MINUTES BOARD OF EDUCATION REPORT May 8, 2023
The regular meeting of the Board of Education was held on May 8th. This meeting was advertised in the May 3rd edition of the Battle Creek Enterprise. President Jeremy Pochop called the meeting to order at 6:00 P.M. Members present were Toby Thompson, Tammy Bierman, Sean Lindgren, and Tom Leathers. Paul Kuchar was absent. Also, present were Superintendent Jake Luhr and Principals Jeff Heimes and Curtis Childers, Jenni Frey, Cody Wintz, and one 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 May general fund bills that totaled $95,340.31. Sean Lindgren seconded the motion. On roll call vote, the motion carried with five ayes.
Mr. Luhr updated the Board on the construction project at the elementary and the high school.
Mr. Luhr updated the Board on the legislative session. He will have more information at the June Board meeting.
Tammy Bierman made a motion to approve the option request of Availa Arlt, 1st grader for the 2023-24 school year. This request is based on available room in the class at this time. Tom Leathers seconded the motion. On roll call vote, the motion carried with five ayes.
Tom Leathers made a motion to deny the option request of Gavin Rios, 9th grader, for the 2023-24 school year. This request was based on Policy 5006. Toby Thompson seconded the motion. On roll call vote, the motion carried with five ayes.
Sean Lindgren made a motion to approve the new teacher contract for Samantha Arlt, elementary teacher for the 2023-24 school year. Tom Leathers seconded the motion. On roll call vote, the motion carried with five ayes.
Mr. Luhr presented to the Board three building fund invoices from Hausmann Construction totaling $362,016. One invoice from 02/28/23 for $108,935.10, one from 03/31/23 for $48,443.40, and one from 4/30/23 for $204,637.50. Toby Thompson made a motion to approve the three building fund invoices from Hausmann Construction totaling $362,016. Sean Lindgren seconded the motion. On roll call vote, the motion carried with five ayes.
Mr. Luhr presented to the Board a building fund invoice from CWP Architecture for $63,760.73. Tom Leathers made a motion to approve the building fund invoice from CWP Architecture for $63,760.73. Sean Lindgren seconded the motion. On roll call vote, the motion carried with five ayes.
Mr. Luhr presented to the Board the recommended math standards for the high school and elementary. Jenni Frey, Curriculum Director, then informed the Board about the process that the elementary and high school teachers went through in revising and re-aligning the math standards this past year. The cost of the new math curriculum for the elementary and high school is $159,012.09. Sean Lindgren made a motion to approve the $159,012.09 math curriculum for the elementary and high school. Toby Thompson seconded the motion. On roll call vote, the motion carried with five ayes.
Mr. Luhr visited with the Board about the need to purchase a storage container for items from the high school and elementary during the remodeling at the elementary school. The cost of the storage container with delivery is $4,725.00 and will be placed next to the bus barn.
Board member Tom Leathers visited with the board about his concerns with coaching and athletics. Athletic Director, Mr. Wintz shared a packet with the board that outlines Battle Creek Public Schools philosophy and expectations for all coaches and sponsors. Mr. Luhr reminded the board that there is a chain of communication that should be followed when concerns arise. This chain of communication is coach/sponsor, athletic director, building principal, then superintendent. Board President, Jeremy Pochop, stated that coaching concerns are not the responsibility of the school board and these concerns should follow the chain of communication.
Comments were heard from the Board, Principals, and Superintendent.
With no further business, Board President Jeremy Pochop adjourned the meeting at 7:10 P.M.
Submitted by,
Jake Luhr, Secretary Board of Education