MINUTES BOARD OF EDUCATION REPORT FEBRUARY 12, 2024
The regular meeting of the Board of Education was held on February 12th. This meeting was advertised in the February 7th edition of the Battle Creek Enterprise. President Jeremy Pochop called the meeting to order at 6:00 P.M. Members present were Toby Thompson, Paul Kuchar, Tom Leathers. Tammy Bierman, and Sean Lindgren. Also, present were Superintendent Jake Luhr and Principals Jeff Heimes and Curtis Childers, and 2 seniors. 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.
Tom Leathers made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda, which included the February general fund bills that totaled $225,967.16. Also included in the bills was the EMC Insurance renewal premium of $135,609.00. Sean Lindgren seconded the motion. On roll call vote, the motion carried with five ayes. Tammy Bierman abstained.
Mr. Luhr presented to the Board 2 bids from Cornhusker Auto. One bid was for a 10-passenger van for $56,795.00, and the other was for an Expedition for $58,674.00. Sean Lindgren made a motion to approve the purchase of two 10-passenger vans for $56,795.00 each. Toby Thompson 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. The project is tentatively scheduled to be completed by mid to late April.
Toby Thompson made a motion to approve the teacher contract for Tyler Prauner for the 2024-25 school year. Sean Lindgren seconded the motion. On roll call vote, the motion carried with 4 ayes and 2 nays.
Mr. Luhr presented to the Board the proposed Master Calendar for the 2024-25 school year. Mr. Luhr will make a small change to the calendar and bring it to the March Board meeting for approval.
Mr. Luhr reviewed with the Board Policy No. 5417 School Wellness Policy. Toby Thompson made a motion to approve Policy No. 5417 School Wellness Policy. Paul Kuchar seconded the motion. On roll call vote, the motion carried with six ayes.
Mr. Luhr presented to the Board two Building Fund invoices from Hausmann Construction. The invoices were in the amounts of $305,204.60 for construction services rendered through January 31st, and $143,131.22 for retainage. Toby Thompson made a motion to approve the Building Fund invoices from Hausmann Construction for a total of $448,335.82. Paul Kuchar 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 in the amounts of $5,553.02 for professional services through September 30, 2023, and $23,487.83 for professional services through December 31, 2023. Tom Leathers made a motion to approve the Building Fund invoices from CWP Architects for a total of $29,040.85. Sean Lindgren seconded the motion. On roll call vote, the motion carried with six ayes.
Mr. Luhr presented to the Board a letter from the BCEA regarding the contract release date. The BCEA would like to table this item until negotiations are opened for the 2025-26 school year.
Mr. Luhr discussed with the Board more about Faith Regional and their discontinuation of the athletic training program. He will continue to keep the Board informed on this topic as he gathers more information.
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