MINUTES BOARD OF EDUCATION REPORT OCTOBER 12, 2026
The regular meeting of the Board of Education was held on October 12, 2026. This meeting was advertised in the October 7th 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, and Bo Brummels. Members Paul Kuchar and Toby Thompson were absent. Also present were Superintendent Jake Luhr, two BCPS seniors, one BCPS staff member and Kent Wolf from Daikin. 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.
Bo Brummels made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda, which included the October general fund bills that totaled $131,922.52. Tom Leathers seconded the motion. On roll call vote, the motion carried with four ayes.
Mr. Luhr informed the Board of an update on the re-siding of the press box.
Mr. Luhr informed the Board of an update on the 2025-26 audit by MDT, LLC. We have not received the audit report yet so this item will be moved to the November 2026 meeting.
Mrs. Jenni Frey presented to the Board and the Board reviewed the required 2025-26 Financial Literacy Report.
Kent Wolf, a Daikin representative, presented to the Board a proposal to address the humidity issues we have been experiencing at the elementary school. The Board tabled discussion until the November 2026 meeting.
President Jeremy Pochop read the Board Policy 5006 Resolution for 2027-28 along with the recommended Option Enrollment Capacities (Appendix 1) for Policy 5006 for the 2027-28 school year. Tom Leathers made a motion to approve the resolution and the recommended Option Enrollment Capacities (Appendix 1) for Policy 5006 for the 2027-28 school year. Bo Brummels seconded the motion. On roll call vote, the motion carried with four ayes.
Mr. Luhr presented to the Board a proposal from Applied Connective to enhance our technology support and security. The initial onboarding would cost a one-time fee of $3,500 and $3,098/month for their services. Tammy Bierman made a motion to approve the one year contract with Applied Connective for additional technology support and security. Bo Brummels seconded the motion. On roll call vote, the motion carried with four ayes.
Mr. Luhr requested the Board’s approval to sell our oldest 10 passenger van upon arrival of the new vans the Board previously approved. Bo Brummels made a motion to allow Mr. Luhr to advertise the sale of the 10 passenger van with the sealed bids being opened at the November 2026 board meeting. Tom Leathers seconded the motion. On roll call vote, the motion carried with four ayes.
Tom Leathers made a motion to accept the retirement of teacher Jill Fink, Preschool Teacher, with regrets and appreciation of Jill’s 27 years of service to Battle Creek Public Schools. Bo Brummels seconded the motion. On roll call vote, the motion carried with four ayes.
Tammy Bierman made a motion to accept the retirement of teacher Christine Mettler, Elementary Teacher, with regrets and appreciation of Christine’s 21 years of service to Battle Creek Public Schools. Tom Leathers seconded the motion. On roll call vote, the motion carried with four ayes.
Comments were heard from Mr. Luhr on behalf of the Principals and Superintendent.
With no further business, Board President Jeremy Pochop adjourned the meeting at 7:16 P.M.
Submitted by,
Jake Luhr, Secretary Board of Education