MINUTES BOARD OF EDUCATION REPORT April 13, 2020
The regular meeting of the Board of Education was held on April 13h. This meeting was advertised in the April 8th 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 and Principal Jeff Heimes. 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 April general fund bills which totaled $55,284.53, and a Depreciation bill paid in the amount of $22,848.00. Brent Bode seconded the motion. On roll call vote, the motion carried with six ayes.
Mr. Luhr advised the Board that there are not really any new school updates in regards to Covid-19. As things change, he will keep the Board updated with anything new.
Mr. Luhr presented to the Board an update from Jacob Hurla of Community Building Solutions regarding the improvements that have now started at the elementary on the HVAC system. Due to the closing of school buildings, improvements may be completed earlier this summer.
Lori Mink made a motion to approve the teaching contract of Rebecca Anderson, math teacher, for the 2020-21 school year. Toby Thompson seconded the motion. On roll call vote, the motion carried with six ayes.
Paul Kuchar made a motion to approve the principals contracts. Their increase was approved at the March Board meeting. Lori Mink seconded the motion. On roll call vote, the motion carried with six ayes.
Mr. Luhr advised the Board that he would like to move the RFP for architectural services to the May Board meeting and the Board agreed.
Mr. Luhr presented to the Board a quote from Pearson Education for new Spanish textbooks and instructional materials. He also advised the Board that Mrs. Frey had went through the selection process before presenting the proposal to the administration. Brent Bode made a motion to accept the quote from Pearson Education for the new Spanish textbooks and instructional materials in the amount of $13,721.56. Tammy Bierman seconded the motion. On roll call vote, the motion carried with six ayes.
Mr. Luhr presented to the Board a Graduation Resolution which allows the superintendent and Board president to deviate from the graduation Board adopted policies, graduation and curriculum requirements, etc., and to act in what is in the best interests of the district and students during this pandemic. Board President Jeremy Pochop then read the Graduation Resolution. Lori Mink made a motion to adopt the Graduation Resolution as presented and read. Paul Kuchar seconded the motion. On roll call vote, the motion carried with six ayes.
Mr. Luhr discussed the April bill from Mid State School Bus Company. He is negotiating with Mid State to lower the monthly payments due to no school and no bus service which is due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The Board agreed to pay the activities portion of the April bill which is for the March activities, but will wait on paying the rest of the April bill until Mr. Luhr finishes the negotiation discussions with the bus company.
Toby Thompson made a motion to accept the option enrollment request of Rexx Uecker, 1st grader, for the 2020-21 school year. This request was based on available room in the class at this time. Paul Kuchar 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 6:58 P.M.