Gerry Bissinger

The meeting commenced with the administration of the oath of office to the new non-voting student representatives. Discussions included commendations for student achievements in music, specifically recognizing students selected for various state-level ensembles. The student representatives provided updates on several high school matters, including strong student interest in establishing a homecoming dance, which may replace the current fright night dance and require consolidation of freshman/sophomore dances. Student input also highlighted significant concerns regarding current student parking arrangements, noting current lot closures due to snow and the long-term impact of future turf field construction, leading to congestion and tardiness. The board also received commendations for their volunteer service during National School Board Recognition Month. The financial segment presented an audit summary for the period ending June 30, 2025, detailing total revenues of $46,046,126 and total expenditures of $46,205,536, resulting in a net operating loss of $158,239, and concluding with a total fund balance of $9,338,550.

The meeting commenced with a student representatives report covering several key achievements and updates. Highlights included the initiation of the process for selecting new board of education representatives, recognition of the cross country team placing ninth nationally with several members named all-state, and the Seal of Biliteracy testing completion for multiple languages. Updates were also provided on winter sports commencing, the success of the recent spirit week which raised over $34,000 for four charities and collected 4,755 pounds of food, and ongoing discussions regarding student dances, including bringing back a Homecoming dance. The agenda also featured performances by the elementary school small group band. Furthermore, a comprehensive update on bond referendum projects was presented, detailing items out for bid such as the 1890s building and high school window replacement, projects in design including the Hopkins turf field amenities and Central Elementary School interior alterations, and projects advanced in the schedule like asphalt shingle roofing replacements at Central Elementary School and the Koopa replacement project. The status of the 1890s building bid was discussed, noting bids came in over budget, leading to negotiations.

The meeting included staff commendations for those earning advanced degrees, recognizing their role as lifelong learners and role models. Discussions covered athletic updates, highlighting achievements in various sports, and the success of the Memorial Day assembly. The agenda also included class officer elections, the Arts in the Courtyard event, and a transition day for eighth graders. Updates were provided from elementary and middle schools, including information on fifth-grade promotion, kindergarten promotion, the Gifted Gallery, and upcoming field days.

The meeting included student commendations for the National Merit Scholarship Program, followed by a student representative report. The student representative report included updates on the C Purch winning the STEM competition, the full wrap project, the week of respect, multicultural day, the fright night dance, and the fall play. There was also a referendum progress update from LA Associates and Collers, discussing various projects in design and construction, including auditorium alterations, Hopkins Turf Field amenities and parking, Tatum edition, Haden edition, A-wing and C-wing window replacement, central elementary school interior alteration projects, Hopkins gym, and districtwide fire alarm replacement.

The meeting included presentations and updates on various projects. Discussions covered the referendum progress, the 1890s building, high school auditorium design, C-wing classroom redesign, relocation and historic restoration work, Hopkins turf field amenities, parking project, Tatum Elementary School Media Center edition, Haden Elementary School media center, A-wing and C-wing window replacements at the high school, auditorium project, Elizabeth Haddon interior alterations, flooring abatement and replacement, Memorial High School flooring, and ADA stadium upgrades.