, approving course catalogues and employee handbooks, and approving the hiring of a MS/HS Principal, MS/HS AP/AD, and two elementary teachers, along with authorizing payments for a legacy plaque and painting services.

The Board meeting commenced with a call to order and the pledge of allegiance. Key agenda items included the approval of the agenda and a review of items under standing committees. A significant portion of the session involved entering into a closed session specifically to discuss the Superintendent Evaluation, followed by exiting the closed session to resume the regular meeting before final adjournment.