Melba Joint School District 136

The special board meeting included interviews for the Zone 2 Board Trustee position with three applicants. Following the interviews, the Board unanimously approved a motion to appoint Candidate Jason Knopp to the Zone 2 position. The Board also unanimously approved a motion regarding a facility use request, stipulating that the Certificate of Insurance must be submitted and usage must coordinate with previously approved facility schedules.

The Regular Board Meeting followed the Annual Business Meeting. Public participation included presentations from the Student Council regarding their mental health project and the Melba FFA concerning competition results and upcoming events. The consent agenda was approved, covering the agenda, bills, hand checks, and financial reports for the Elementary and JR/SR High Schools. Special reports included an update from the Superintendent on student attendance being affected by the Flu. Under new business, the Board approved a Facility Use Request by Athletics and HOSA. Following a presentation on the bus depreciation schedule, the Board approved the purchase of a new bus. The resignation of Board Trustee Ryan Seger, Zone 2, was approved, scheduling a special meeting for the appointment process. Changes to the District Bank Account signatories were also approved. The Board convened in executive session to discuss personnel matters before returning to open session to formally accept the personnel report. The Superintendent provided updates on policies needing annual review and listed upcoming events.

The meeting included the administration of the Trustee Oath to the newly appointed Board Trustee for Zone 2. Discussions during public participation included a presentation from the FFA regarding a speaking contest and Farmers Appreciation Breakfast. Key agenda items included the approval of the consent agenda, which encompassed financial reports and miscellaneous checks. Special reports covered student attendance history, a presentation on the EMMA report and Bond Levy Rate, and an update on the MHS ELA Curriculum Review, with a trustee volunteering for the review committee. New business actions involved the approval of a Personnel Report, approval of Extended Trip Requests for BPA and Cheer, the annual review and approval of several Board policies (including Code of Ethics, Instructional Hours, and various safety/discipline policies), the approval of the 2026-2027 Calendar, the creation of a committee to review the Coaching Handbook, approval for banking changes, approval of Open Enrollment Renewals, and motions to approve the disposal of a bus and the sale of Ag Department equipment.

The meeting commenced with reports from the Student Council regarding a recent trip and a stage storage cleanup project, and the Melba FFA updating on their Creed and Degree night and Veteran's Day Assembly. The Consent Agenda, including the approval of the previous month's bills and financial reports for both Elementary and JR/SR High Schools, was approved. Special reports covered student numbers and the ISBA Convention attended by several district officials, highlighting recent teacher grants received. New Business actions included approving an Extended Trip Request, approving a spelling correction in Policy 4110 regarding Public Complaints and Suggestions, approving a Facility Use Request for the Elementary Gym, and approving a Bond Payment. A dedicated period was allotted for public participation on non-agenda items concerning a personnel issue. Standing reports included updates from the Superintendent, Elementary, JR/SR High School, and the Business Manager Budget Report.

The board meeting included updates from the Student Council and Melba FFA, with the FFA detailing enrollment statistics, Creed Contest winners, and preparations for upcoming events. The Superintendent shared a report on student attendance. The board approved the Personnel Report and an Extended Trip Request. They also approved the disposal of fully depreciated buses at auction and the FY 2025 Audit presented by Bailey and Company. Additionally, the board approved the Hearing Decision of Student A. The meeting also included standing reports from the Superintendent, Elementary Principal, High School Principal and VP, and the Business Manager Budget Report, along with an athletic update.