MINUTES BOARD OF EDUCATION REPORT FEBRUARY 10, 2020
The regular meeting of the Board of Education was held on February 10th. This meeting was advertised in the February 5th edition of the Battle Creek Enterprise. President Jeremy Pochop called the meeting to order at 6:00 P.M. Members present were Lori Mink, Toby Thompson, Tammy Bierman, Paul Kuchar, and Brent Bode. Also present were Superintendent Jake Luhr, Principals Jeff Heimes and Kyle Finke, Jacob Hurla, and several visitors. The open meeting law 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 February general fund bills which totaled $73,790.52. Lori Mink seconded the motion. On roll call vote, the motion carried with six ayes.
Jacob Hurla of Community Building Solutions gave the Board an update on the lighting upgrades that have begun at the high school and elementary.
Tammy Bierman discussed with the Board her interest in the possibility of adding agriculture education classes and FFA to Battle Creek Public Schools. Many visitors spoke in favor of adding agriculture education classes and FFA. The Board will take all comments under advisement.
Mr. Luhr updated the Board on the scoreboard’s partnerships.
Mr. Luhr presented to the Board the transportation four-year contract from Mid States School Bus Company. Mr. Luhr reported feedback collected from patrons who utilized bus routes. The feedback was in favor of the district continuing to offer daily AM and PM rural bus routes. The contract would provide three (3) AM and PM bus routes which is the same number of routes offered this year (19-20). Mr. Luhr advised the Board to approve the four-year contract with Mid States School Bus Company. Tammy Bierman made a motion to approve the four-year contract with Mid States School Bus Company. Lori Mink seconded the motion. On roll call vote, the motion carried with six ayes.
Mr. Luhr advised the Board that he is continuing to work on the RFP (classroom space at the elementary) and will have the final draft ready for the Board at the April Board meeting.
The Board went through the first reading of the Option Enrollment Policy 5006. The second reading and adoption of the policy will be at the March Board meeting.
Paul Kuchar made a motion to approve the 2020-21 school calendar as presented by Mr. Luhr. Brent Bode seconded the motion. On roll call vote, the motion carried with six ayes.
Mr. Luhr advised the Board, on the advice from our attorney, that the letter of support for the development of a solar farm by Ryan Zimmerman should have formal board approval. Lori Mink made a motion to formally approve Mr. Luhr sending a letter of support for Ryan Zimmerman’s solar farm endeavor. Tammy Bierman seconded the motion. On roll call vote, the motion carried with six ayes.
Mr. Luhr presented to the Board two bids for replacing two water heaters at the high school from Johnson’s, Inc. and Volkman Plumbing and Heating. He advised the Board that he would accept the low bid from Johnson’s, Inc. The Board gave their approval.
Mr. Luhr advised the Board that the oven at the high school is not working or heating properly and needs replacing. He advised them that he has a bid from Hobart to replace the oven. The Board gave their approval.
Mr. Luhr presented to the Board three bids to replace one of the mowers at the school. After discussion, the Board gave their approval to Mr. Luhr to decide on which mower would be best for the school.
Brent Bode made a motion to accept the option enrollment form of Beckett Uecker, kindergartner, for the 2020-21 school year. This request was based on available room in the class at this time. Toby Thompson seconded the motion. On roll call vote, the motion carried with six ayes.
Paul Kuchar made a motion to approve the option request of Anleigh Quinn, kindergartner, for the 2020-21 school year. This request was based on available room in the class at this time. Brent Bode seconded the motion. On roll call vote, the motion carried with six ayes.
Toby Thompson made a motion to approve the option request of Hudson Scott, kindergartner, for the 2020-21 school year. This request was based on available room in the class at this time. Lori Mink seconded the motion. On roll call vote, the motion carried with six ayes.
Comments were heard from the Board, Principals, and Superintendent.
With no further business, Board President Jeremy Pochop adjourned the meeting at 7:12 P.M.
Submitted by,
Jake Luhr, Secretary Board of Education