MINUTES BOARD OF EDUCATION REPORT DECEMBER 8, 2025
The regular meeting of the Board of Education was held on December 9, 2025. This meeting was advertised in the December 3rd 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 Jeff Heimes, Principal Curtis Childers, one visitor and nine seniors. 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.
Toby Thompson made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda, which included the December general fund bills that totaled $109,285.12. Paul Kuchar seconded the motion. On roll call vote, the motion carried with six ayes.
Mr. Luhr informed the Board that Heartland Communications has installed the speakers at the elementary.
Mr. Luhr informed the Board that the contract for the Daikin project had not yet been received.
Mr. Luhr discussed with the Board the need to hire two additional full time paraeducators, one for the elementary and one for the high school. Paul Kuchar made a motion to approve the hiring of two additional paraeducators, one for the elementary and one for the high school. Tammy Bierman seconded the motion. On roll call vote, the motion carried with six ayes.
Mr. Luhr informed the Board that financing options for the Mechanical/HVAC project are on hold until we receive the contract from Daikin and the district’s legal counsel has time to review it.
Mr. Luhr presented to the Board information about the certification of district boundaries to be submitted to Anne Prusse, Madison County Clerk.
Mr. Luhr presented to the Board the certification of offices for the 2026 election with three board member positions up for election in 2026.
Comments were heard from the Principals and Superintendent.
Toby Thompson made a motion to go into executive session at 6:31P.M. to discuss the Superintendent evaluation. Tom Leathers seconded the motion. On roll call vote, the motion carried with six ayes.
Tammy Bierman made a motion to come out of executive session at 6:35 P.M. Bo Brummels seconded the motion. On roll call vote, the motion carried with six ayes.
Tammy Bierman made a motion to go into executive session at 6:35 P.M. to discuss administrator salaries. Toby Thompson seconded the motion. On roll call vote, the motion carried with six ayes.
Tammy Bierman made a motion to come out of executive session at 6:50 P.M. Toby Thompson seconded the motion. On roll call vote, the motion carried with six ayes.
Toby Thompson was excused from the remainder of the meeting.
Tammy Bierman made a motion to increase administrator salaries by 2.5% for the 2026-27 school year. Tom Leathers seconded the motion. On roll call vote, the motion carried with four ayes and one nay.
Tom Leathers made a motion to go into executive session at 6:53 P.M. to discuss the Superintendent evaluation. Tammy Bierman seconded the motion. On roll call vote, the motion carried with five ayes.
Bo Brummels made a motion to come out of executive session at 7:12 P.M. Tammy Bierman seconded the motion. On roll call vote, the motion carried with five ayes.
With no further business, Board President Jeremy Pochop adjourned the meeting at 7:13 PM.
Submitted by,
Jake Luhr, Secretary Board of Education