MINUTES BOARD OF EDUCATION REPORT FEBRUARY 9, 2026
The regular meeting of the Board of Education was held on February 9, 2026. This meeting was advertised in the February 4th edition of the Battle Creek Enterprise. President Jeremy Pochop called the meeting to order at 6:00 P.M. Members present were Toby Thompson, Tammy Bierman, Tom Leathers, Bo Brummels, and Paul Kuchar. Also present were Superintendent Jake Luhr, Principal Jeff Heimes, Principal Curtis Childers, three visitors, four members of FFA and twelve 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.
Paul Kuchar made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda, which included the February general fund bills that totaled $122,285.20. Toby Thompson seconded the motion. On roll call vote, the motion carried with six ayes.
Four members of the BCPS FFA program presented a slideshow presentation for the Board.
Mr. Luhr presented to the Board the Internal Board Policies which included:
Policy 8110 Purpose and Role of the Board
Policy 8120 Duties and Functions of the Board
Policy 8272 Code of Ethics
Policy 8300 Methods of Operation
Policy 9010 Limits of Authority
Policy 9127 Individual Members
The board reviewed these policies.
Mr. Luhr informed the Board of Legislative updates, including LB 538, LB 635, LB 284, LB 765 and LB 1038.
Mr. Luhr presented to the Board an expenditure request of $654,667.05 according to our signed contract with Daikin. This is 15% of the total cost of the project due to the execution of the signed contract. Bo Brummels made a motion to approve the expenditure of $654,667.05 from the Building Fund. Toby Thompson seconded the motion. On roll call vote, the motion carried with six ayes.
Mr. Luhr discussed financing options for the Mechanical/HVAC project with Daikin. Jay Spearman from Northland Securities presented to the Board a resolution to approve the financing of $3,200,000.00 to cover the remaining costs of the Daikin project. Tom Leathers made a motion to approve the resolution from Northland Securities to approve the financing of $3,200,000.00 for the remaining costs of the Daikin project. Paul Kuchar seconded the motion. On roll call vote, the motion carried with six ayes.
Mr. Luhr presented to the Board the contract from Columbus Community Hospital for our athletic training services. Toby Thompson made a motion to approve the two-year contract with Columbus Community Hospital for athletic training services. Paul Kuchar seconded the motion. On roll call vote, the motion carried with six ayes.
Mr. Luhr presented to the Board the 2026-27 School Year Master Calendar. Bo Brummels made a motion to approve the 2026-27 School Year Master Calendar. Tom Leathers 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 6:49 PM.
Submitted by,
Jake Luhr, Secretary Board of Education