Pembroke Community Consolidated School District 259

The meeting addressed public comments and inquiries, including the allocation of a part-time nurse based on student needs, the status of an agreement with Attorney Jim Rowe for social emotional learning and civics programming, and the provision of social work services through an online therapy provider due to a shortage of certified professionals. The sale of Carver School for $125,000 was discussed, with proceeds supporting general operations and new programming options. Recruitment strategies for teachers, student enrollment dynamics, and the use of the '5Essentials' survey for school feedback were also addressed.

The agenda included the Pledge of Allegiance, roll call, and approval of the meeting agenda. Updates were provided by the Maintenance, Principal, Technology, and SAFE Center. The Maintenance report mentioned the replacement of lights and repair of the roof. The Principal's report covered Individual Learning Plans, student data analysis, and vocabulary development. The Technology report focused on maintaining district technology assets. The SAFE Center report expressed gratitude for food drive participation and announced future initiatives like a clothing closet and food pantry. The board also discussed community involvement and public comments. They moved to and returned from a closed session. Action items included approving October 2025 bills and payroll, the October 2025 Treasurer's Report, posting the Tentative 2026 Tax Levy, and aligning FY26 Payroll with the fiscal year.

The Finance Committee meeting included a review of the payments made for May 2025, highlighting outstanding bills for special education and the need to submit expenditure reports for grants. The Treasurer's report and financial recap reports, indicating deficit spending, were reviewed, along with a preview of the budget presentation for the Board Meeting and the start of audit season. The board also reviewed the staff listing for non-certified staff receiving a 6% increase and non-union employees receiving a 3% increase.

The agenda includes a public hearing for funds transfer, updates from the Principal, S.A.F.E Center, Director of Maintenance & Transportation, Technology Coordinator, and Superintendent. The board will discuss the meeting schedule for 2025-2026 and committee assignments, followed by a closed session. Action items include approving bills, payroll, the Treasurer's Report, the Cardinal Transportation Contract, a resolution to transfer funds, consultant contracts, salary increases, and insurance policies. Personnel matters include the approval of Dr. Derek Jordan as Assistant Superintendent/Principal, new teacher Elizabeth Burke-Caruth, renewal of social worker Ebony Kozelsky, and several resignations.

The meeting included discussions about August 2025 bills and payroll, as well as the August 2025 Treasurer's Report, which highlighted concerns about a $300,000 deficit and potential spending cuts focused on central office and district-wide departments outside of the classroom. The committee also discussed proposed capital projects and agreed to table final decisions until all funding was received, with Dr. Walters tasked to find funding documentation from state legislators.