MINUTES BOARD OF EDUCATION REPORT AUGUST 14, 2023
The regular meeting of the Board of Education was held on August 14th. This meeting was advertised in the August 9th edition of the Battle Creek Enterprise. President Jeremy Pochop called the meeting to order at 6:00 P.M. Members present were Toby Thompson, Sean Lindgren, Tammy Bierman, Paul Kuchar, and Tom Leathers. Also, present were Superintendent Jake Luhr and Principals Jeff Heimes and Curtis Childers, 6 seniors, 1 BCEA representative, 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 August general fund bills that totaled $135,480.84. Sean Lindgren seconded the motion. On roll call vote, the motion carried with six ayes.
Mr. Luhr updated the Board on the construction project at the elementary and the high school.
Mr. Luhr presented to the Board the Return to Learn Plan for the Board to review. This must be reviewed annually to stay in compliance with federal regulations.
Mr. Luhr presented to the Board information on LB 243 Property Tax Authority which increases state aid for the district, but also caps revenue growth. Mr. Luhr recommended that the Board consider passing a resolution giving the board the authority to access an additional 6% of tax revenue for budgeting purposes for the 23-24 school year. A 70% majority vote of the Board is required to do so. President Jeremy Pochop read the LB 243 Property Tax Resolution. Toby Thompson made a motion to approve the LB 243 Property Tax Resolution which allows access to the additional 6%. Paul Kuchar seconded the motion. On roll call vote, the motion carried with five ayes and one nay.
The Board reviewed Policy 6370 Multicultural Education. The Board is required to review this policy annually. No changes were made to this policy.
Sean Lindgren made a motion to appoint Mr. Luhr as the CEO for spending the federal, state, and local funds for projects needed for the 2023-24 school year. Toby Thompson seconded the motion. On roll call vote, the motion carried with six ayes.
Paul Kuchar made a motion to recognize the BCEA as the exclusive bargaining agent for negotiations for the 2025-26 school year. Sean Lindgren seconded the motion. On roll call vote, the motion carried with six ayes.
The Board had the second reading of Policy 5602 - Naloxone. This policy allows the district to have Naloxone(Narcan) in their buildings to treat opioid overdoses. Sean Lindgren made a motion to approve Policy 5602 – Naloxone. Toby Thompson seconded the motion. On roll call vote, the motion carried with six ayes.
The Board had the second reading of Policy 6288 – Artificial Intelligence. This policy specifically addresses how students may incorporate artificial intelligence without violating plagiarism and cheating rules. Tom Leathers made a motion to approve Policy 6288 – Artificial Intelligence. Tammy Bierman seconded the motion. On roll call vote, the motion carried with six ayes.
Mr. Luhr presented to the Board the 2023-24 classified staff handbook with updates to dates and an updated wage scale. Paul Kuchar made a motion to approve the 2023-24 classified staff handbook with changes. Tom Leathers seconded the motion. On roll call vote, the motion carried with six ayes.
Mr. Luhr presented to the Board a timeline for the 2023-24 fall budget.
Mr. Luhr presented to the Board 2 bids for additional track equipment that is needed to complete the improvements to the pole vault pit, discus ring area, and the shot-put area. One is from Stadium Sports for $42,883.00 and the other is from UCS for $48,631.00. Toby Thompson made a motion to approve the bid from Stadium Sports for $42,883.00. Sean Lindgren seconded the motion. On roll call vote, the motion carried with six ayes.
Mr. Luhr presented to the Board two Building Fund invoices from CWP Architects. The invoice from July for $5,517.21 for professional services rendered through June 30th, and the invoice from August for $5,973.27 for professional services rendered through July 31st. Sean Lindgren made a motion to approve the two Building Fund invoices from CWP Architects totaling $11,490.48. Paul Kuchar seconded the motion. On roll call vote, the motion carried with six ayes.
Mr. Luhr presented to the Board a Building Fund invoice from Hausmann Construction in the amount of $911,427.30 for construction services rendered through July 31st. Paul Kuchar made a motion to approve the Building Fund invoice from Hausmann Construction for $911,427.30. Toby Thompson seconded the motion. On roll call vote, the motion carried with six ayes.
Mr. Luhr presented to the Board a Building Fund invoice from Mid-State Engineering & Testing in the amount of $4,833.50 for third party construction testing services through June 30th. Sean Lindgren made a motion to approve the Building Fund invoice from Mid-State Engineering & Testing for $4,833.50. Tom Leathers seconded the motion. On roll call vote, the motion carried with six ayes.
Mr. Luhr discussed with the Board the updated Option Enrollment Request policy from the July 2023 Board meeting. Toby Thompson made a motion to not accept any option enrollment applications for enrollment during the current 2023-2024 school year. However, the District will consider option enrollment applications for the 2024-2025 school year for applications received by March 15, 2024. Tom Leathers seconded the motion. On roll call vote, the motion carried with six ayes.
Comments were heard from the Board, Principals, and Superintendent.
Toby Thompson made a motion to go into executive session at 7:10 P.M. to discuss potential litigation against the school. Sean Lindgren seconded the motion. On roll call vote, the motion carried with six ayes.
Toby Thompson made a motion to come out of executive session at 7:30 P.M. Sean Lindgren seconded the motion. On roll call vote the motion carried with six ayes.
There was no board action as a result of the executive session.
With no further business, Board President Jeremy Pochop adjourned the meeting at 7:30 P.M.
Submitted by,
Jake Luhr, Secretary Board of Education