Shannon Bretz

The Board meeting included reports on school highlights, recognition of students and employees of the month, and various financial approvals including check registers and the tentative budget for 2026-2027. Policy revisions for co-curricular activities and nepotism were approved. Personnel actions covering new hires, leaves of absence, resignations, and staff adjustments were finalized. Construction and facility upgrades were authorized through bid awards for Shawnee and Cherokee high schools, along with transportation service contracts. Education initiatives such as summer enrichment programs and out-of-district placements were also approved, alongside numerous student activity trip requests. An executive session was conducted to address HIB decisions and personnel matters, with corresponding actions taken upon returning to the open session.

The Board meeting included highlights of various student achievements across district high schools, such as athletic championships, theatrical performances, and community service projects. The board recognized students and employees of the month for December 2025. Financial actions included the ratification of various check registers and the approval of the 2025 audit. Several policy revisions and new regulations were approved, including those concerning legal services, internal controls, and budget preparation. Personnel actions, including leaves of absence, promotions, and resignations, were authorized. Facility and transportation matters were addressed, along with educational programming decisions, such as the approval of the Nursing Services Plan, professional development requests, and student placements. The Board also approved new student clubs and discussed HIB matters during an executive session.

The board conducted its annual reorganization meeting, which included the administration of oaths of office to newly elected members and the election of the Board President. The board designated various professional appointments, including legal counsel, medical inspectors, auditors, and insurance and engineering consultants. Additionally, the board approved various operational and administrative designations, such as official newspapers, depositories of funds, petty cash accounts, and appointed third-party plan administrators for retirement and flexible spending accounts. The board also adopted bylaws, district policies, curriculum guides, and various management and safety plans for the upcoming year, and established the official meeting schedule.

The board meeting featured school highlights and presentations, including a STEM Community Outreach initiative by Shawnee High School students. The Board recognized Students and Employees of the Month. Key actions included the approval of various financial reports, check registers, and payroll. Several policy revisions regarding legal services, professional services, organizational charts, internal controls, and budget preparation were advanced. Personnel-related motions were approved, covering professional development requests, leaves of absence, new hires, resignations, and club activities. The board also authorized building and property change orders, facility use requests, and various educational items such as SAT preparation, curriculum proposals, and student trips. An executive session was held to discuss HIB cases, and official findings were subsequently approved in open session.

The meeting included reports from the Superintendent on various district activities, such as student achievements, school events, and athletic recognition, including the Lenape High School Girls Basketball team. The Board held a public hearing for the 2026-2027 budget. Additionally, the Board took actions on financial matters, including the approval of bill lists and payroll registers, added new policies and regulations concerning library materials, addressed personnel items such as resignations, hires, leaves of absence, and professional development, approved facility improvements including a long-range facility plan and a site improvement bid for Shawnee High School, finalized transportation services contracts, renewed a food service management company contract, and approved various student activity trips and educational programs.