Nathan Bowden

The meeting included the presentation and approval of the 2024-2025 audit. Consent agenda items were approved, covering financial status, staff resignations, and new hires. Discussion and action items addressed the selection of valedictorian and salutatorian, criteria for academic and technical excellence scholarships, the January pupil count, the 2026/2027 teacher pay scale, the emergency replacement of a high school hot water heater, and the purchase of CNC fiber laser equipment for CTE. Additionally, the Board moved to approve the second reading of several policies and discussed the upcoming school board election details. The meeting concluded with a closed session regarding legal strategy and administrative contracts.

The meeting covered several key discussions, including ensuring quorum, approving the agenda (with a note about a lower quote being shared for Diverse Food Works equipment), and recognizing business partners. Awards were presented to Hay Creek Pallet and Gardener Cranberry for their support of the agricultural education program, FFA, and FFA alumni, including providing senior capstone placements and scholarships. The board addressed the Building and Grounds Director position, noting that an initial attempt at an interim approach was not feasible, leading to the posting of the position and the start of phone screening interviews. A significant discussion occurred regarding exploring the option of contracting out the Building and Grounds Director role via an RFP process, weighing the cost/benefit analysis against hiring internally, particularly concerning employee benefits and the timeline impact of an RFP process. The consent agenda, including the meeting notice certification, minutes from November 10, 2025, financial status, and various hirings/coaching appointments, was approved. An update on district administration noted the ongoing status of the Building and Grounds Director search and the plan to continue internal interviews while simultaneously gathering information on outsourcing options.

The regular monthly meeting covered several topics, including the approval of the agenda with a change regarding a new quote for an item. Celebrations included presenting WASB awards. The consent agenda, which was approved, covered the meeting notice certification, financial status for November, and several new hires including coaching positions. Discussion items included an update on the District Administrator's position and student representatives' reports. Action items involved approving the Advanced Learning report, waiving the second reading to approve an update to Policy 343.3-Exhibit, and approving several purchase requests including a dishwasher, boilers, and a telephone system. The Board also approved the Wisconsin Retirement Council as a new 403(b) vendor. The property appraisal item was tabled for the next meeting. Future agenda items were established for health insurance bids, a WASB resolution, open enrollment space availability, the second reading of an educational options policy, staff review, and policy updates.

The regular monthly meeting involved several key actions and discussions. The agenda was approved with one item removed and one member abstaining from the Consent Agenda vote. Celebrations included recognizing a Crystal Apple Recipient. Consent Agenda items were approved, excluding one item held for separate discussion. Discussion items included an update on boilers and building/grounds positions, board goals, and the PACT Partnership. Action was taken to authorize the District Administrator to negotiate a lease agreement for a rural health clinic on school grounds. The board approved the number of spaces available for open enrollment for the 2026-2027 school year across various grades and special education services. Updates to policies regarding control of keys/access cards/FOBS were moved forward for a second reading, along with Policy 542.21 and Policy 536.21 for their second readings. Updates to Appendix A (Salary Reduction Agreement) and the Employee Handbook were accepted. The PHS Course Handbook 2026/2027 was approved. Following a closed session concerning personnel contracts and administrative evaluations, the board reconvened and approved the action taken during the closed session.

The board meeting focused on the consideration of entering a closed session to consult with legal counsel regarding litigation strategy and to address sensitive student or parent concerns related to personal, disciplinary, or financial data.