Kathleen Alexander

Key discussion points included a legislative update detailing a change in location for the legislative dinner. Under regular business, the board recognized February's educator of the month, Kylie Weiler, and received a curriculum connection presentation on keyboarding. Significant time was spent updating the district's strategic goals, specifically focusing on Staff Culture (addressing staffing gaps, workload balance, behavior systems alignment, administrative visibility via observations, and finalizing recommendations for compensation/benefits plans) and Infrastructure (reviewing completed projects from the 2016-2017 plan). The board also discussed initiating the process to update the 2016-2017 strategic plan internally. Financial updates included reviewing 2026-2027 budget parameters and approving motions for purchasing a combi oven/serving system and adding an elementary assistant principal and ELL teacher for the next school year. The board also considered and accepted the proposed student fees schedule and adopted a comprehensive set of bylaws and policies by resolution.

The Policy Committee meeting focused on the review and editing of various Medford School District policies. Several policies, including ABB (Staff Involvement in Decision Making), BCH (BOE Consultants), and BDA (Remote Participation in BOE Mtgs), were targeted for elimination or modification. Specific actions included eliminating policies like ABB, BCH, BFG, CBE, CF, CHCA, and others, while keeping policies such as CI, DFEA, DGA, GBO, GEZZ, and JFCIA in their current form. Amendments were made to add language to Neola policies 0164, 5515, 2340, and 9700. New Neola policies (5820: Student Government, 5850: Social Events, and 7460: Conservation of Natural & Material Resources) were slated for addition.

Key discussions included an update on Food Service operations and the renewal of a Certificate of Deposit (CD) with Forward Bank, which secured a 3.68% interest rate for a nine-month term. The committee addressed the 10 Year Facility Plan, reallocating $130,000 worth of projects from the 25-26 plan to 26-27, and moving the funding for a 10 passenger van to the 25-26 plan. It was reported that the district successfully retained approximately $100,000 in funds related to a SAMHSA mental health training grant. A preliminary projection for the 2026-2027 budget indicated a potential deficit of $149,269 based on projected revenues of $42,679,058 and expenses of $42,828,327. The committee also reviewed health insurance updates and approved the monthly expenditures.

The meeting included several key agenda items. Initial segments covered correspondence, including a student council report and legislative updates, followed by recognitions and good news shared by the schools. The consent agenda approved the agenda, secretary's report, treasurer's report, personnel reports, student exchange agreements, contract approvals, policy reports, and the status of various member districts. Regular business included a building update on bullying, which detailed plans to launch a support hub on the district website and data presentation from each school. The Clerk's Report certified candidates for the 2026 Spring Election. The Board set no capacity limitations for open enrollment for the 2026-2027 school year, recognizing the RVA Governance Board's established capacity. A resolution was adopted to establish parameters for the sale of up to $9,000,000 in General Obligation Promissory Notes following a presentation on referendum funding. Updates were provided on construction projects. The Board approved changing the June 22, 2026 meeting date to June 29, 2026. The administration was granted flexibility to adjust the 2025-26 school calendar, potentially utilizing in-service or early-release days for snow closures. A finance update included the reallocation of funds between the 2025-26 and 2026-27 preliminary budgets and a decision not to pursue new MASH signage at this time. The Board reviewed policies for first and second readings, ultimately approving changes to RVA operational budget and commencement exercises policies. The session concluded with an adjournment to closed session to discuss employment matters.

The meeting included a period of public comment where attendees expressed thanks to a board member for curriculum review and raised concerns about specific reading materials. Correspondence included a MASH Student Council Report, building recognitions, a legislative update, and election filing deadlines. The consent agenda was approved, covering the agenda approval, secretary's report, treasurer's report, personnel reports, and approval of new RVA member districts. Key business discussions included a curriculum connection presentation on Family Consumer Science Programs and the consideration of a parent request for curriculum reconsideration, resulting in a motion to retain specified 10th grade ELA materials. Updates were provided on construction projects, noting a change in material for the technical education addition due to brick sourcing issues. Finance updates included the approval of the 2024-2025 Fiscal Year Audit and the approval for the purchase of a baseball scoreboard for the subsequent fiscal year budget. Policy items for first reading and review were also noted. The board adjourned to closed session to discuss administrator employment, resignation, and contract non-renewal matters.