Mark R. Ames

The board discussed athletic updates, building reports, and treasurer recommendations, including financial reports, membership in a BWC retrospective rating program, insurance renewals, and donation acceptances. Superintendent recommendations included the adoption of new Neola Board Policies, various service agreements, technology purchases, an MOU for College Credit Plus, and authorization to bid for a new school bus. Personnel actions included approving a labor agreement, job descriptions, resignations, re-employment of administrative and teaching staff, and staffing for summer school and Kindergarten Jumpstart programs. The board also approved compensation for a member who attended professional training.

The meeting featured reports from school leadership regarding building events, curriculum updates, and athletic programming. The Treasurer provided a financial update, noting positive tax receipt trends and discussing capital improvement plans, the potential refinancing of existing bonds, and budget amendments. The Superintendent provided district updates, including staffing, facilities projects, and contract agreements. The Board approved the 2026 preliminary student graduates, various curriculum and training service agreements, copier leases, and athletic field maintenance renewals. Personnel actions included the acceptance of a teacher resignation, approval of stipends, and various contract renewals and supplemental assignments. An executive session was held to discuss property purchase and labor negotiations.

Key discussions for this board meeting included reports from the Treasurer, Buildings (Elementary, Jr./Sr. HS, Athletics), and the Superintendent. Treasurer recommendations covered the approval of a donation from the Knox County Chamber of Commerce Safety Council Grant and various budgetary amendments. Superintendent recommendations involved the approval of preliminary student graduates for the May 2026 commencement, the purchase of science curriculum materials, approval for an irrigation system installation for the football field, and several service agreements including one with Knox Technical Center for CTE programming and one with META for Core Services. Personnel actions included accepting a resignation, approving stipends for Science of Reading Training completion, and approving/non-renewing various supplemental and non-teaching contracts for the 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 school years. The agenda also included a recommendation to enter executive session to discuss property purchases and public employee compensation negotiations.

The meeting commenced with the approval of the agenda as presented. The committee subsequently recommended placing several policies on the next regular board of education meeting agenda for a final reading, either as is or with recommended changes. The policies requiring review pertained to drug and alcohol testing for CDL holders and non-CDL employees transporting students, as well as general transportation policies and driver certification standards. The meeting concluded with an adjournment.

The meeting commenced with a call to order and roll call. Key actions included the approval of the agenda as presented. The main discussion point was the recommendation to approve the proposed budget commencing for Fiscal Year July 1, 2026. The meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn.