Melissa Atwell

The meeting commenced with the approval of the agenda. A significant portion of the session was dedicated to recognizing student achievements across various activities, including football, volleyball, cross country, band, and choir, with numerous individuals receiving awards for all-district, all-conference, and state qualifier recognitions. Principal reports detailed fun activities conducted at the end of the first semester, such as bowling for elementary students and trips to Hidden Acres for middle schoolers. Staff versus student basketball games were held to celebrate the end of the basketball season. Professional development focused on unpacking standards and vertical alignment across grade levels. Furthermore, winter benchmarking assessments for literacy and math were discussed to monitor student progress and adjust interventions. The Multiple Staff Intervention System (MTSS) process was noted as working effectively, resulting in zero students being deemed ineligible for the second semester. Action items included the approval of early retirement applications for four individuals, totaling 108 years of experience, which is projected to yield annual savings of approximately $80,000. Finally, the board set a public hearing to discuss the proposed 2026-2027 school calendar, which was designed to meet minimum instructional hour requirements while incorporating breaks like a week-long Thanksgiving recess and aligning spring break with state college schedules.

The meeting commenced with the approval of the agenda. A significant portion was dedicated to a presentation by the kindergarten teachers detailing their embrace of authentic learning projects, where students work in groups to generate solutions for identified problems, culminating in a final product for a parent night or family experience. Discussions also covered data analysis following winter benchmark assessments, focusing on ensuring student growth beyond mere proficiency, and vertical alignment of literacy standards across grades K-2. Other topics included preparations for incoming preschool families, updates on work related to priority standards with the learning specialist, and reviewing special programs like gifted education and service delivery plans. Staff also reported on recent student achievements, including qualification for state wrestling and speech competitions, and successful hosting of vocal and band concerts. Furthermore, plans for upcoming winter conferences, including round two of student-led conferences, were discussed. Fifth-grade leadership team feedback regarding providing an activity station for younger siblings during conferences was noted. Operational updates included progress on robotics projects and a student council initiative for an advisory Olympics competition. Finally, the board heard updates on the status of facility usage due to numerous athletic events and the personnel consent agenda, which included numerous reoccurring community coach contracts.

The primary discussion topic during this work session involved elementary programming. The board received information regarding requirements for preschool and kindergarten programming, followed by a detailed discussion on various programming options that could serve the district's families and students. Future considerations concerning needs, associated costs, and necessary facility space were also examined.

The meeting commenced with the approval of the agenda. Presentations included updates from the kindergarten teaching team regarding an authentic learning project and reports from the Principals. The Consent Agenda was approved, which included the minutes from the January 12 regular meeting, monthly financial reports, second reading of policies 704.2R1 & R2, the release of volleyball equipment for disposal, and approval of several new hires and resignations. Key action items involved the approval of the 2026-27 calendar following a public hearing, and the approval of the proposed 2026-27 maximum tax rate for publishing, setting a public hearing for March 23, 2026. The Board also approved the resolution directing the sale of $4,675,000 General Obligation School Capital Loan Notes, Series 2026. Furthermore, the Board tentatively approved plans for the MS/HS parking lot improvement project, with a public hearing scheduled for the March 9th meeting. The Board also approved the first and final reading of revised policies 406.6 and 501.15, and the first and final reading of policies 210.8-215. Communications included a review of the board calendar and updates on the reconsideration committee results and the formation of an AI task force.

The work session focused on a discussion regarding facility improvements. Architects from FRK Architects + Engineers presented initial designs and estimated costs for upcoming elementary facility improvements.