Jill Berlet

The board meeting primarily focused on recognizing and presenting resolutions for several staff members retiring after distinguished service. Retirees honored included Patricia Mangle (over 32 years of service as a teacher/substitute), Mora Oconor (16 years of service as a teacher), Regina Wood (34 years of service as a teacher), Michelle Shellhammer (36 years of service as a secretary), Justine Snider (34 years of service as a teacher), Michelle Brer (over 18 years of service as a substitute/instructional assistant specializing in special education), Michael Weber (17 years of service as a school counselor), and Richard Bond (over 18 years of service as a bus driver). The meeting also involved approval of the agenda, with a motion to move the presentation section up, and conducting courtesy of the floor for public comments.

The meeting involved the approval of the agenda and personnel actions, notably the appointment of Christa Keys as Acting Support Administrator and future Northwestern Elementary Principal, succeeding Maria. Discussions covered updates from the Superintendent regarding attendance at the School Leadership Conference and meetings with state legislators concerning issues like dual enrollment funding challenges. Financial matters included the approval of a retroactive contract with Woods Services for a special needs student, settlement agreements, use of federal funds (619), a mobile egg productions agreement for a planetarium program, and approvals for several service agreements. Enrollment reports indicated a 20-year low in student count, prompting a discussion on long-term planning to maintain course offerings as class sizes decrease moving into high school, including exploring hybrid virtual learning models.

The meeting commenced with opening procedures and the approval of the agenda, including a motion to move the donation item forward. Key discussions and actions included the approval of personnel items and the waiver of an expulsion hearing. Policy matters involved the first reading of five policies (113.1, 113.2, 236.1, 254, 805.2) and the second reading and final approval of two policies (904, 909). Operational approvals covered an Environmental Lab Eagle Scout Project, a Stadium Turf Maintenance Contract, and the authorization to sell six obsolete vehicles (three buses, two vans, and a tractor) on Municibid. Financial discussions included approving agreements for Bayada Healthcare Services, the Fulton Theatre Contract for a student event, the Olde Homestead Golf Club 2026 Prom Agreement, and an Agreement in Lieu of FAPE. The Board also received financial reports for August and approved bills across multiple funds, including a $14,458.24 charge on Procurement Cards. Other reports included an update on LCTI's marketing campaign and the Recreation Commission beginning to close fields for winter. New business featured the acceptance of a significant donation of $33,700 plus a $500 scholarship for life-saving medical equipment and the approval of the 2025 Board Meeting Calendar.

The document details the Reorganization Meeting, which preceded the Regular Board Meeting. Key discussions during the reorganization segment included the approval of the agenda and the election of officers. Todd Hernandez was nominated and elected as President Pro-Tem. Willard Delaker was nominated and subsequently elected as President for the coming year, followed by the election of Todd Hernandez as Vice President. During the courtesy of the floor segment, which was intended for reorganization matters, members of the Circle of Seasons Charter School community addressed the board regarding the status of their charter renewal, specifically correcting alleged misinformation presented at a previous meeting regarding submitted documentation and urging for an impartial review.

The workshop meeting began with a review and approval of the agenda. A significant portion of the discussion centered on two main items. First, the board heard a presentation regarding the potential change in the academic grading scale for grades 4 through 12, comparing the existing seven-point scale (A starting at 93) with a proposed ten-point scale (aligning more closely with collegiate standards). Input from surveys of students, parents, and teachers indicated strong support from students and parents for the ten-point scale due to perceived fairness and reduced stress, while teachers showed mixed opinions but significant interest in maintaining academic rigor. Key concerns included potential grade inflation and ensuring the minimum passing grade remains appropriate (e.g., 70 versus 60). Second, the board reviewed the bid for a middle school generator project, which is required by code to operate the fire pump for the new sprinkler system. The new generator will also support additional life safety items, refrigeration, and heating systems (boilers/hot water pumps) to prevent freezing during power outages. The board indicated they would accept the bid but take no action until a future meeting.