Debra Atwell

Key discussions during the meeting included District Celebrations highlighting impressive Early Literacy data, and Student Celebrations recognizing the MHS Drama and Choir/Band performances. Staff Recognition acknowledged Sarah Powell for completing Alternative Licensure. In Public/Committee Reports, updates were provided on DAC, MEF, and BOCES/SAC activities, including the election of BOCES/SAC officers. The Superintendent highlighted audit findings, including an increase in the Beginning Fund Balance and briefly explained accrual accounting. The Consent Agenda was approved, covering minutes approval, appointment of the 2026 Secretary to the Board of Education, approval of the 2026 public meeting location and meeting schedule, and acceptance of November 2025 Financial Reports and Check Vouchers. Action Items involved the approval of the 2026 Mill Levy Certification and the acceptance of the FY25 Financial Audit Management Letter and Report, with auditor recommendations regarding segregation of duties and PERA liability budgeting to be followed up on. Other information reviewed included School Resource Officer partnership updates, preliminary versus final FY26 funding formula impacts, and consideration of future capital projects and community surveys.

Key topics for the Board of Education meeting include honoring student and staff celebrations, specifically recognizing the MHS Art Program and student Alise Massey. The agenda covers public and committee reports from various groups such as DAC, MEF, BOCES/SAC, DLT, and the Employee Council, as well as reports from MES, BMS, and MHS principals. Action items involve the approval of volunteer Middle School Wrestling Coaches and the final approval of the Fiscal Year 2026 budget, appropriation resolution, and a resolution to spend fund balance. Policy discussions include the first reading of Policy KF and its regulation regarding Facility Use, the School Resource Officer partnership with the Town of Meeker (including the IGA and hiring timeline), Personnel Recruiting/Hiring, Superintendent Evaluation process, Finance matters concerning Capital Reserve Revenue and uses of fund balance, Capital Projects, and School Board Best Practices, including discussion/training topics on the "New" school finance formula and MHS Graduate Preparedness. The meeting also addresses monitoring the Community Survey Action Plan.

The Board meeting began with the approval of a revised agenda, which included adding an action item for personnel approval and modifications to a resolution concerning Bond Redemption Funds and the district calendar. Student celebrations recognized the Barone Middle School boys basketball season. Reports from various committees included updates on parent engagement, finance, recruitment, and curriculum purchases. Action items approved personnel matters, including new and substitute staff, and volunteer coaches. The Board also approved policies regarding student records and relations with state/federal agencies. A resolution to use Interest Earning from Bond Redemption Funds was approved despite one dissenting vote, with discussions centering on funding Capital Improvement projects. The revised 2025-2026 District Calendar was adopted to move Spring Parent Teacher conferences earlier based on staff survey results. Other information covered the date change for the December meeting, details on the Mill Levy certification process, policy discussions on Facility Use Fees, and the School Resource Officer partnership agreement.

The Board of Education held a regular meeting where they recognized winners of the White River Conservation District's annual poster contest and celebrated the MHS Cross Country team's season and the MHS Give Back Day. The District Advisory Committee (DAC) discussed District Strategic Vision implementation, the use of Bond Interest, and DAC recruitment. The board approved personnel actions including new hires and resignations, and policy updates regarding student records and relations with state and federal agencies. They also discussed the School Resource Officer partnership with the Town of Meeker, uses of Bond Redemption Fund interest, and uses of the General Fund balance.

The Board of Education meeting included the Pledge of Allegiance and a presentation from a 6th-grade class studying governmental leadership. The agenda was approved, and the Oath of Office and Confidentiality Affidavit were proclaimed by newly elected BOE members. The board elected officers, including the President, Vice President, and Secretary/Treasurer. Appointments were made for BOCES Board Representatives, DAC Representative, MEF Representative, and DLT Representative. The board decided not to appoint a CASB Delegate. No other BOE information was discussed, and there was no Executive Session.