Douglas Austin

The board meeting included the adoption of the agenda and the presentation of the Saint Award to students for their academic, athletic, and community accomplishments. Several visitors addressed the board regarding ongoing labor contract negotiations, teacher retention, the importance of intervention services in the curriculum, and concerns about teacher salary competitiveness compared to other districts. Additionally, community members discussed school budget allocations, investment funds, and the impact of political pressures on school policy.

The meeting began with the approval of the agenda, followed by consideration from community members. The consent agenda included the approval of routine personnel items, disbursements, acceptance of gifts, and three extended trip requests for Speech and a St. Francis Learning Center event. Information items included a presentation and donation from the St. Francis Athletic Booster Club for new weight room equipment, an update from the SFHS Student Council, and an administrative report. Action was taken to approve the Teacher Seniority List. Directors provided reports, and the meeting concluded with adjournment.

The work session meeting focused on an information item regarding the Superintendent Evaluation and Goals Process, where the board discussed goals and the process for the annual evaluation of Superintendent Anderson. Additionally, the board discussed the possibility of conducting community listening sessions in the future.

The meeting included the recognition of a Saints Star Award recipient and public comments from a district employee and community members. Key agenda items involved approving the consent agenda, which covered routine personnel actions including new employment, internal transfers, and leaves of absence, as well as approving disbursements and investment reports for November and December 2025. Action items included the approval of preliminary budget assumptions and timeline for the 2026-27 school year, approval of a Mechanics Work Agreement, and passage of a resolution directing administration to make reductions. Information reports were provided on the SFHS Student Council, the American Indian Education program, and the Teacher Seniority List received its first reading.

The organizational meeting involved the approval of the agenda and the election of 2026 officers, resulting in Nathan Burr as Chair, Annette West as Vice Chair, Rob Schoenrock as Clerk, and Chad Working as Treasurer. The Board voted to maintain the 2025 school board member compensation rates for 2026. The 2026 School Board meeting schedule and committee/liaison assignments were approved. Annual designations were also approved. The consent agenda included the approval of previous meeting minutes and routine personnel items, such as new employment, internal transfers, leaves of absence, and retirements/terminations. The Board also reviewed information items, including an administrative report, and held a closed session for labor negotiation strategy discussions.