Kristi Bender

The meeting included approval of the payment of general fund bills, building fund bills, and a sinking & interest loan payment. Financial reports were approved. Contracts were approved for coaching positions: Dan Girard as Head Girls Track Coach and Josh Hoffman as Girls Wrestling Tournament Floor Coach. A first reading was held for several policies, including Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Section 504 Evaluation Standards and Procedures, Education of Special Education Students/Students With Disabilities Under the IDEA, and Board Conflict of Interest. Administrative reports covered the 26/27 calendar, a review of a local newspaper article regarding school options, revival of the pep band, and consideration for joining a legislative focus group. Hires for assistant girls track coach (Josh Wiest) and JH track coach (Kathy Boles) were also noted.

The board discussed and approved the agenda and financial matters, including general fund and building fund bills, and approved the financial reports. The board approved renting Lyle Fey's tractor for snow removal, establishing a rate of $25 per hour with a $750 minimum after Fey declared a conflict of interest. Approval was granted for the contract for Jordan Montgomery as speech coach. The superintendent evaluation, completed on November 2nd, was approved, noting satisfactory marks for Mr. Schmidt. Updates included a Cognia review, the staff Christmas party date, and the unsuccessful attempt to fill the Ag teacher position after a candidate declined the contract. The superintendent also reported on an approved WR club fundraiser, information regarding an adult VB league, anticipated funding adjustments, additional Title funding, approved progress on elementary standards workshops, approval for sensory furniture for special education from the Endowment fund, and ongoing Infinite Campus implementation plans. Reports also covered the submission and approval of professional development, curriculum, and assessment reports. Additional reports included planning for the staff Christmas breakfast contribution, the Christmas concert date, updates on winter sports participation (which will include 6th graders in JHGBB & JHBBB), scheduling track coach interviews, and arrangements for assistance during girls wrestling tournaments.

The Ashley School Board meeting included discussions on the 24/25 audit report, state on-time funding, and the use of remaining referendum funds. The board also addressed snow removal, replacement of a coil in the 4th-grade unit, and SB2330 mandates for human trafficking prevention education. Updates were provided on local ground beef purchases, H1B Visa renewal for Mr. Alcala, Cognia review, Infinite Campus implementation, playground equipment, elementary standards training, and NDA+ test results. Additionally, parent-teacher conferences and interviews for JHBBB and girls track were discussed.

The Ashley School Board held a public tax hearing where information was presented on past and future enrollment projections, current personnel, past and present revenue/expenditures, mill levy history, and the proposed mill levy impact. The regular meeting involved approving the agenda, payment of general fund and bond fund bills, financial reports, and hire notices. Budget revisions were approved without changing the total budget number. A second reading was held on various policies including student education records and privacy, protection for student victims of sexual offenses, patriotic exercises, and others. Reports were given on bus repairs, budget additions for elementary data collection, standards training for elementary teachers, a heating coil needed for a 4th-grade unit, the upcoming Cognia review, a Steered Straight assembly, and the SchoolStore program. Updates were provided on the online cybersecurity class, high school intervention, and upcoming track coach interviews.

The Ashley School Board held a regular meeting where they approved the agenda, payment of general fund and bond fund bills, and financial reports. They also approved various contracts and the proposed budget and certificate of levy. The board discussed and approved a bonus for full-time route drivers with a CDL and passenger endorsement for bus driving, and they approved three tuition agreements. Additionally, they held the first reading of several policies related to student education records, sexual offenses, patriotic exercises, human trafficking prevention, extracurricular participation, suspension and expulsion regulations, virtual instruction, alternative methods of credit for high school graduation, curriculum, and possessing weapons. The superintendent reported on the possibility of a separate elementary FB mini-bus and the ongoing search for paraprofessionals. The high school principal reported on online and dual credit classes, the cell phone policy, and co-op committee hires.