MINUTES BOARD OF EDUCATION REPORT OCTOBER 9, 2023
The regular meeting of the Board of Education was held on October 9th. This meeting was advertised in the October 4th edition of the Battle Creek Enterprise. President Jeremy Pochop called the meeting to order at 6:00 P.M. Members present were Toby Thompson, Tammy Bierman, Paul Kuchar, and Tom Leathers. Sean Lindgren was absent. Also, present were Superintendent Jake Luhr and Principals Jeff Heimes and Curtis Childers, 6 seniors, and a visitor. The new open meeting law poster was discussed and posted and will be followed at every Board meeting. To start the Board meeting, the Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
Toby Thompson made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda, which included the October general fund bills that totaled $59,849.38. Tammy Bierman seconded the motion. On roll call vote, the motion carried with five ayes.
Mr. Luhr updated the Board on the construction project at the elementary and the high school and advised them that the project is 64.97% completed.
A discussion was held on district transportation. Mr. Luhr shared some estimated costs for having district owned and operated bus transportation compared to contracting services. More discussions will take place at future meetings. No board action was taken from the discussion.
Paul Kuchar made a motion to approve the Resolution and Grade Level Capacities for Board Policy 5006 Option Enrollment. Toby Thompson seconded the motion. On roll call vote the motion carried with five ayes.
Tammy Bierman made a motion to approve the 23-24 First Student Addendum which has 3 regular bus routes for a total cost of $225,106.38 paid in 9 equal installments, activities mileage rate of $2.33, and activities sit time rate of $19.14 per hour. Paul Kuchar seconded the motion. On roll call vote, the motion carried with five ayes.
A discussion was held on adding structural spray to the new track surface for an additional cost of $73,445.00. The board determined that more information was needed. No board action was taken from the discussion.
Mr. Luhr presented to the Board a Building Fund invoice from Hausmann Construction for $499,581.25 for construction services rendered through September 30. Toby Thompson made a motion to approve the Building Fund invoice from Hausmann Construction for $499,581.25. Tom Leathers seconded the motion. On roll call vote, the motion carried with five ayes.
Mr. Luhr presented to the Board a Building Fund invoice from Mid State Engineering for $1,029.50 for third party testing services. Paul Kuchar made a motion to approve the Building Fund invoice from Mid State Engineering for $1,029.50. Toby Thompson seconded the motion. On roll call vote, the motion carried with five ayes.
Mr. Luhr presented to the Board a Building Fund invoice from CWP Architects for $11,556.92 for services rendered through September 30. Tammy Bierman made a motion to approve the Building Fund invoice from CWP Architects for $11,556.92. Paul Kuchar seconded the motion. On roll call vote, the motion carried with five ayes.
Mr. Luhr presented to the Board a request to utilize REAP Grant dollars to purchase 60 ipads for elementary students in grades K-3 in the amount of $39,640.00. The REAP Grant covers 100% of the cost. Toby Thompson made a motion to approve the purchase and utilize REAP dollars for $39,640.00. Paul Kuchar seconded the motion. On roll call vote, the motion carried with 5 ayes.
Comments were heard from the Board, Principals, and Superintendent.
At 6:59 PM, Paul Kuchar made a motion to go into executive session to discuss potential litigation. Toby Thompson seconded the motion. On roll call vote, the motion carried with five ayes.
At 7:26 PM, Toby Thompson made a motion to come out of executive session. Paul Kuchar seconded the motion. On roll call vote, the motion carried with five ayes. No board action was taken.
With no further business, Board President Jeremy Pochop adjourned the meeting at 7:26 P.M.
Submitted by,
Jake Luhr, Secretary Board of Education