MINUTES BOARD OF EDUCATION REPORT OCTOBER 14, 2024
The regular meeting of the Board of Education was held on October 14th. This meeting was advertised in the October 9th edition of Battle Creek Enterprise. President Jeremy Pochop called the meeting to order at 6:00 P.M. Members present were Tammy Bierman, Sean Lindgren, and Paul Kuchar. Members absent were Toby Thompson and Tom Leathers. Also, present were Principals Jeff Heimes and Curtis Childers, Superintendent, Jake Luhr, staff members Jenni Frey, Ryan Stusse and Bri O’Brien and two students. 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.
Sean Lindgren made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda, which included the October general fund bills that totaled $85,362.23. Tammy Bierman seconded the motion. On roll call vote, the motion carried with four ayes.
Two members from Battle Creek’s FCCLA group presented to the Board some of their recent achievements and experiences. They also expressed gratitude for the Board’s continued support.
Mr. Luhr updated the Board on the construction projects at the elementary and the high school.
President Pochop stated that the Daikin Energy Presentation will be moved to the November 2024 board meeting agenda.
Mrs. Jenni Frey presented to the Board a Financial Literacy Report, as required by law.
Mr. Luhr informed the Board that the Athletic Booster Club expressed interest in helping the district with purchasing a coach bus for activities. After discussing the idea, no board action was taken.
Mr. Luhr presented to the Board a request to write a request for proposal (RFP) for replacing/adding security cameras to the high school and installing a camera system at the elementary school. Sean Lindgren made a motion to approve the writing of an RFP for replacing/adding security cameras to the high school and installing a camera system at the elementary school. Paul Kuchar seconded the motion. On roll call vote, the motion carried with four ayes.
Mr. Luhr presented to the Board information from local dealers for lease and purchase options for a skid steer for the district to help with snow removal. The Board would like the maintenance staff to demo a Bobcat skid steer and CAT skid steer before deciding to lease or purchase.
Mr. Luhr presented to the Board the recommended option enrollment capacities (Appendix 1) for Policy 5006 for the 2025-26 school year. Sean Lindgren made a motion to approve the recommended option enrollment capacities (Appendix 1) for the Policy 5006 for the 2025-26 school year. Paul Kuchar seconded the motion. On roll call vote, the motion carried with four ayes.
Mr. Luhr stated that we have not yet received the Audit report for the 2023-24 school year. This agenda item will be moved to the November 2024 board meeting.
Mr. Luhr presented to the Board a building fund invoice from Hausmann Construction for $35,000.00. Tammy Bierman made a motion to approve the invoice from Hausmann Construction in the amount of $35,000.00 to be paid from the building fund. Sean Lindgren seconded the motion. On roll call vote, the motion carried with four ayes.
No invoice from CWP Architects was received this month.
Mr. Luhr informed the Board that the BCEA should have their first negotiations proposal for the Board shortly after October 23, 2024.
Comments were heard from the Principals and Superintendent.
With no further business, Board President Jeremy Pochop adjourned the meeting at 7:11 P.M.
Submitted by,
Jake Luhr, Secretary Board of Education