Kerrie Bernstein

The board meeting commenced with roll call, confirming a quorum. Key agenda items included the adoption of the agenda and the reading of the district vision and mission statement, followed by the pledge of allegiance. Public comments were noted as having no registered speakers. The consent agenda was approved. Discussions involved the confirmation of future special board meetings scheduled for February 25th, March 12th, and March 26th, 2026. The board approved cooperative sharing agreements and motions related to Prairie Meadows grants, noting adjustments for a culinary program amount. Consideration was given to Series 2026A general obligation bonds. A motion was passed to set a public hearing for the Fiscal Year 2027 budget and consideration of public tax notices for March 26, 2026. The board discussed bus bids, including inquiries regarding the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of purchasing electric buses versus diesel, noting previous consideration and the potential for future adoption based on grants and policy changes. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to wayfinding signage, where board members discussed streamlining options, favoring lighted monument signs at primary entry points (like 80th Street and Meechum) for visitor direction, while questioning the necessity of interior signs, suggesting funds might be better allocated toward proper signage on existing buildings. The rationale for the signage project was reviewed in context with the administration building project.

The board meeting commenced with the adoption of the agenda and a review of the district mission and vision. Public comments included updates regarding the Altuna Historical Museum reopening schedule and information about the upcoming annual parade in Altuna. Key agenda items involved the consent agenda approval. Under new and old business, the board approved DLR Group as the architect for a new elementary school project. They also approved OPN architects for the junior high school secure entrance project. A public hearing was scheduled for February 19th, 2026, regarding the junior high lighting project, which includes updating fluorescent lighting to LED, incorporating energy efficiency features, and utilizing PPEL funds. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the first part of the FY2027 budget discussion, covering projected enrollment changes (an increase of 11 students), expiring contracts, anticipated medical premium increases (8.7% preliminary estimate), and state aid proposals including a 2% increase in Supplemental State Aid (SSA). The budget discussion noted that, based on these assumptions, the district faces a potential budget authority reduction of $2.8 million. The board also confirmed that financial indicators regarding solvency and unspent spending authority remain within Iowa School Budget (IASB) recommendations. Future discussion topics include textbook adoptions for ELA and middle school items.

The meeting included recognition of the Southeast Pole cheer team for securing their sixth state title. Public comments addressed concerns regarding a systemic curriculum issue, specifically curriculum challenges, identification matrix fairness, and the discrepancy in ELA instruction time between middle and high school grades. Key business items included the annual approval of the dropout prevention at-risk plan and its associated modified supplemental funding. The board also moved to approve Newman Monson Architects for the Elementary Schools Playground Improvement Project, which will involve a phased approach emphasizing community involvement and feedback through the spring and summer to ensure an equitable, comprehensive plan for facility improvements.

Key discussions during the meeting included updates on athletic performance, such as Boys Swim qualifying for state competition, Boys Wrestling being state dual team champions, and individual achievements in Girls Wrestling and Girls Bowling. The club approved funding for a bench cover and structure for the boys soccer program, totaling $7,767.00, and also approved $1,138.25 for advanced weight shirts. Regarding future business, the club decided to continue conversations about potentially establishing a Hall of Fame in addition to the existing Hall of Champions, and they plan to contact Pleasant Hill city officials regarding hosting the 2026 Homecoming parade. A potential future purchase of a treadmill was noted.

The meeting commenced with the adoption of the agenda and a reading of the district vision and mission statement, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Key discussions included a presentation from the Southeast Pulk Education Foundation, which awarded $30,000 to educators for 10 innovative classroom projects, including those sponsored by Meta involving 3D printers and music technology equipment. Recognition was also given to the state champion Southeast Pulk Rhythmats team. Business items addressed included the approval of the consent agenda, confirmation of future meeting dates (February 5th and 19th), approval of the staffing plan for fiscal year 27 (which was noted as year three of a three-year roll), and the approval of a budget guarantee resolution. A public hearing was held to receive comments on the way finding signage project, which was ultimately approved for bidding based on specifications allowing for alternate bids on lighting. The Superintendent's report thanked the Education Foundation, noted the start of the second semester, outlined upcoming board visits, and announced the cancellation of school and activities for the following day due to extreme cold weather.