Richard Davis

The meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance. Key discussions focused on recognizing student achievements, including two outstanding winners of the school's coloring contest whose artwork was made into ceramic ornaments. There was a segment highlighting community service activities by various school organizations, such as decorating lobbies and visiting a humane society. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to an update on the PACE virtual academy, detailing its rapid enrollment growth to 197 students, representation from various grade levels (including older students seeking diplomas), and high student success rates regarding on-pace credit accumulation (74% on track or slightly behind). Specific student success stories were shared regarding rapid graduation progress and personal development milestones achieved through the PACE program, which mentors noted was positively impacting home conversations about school. Mentor testimonials emphasizing student attitude changes and increased confidence were also presented.

The meeting included a public hearing for the ratification of the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) with the Portage Association of Teachers, covering the 2025-2027 school years. The agreement includes specific salary ranges for the 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 school years, a new salary increase for meeting literacy endorsement requirements, and competitive average salary increases per teacher per year. Health insurance costs are to be shared proportionately between the district and individual teachers. The board also discussed and approved the 2026-2027 school year calendar, favoring a partial week start on August 12th based on survey feedback from staff and families. Additionally, there was a retroactive approval for an overnight field trip for the Portage High School cross country meet. The board discussed a professional services contract for energy management, including energy monitoring systems and potential solar energy implementations.

The meeting included a good news report, highlighting student achievements and recognition of staff members. The board approved the superintendent's and board's consent agendas, reapproved the 2026-2027 school year calendar with changes to parent-teacher conference dates and graduation dates, and accepted the 2025-2026 STEM grant. Contracts were approved for elevation strategies software subscriptions and Acutrans translation services. Additionally, the board approved an overnight field trip for the Portage High School girls' wrestling team and an increase in insurance rates for 2026. Superintendent reports included updates on the completion of softball and baseball projects.

The school board meeting included a good news report from Portage High School students, covering topics such as middle school agriculture programs, national school lunch week, the dedication of a football coach, elementary schools participating in a city event, and celebrating grandparents. A presentation was given on new school boundaries, addressing enrollment disparities, transportation, and fiscal responsibility. The plan includes demolishing Alsworth Elementary School and constructing a new middle school, balancing enrollment across elementary schools, and adjusting transportation schedules. Communication plans with staff and families were discussed, including huddles, emails, and open houses.

The meeting included student and staff presentations from Sailor Elementary, focusing on literacy support and reading initiatives, and Portage High School, highlighting the No Place for Hate program and the theater department's fall play. The board discussed and approved the superintendent's consent agenda, covering personnel, donations, and facility use. Old business included approving advertisement for the new middle school and demolition of Alsworth, adopting the 2026 budget, and resolutions for the capital projects and bus replacement plans.