Cowden-Herrick Community Unit School District 3A

This document serves as a Discipline Improvement Plan template, outlining a process for districts to reduce exclusionary discipline and address racial disproportionality. It details a methodology involving data review, problem analysis, implementation of supportive interventions (such as multi-tiered systems of support, social-emotional learning, and restorative justice), and continuous monitoring. The provided example plan for Cowden-Herrick CUSD #3A for the 2025-2026 school year specifically aims to lessen exclusionary discipline by reinforcing handbook rules, discussing common infractions, providing counseling for repeat offenders, and implementing a character education program, with success measured by comparing current discipline data to past years.

The agenda for this meeting included the approval of current board bills, the treasurer's report, and an amendment to the 2025-2026 school calendar to incorporate the use of three emergency days. Key considerations involved approving a quote for refinishing the high school gym floor and approving a quote for track resurfacing. The board also addressed consideration of investment accounts. A closed session was scheduled to discuss personnel matters, including appointments, employment, compensation, and performance, as well as potential litigation. Following the closed session, the board planned to act on motions to hire a social worker contingent upon meeting requirements and to accept a staff resignation.

Key discussions and actions during the meeting included the approval of minutes from the Truth in Taxation Hearing and the regular board meeting held on December 11, 2025. The Board also approved current board bills, the Treasurer's report for December 2025, and designated Glass & Shuffett as auditors for FY26, along with approving the FFA Leadership Conference. A resolution was passed to keep closed session minutes confidential and destroy relevant recordings older than 18 months. Furthermore, the Board approved the District Discipline Improvement Plan, the purchase of Junior High Track uniforms, and the purchase of new chromebooks. The session included a closed session to discuss personnel matters, including appointments, employment, compensation, and discipline.

The proceedings began with a Truth in Taxation Hearing, which was adjourned after a brief discussion. The subsequent regular board meeting addressed several fiscal matters, including the approval of current board bills, General Office Fund, C-HHS Revolving Fund, and the Treasurer's Report for the period ending November 30, 2025. A motion was passed to approve the 2025 Tax Levy and to approve Dun Right Lawn Care's proposal for 2026 and 2027. The Board also moved the January board meeting from its regular slot to January 15, 2026. Following a closed session to discuss personnel matters including appointments, employment, and compensation, the Board approved the employment of Emma Wehrle as Teacher Aide and Nicole Giles as part-time bus driver for the remainder of the 2025-2026 school year. Additionally, Andy and Kristen Nohren were employed as Junior High Track coaches.

The agenda for the Regular Board Meeting included consideration of several items under New Business, such as a motion regarding the confidentiality and destruction schedule for closed session minutes, approval of the district discipline improvement plan, approval to purchase junior high track uniforms, and approval to purchase Chromebooks. The consent agenda included approval for Glass and Shuffett to perform the 2025-2026 Audit and approval for Ag trips to a Leadership Conference and a State Horse Judging event. The meeting also included a Superintendent's Report and a Closed Session to discuss personnel matters, including appointments, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, negotiations, contract details, or dismissal of personnel, and probable or imminent litigation.