Marcus Hillborg

The Curriculum & Policy Committee meeting included discussions regarding proposals for several new high school and middle school exploratory courses. These courses are subject to viability exploration based on student interest in the 2026-27 school year, with any courses requiring additional staffing needing subsequent Board approval. Specific courses discussed include AP Cybersecurity, Human Biology, and Foundations of AI. Additionally, a review was conducted on a Neola policy revision concerning Graduation Requirements (Policy 5460) to align with the Universal FAFSA Challenge.

The Regular Meeting of the Board of Education included approval of the agenda and the consent agenda, which covered expenditures of $1,630,678.50. A presentation was given by the Assistant Principal and students regarding a recent leadership experience. The Board approved a set of policies. The Finance and Personnel Committee reported on its meeting, leading to the approval of the 2025-2026 Budget amendment. The Board awarded the Freeland Middle/High School roofing project to Beyer Roofing for $944,500. The creation of a 9th-12th grade MTSS Leadership Team with associated stipends was approved. The Board concluded with an executive session to discuss personnel matters, followed by the approval of the Superintendent Evaluation.

The regular board meeting included several key agenda items. Discussions covered correspondence, specifically a letter of termination for a custodial employee. A presentation was given by high school assistant principal Mr. Wada, along with students, detailing their leadership and collaboration experience during a trip to Delta College focused on improving school culture through the creation of a monthly announcement and achievement calendar. Policy approval involved the second reading and subsequent approval of 26 different policies. The Finance and Personnel Committee reported on the revised budget amendment for 2526, December budget assumptions, and the Capital Outlay Program for the middle school and high school roofing projects, which was recommended for award to Buyer Roofing. The committee also recommended approval for the reintroduction of a 9th through 12th grade MTSS leadership team. Board members expressed appreciation for the budget work and the student presentation, and concluded by moving to executive session to address the superintendent contract evaluation.

The Freeland Board of Education held a special meeting where they approved the agenda and consent agenda. A new health savings bank account with Huntington Bank was approved, with the superintendent, finance director, and board treasurer as signers. The Board also continued discussions about future planning with Wolgast & The Collaborative.

The committee reviewed and supported the amendment to the 2025-2026 budget, including updated revenue and expense details, for forwarding to the Board of Education for adoption. Additional financial items, such as December budget assumptions, GASB 54, a two-year financial plan, and sinking fund expenses, were also reviewed and discussed. Bids for the remaining portions of the FMS/FHS roofs were assessed, with a recommendation to forward the decision to the Board of Education for approval. The committee discussed and supported the request to add a 9th-12th grade MTSS Leadership Team to address student needs, also to be sent to the Board of Education for approval. Current class sizes, particularly in kindergarten and first grade, were shared in anticipation of the upcoming Schools of Choice process in February 2026.