Jill McGowan

The board discussed and approved the lease agreement between the school district and UNLC, the revised fiscal year 2026 budget, and the proposed fiscal year 2027 budget. The board also approved the Activities Director Agreement for the 2026-2027 school year and the proposal for architectural services for bus garages. A proposal for a new website was tabled, and a motion to approve a new digital sign failed. Additionally, the meeting included discussions on a communication plan, the strategic plan, administrative responsibility shifts, and options under the new seasonal recreation law, while also scheduling the superintendent evaluation and addressing a board self-evaluation.

The board meeting addressed various administrative and operational matters. Key agenda items included staff contract renewals and the granting of tenure to multiple certified staff members, as well as the processing of resignations and new hires. The board approved the five-year technology plan, accepted resolutions regarding election procedures, including filing dates for affidavits of candidacy and the school district general election call, and authorized the recertification of a census sample. Additionally, the board approved the high school principal's agreement, authorized the advertising for milk and bread bids for the upcoming school year, renewed property liability and workers' compensation insurance, and accepted donations for the school pantry.

The board addressed several agenda items, including personnel resignations and new hires, and approved the payment of bills. Key actions included the approval of several employment agreements, a bus garage proposal, the authorization of an official for secure website access, the purchase of a digital sign, and a resolution regarding micro-purchasing thresholds. Additionally, the board approved technology purchases, donations, and overnight trips for speech and football activities. A multi-year technology plan was tabled for future consideration, and a special meeting was scheduled.

The board meeting included updates from the ICS recruitment and retention committee and the approval of the consent agenda, which encompassed staff resignations, terminations, and new hires. The board reviewed and accepted bills, received financial and principal reports, and discussed the renewal of the SRO contract. New business items addressed the approval of a student trip, considerations regarding membership and building sales for the Freshwater Education District, an agreement to share a PE teacher with the Laporte district, and a facility use agreement with the City of Walker. The board also approved a phased retirement agreement, updated policy 206 regarding public participation, and authorized agreements for administrative and behavioral interventionist roles. Additionally, a resolution was passed to formally accept donations for the district.

The board conducted an election of officers for the positions of Chair, Vice Chair, Treasurer, and Clerk. Key agenda items included the approval of bills for payment and the review of financial and principal reports. The board finalized annual designations, including the depository bank, official newspaper, meeting schedule, and legal counsel. Additionally, the board adopted numerous new and updated policies covering topics such as mandated reporting, school safety, student privacy, and transportation, and reviewed the school calendar for the 2026-2027 period.