MINUTES BOARD OF EDUCATION REPORT AUGUST 11, 2025
The regular meeting of the Board of Education was held on August 11th, 2025. This meeting was advertised in the August 6th edition of the Battle Creek Enterprise. President Jeremy Pochop called the meeting to order at 6:00 P.M. Members present were Tammy Bierman, Tom Leathers, Bo Brummels, Toby Thompson and Paul Kuchar. Also present were Superintendent Jake Luhr, Principals Jeff Heimes and Curtis Childers and six visitors. 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.
TobyThompson made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda, which included the August general fund bills that totaled $147,936.80. Bo Brummels seconded the motion. On roll call vote, the motion carried with six ayes.
Two patrons gave public comments to the board.
Mr. Luhr informed the Board with an update on the Daikin project. The Daikin representatives have requested a revision to the Project Development Agreement to increase the obligation amount to $40,000.00. Toby Thompson made a motion to approve the Daikin Project Development Agreement revision. Bo Brummels seconded the motion. On roll call vote, the motion was carried with four ayes and two nays.
Mr. Luhr presented to the Board information on LB 243 Property Tax Authority. Mr. Luhr recommended the Board approve access to the additional 6% of budget authority. Paul Kuchar made a motion to approve access to the additional 6% of budget authority. Toby Thompson seconded the motion. On a roll call vote, the motion carried with six ayes.
Bo Brummels made a motion to approve Mr. Luhr as the CEO for spending federal, state and local funds for projects as needed for the 2025-26 school year. Paul Kuchar seconded the motion. On a roll call vote, the motion carried with six ayes.
Mr. Luhr discussed the budget timeline for the 2025-26 budget. The Finance Committee will be meeting on Thursday, August 21st 2025 at 5:00pm. The Finance/Budget Committee members are Jeremy Pochop, Paul Kuchar and Tom Leathers.
Mr. Luhr presented to the Board a request to change the elementary calendar for September 2, 2025. Due to a K-2 and Special Education training, students PK-6 will have No School on Tuesday, September 2nd, 2025.Tammy Bierman made a motion to approve the elementary calendar change for No School grades PK-6 on Tuesday, September 2nd, 2025. Tom Leather seconded the motion. On a roll call vote, the motion carried with six ayes.
Mr. Luhr postponed the discussion of Custodial Supplies for the 2025-26 school year until the September 2025 meeting.
Mr. Luhr recommended a transfer of $100,000.00 from the General fund to the Depreciation fund to close out the 2024-25 budget. Tammy Bierman made a motion to approve the transfer of $100,000.00 from the General fund to the Depreciation fund. Toby Thompson seconded the motion. On a roll call vote, the motion carried with six ayes.
Mr. Luhr discussed the school district taking over the Hall of Fame bank account under our Activity fund. Toby Thompson made a motion to approve the Hall of Fame bank account to be managed under Battle Creek Public Schools’ Activity fund. Tom Leathers seconded the motion. On a roll call vote, the motion carried with six ayes.
Mr. Luhr discussed with the Board the disposal of old library books and phones. Bo Brummels made a motion to approve the disposal of old library books and phones. Paul Kuchar seconded the motion. On a roll call vote, the motion carried with six ayes.
Comments were heard from the Principals and Superintendent.
With no further business, Board President Jeremy Pochop adjourned the meeting at 7:03 PM.
Submitted by,
Jake Luhr, Secretary Board of Education