Kristi Bender

The board approved general fund bills and financial reports. Key actions included approving several staff contracts and the second reading of the 'Separation of At-Will Employees' policy. The board accepted a quote for elementary cubbies from Roughrider Industries and approved an open enrollment request. Building maintenance and infrastructure updates were provided regarding wall cracks, roof repairs, and upcoming painting projects. The board accepted staff resignations, discussed hiring for open positions, and reviewed the transportation fleet's status, including plans to salvage a vehicle and seek quotes for new buses. Additionally, the board approved a training stipend for teachers regarding Infinite Campus, heard administrative reports on upcoming school events and visitors, and discussed student academic achievements.

The board discussed a proposal for new playground equipment, received sealed bids for a surplus vehicle, and approved numerous staff contracts and extra-curricular assignments. Discussions were held regarding ancillary staff wage realignment to remain competitive with area salaries, tuition share agreements for incoming students from the Zeeland district, and an election update. The board also addressed transportation needs, specifically the potential purchase of a minibus through cooperative purchasing, and established a policy for funding national competition travel for junior high students. Administrative reports included updates on standardized testing, upcoming student events, and open coaching positions.

The board discussed and took action on several items, including adopting a new official school song, increasing CDL sit-time pay for bus drivers, and establishing a new transportation reimbursement schedule for regular vehicles, mini-buses, and full-size buses. The board evaluated the policy for 8th-grade participation in higher-level athletics, amended co-op guidelines regarding practice locations to exclude baseball, and set new requirements for livestreaming sponsorships under the HUDL contract. Additionally, a committee was formed to research charter bus costs, a new policy was adopted for coach hotel room expenses, and the board decided to maintain the current per diem rates for state events.

The board discussed potential teaching positions, specifically addressing a history applicant's request for a contract extension. The board decided to pursue the option of offering the history curriculum via ITV should no other candidates apply for the position.

The board meeting addressed several key administrative and operational items, including the approval of financial reports and general fund bills, the scheduling of the annual school election, and the first reading of a policy regarding at-will employee separation. The board approved the 26/27 school calendar, teacher contracts, open enrollment forms, and a contract for pee wee wrestling. Discussions included facility maintenance, legislative funding updates for school lunches, and the hiring of a driver's education instructor. Additionally, reports were provided covering grant applications, student competition achievements, and various school facility and operational updates.