MINUTES BOARD OF EDUCATION REPORT MAY 11, 2026
The regular meeting of the Board of Education was held on May 11, 2026. This meeting was advertised in the May 6th edition of the Battle Creek Enterprise. President Jeremy Pochop called the meeting to order at 6:00 P.M. Members present were Tammy Bierman, Toby Thompson, Tom Leathers, Bo Brummels, and Paul Kuchar. Also present were Superintendent Jake Luhr, Principal Jeff Heimes, Principal Curtis Childers, one visitor, three Daikin representatives and one staff member. 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 May general fund bills that totaled $137,248.67. Tom Leathers seconded the motion. On roll call vote, the motion carried with six ayes.
Mr. Luhr informed the Board of Legislative updates, including LB 803.
Mr. Luhr informed the Board of an update on the Mechanical/HVAC project with Daikin. Three Daikin representatives informed the Board of the status and progress of the project.
Mr. Luhr discussed with the Board the community project involving the City of Battle Creek’s Park Master Planning.
Mr. Luhr presented to the Board the Rule 10 Safety Audit.
Mr. Luhr discussed with the Board the revised standards for Industrial Technology and Family & Consumer Science courses. Both classes need textbook replacements. Toby Thompson made a motion to approve the use of Depreciation Funds to purchase $2,973.00 for Family & Consumer Science textbooks and $9,373.82 for Industrial Technology textbooks. Bo Brummels seconded the motion. On a roll call vote, the motion carried with six ayes.
Mr. Luhr presented to the Board two bids for replacing the handicap door openers at the high school. Paul Kuchar made a motion to approve the use of Depreciation Funds to proceed with Glass Edge’s bid of $5,946.00 to replace the handicap door openers at the high school. Toby Thompson seconded the motion. On a roll call vote, the motion carried with six ayes.
Mr. Luhr presented to the board information about replacing/adding carpet to classrooms at the elementary school. Tammy Bierman made a motion to approve the use of Depreciation Funds to purchase from Scranton Flooring in the amount of $18,506.90 to replace/add carpet in classrooms at the elementary and high school. Bo Brummels seconded the motion. On a roll call vote, the motion carried with six ayes.
Mr. Luhr discussed with the Board the #01 Ford Expedition. The vehicle cannot be fixed to a level safe enough to transport students or staff. Bo Brummels made a motion to approve the sale or scrap of this vehicle. Tammy Bierman seconded the motion. On a roll call vote, the motion carried with six ayes.
Mr. Luhr presented to the Board a total estimated cost for the National FCCLA competition. The total estimated cost for our qualifiers and a sponsor to attend Nationals is $16,146.42. Tom Leathers made a motion to approve the requisitions for attending the 2026 National FCCLA competition in the amount of $16,146.42. Paul Kuchar seconded the motion. On a roll call vote, the motion carried with six ayes.
Mr. Luhr informed the Board that the Lease Purchase Funds of $3,200,000.00 have been deposited into the Building Fund for the HVAC project.
Mr. Luhr discussed with the Board updates to Board Policy 5209 pertaining to library materials and parental notification of checkout as recommended by Perry Law. Toby Thompson made a motion to approve the updates as recommended by Perry Law to Board Policy 5209 pertaining to library materials and parental notification. Tom Leathers seconded the motion. On a 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 6:55 P.M.
Submitted by,
Jake Luhr, Secretary Board of Education