Laura R Cleasby-Forester

Key discussions and actions during the meeting included a report from the West Portage Little League regarding their use of the 12th Street Complex, and a presentation on proposed student travel plans to Spain and Italy in 2027. The Board received an update on construction progress for the elementary bond projects, including details on change orders. A presentation was given on Monitoring Report 1.1 focusing on secondary assessment data. Action items included the unanimous approval of the Annual Summer Tax Resolution authorizing summer tax collections for 2026, and approval for changes to the Administrator Handbook. The Board also approved the purchase of four buses and one lift bus, and the purchase of a box truck with a liftgate. Furthermore, the Board approved the purchase of sixteen Smart RX Interactive Flat Panels for two elementary schools. The meeting concluded with a closed session to discuss the periodic personnel evaluation of the Superintendent.

The Committee of the Whole Work Session included several key discussions and actions. The meeting began with the approval of an amended agenda to include revisions to Bylaw 0167.3. Reports covered the 2024-25 external audit, which resulted in an unmodified opinion with no findings, a state budget update, and a bond project construction progress review. Public comments were heard, followed by trustee congratulations for a soccer team's state championship and commendations for marching bands. Under the consent agenda, minutes from a previous retreat and regular meeting were adopted. The board accepted Monitoring Reports 2.2 (Treatment of Staff) and 2.3 (Compensation and Benefits) as evidence of policy compliance. Action was taken to accept the 2024/25 Financial Report and Management Letter. Discussion items included the annual Summer Tax Resolution and the purchase of five school buses to replace aging fleet vehicles. The discussion on the Purchase of Pianos was moved to action, and the board approved the purchase of two pianos and related equipment for a total of $34,388.00 from the 2019 Unallocated Contingency Bond Fund. The board also reviewed and approved proposed revisions to Bylaw 0167.3. Finally, the Board entered into and exited a closed session to consider attorney-client privileged material, with no action taken afterward.

The meeting was called to order but could not take any actions due to a lack of quorum. Key discussion topics included an update on the Bond Projects following the November 4, 2025, voter approval, detailing plans for three new elementary schools (Woodland, Amberly, Angling Road) and other renovations. Preliminary designs for the new Amberly Elementary were presented. A financial update highlighted the General Fund Budget Progress for the four-month period ending October 31, 2025. The Superintendent presented his 90-Day report, outlining Focus Areas and Goals (including Board/Superintendent Relations, Student Success, People and Culture, Service Excellence, and Stewardship), findings from his 'Listen and Learn' sessions (noting strengths and areas for growth like student behavior support), and planned next steps such as a curriculum management audit. Public comments were heard regarding student discipline and curriculum concerns. Discussion items included the purchase of a box truck for Food Service, and setting a date for the Superintendent Midyear Progress Report, which will be determined by the President and Superintendent.

The meeting included a bond project update, highlighting the successful election results with a 63 to 37% yes vote. The district is working on the design for Amberly Elementary, with a goal to open it in 2028, followed by Angling Road in 2029. The design incorporates feedback from staff and students, focusing on creating a small, easy-to-navigate school with integrated student supports and collaborative spaces. The schematic design budget for Amberly Elementary is just under $48 million.

The strategic plan for Portage Public Schools outlines goals to refine its Tier I instructional system by 2026, focusing on a whole-child approach to equitably meet student needs. Key strategic pillars include enhancing academic proficiency through Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) for literacy and high-quality classroom instruction, fostering student confidence and leadership via restorative practices and Social Emotional Learning (SEL) based on CASEL competencies, and improving overall school climate and culture through communication, diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.