Portage Public Schools

Key discussions during the meeting included a detailed presentation by Spanish teachers regarding a proposed 2027 student trip to Puerto Rico. The Board received an update on ongoing bond construction projects, noting progress at Woodland Elementary and the completion of the final design meeting for Amberly Elementary. The Director of Finance highlighted aspects of the General Fund Budget Progress Report and shared insights from the Governor's proposed executive budget. Following public comments, the Board voted to cast its ballot for TiAnna Harrison in the MASB Board of Directors Election for Region 6. Action items approved included the General Fund Budget Appropriations Resolution 2025/26 Amended Budget #1 and the National School Breakfast Week Proclamation. A discussion item regarding the TWL Lighting replacement project at 12th Street Elementary was moved to action, resulting in authorization for a Notice of Pending Award to Esper Electric for the project, funded by the 2019 Building and Site Sinking Fund. The Board also moved into closed session to consult with counsel on pending litigation and to consider property purchase, taking post-closed action to approve the Resolution Authorizing Purchase of Property for approximately 14.79 acres located at 5201 Angling Road.

The meeting began with the approval of the agenda, which included an added action item to designate a safety deposit box. The superintendent provided board recognitions in observance of January being Board Appreciation Month. Key discussion centered on bond project updates, specifically for Woodland Elementary, which is slightly behind schedule due to winter weather but expected to catch up during the steel construction phase. A detailed design and construction update was provided for the Amberly Elementary project. This involved addressing existing site constraints, such as community water wells and easements, which necessitate relocating five classrooms within the existing footprint this summer to create a 75-foot safety buffer for new construction. The Amberly project phasing was outlined, involving four bid packages starting in late March 2026, with student occupancy targeted for September 2028. Discussion also covered the relocation of playgrounds and the location of teacher resource spaces based on staff and student feedback.

The meeting began with the election of officers, where Randy Vanettp was elected President, B. Schneider was elected Vice President, and Terry Novaria was elected Secretary, all by acclamation. Key discussion points included a bond project update detailing construction progress at Woodland Elementary across Units A, B, and C, noting challenges due to wind but overall positive movement, and the installation of a new stormwater management system. Another significant item involved student and staff engagement sessions held at Angling Road Elementary School to gather input for the new building project. Finally, the board received the elementary Monitoring Report 1.1, which analyzed proficiency measurements (ELA and Math) and growth data compared to similar schools across the state.

The meeting commenced with the approval of the agenda. Key discussions included a superintendent report featuring a presentation proposing a student trip to Puerto Rico in 2027, focusing on cultural, heritage, and science-oriented sites, which would be a different experience than previous trips to Spain. An operations update covered bond projects, noting positive construction progress at Woodland, the final design meeting for Amberly's, and the kickoff of the Angling Road project design phase. The finance report provided an update through January, discussing federal revenue fluctuations, operations and maintenance increases pending a budget amendment, restructuring of child care services, and a decrease in supply expenditures due to prior Chromebook purchases. The Director of Finance also summarized highlights from the Governor's executive budget proposal, including proposed increases for foundation allowance, GSRP students, and higher education funding, as well as changes to MYPERS rates. Board members discussed the Governor's budget proposal, the recent recognition of the district as the '2026 Best Managed School District' by Business View magazine, and the upcoming policy committee meeting. Action items included approving the minutes of the February 9th Committee of the Whole work session, electing Tiana Harrison as the representative for MASB Region 6, approving the general fund budget amendments resolution, and proclaiming National School Breakfast Week from March 2nd through 6th, 2026.

The work session featured a presentation on the Bond Project Update, showing construction progress at the new Woodland Elementary site. The team also provided an in-depth report on the Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS), covering behavioral supports, mental health, trauma-informed practices, social emotional learning, and community engagement. Public comment included concerns about the student drop-off lane at Central High School. The board also discussed the upcoming MASB Board of Directors Election, which will be voted on at a later meeting. Financial agenda items included a presentation on the first amendment to the 2025-26 budget, and the acceptance of Monitoring Reports 1.5 (Ends) and 2.4 (Financial Planning/Budgeting).