Kevin Cochran

The meeting began with the approval of the agenda and payment of Activity Fund bills and other general bills. Additional board bills for the General Fund and Activity Fund were approved, along with the approval of payroll wages and benefits for the January 2026 payroll, and receipt of January 2026 financial reports. Administration items included updates on elementary activities (AEA updates, TLC, behavior referrals, chronic absenteeism), secondary matters (MAP testing, ISAP testing, new social studies standards, civics testing), and Superintendent reports regarding daycare projections, SSA rates, the governor's proposed property tax bill, and a sponsorship from Agriland FS. The board approved discontinuing the splitting of the JH basketball and wrestling season. The AEA district service plan for the 2026-2027 school year was approved. The district levied property taxes for the regular program budget adjustment for fiscal year 2026-2027 under the Budget Guarantee provision. The resignation of Samantha Robinson as an associate was approved, and Lisa Fritz was approved as a volunteer JH softball coach. The board also celebrated recent achievements in Show Choir, Jazz Band, athletic tournaments, and wrestling.

The meeting included a review of fund balances as of March 31, 2025, which totaled $76,046.16 across various accounts. The board nominated and approved officers for the 2024-2025 term, including Jerry Robison as President, DJ McDanel as Vice President, and Christina Bickel as Secretary/Treasurer. Scholarship winners were selected for the Bunt Declamatory award and the Mary Jo Hoff and Stuart McDanel Memorial Scholarships for FY25. The proposed FY26 budget was also approved.

The meeting began with the approval of the agenda and the payment of bills, including Activity Fund bills and additional general fund and activity fund bills. Payroll wages and associated benefits for December 2025 were approved, and December 2025 financial reports were received. Key discussions involved concerns from JH basketball coaches regarding the split season for winter JH sports. Administration items covered absenteeism, testing, incident reporting, discussions with Albia Country Club regarding the Mohawk Classic, transportation equity fund issues, non-functional heat controls in the new wing, a recurring roof leak in the new gym, changes for IEP students regarding classroom absences, the commendable rating received on the state report card, and an upcoming Budget Workshop. Two members were appointed to the negotiations team. The At-Risk/Dropout Plan for the 2026-2027 school year was approved. Volunteer coaching recommendations for HS boys track were approved pending certification for one candidate.

The agenda included early graduation requests from seniors, and the board acknowledged the results from the school board election. The board also discussed professional development, attendance, semester testing, and training on child neglect and abuse. The board was informed about an opportunity for the high school basketball teams to play at the Casey's Center in Des Moines. The board approved a request to the School Budget Review Committee for a modified supplemental amount for students open enrolled out and approved the modified supplemental amount for At-Risk & Drop Out Prevention. Additionally, the board approved district depositories and approved the resignation of a daycare associate and contract recommendations for a daycare associate, HS baseball coaches, and an elementary teacher.

The meeting included reports from the Secondary Principal and Superintendent, covering topics such as a donation from Sundown Lake residents for student meal accounts, certified enrollment numbers, and discussions on funding for an entry way video board and the weighting for SPED. The board approved FFA holding a donkey basketball fundraiser, sharing swimming and soccer with Centerville CSD, and waiving the 90-day ineligibility period for open enrolled students. They also approved allowable growth and supplemental aid for a special education balance. Resignations were approved for various coaching positions and an associate, while contracts were approved for a football cheer sponsor, dance sponsor, associate, head janitor, and volunteer wrestling coaches. The board received a presentation regarding evaluations and job descriptions, and tentative plans for the senior class trip were presented. The board also discussed the academic ineligibility policy and held a closed session for a superintendent quarterly review.