Michael Hoppe

The board addressed several operational and financial initiatives, including the approval of LED lighting packages for multiple facilities, HVAC control integration, and mechanical equipment purchases. Key actions included approving a parking lot construction bid, PowerSchool renewal service agreements, and security access controls for a high school addition. Furthermore, the board authorized a natural gas agreement, adopted a budget guarantee resolution, scheduled a public hearing regarding maximum property tax, and approved memoranda of understanding with educational partners. The meeting also included closed sessions to deliberate on employee leave requests and student open enrollment applications.

The meeting featured presentations regarding student achievements and educational initiatives. The first segment focused on the Invention Convention program, detailing its success in engaging students, partnerships with the University of Iowa, and plans for expanding the program across curriculum areas and grade levels. Student participants showcased their invention, 'Paw Dash,' an interactive pet chase toy, and discussed its technical components, future improvements like voice control and battery functionality, and its superiority over existing products. The second presentation highlighted the grade-level musical program at Titan Hill, emphasizing inclusive participation through various roles (speaking, non-speaking, technical). Student participants shared their experiences regarding preparation, building confidence, and developing expression through their roles, including acting and serving as assistant director.

The meeting included a review of winter activities. The consent agenda covered the approval of financial reports, bills for payment, and various personnel actions including new hires, resignations, terminations, rescinded offers, and transfers. Key discussion items addressed several capital improvement projects: bids for the Kreft Windowsill Project, construction administration services for the MS Parking Lot project, design services for sanitary sewer repairs, bids for the HS Gym Floor Refinishing, and a proposal for the Titan Hill Pool Filter System Replacement. The board also reviewed and approved Board Policy Updates related to legislative changes, and discussed employee requests for leave in a closed session.

Key discussion items for the meeting included LED lighting packages for LCHS and LCMS, HVAC control integration for LCMS, mechanical equipment purchase for LCMS, and the LCMS parking lot bid approval. Other topics involved PowerSchool renewal agreements, access controls for the HS Secure Addition, the Local Government Risk Pool Natural Gas Agreement, and the Budget Guarantee Resolution. The board also addressed setting the date and maximum property tax for the First Public Hearing, as well as reviewing Memorandums of Understanding (MOU) with Green Hills AEA and Morningside College. Specific action items followed the discussion items, including authorizing matters related to the LED lighting, HVAC, equipment purchase, parking lot bid, software renewals, access controls, risk pool agreement, budget resolution, and the public hearing schedule.

The board work session involved a discussion and overview of bond projects presented by Project Advocates. A second key discussion item included an overview of the Middle School renovation presented by BCDM and Meco-Henne Contracting. The agenda was approved 5-0.