MINUTES BOARD OF EDUCATION REPORT JULY 13, 2026
The regular meeting of the Board of Education was held on July 13, 2026. 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 Tammy Bierman, Toby Thompson, Tom Leathers, Bo Brummels, and Paul Kuchar. Also present were Superintendent Jake Luhr, Principal Jeff Heimes, Principal Curtis Childers, and one Daikin representative. 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.
Tom Leathers made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda, which included the July general fund bills that totaled $181,284.00. Toby Thompson seconded the motion. On roll call vote, the motion carried with six ayes.
The Daikin representative updated the Board on the Mechanical/HVAC project with Daikin.
The Board reviewed Policy 5008 Student Attendance, Policy 5415 Anti-Bullying and Policy 6370 Multicultural Education with no recommended changes to the existing policies.
Mr. Luhr presented to the Board the revised mission statement for the district. Tammy Bierman made a motion to approve the revised mission statement. Bo Brummels seconded the motion. On roll call vote, the motion carried with six ayes.
Mr. Luhr discussed with the Board school meal prices for the 2026-27 school year. Toby Thompson made a motion to make no changes to the 2026-27 school meal prices. Bo Brummels seconded the motion. On roll call vote, the motion carried with six ayes.
Mr. Luhr discussed with the Board Policy 4150 Personnel - Certificated Employees - Evaluation of Teachers. No changes were made to the existing policy.
Mr. Luhr presented to the Board the 2026-27 Certified Handbook. Paul Kuchar made a motion to approve the 2026-27 Certified Handbook. Tom Leathers seconded the motion. On roll call vote, the motion carried with six ayes.
Mr. Luhr presented to the Board the 2026-27 Classified Handbook. Bo Brummels made a motion to approve the 2026-27 Classified Handbook. Toby Thompson seconded the motion. On roll call vote, the motion carried with six ayes.
Mr. Luhr presented to the Board the 2026-27 Student Handbooks with updates from Mr. Heimes and Mr. Childers. Paul Kuchar made a motion to approve the 2026-27 Elementary and 7-12 Student Handbooks. Tom Leathers seconded the motion. On roll call vote, the motion carried with six ayes.
A Public Hearing was held for Policy 5416 Student Fees. No public comments were heard. The Public Hearing was closed.
The Board reviewed Policy 5416 Student Fees with no recommended changes to the existing policy.
Mr. Luhr presented to the Board the purchase order for maintenance and custodial supplies for the 2026-27 school year. Bo Brummels made a motion to approve the purchase order to JanX (formerly known as Floor Maintenance and Supply) in the amount of $28,353.71 for maintenance and custodial supplies for the 2026-27 school year. Paul Kuchar seconded the motion. On roll call vote, the motion carried with six ayes.
Mr. Luhr presented to the Board information for fund transfers between the General Fund to the Activity and Hot Lunch Funds. Tom Leathers made a motion to approve an as-needed monthly transfer of up to 30% of monthly labor costs from the General Fund to the Hot Lunch Fund and a onetime transfer of $125,000.00 from the General Fund to the Activity Fund. Tammy Bierman seconded the motion. On roll call vote, the motion carried with six ayes.
Mr. Luhr presented to the Board two bids for concrete work at the Elementary school. Tammy Bierman made a motion to approve the concrete work at the Elementary school in the amount of $19,500.00 from Hammer Down Construction. 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 P.M.
Submitted by,
Jake Luhr, Secretary Board of Education