Mark D. Beehler

The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance and a land acknowledgment statement, followed by a moment of silence for a deceased bus driver. Agenda changes included adding presentations on gifted and talented programs and the district cardiac emergency response plan. Key discussions focused on student attendance improvement, which has increased from 88% to 92% over several months due to universal messaging, staff efforts, incentives, and student engagement activities. The presentation highlighted positive trends in state index scores improving from a baseline of two to three and four across various schools, with specific attention to the complex attendance tracking at Homebound. Staff reported proactive outreach to families and students regarding attendance barriers and support mechanisms, including the positive impact of a specific administrator's involvement. Community donations, such as laptops and free haircuts, were noted as incentives for perfect attendance, generating significant buzz. Future plans involve garnering more corporate involvement and potentially celebrating improved attendance with an awards dinner.

The meeting focused on the characteristics of positive character, defining qualities such as respect, responsibility, trustworthiness, fairness, caring, and citizenship. Scholarship was defined not merely as monetary aid but as a desire to learn and exceed academically. The process for National Honor Society (NHS) membership involved an initial scholarship requirement (89.5% cumulative average or higher), review of first marking period grades, submission of activity sheets detailing extracurriculars and service, and a personal statement. Faculty ratings assessed responsibility, attitude, leadership, and character. Fifteen individuals met the requirements for tapping and induction, which is scheduled for January 29th, 2026. Additionally, the 2025 Excellence in Teaching Award was presented to Mrs. Kristen Mhaney, recognized for her energetic mindset, patience, knowledge, and approachability while teaching multiple levels. The high school principal encouraged underclassmen to strive for NHS membership based on the four pillars: Scholarship, Leadership, Service, and Character.

The meeting agenda included the approval of several equipment purchases, such as a Powermatic table saw, a milling machine, a welder, an airator, soccer bowl frames, track hurdles, convertible carriers, and a micro rainwater fuel device. The board also addressed personnel matters, including recommending tenure for social studies teacher Katie Merrill at Seneca Intermediate and Alicia Ralph at Sedic Intermediate. Recognition was given to staff members, including an expression of gratitude for a retiring individual who served for 50 years. Additionally, the board reviewed the first reading of Policy 5637 regarding indoor air quality, received December 2025 enrollment data, and acknowledged thank-you correspondence from MJ Fletcher Elementary School and a scholarship recipient for attending a National Convention of English Teachers. The transportation report for November 2025 was also presented.

The meeting included discussions on adding an executive session to the agenda, removing an application, and adding a contract and agreement. There was a vote scheduled for December 17th regarding the purchase or acquisition of three parcels of property. The board discussed the need for more athletic space and the possibility of building a fieldhouse, community fitness center, lacrosse and soccer field, baseball or softball fields, an ice rink, and housing on the purchased property. The board also discussed the winter sports season and the utilization of indoor spaces. The Indigenous Youth Council put out a dance week in Native American heritage month. The board members shared updates and recognized students and staff for their achievements.

The public forum discussed the proposal to purchase two parcels of property. One parcel is 40 acres located behind the Crosby construction office on Route 353, and the other is located at the corner of Front and Center Avenue. The discussion covered the reasons for acquiring the properties, including the development of a career and technical education program focusing on agriculture, with plans for a larger farming component and a hydroponics facility to support the existing farm-to-table program. The forum also addressed potential future uses of the property, such as athletic fields and an indoor fieldhouse, and emphasized the commitment to not raising school taxes.