Sara DeVries

The President's Report covered a review of communication methods, including the PSTO Facebook Group, the school webpage for archives, and the CHS Newsletter. Discussions included a non-fundraiser donation opportunity via Venmo or Paypal, and a review of Board Roles and Responsibilities (President, Secretary, VP, Treasurer). Detailed planning information was provided for the Senior All Night Party (SANP), including the timeline, committee structure, and volunteer roles for events like the Senior Breakfast. The Vice President reviewed remaining 2025/26 meeting dates and noted that planning for the Fall Conference Dinner and Fright Night would commence at the October meeting. The Treasurer presented the proposed budget for the 2025/26 School Year, which was subsequently approved, alongside a discussion of Fiscal Year 2025 taxes and account balances.

The meeting focused on planning several upcoming events and organizational matters. Discussions included arrangements for the Fall Conference Dinner for Teachers/Staff scheduled for October 22, involving coordination of catering (Apple Spice Catering for 75-80 people), donations for beverages and snacks, and volunteer efforts for setup and cleanup. Planning was also advanced for the 'Fright Night' event on October 28, detailing concessions (donuts, cider, hot cocoa), setup times, and volunteer shifts. A secret plan for the Teacher/Staff Christmas Gift for 130 individuals is in progress. The financial overview indicated a $4,151 balance in the PSTO account, with the budget having been reviewed previously. The committee approved the September 2025 Minutes for posting. New business centered on developing a plan for teacher/student grants, including researching other high school programs and defining application scope, reimbursement process, time frame, and award schedule.

The Committee of the Whole meeting included several informational updates and discussions. The Superintendent's report covered an athletic update, an operations & transportation update, and information regarding upcoming events like the KIASB Legislative Dinner and a Senator meeting. Key discussion items included a proposed purchase of replacement school buses, an analysis of the district's internet services leading to a recommendation for increased bandwidth, and the annual requirement for a Schools of Choice Resolution. Further discussions focused on bond-funded classroom audio/video upgrades, a network infrastructure project for switch replacements aligned with E-Rate requirements, the addition of a commercial-grade autonomous vacuum for custodial operations, and the second reading of numerous Neola policy updates covering topics such as nondiscrimination, anti-harassment, disability discrimination, curriculum development, and information security.

The special meeting addressed a key discussion item concerning an update on the 31aa Grant, including parameters for acceptance. This was followed by an action item where the Board approved the 31aa Grant Resolution. Board comments touched upon the unavailability of a trustee for the February 2026 meeting, preparation for the superintendent evaluation, and potential scheduling conflicts with the proposed date for the May 2026 meeting.

The meeting commenced with the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance. Key agenda items included a Superintendent Report which featured an update on a 31aa grant and recognition for holiday season events. Discussion items covered the Filter First Program, focusing on water filtration and fountain replacement, and an overview of the Administrative Group Contract. Action items involved approving a Guaranteed Maximum Price amendment with The Christman Company for Duncan Lake Middle School 2026 Renovations totaling $5,813,477. The Board also approved a GMP amendment with Rockford Construction for Calplex, adopted a resolution to refund the 2016 Series A and 2014 Bonds, scheduled the January and February 2026 meeting dates, approved the purchase of water fountains under the Filter First Program, and approved the Administrator Group Contract. Anticipated future discussions include the sale of the Former Dutton Elementary Property, field lighting for Calplex Phase II, the Lawn and Landscape Contract, and Board Policy Updates. The agenda structure was updated to include two opportunities for public comment. The Board convened in closed session to conduct the Superintendent Evaluation, reconvened, and subsequently accepted the Superintendent's 2025 evaluation with a rating of Effective.