Jennifer Hill

The Board discussed and acted upon various items including the approval of FFA overnight trip requests and several administrative reports from principals and the superintendent regarding school assessments, curriculum planning, and project funding. Key business actions included the selection of a new employee healthcare insurance plan, authorization for the issuance of general obligation promissory notes, approval of audited financial statements, and adoption of a policy handbook for the new childcare center. Additionally, the board approved curriculum resource purchases, a CESA 4 service agreement, and policy updates. Staffing changes, including multiple resignations and a new coaching appointment, were also finalized.

The board reviewed administrative reports covering a request for an overnight trip for Skills USA, updates on elementary playground flooding issues, high school athletics and activities, the upcoming annual audit, and recruitment plans for the next elementary principal. New business items included updates on facility project bids, approval of combined financing for a solar panel project and a childcare center, the approval of a CESA 10 service contract, and construction testing services. The board also discussed proposed policy updates, plans for an additional bus route, and student participation in the Start College Now program. Furthermore, the board acted on several staff resignations and new hires, and convened an executive session to discuss employment and compensation matters.

The board approved the final construction estimate and guaranteed maximum price for a new childcare center. Additionally, the board authorized the purchase of HyperV and support services for technology infrastructure, approved an overnight student trip for the FCCLA State Conference, and confirmed the hiring of an elementary school principal and assistant track coaches. Finally, the board convened into executive session to confer with legal counsel regarding potential litigation.

The board received administrative reports, including an update on the 2024-2025 annual audit, information regarding a federal embezzlement case involving a former employee, and updates on childcare center bid documents. The board also reviewed and approved a solar feasibility study, an Achievement Gap Reduction report, a land swap submission to a title company for finalization, a new Waste Management contract, and the hiring of a new elementary school custodian. Additionally, the board accepted several staff resignations across various departments.

Key discussions during the meeting included staffing needs at the elementary school to address increased student behavior challenges, with administration exploring alternative placements and additional staff. The Jr/Sr High School Principal reported on FCCLA activities and noted staff training on restorative practices to address progressive discipline issues. The Superintendent provided updates on the spring school board elections, the planned sale of a district vehicle via closed bid due to repair costs, and presented initial concepts for a childcare center, advising a community survey for input. The board approved the final childcare center design, opting for a $2.9 million market issue financing option, and approved closing open enrollment for special education students due to staff capacity limits. They also approved the 2026-2027 District Calendar Option A and a memorandum of understanding with Bridging Brighter Smiles for the 2026-2027 school year. A new special education teacher position was approved for the elementary school. The board accepted a new hourly pay scale for bus drivers, effective for new hires, and hired several part-time and full-time staff members. Finally, contract roll-overs were approved for the superintendent, Jr/Sr High School Principal, and an administrator for the 2026-2028 school years.