John Dagres

The committee discussed the disposal of old radio equipment and reviewed the finance report along with monthly payroll and accounts payable. There was a preview of upcoming agenda items for the next board meeting, specifically regarding infrastructure projects such as the HVAC system, locker room renovations, track project, and the soccer field. Furthermore, the committee addressed concerns regarding staff attendance and accountability within the business office.

The Finance Committee meeting addressed several key financial and operational items. A major discussion involved the replacement of the District's outdated NEC phone system, which is beyond its support life and does not meet modern safety or integration standards, recommending CrossRealms for an on-premises 3CX system implementation. The financial report for the month ending December 31, 2025, indicated that the District received $10,919,682 in revenues and had $5,528,246 in expenditures, placing it six months into the fiscal year. Accounts Payable for December totaled $1,582,992.15. Additionally, results from the 10th annual wellness screening for employees, which had 43 participants, were reviewed. An impact report for the Perspectives Employee Assistance Program (EAP), which costs the District $3,402.00 annually, was also presented, noting an 11.11% decrease in utilization this year.

The Policy Committee meeting involved a review of numerous policies for a first reading, with minor language changes noted. Policies reviewed spanned governance, finance, and instructional areas. Key policy discussions included Board Member Development, Committees, Discrimination and Harassment, Fiscal and Business Management, Revenue and Investments, Accounting and Audits, Equal Opportunity and Minority Recruitment, Child Reporting, Staff Development, ESS Duties, School Year Calendar, Curriculum Development, Curriculum Content (adding specific topics like CPR and mental health credits), Gifted Programs, English Learners, BYOT Program, Complaints About Curriculum, Graduation Requirements, Credit for Non-District Experiences, Attendance and Truancy, Agency and Law Enforcement Requests, Bullying Prevention (adding AI and cyberbullying), Student Behavior (firearm access), Suicide and Depression Awareness, Restrictions on Publications, Student Records, and Visitors to School Property.

The Finance Committee discussed the proposed Property Tax Levy for capped funds, which represents a 4.99% increase and includes a Bond and Interest Levy payment increase. The committee reviewed the disposal of 703 obsolete technology devices, noting that data security is managed through a partnership with Arcoa Group, a certified recycling company. The financial report for December 2025 showed fund balance cash reserves declining from the previous month, with expenditures at 32% of the budget versus 16% of revenues received year to date. Accounts Payable for December totaled $1,599,711.85 and were reviewed as in order. A follow-up was initiated regarding outstanding overtime reports and the difficulty in obtaining invoices related to windows for a FOIA request, with an explanation provided regarding the necessity of change orders on large projects due to unforeseen repairs.

Discussions focused on updates and successes within the Intervention Program, including tightening rules for Saturday sessions by restricting cell phone and internet use and adding instructional aides. Options for Monday through Friday after-school and lunch period programs were explored, along with whether to maintain free access or reduce fees for these interventions targeting credit-deficient seniors. Academic discussions covered Spring 2025 ACT Scores showing improvement, planning for the ACT Prep Program starting in January 2026 with in-house and virtual sessions, and review of the school-wide spring testing schedule for April 2026. No new courses were slated for the 26-27 School Year. Emphasis continues on college partnerships, with AP Stats running as dual credit for the 27-28 SY. The committee noted a record number of ELL students testing out of ACCESS testing. A continuing discussion on Valedictorian and Salutatorian designations suggested a move away from these honors potentially starting with the class of 2029 to encourage students to take valuable non-AP/honors courses.