Highland School District 203

The board meeting addressed several administrative and financial items, including the administration of an oath of office for a new board member. The agenda included a discussion on public feedback regarding intersession funding and instructional calendars, as well as the review and approval of various district policies. The board received a budget status and enrollment report, noting an overall decline in student numbers and financial updates related to capital projects. Additionally, the board approved the monthly personnel report and the payment of bills across general, ASB, capital projects, and payroll funds.

The board reviewed and approved the Highly Capable Program and the State Bilingual Education Program. They conducted a first reading of new and revised policies regarding citizen advisory committees and program compliance. Additionally, the board approved an updated policy on equivalency credit opportunities for high school students. The meeting included a mid-year CTE report and the approval of a repair contract for the track, which includes potential upgrades for tennis courts. The board also discussed the process for filling an open board position and reviewed updates to the superintendent evaluation form.

The board conducted a formal interview with a candidate for the vacant Board Director Position #2. Following the interview, the board deliberated on the candidate's qualifications and subsequently voted to appoint the individual to the position.

The board meeting addressed several key areas. In policy review, the first reading was given to new and revised policies, including those related to School Directors Standards, Oath of Office, Sexual Harassment, and procurement requirements. The update on the open board position indicated no new applicants. The Capital Levy Project Finance Update reviewed collections since 2022 and spending projections, noting that the HVAC project was nearly complete but required additional work on dampers, while the MS gym system replacement was postponed. Regarding the Annual Superintendent Evaluation, the board directed the Superintendent to combine the new evaluation policy form with the district's current format for review at the next work study session. The HMS Principal provided a presentation detailing the school's goals for Math, Social-Emotional Learning (SEL), and Instructional Strategies, including the use of GLAD strategies and new SEL integration throughout the day. Efforts to support 6th-grade transition, such as advisor looping, were also discussed.

The Regular Board Meeting covered several agenda items. Under Unfinished Business, the Board approved new policy 3425 concerning the accommodation of students with adrenal insufficiency and the revision of policy 1630 regarding the evaluation of the Superintendent. Policies receiving a second reading included standards for individual school directors, oath of office, sexual harassment prohibition for staff, bid or request for proposal requirements, and food & beverage consumption rules. New Business focused on the Budget Status/Enrollment and Operations Report, noting the General Fund balance, Capital Projects status (including track repair investigation), and the current FTE count of 931 against a budget of 934. The Personnel Report was approved, reflecting a corrected December report and noting staff changes including a filled kitchen/cook position, an elementary PE teacher hire, a maternity leave request, and plans for interviews for the Executive Director of Business & Operations. The Legislative Report indicated monitoring of the TK bill and concerns regarding potential federal funding changes, specifically concerning the migrant program. Finally, the Board approved the payment of General Fund, ASB Fund, Capital Project, and Payroll Fund bills.