Hamilton Community School District

The Board discussed operations at the Hawkeye Preschool, including current enrollment trends, curriculum standards, and summer programming plans. The Board placed multiple handbooks on 30-day review, including student handbooks for the Virtual School, middle school, high school, and transportation services. A budget amendment for the 2025-2026 fiscal year was approved, accounting for increases in federal and state grant revenues alongside expenditures for facility maintenance, technology, and staffing. Additionally, the Board approved modifications to the middle school and high school credit structure regarding GPA calculations for Algebra 1 and conducted a closed session to address superintendent goals and evaluations.

The organizational meeting included the election of the 2024 School Board positions, resulting in Morgan Maul as President, Deb Brower as Vice President, Loren Joostberns as Secretary, and Mike Gruennert as Treasurer. The board also approved the committee configuration and made several appointments, including naming Ross Miedema as MASB Legislative Liaison and Lisa Theodore as the Ottawa Area School Board Association Representative. Furthermore, the board approved the schedule for future Regular Board Meetings and Work Sessions, and designated their law firm (Thrun), audit firm (Maner Costerisan), architect (GMB Architecture and Engineering), and construction management company (Owen Ames Kimball (OAK)).

This strategic plan report outlines the vision, mission, and district goals for Hamilton Community Schools. It aims to prepare graduates with superior academic, career, and life management skills to thrive in a rapidly changing world. The plan is structured around key focus areas including Teaching & Learning, Finance & Operations, Community Relations, and fostering mutual trust among stakeholders. It emphasizes individualized instruction, robust social-emotional support, and strong community partnerships to maximize each learner's personal potential.

The board meeting included an update regarding SEAB. The primary work session agenda focused on a discussion surrounding Artificial Intelligence and a review of the District Focus Plan.

The meeting included a call to order, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a public comment section where no action was taken. Correspondence highlighted points of pride, including staff performance post-winter break and a grant award received by Katie Sexton. Key actions included the approval of building improvements for Hamilton Virtual School, with work scheduled to commence in February. Furthermore, the Board approved the purchase of two vehicles using excess transportation bond dollars: a used 2023 Thomas school bus to replace a vehicle requiring significant repairs, and a 2018 Chevrolet Starcraft activity bus that can be operated by drivers without a CDL to mitigate driver shortage issues.