James Berry

The meeting included a presentation on the phase 1 results from the superintendent search posting by Humanex. The Board approved the Consent Agenda, which included financial reports and expenditures across several funds, as well as the hire of two staff members. The Board also approved several Early Head Start-Child Care Partnership (EHS-CCP) items, including the program report and associated budget items. Key actions involved selecting and approving three superintendent candidates to move forward for interviews, with a fourth candidate approved as a backup. A motion was passed to submit Elizabeth O'Dell's name for Region 6 representation on the MASB Board of Directors. Bids were awarded for the St. Joseph County ISD Playground Project to Sinclair Recreation, the WAN Transport E-Rate for FY 2026 - 2031 to Frontier, and the Fiber Maintenance for FY 2026 to Turnkey. The Board approved the Districtwide Professional Development Advisory Committee and the First Reading of revisions to the Emergency Operation Manual, as well as approving the revised superintendent search committee. Informational items included welcoming new contingent employees, congratulating a retiring employee, and a report from the Superintendent regarding technology hardware purchase requests and goal updates.

The meeting included the introduction of new staff members. The Consent Agenda encompassed the approval of financial reports and monthly expenditures for the General Fund, Career-Technical Education, Information Services, and Special Education. Approvals were also sought for hiring new staff, including a Social Worker and a Part Time Speech-Language Pathologist, as well as approving staff resignations/terminations. New Business involved recommending approval for the Early Head-Start Child Care Partnership (EHS-CCP) program report, attendance, purchase card statements, and personnel reports. The Board also considered the second reading of updates to Board Policies 4221 (Employee Search) and 5407 (Instructional Program and Curriculum Development). Furthermore, the Board recommended approval for the appointment of a member to the Special Education Parent Advisory Committee (PAC) and the layoff of two employees due to funding elimination, effective December 31, 2025.

Key discussions included the introduction of new staff and a presentation on the Special Education OT Guidelines Manual. The meeting recognized School Board Recognition Month for January 2026. Under the consent agenda, approval was sought for the Financial Report as of December 31, 2025, and monthly expenditures for the General Fund, Career-Technical Education, Information Services, and Special Education funds. The hiring and contract approval for a GSRP Program Manager and a Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant was also recommended. New business included recommending approval for Early Head-Start Child Care Partnership items such as the Program Report, Average Daily Attendance, and Purchase Card Statements, as well as approving the January 2025-26 Budget Revisions for specified funds. A significant action involved recommending the transfer of $700,000 from the Special Education Fund to the Committed Fund Balance for the Garage/Transportation Facility. The Superintendent requested a closed session for a mid-year superintendent's evaluation review. Informational items covered welcoming additional new employees and providing updates on the Superintendent Search.

Key discussions during the meeting included the introduction of new staff, specifically the Administrative and Pupil Accounting Manager. A presentation was given on Early Headstart, GSRP, and GSC, covering overviews, guidelines, and interdepartmental collaborations. The Board approved the Consent Agenda, which authorized financial reports, monthly invoices across several funds, and the hiring/contracts for four new staff members, including an Administrative & Pupil Auditing Manager and a Special Education Supervisor. Further actions included approving informational items related to the Early Head Start-Child Care Partnership program and approving the first reading of board policy updates concerning employee searches and instructional program development. The Board also approved a salary schedule increase based on ORS guidelines and authorized the addition of one Early Childhood Special Education Program Assistant Teacher. Following a Closed Session for the Superintendent's Evaluation, the Board approved the adoption of the 25-26 SJCISD District Strategic Goals. Informational items included updates on potential new hires and a legislative report from the Superintendent regarding the state budget and bill impacts.

The meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance and a period for public participation, during which no attendees spoke. New staff were introduced, and appreciation was expressed to the board for School Board Recognition Month. The board approved the amended Consent Agenda, which included the Minutes of the December 15, 2025 Regular Meeting, the Financial Report as of December 31, 2025, and approval of Monthly Expenditures across General Fund, CTE, Information Services, and Special Education. Approvals were also granted for the hire of two staff members. The board approved various financial matters, including 2025-26 January Budget Revisions for several funds and a $700,000 transfer from the Special Education Fund for the Garage/Transportation Facility. The proposed dues increase for NASB membership was approved. The board entered and exited Closed Session for a mid-year superintendent's evaluation review, ultimately voting to evaluate the Superintendent as Highly Effective for 2025-26. Informational updates included the introduction of contingent new employees and a report on the draft Emergency Operations Plan.