MINUTES BOARD OF EDUCATION REPORT OCTOBER 13, 2025
The regular meeting of the Board of Education was held on October 13, 2025. This meeting was advertised in the October 8th 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, Principal Curtis Childers, one visitor, staff members Jenni Frey and Ryan Stusse, four seniors and four Daikin Applied representatives. The 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.
Paul Kuchar made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda, which included the October general fund bills that totaled $110,319.33. Toby Thompson seconded the motion. On roll call vote, the motion carried with six ayes.
Mrs. Jenni Frey presented to the Board a Financial Literacy Report, as required by law.
The four Daikin representatives presented to the Board an updated scope of work and project total costs. They also presented estimated energy savings costs associated with the scope of work. No board action was taken after the presentation. The board requested more detailed information regarding the scope of work and associated costs for their review.
Mr. Luhr presented to the Board a Policy Update on 3132 Internal Controls. Toby Thompson made a motion to approve the Policy Update - 3132 Internal Controls. Bo Brummels seconded the motion. On roll call vote, the motion carried with six ayes.
Mr. Luhr presented the Board Policy 5006 Resolution for 2026-2027 along with the recommended Option Enrollment Capacities (Appendix 1) for Policy 5006 for the 2026-27 school year. Bo Brummels made a motion to approve the resolution and the recommended Option Enrollment Capacities (Appendix 1) for Policy 5006 for the 2026-27 school year. Tom Leathers seconded the motion. On roll call vote, the motion carried with six ayes.
Mr. Luhr presented to the Board proposals from four vendors for the purchase of elementary desks and chairs. Tammy Bierman made a motion to approve the purchase of elementary desks and chairs from ONE Office Solution in the amount of $72,320.00. Toby Thompson seconded the motion. On roll call vote, the motion carried with six ayes.
Mr. Luhr presented information to the Board on pricing for intercom speakers for the elementary school classrooms. Paul Kuchar made a motion to approve the purchase of intercom speakers and outdoor speakers from Heartland Communications for a cost not to exceed $8,425.00. Tom Leathers seconded the motion. On roll call vote, the motion carried with six ayes.
Mr. Luhr stated that we have not yet received the Audit Report for the 2024-25 school year. This agenda item will be moved to the November 2025 meeting.
Toby Thompson made a motion to approve the teacher resignation of Cathy Thompson, 7-12 Guidance Counselor, effective June 30, 2026, with regrets and appreciation for Cathy’s 28 years of service to Battle Creek Public Schools. Bo Brummels seconded the motion. On 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 7:32 PM.
Submitted by,
Jake Luhr, Secretary Board of Education