Kenneth Hickman

The meeting included a Public Hearing and an Additional Appropriation Hearing regarding the 2026 Proposed Renovation and Improvements to Facilities throughout the Corporation. Key resolutions approved were the Project Resolution, the Additional Appropriation Resolution, and the $4,000,000 Final Bond Resolution. The Board approved claims dated February 17, 2026, and reviewed a Financial Report showing expenditures through January 31, 2026. Further actions included accepting donations made to the High School and approving several out-of-state trip requests and various youth camps, such as the Business Professionals of America Trip and Baseball/Softball Camps. Additionally, the Board approved coaching recommendations for softball positions and declared a 2009 Bluebird Bus Surplus.

The meeting addressed several key items, commencing with the approval of the agenda. Commentary included updates from the RCCTA regarding positive reception to changes in breakfast and lunch programs, and recognition of board members for National School Board Appreciation Month. The Superintendent provided updates on federal accountability, recognition of an Aviation instructor, the successful launch of the new food service program resulting in increased meal counts, staffing changes including a retirement and a new hire for a custodian position, maintenance updates regarding fan powered motors, pending camera installation, issues with pool HVAC parts, and an upcoming assessment for Middle School gym lights. The Board approved claims, a Financial Report through December 31, 2025, a Preliminary Bond Resolution, a Declaration of Intent to Reimburse Expenditures, acceptance of donations, and a request for maternity leave for an employee. Approval was also granted for new coaching recommendations for the Track season. The Board scheduled a Weather Make-up Day and noted the upcoming President's Day closure. The session concluded with an adjournment into a Board of Finance Meeting, where old checks were approved for write-off.

The Board discussed performance data from various schools, staff evaluation ratings, and updates to the high school's HVAC system and bus garage lighting. They approved claims, reviewed a financial report, and approved several student transfer requests. The 2026-2027 school calendar was approved, and old stage lighting materials were declared as surplus equipment. The board also approved changing the Bus Mechanic position to a salary position and allowing drone video taping at football games for the 2025 season. Additionally, teacher resignations and recommendations, leave requests, ECA resignations and recommendations, and coaching recommendations were approved. The board also mentioned assessing bus driver and instructional assistant pay rates.

The board discussed and approved several items, including acceptance of donations for the High School, Middle School and Primary School, and approval of the 2025-2026 Student Handbooks for High School, Middle School, Primary School, and Van Rensselaer Elementary School. They also approved the 2025-2026 Non-Certified Employee Handbook and the 2025-2026 Administrator Handbook. Student and adult breakfast and lunch prices were approved, with free breakfast and lunch for students. The board approved a contract with Key Education Services for School Psychologist Services and the renewal of the Brand Tech Contract for Cooperative School Services for the 2025-2026 school year. Additionally, they approved the 2025 Fall Cheer Camp and the 2026 Winter Cheer Camp. The board approved Neola Policy Updates and Administrative Guidelines for July 2025, along with 2025-2026 Student Transfer Requests and authorization to sign agreements for alternative services and private residential school placements. They also approved coaching recommendations and a coaching resignation.

The board meeting included discussions and actions on various topics, such as additional student transfer requests, the purchase of a bus, financial reports, donations, and a staff performance evaluation plan. Contracts with therapy services were approved, along with a youth basketball camp. Hiring and coaching recommendations were also addressed, as well as a teacher resignation. Updates were provided on auditorium improvements and bus barn lighting.