MINUTES BOARD OF EDUCATION REPORT NOVEMBER 11, 2024
The committee on American Civics held a meeting at 5:45 P.M.
The regular meeting of the Board of Education was held on November 11th. This meeting was advertised in the November 6th edition of Battle Creek Enterprise. President Jeremy Pochop called the meeting to order at 6:00 P.M. Members present were Tammy Bierman, Tom Leathers, Toby Thompson and Paul Kuchar. Sean Lindgren was absent. Also present were Superintendent Jake Luhr, Principals Jeff Heimes and Curtis Childers, staff member Ryan Stusse, two visitors, twelve seniors and Scott Moritz & Kent Wolf with Daiken Applied. 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 $136,480.89. Tom Leathers seconded the motion. On roll call vote, the motion carried with five ayes.
A patron gave public comment to the board.
Mr. Luhr updated the Board on the request for proposal (RFP) for security cameras. The Building and Grounds committee will meet at noon on December 4, 2024 to open proposals and select a vendor to recommend (if any) to the entire board at the December 2024 board meeting.
Mr. Luhr presented to the Board information about the EHA 25-26 insurance rates. Rates will increase 5.49% for the 2025-26 school year.
Scott Moritz and Kent Wolf presented information to the Board about a Performance Contract with Daiken Applied to save on energy costs.
Mr. Luhr discussed with the Board the REAP grant funds still available for technology purchases. Tammy Bierman made a motion to approve the use of $47,696.00 in REAP grant funds for technology purchases. Paul Kuchar seconded the motion. On roll call vote, the motion carried with five ayes.
Mr. Luhr presented to the Board information from local dealers for lease and/or purchase options for a tractor or skid steer for the district to help with snow removal. No board action was taken, as the Board chose to review additional options at the December 2024 meeting.
Mr. Luhr presented to the Board the Annual Financial Report (AFR) and Audit for 2023-24. Paul Kuchar made a motion to approve the Annual Financial Report and Audit for 2023-24. Toby Thompson seconded the motion. On roll call vote, the motion carried with five ayes.
Mr. Luhr presented to the Board a cost quote for adding an acoustical curtain to the main gym. The cost quote is $21,491.68. No board action was taken. The topic will be revisited at the December 2024 board meeting.
Mr. Luhr presented to the Board the Superintendent evaluation form. The Board will review the document and complete the evaluation at the December 2024 board meeting.
Mr. Luhr informed the Board that he heard from BCEA chief negotiator Connie Lade. The next negotiations meeting between the board committee and BCEA committee will take place November 19, 2024.
Comments were heard from the Principals and Superintendent.
With no further business, Board President Jeremy Pochop adjourned the meeting at 7:26 P.M.
Submitted by,
Jake Luhr, Secretary Board of Education