MINUTES BOARD OF EDUCATION REPORT AUGUST 9, 2021
The regular meeting of the Board of Education was held on August 9th. This meeting was advertised in the August 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, Brent Bode, Sean Lindgren, and Paul Kuchar. Tammy Bierman was absent. Also, present were Superintendent Jake Luhr and Principals Jeff Heimes and Curtis Childers, and a BCEA representative. The new 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 August general fund bills that totaled $155,781.56. Also reviewed, were three invoices paid out of the Depreciation Fund in July and August. The Board was also advised that there would be bills paid out of this year’s budget at the end of August, and that list would be given to them at the September Board meeting. Toby Thompson seconded the motion. On roll call vote, the motion carried with five ayes.
Mr. Luhr reviewed with the Board the Return to Learn Plan which is a requirement of ESSER III and is posted on the district’s webpage.
Mr. Luhr advised the Board that he had sent out a survey to the staff, students, and parents on what would be the best use of the ESSER III funds, which is a requirement. He also went over the results of the survey with the Board. Mr. Luhr will utilize the survey results when determining best uses for the ESSER III Funds.
Mr. Luhr presented to the Board a legal update from Justin Knight, attorney, regarding the confusion on who has authority to make/enforce COVID guidance. To Mr. Luhr’s knowledge, the decisions will be left up to local control.
Mr. Luhr presented to the Board a contract from Guarantee Roofing and Radec Construction to replace the storm damaged roof in the amount of $151,805.00. An additional bill was presented in the amount of $48,242.00 for the new fascia and soffit needed to match the existing with the newly repaired fascia and soffit. Brent Bode made a motion to approve the bids from Guarantee Roofing and Radec Construction. Paul Kuchar seconded the motion. On roll call vote, the motion carried with five ayes.
Mr. Luhr reviewed with the Board School Wellness Policy 5417 with no recommended changes to this policy for the 2021-22 school year.
Toby Thompson made a motion to appoint Jake Luhr, Superintendent, as CEO for the schools federal, state, and local funding projects for the 2021-22 school year. Sean Lindgren seconded the motion. On roll call vote, the motion carried with five ayes.
Mr. Luhr presented to the Board the 2021-22 Certified Teacher Handbook which outlines expectations and board policies that pertain to certified teachers in our district. Paul Kuchar made a motion to approve the 2021-22 Certified Teacher Handbook. Brent Bode seconded the motion. On roll call vote, the motion carried with five ayes.
Mr. Luhr presented to the Board the bill from Courtesy Ford of Norfolk for the 2021 Ford Expedition in the amount of $43,720.84, which will be paid out of the Depreciation Fund. The 2002 Dodge Caravan will be put up for sale to the highest bidder. Toby Thompson made a motion to approve the bill of $43,720.84 for the 2021 Ford Expedition and the sale of the 2002 Dodge Caravan. Paul Kuchar seconded the motion. On roll call vote, the motion carried with five ayes.
Mr. Luhr discussed with the Board the 2021-22 budget. The discussion included future facilities upgrades/additions that may not be included in the bond initiative. More to be discussed at the September Board meeting
Sean Lindgren made a motion to approve the option request of Esperanza Gasper, kindergartner, for the 2021-22 school year. This request is based on available room in the class at this time. Brent Bode seconded the motion. On roll call vote, the motion carried with four ayes and one nay.
Toby Thompson made a motion to approve the option request of Harlee Weidner, kindergartner, for the 2021-22 school year. This request is based on available room in the class at this time. Paul Kuchar seconded the motion. On roll call vote, the motion carried with five ayes.
Toby Thompson made a motion to approve the option request of Wyatt Nierodzik, 9th grade, for the 2021-22 school year. This request is based on available room in the class at this time. Sean Lindgren 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 7:04 P.M.
Submitted by,
Jake Luhr, Secretary Board of Education