MINUTES BOARD OF EDUCATION REPORT July 13, 2020
The regular meeting of the Board of Education was held on July 13h. This meeting was advertised in the July 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, Paul Kuchar, and Brent Bode. Tammy Bierman came late and Toby Thompson was absent. Also present were Superintendent Jake Luhr and Principals Jeff Heimes and Kyle Finke, and Sean Lindgren. 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.
Brent Bode made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda, which included the July general fund bills which totaled $130,968.44. Lori Mink seconded the motion. On roll call vote, the motion carried with four ayes.
Mr. Luhr presented the Board an update on Covid-19. He advised the Board that the 2020 graduation was a success. Mr. Luhr shared a draft of the back to school reopening plan with the Board. Due to the fluid nature of COVID-19, this draft, along with the 20-21 school calendar, will be shared with staff and parents with the understanding that it is still a work in progress. The plan is to start school on time with staff and students in full attendance.
Mr. Luhr updated the Board on the HVAC and lighting improvements at the elementary as it is nearing completion of the project. Lori Mink made a motion to approve the application #5 bill from Community Building Solutions for payment in the amount of $192,419.00. Paul Kuchar seconded the motion. On roll call vote, the motion carried with five ayes.
President Jeremy Pochop opened the public hearing for Policies 6400 & 6410 - Parental Engagement. With no discussion, the public hearing was closed. Brent Bode made a motion to approve Policies 6400 & 6410 – Parental Engagement as written and presented with no changes. Paul Kuchar seconded the motion. On roll call vote, the motion carried with five ayes.
President Jeremy Pochop opened the public hearing for Policy 5416 & Appendix “1”. With no discussion, the public hearing was closed. Lori Mink made a motion to approve Policy 5416 & Appendix “1” as written and presented with no changes. Tammy Bierman seconded the motion. On roll call vote, the motion carried with five ayes.
The Board went over the annual review of Policy 5415 – Anti-Bullying with no changes to the policy as it is written.
The Board went over the annual review of Policy 5008 – Student Attendance with no changes to policy as it is written.
Mr. Luhr advised the Board that he and Mr. Finke had reviewed the feedback that was collected from the architect interviews and reference checks. Mr. Luhr recommended that the Board hire Carlson West Povondra as the architectural firm and Bob Soukup as the architect. The Board was in full agreement with Mr. Luhr.
Mr. Luhr presented to the Board several policy updates recommended by Perry Law Firm to include sexual orientation and gender identity in non-discrimination policies. Tammy Bierman made a motion to approve the updates recommended by Perry Law Firm to the policies listed below. Paul Kuchar seconded the motion. On roll call vote, the motion carried with five ayes.
A. Policy 1200 – Community Relations
B. Policy 3560 – Business Operations
C. Policy 4002 – EEQ
D. Policy 4003 – Employee Anti-discrimination
I. 4003a – Notice of Discrimination
II. 4003b – Complaint form – Discrimination, Harassment or Retaliation
E. Policy 4190 – Personnel – Certified Employees
F. Policy 4260 – Standards of Performance for Non-Certified Employees
G. Policy 5001 – Admission Requirements
H. Policy 5401 – Equal Opportunity
I. 5401z – Complaint Form – Discrimination, Harassment or Retaliation
I. Policy 6380 – Affirmative Action Instruction Program
J. Policy 7060 – Design-Build-PSCAA
K. Policy 7070 – Construction Manager at Risk – PSCAA
Mr. Luhr discussed the option request of Mason Planer again with the Board. Brent Bode made a motion to approve the option request of Mason Planer, 8th grader, for the 2020-21 school year. This request was based on available room in the class at this time. Tammy Bierman seconded the motion. On roll call vote, the motion carried with four ayes and one nay.
Lori Mink made a motion to approve the option request of Logan Roberts, 11th grader, for the 2020-21 school year. This request was based on available room in the class at this time. Brent Bode seconded the motion. On roll call vote, the motion carried with five ayes.
Tammy Bierman made a motion to approve the option request of Hannah Beckenhauer, 10th grader, for the 2020-21 school year. This request was based on available room in the class at this time, and the fact that Hannah has been attending Battle Creek Public School prior to her move out of the district. Paul Kuchar seconded the motion. On roll call vote, the motion carried with five ayes.
Paul Kuchar made a motion to approve the option request of Grant Mozer, kindergartner, for the 2020-21 school year. This request was based on available room in the class at this time. Lori Mink seconded the motion. On roll call vote, the motion carried with five ayes.
Comments were heard from the Board, Principals, and Superintendent.
With no further business, Board President Jeremy Pochop adjourned the meeting at 7:13 P.M.
Submitted by,
Jake Luhr, Secretary Board of Education