Richard Bonkowski

The board discussed and took action on numerous operational and financial matters, including the adoption of policies regarding school district procedures, approval of personnel appointments, leaves of absence, and contract submissions. The meeting addressed the 2026-2027 district budget and the approval of the preschool education aid workbook. Additionally, the board authorized the use of capital and maintenance reserve funds for various facility improvement projects, including classroom additions, HVAC installations, and bus depot relocation. Several vendor contract renewals for curriculum and support services were confirmed, and a range of extracurricular activities, field trips, and facility usage requests were approved.

The Board of Education meeting included an executive session for confidential personnel and legal matters. Key discussions covered progress on the high school STEM school and Baldwin project, recognitions for Theater Arts students, and a public comment regarding transportation safety. The Board addressed staffing changes including appointments, retirements, and leaves of absence. Significant actions included the approval of the 2026-2027 district budget, authorization of capital and maintenance reserve funds for various facility improvements and projects, the renewal of several curriculum service contracts, and the approval of payment applications for ongoing construction projects. The Board also reviewed and approved various policies and regulations, as well as staff travel and professional development requests.

The board discussed a wide range of administrative and educational matters, including personnel appointments, leaves of absence, and staff professional development. Key approvals involved policies regarding sexual harassment and library materials, educational home instruction for students, facility usage for various school events, and grant acceptances. Additionally, the board addressed significant financial items such as the approval of the general fund bill list, various service contract renewals for cafeteria supplies, gasoline and diesel fuel, substitute teacher services, and progress payments for construction projects at the high school and the early childhood learning center.

The meeting addendum addressed personnel matters, including contract approval, leaves of absence, and employee separations. It also included approvals for staff professional development, facility use, student trips, and a revision to the district calendar. Additionally, the Board approved the 2026-2027 Budget Workbook for Preschool Education Aid and awarded a bid for HVAC filters to selected vendors.

The meeting included an adjournment to Executive Session to discuss legal, contract, and personnel issues, with topics including legal matters, contracts, student issues, personnel, and other items. Key actions included the first reading of revisions to several bylaws, policies, and regulations, the abolition of one policy, and the adoption of three new policies. Personnel actions involved approving multiple appointments, several leaves of absence, and accepting separations, resignations, and retirements. The Board also approved payments for unused sick and vacation days for retired/former employees, and approved the first portion of a bi-annual incentive bonus for exemplary attendance for Transportation staff. Staff travel and professional development requests were ratified and approved, along with various student-related actions such as approving home instruction and placements in out-of-district programs, and approving findings from December 2025 HIB investigations. Athletic stipend positions for Spring sports at PHS and HPMS were approved, as well as a Co-Curricular Stipend replacement. Facility usage requests and various student activities and trips were ratified and approved. In finance, the Board approved line item transfers for January 2026, payment of bills for February 2026, and the reconciliation of statements reports for January 2026. The Board accepted the 2024-2025 fiscal year audit, approved renewing the contract with Educational Data Services, Inc., and approved participation in cooperative contracts for Fleet Management/AI Dashcams and Facility Security Systems upgrades. The Board approved advertising for Professional Services for the 2026-2027 school year and requested proposals for Medical, Prescription, and Dental Insurance for the same period. Finally, the Board approved the MOU with Super Authors for Roosevelt STEM School and approved purchasing an online scheduling/personnel software program from Cardonex, Inc.