Lacey Zerfoss

The meeting included a community forum request for an executive session regarding a student matter and subsequent agenda adoption. Key discussions involved the business manager presenting detailed information on the state aid formula, projecting enrollment changes leading to potential revenue shortfalls, and outlining strategies to attract open-enrolled students, including advertising and contacting previously denied applicants. The elementary principal reported on collaborative efforts with the PTO, including a supply drive for Miller school district and distributing surplus library books following smoke damage. Curriculum and screening materials were also donated to assist with rebuilding efforts at the Miller elementary school after an unspecified incident. Updates were provided on the CNA report process impacting Title One funding. Secondary discussions covered recognizing School Board Appreciation Week, receiving significant donations toward a new sign, utilizing Warbird card funds for playground equipment (diggers), the successful sale of a surplused salad bar, and a high kitchen inspection score of 99/100. The annual fire inspection report necessitated a correction plan focusing on exit pathway width, replacing wooden cabinets with fire-resistant ones, and addressing storage proximity to mechanical equipment. Furthermore, the board acknowledged a presentation by a Homeland Security representative on internet and social media safety, and recognized achievements in FFA, boys' and girls' basketball, and one-act play competition.

The meeting commenced with the adoption of the agenda, including an addition for an executive session regarding personnel matters. Key discussions included celebrating the smooth start to the school year, recognizing new staff members who are already engaged in projects like painting and completing soft courses sponsored by Builder for Source. Student council is sponsoring a weekly perfect attendance drawing for $5 gift cards. Homecoming activities were announced for September 15th through the 19th. Updates were provided on student math testing, the upcoming ACT requirement for the junior class, and staff completion of the DISC assessment for family engagement analysis. The recent large update to Infinite Campus allowing single sign-on was also addressed. Items approved included the surplus of books and projectors, the termination of an employee, the approval of a contract offer for Lori Wallenstein, approval of substitute personnel, acceptance of the Fiscal Year 2025 Annual Financial Reports submission, approval of the 2025-2026 budget, approval of tax levies, and the purchase of a 2023 Chevy Suburban over a 2022 model due to leather seating. The board decided to maintain the current legal newspaper vendor following a negative interaction with a competing paper. Finally, an executive session was held to discuss a lane change for Austin, which was subsequently approved for the 2026-2027 school year.

The meeting included a presentation by the FFA Ag Issues team regarding the proposed elimination of the stepped-up basis and increasing capital gains tax, detailing the potential impact on family farms and other inherited assets. Administrative reports covered the start of the annual audit due to federal fund thresholds and updates on curriculum alignment with a presentation from the Stanford Underground Lab. Elementary principal updates included a Halloween parade and plans for a Veterans Day program. There were discussions regarding upcoming wrestling practices, the adoption of a new mascot (Warhawks), the status of bus barn expansion surveys, and progress on trophy case construction. The board addressed the consent agenda, pulling the discipline policy (specifically concerning activity participation rules related to Class 5 offenses and above) for further discussion regarding the severity of penalties for offenses such as bullying versus more severe infractions like drug/alcohol violations or weapons possession. Other items included approving conflict of interest waivers, adopting the agenda (with two resignations noted), celebrating student achievements in cross country, oral interpretation, cheerleading, chorus, and the Snow Queen Festival, and scheduling a blood drive.

The school board meeting included discussions on a comprehensive needs assessment framework and process, identifying strengths and focus areas of the schools, and action plans to positively affect student achievement. The board also discussed mental health, communications, instructional time, curriculum implementation, and mentoring programs for new teachers.

The meeting addressed the acceptance of Shayla Mullenberg's resignation and the subsequent hiring of Casey Kramer as a paraprofessional. Bids for an electronic sign were reviewed, with a decision to accept the bid from Stein Sign Display for a lower resolution sign. Discussions also involved potential funding sources for the sign, including community generation and booster contributions. An executive session was held.