Sara Sathre

The board meeting addressed several key administrative and operational items, including the approval of financial reports and general fund bills, the scheduling of the annual school election, and the first reading of a policy regarding at-will employee separation. The board approved the 26/27 school calendar, teacher contracts, open enrollment forms, and a contract for pee wee wrestling. Discussions included facility maintenance, legislative funding updates for school lunches, and the hiring of a driver's education instructor. Additionally, reports were provided covering grant applications, student competition achievements, and various school facility and operational updates.

The board approved general and building fund bills, financial reports, and the re-designation of the official district newspaper. Several policies concerning the Rehabilitation Act, special education standards, and board conflict of interest were reviewed and adopted. The board authorized transportation services for students transferring from the Zeeland school district, appointed a representative to the county JDA board, and approved service contracts for annual fire alarm monitoring and gym floor refinishing. Administrative reports addressed facility maintenance, funding projections, special education reviews, and equipment repairs.

The meeting included approval of the payment of general fund bills, building fund bills, and a sinking & interest loan payment. Financial reports were approved. Contracts were approved for coaching positions: Dan Girard as Head Girls Track Coach and Josh Hoffman as Girls Wrestling Tournament Floor Coach. A first reading was held for several policies, including Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Section 504 Evaluation Standards and Procedures, Education of Special Education Students/Students With Disabilities Under the IDEA, and Board Conflict of Interest. Administrative reports covered the 26/27 calendar, a review of a local newspaper article regarding school options, revival of the pep band, and consideration for joining a legislative focus group. Hires for assistant girls track coach (Josh Wiest) and JH track coach (Kathy Boles) were also noted.

The board discussed and approved the agenda and financial matters, including general fund and building fund bills, and approved the financial reports. The board approved renting Lyle Fey's tractor for snow removal, establishing a rate of $25 per hour with a $750 minimum after Fey declared a conflict of interest. Approval was granted for the contract for Jordan Montgomery as speech coach. The superintendent evaluation, completed on November 2nd, was approved, noting satisfactory marks for Mr. Schmidt. Updates included a Cognia review, the staff Christmas party date, and the unsuccessful attempt to fill the Ag teacher position after a candidate declined the contract. The superintendent also reported on an approved WR club fundraiser, information regarding an adult VB league, anticipated funding adjustments, additional Title funding, approved progress on elementary standards workshops, approval for sensory furniture for special education from the Endowment fund, and ongoing Infinite Campus implementation plans. Reports also covered the submission and approval of professional development, curriculum, and assessment reports. Additional reports included planning for the staff Christmas breakfast contribution, the Christmas concert date, updates on winter sports participation (which will include 6th graders in JHGBB & JHBBB), scheduling track coach interviews, and arrangements for assistance during girls wrestling tournaments.

The Ashley School Board meeting included discussions on the 24/25 audit report, state on-time funding, and the use of remaining referendum funds. The board also addressed snow removal, replacement of a coil in the 4th-grade unit, and SB2330 mandates for human trafficking prevention education. Updates were provided on local ground beef purchases, H1B Visa renewal for Mr. Alcala, Cognia review, Infinite Campus implementation, playground equipment, elementary standards training, and NDA+ test results. Additionally, parent-teacher conferences and interviews for JHBBB and girls track were discussed.