MINUTES BOARD OF EDUCATION REPORT NOVEMBER 8, 2021
The regular meeting of the Board of Education was held on November 8th. This meeting was advertised in the November 3rd edition of the Battle Creek Enterprise. President Jeremy Pochop called the meeting to order at 6:00 P.M. Members present were Tammy Bierman, Sean Lindgren, Paul Kuchar, and Toby Thompson. Brent Bode came late. Also, present were Superintendent Jake Luhr and Principals Jeff Heimes and Curtis Childers, and LeAnn Frauendorfer, 4 eighth graders, 6 seniors, and a visitor. 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.
Toby Thompson made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda, which included the November general fund bills that totaled $80,404.55. Paul Kuchar seconded the motion. On roll call vote, the motion carried with five ayes.
LeAnn Frauendorfer visited with the Board about the eighth-grade English field trip to the Neihardt Center in Bancroft. Then 4 eighth graders gave their summary of the field trip.
Mr. Luhr updated the Board about the annexation negotiations meeting with Norfolk Public Schools. He said that Norfolk Public School was firm in their stance that if the land is within the city limits of Norfolk, then their school district should be the school district serving that land. They will generate around $5,500.00 from the land.
Mr. Luhr reviewed with the Board a few legal updates that Perry Law Firm advised to keep an eye on that could affect schools.
Mr. Luhr presented to the Board a revised Construction Management at Risk selection criteria with new percentages that equal 100%. Tammy Bierman made a motion to approve the updated and revised selection criteria with new percentages for selecting a Construction Management at Risk. Toby Thompson seconded the motion. On roll call vote, the motion carried with four ayes. Sean Lindgren abstained. Sean Lindgren stated that he works for Hausman Construction and that Hausman plans to submit a bid to be the CM@Risk for BCPS.
Mr. Luhr presented to the Board an update from EHA regarding the insurance rates for the 2022-23 school year. Overall health insurance rates will increase 5.84%. The current two year agreement between the Board and BCEA states that if insurance costs increase more than 5% the Board may consider reopening negotiations. The Board reviewed the proposed new insurance rates and decided not to re-open negotiations. Mr. Luhr will draft a letter to the BCEA regarding this matter and bring it the December Board meeting for Board to review.
Mr. Luhr presented to the Board the 2020-21 audited financial statements prepared by Morrow, Davies & Toelle. After reviewing the audited financial statements, Sean Lindgren made a motion to approve the 2020-21 audited financial statements. Paul Kuchar seconded the motion. On roll call vote, the motion carried with six ayes.
Toby Thompson made a motion to retain Cruise & Associates formerly Morrow, Davies & Toelle for the 2022-23 school year audit. Sean Lindgren seconded the motion. On roll call vote, the motion carried with six ayes.
Mr. Luhr presented to the Board a Purchase Agreement for a 2021 Chrysler Voyager which will replace the 2006 Dodge van. Mr. Luhr has advertised the sale of the 2006 Dodge van with sealed bids due to the superintendent’s office by December 3rd. Brent Bode made a motion to approve the Purchase Agreement for the 2021 Chrysler Voyager van. Paul Kuchar seconded the motion. On roll call vote, the motion carried with six ayes.
Mr. Luhr presented to the Board the superintendent evaluation tool for them to complete. President Jeremy Pochop will collect the information from all Board members, compile it, and then review it with Mr. Luhr before the end of the December.
Comments were heard from the Board, Principals, and Superintendent.
With no further business, Board President Jeremy Pochop adjourned the meeting at 6:53 P.M.
Submitted by,
Jake Luhr, Secretary Board of Education