MINUTES EMERGENCY BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING MARCH 18, 2020
The Board of Education held an emergency meeting on Wednesday, March 18th in the library at the Battle Creek High School. This meeting was posted one hour prior to the meeting at the Battle Creek post office. President Jeremy Pochop called the meeting to order at 6:00 P.M. Members present were Lori Mink, Brent Bode, Tammy Bierman, Paul Kuchar, and Toby Thompson. Also present was Superintendent Jake Luhr, Principals Jeff Heimes and Kyle Finke. The open meeting law was discussed and posted and will be followed at every Board meeting. To start the meeting, the Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
Mr. Luhr discussed the Covid-19/Corona Virus situation and the current closure of the school. He also visited with them regarding the E-learning education plan, and what the teachers are doing to provide the students with enrichment & review learning activities. Mr. Heimes and Mr. Finke also visited with the Board about what the teachers at their schools are doing to provide learning activities for the next couple of weeks to the students.
Mr. Luhr advised the Board that he had received a Madison County Emergency Proclamation from the Madison County Commissioner, Troy Uhlir which allows the Board to pass an Emergency Response Resolution. The Emergency Response Resolution gives the superintendent legal authority to make decisions, pay bills, and do payroll if the Board could not meet for regularly scheduled board meetings due to the Covid-19/Corona Virus.
Lori Mink made a motion to pass the Emergency Response Resolution as presented and read. Toby Thompson seconded the motion. On roll call vote, the motion carried with six ayes.
Mr. Luhr also visited with the Board regarding classified staff employees. At the present time, the cooks and paras are working if they want to, but their duties have changed as they are cleaning and disinfecting the schools.
Mr. Luhr also visited with the Board regarding the certified employees regarding what they have been trying to do this week with setting up E-learning and activities for students of both schools. One teacher was put on administrative leave due to underlying health reasons.
Following items from the Board, superintendent, and principals, and no further business, Board President Jeremy Pochop adjourned the meeting at 7:00 P.M.
Submitted by,
Jake Luhr, Secretary
Board of Education