001To the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. So on our agenda, um, see, it looks like we have the most. Okay. All right. We're gonna That's okay. We're going to start with consensus items then. So, I um don't have a lot of comments on this one. Um I did want to welcome Justin since he's here tonight. Um and also just comment about coach Dave Cakes. Um Dave has been with us for several years as head track and heels coach for the boys at Belmont. and he did a great job and a lot of folks truly care about him and still care about him and his family and we appreciate the time and energy he gave
002promoting Belmont track and field. Um, especially as a late coach, sometimes that's really difficult to give up that much time when you're not here to know the kids and see the kids on a daily basis. And he always made a big effort to do that and to bring a lot of kids out who might not have participated in anything in the spring. And so we just want to say that we certainly love and remember Dave and our condolences go out to his family on his untimely fasting this year. And um, I'm sure is a difficult holiday season, but we certainly want them to know that we're lifting him up and we appreciate him and and anytime you're a coach, your family is also coaching. So, we appreciate sacrifices they made for them to be with
003us as well. We don't have anything else. Any questions, comments, or a motion to approve? >> Make a motion to approve. >> Motion by Jill. Is there a second? >> I'll second. >> Second by Wy. Motion by Jill, second by WY to approve the consensus items as presented. All those in favor announcement saying I. >> Oppose being signed. Approved six to zero. We don't have any program updates for old business. So, new business, we have uh policies that are first. >> Okay. So, this is a book Um, a lot of them will find if you haven't already scanned them. This was a big part of this is the September this anti-discrimination non-discrimination policy update packet. So, there's a lot of repetition. I did not in your printed version include your resended policies because they're being
004resended as they got absorbed into new policies. this note and the actual printed version. Um I did not include those just because we already had two in some features here. But to quickly go through just to kind of tell you um things you might want to look at starting with the revised policies again I try to group them by ones that are similar. So 1422 3122 and 4122 the non-discrimination equal opportunity and anti-harassment. If you read one, you pretty much read all three. Um, and so just so you know, as you go through this next month and review them, the things that are highlighted in yellow are the things that I need you to focus on because those are the things that are options. If I exit it, it means it's my recommendation that we
005selected as an option. If I didn't exit, it means I wasn't recommending it. But that's still something that we can discuss. So if you have questions or comments, please reach out. And of course, we'll be accepting them on second reading again in January. So again, yellow highlighted items. For the most part, those three policies were completely struck, the original policy, and just completely rewritten. So that's why you see a lot of red mark. And part of what made this so long was just some of it wasn't just a few words here and there on bulk of these. Um the next group of policies or policy is 2260 non-discrimination and access to equal education opportunity. Um some of these policies were re being revisited because of the different um or a change in the definition of
006um what sex of a protected class was. And so we had to go through and make some of those changes. But there still are just a lot of options about do you want to exist? Do you not? Same thing. If it's highlighted in yellow, it's an option. I exed it. If I thought it was something we needed to consider, I left the X part blank. But that doesn't mean we can't revisit it. 2260.01 is basically a sub policy of 2260. It deals specifically with 504 and ADA and non-discrimination for reason of disability. Same type situation. A lot of things are going to sound very very similar. >> 2266, no discrimination on the basis of sex and education programs or activities. Again, there was a deer college letter that went out in February of 25 and
007these revisions are um in response to that. You're going to note there's a lot of things in some of these policies called drafting notes that comes from the attorneys at Niola that say this is why this is an option. Think about it. a bunch of these because of there's differences of opinion and differences in legal interpretation on some of these things from the federal level, state levels. Um, you'll see a lot. Consult with your local attorney if any of this becomes a question. Um then the next set um is 1623, 3123 and 4123. Again, if you read the first one, you pretty much read them all. One deals with administrators, one deals with certified staff, one deals with support staff, and this one deals with non-discrimination and equal appointments. Again, lots of repetition of verbiage.
008Yellow things that are options are highlighted. 2262. This one I had not been thinking but when we started best there is latch key program policy and we did not really update that or include that policy because we really didn't have much latch um except boys and girls club I think was originally noted. So we needed to change that and include kind of our latency program as well. 3220.01 we had already done some basic tag um policy update but they just released in September the new policy that reflects the brand new legislation that's going on presently within the tag which just for an update for you folks. our folks are um I think in November 11th and November 7th. I can't remember which date I introduced the new tag application to our staff. So, several of
009them have already applied, but they have until December 29th to upload their documents and finish their applications and by the end of January, we'll be notifying those who apply um if they were selected. we have enough money if we would only award tier one because there's three tiers 3500 5,000 7500 for about 15 people. If some of those get more than the tier ones it would be less than that but that's kind of what we're looking right now. 12:30 is just another update. Um, and it includes things that I need to do as superintendent and inform you of. The one area that I want to give some consideration of, and I'm kind of talked to Beth on this. Um, one of the options was we needed to determine um an amount of money on legal
010fees that I would need to run past you folks. So you every year um approve Scott as our school attorney and those are just build to us quarterly >> once a year >> one big bill. Um so that's those things are kind of expected. My guess is if we would get into a lawsuit that was going to cost us quite a bit and we would have to fight then I would need to be updating some legal fees. We chose 10,000. Um, but again, that's something we can have discussion about. It doesn't take very long when you have to consult with someone on an hourly basis um to spend a lot of money. But so far, we haven't had to do a whole lot of that. But all it would take is one pretty involved title
011N or OR complaint or something and it wouldn't be very difficult at all to approve approve that amount. Scott, I don't know if you've had because this is kind of your world. If you would say what you think amount would kind of trigger a >> Well, I know where I am every year. It's somewhere between 10 and 20. >> That's where I'm at. >> I actually looked at it today. It's about 8,500. So, between now and July, it's so >> um you know, the higher the better. self. I don't know. >> Well, again, there's there's different situations where and Scott would be the first to recommend that on specialty very specific situations, >> you go to the people that deal with those situations. >> And I would tell you in litigation, she's absolutely right. You
012you go into a litigation that's you're going to spend 50 grand >> and that can be fighting over nickels and >> dimes. But >> you get into bigger cases that's >> and some of it could end up getting into insurance depending and then you have insurance >> because then they'll take care of the whole that part that's part of most anything that we've ever had litigation wise other than when I was doing collection work was handled by insurance. Yeah. >> And it cost you guys anything other than experience against future premiums. Right. And then the last group 1617, 3217, 4217, and 5772. This is an old update that I just needed to get done. It was to address the House and Rule Act 1177 that talked about who may possess a firearm or weapon. Basically,
013that no one may unless they're law enforcement when um they are acting in their own capacity, visitors, whatot. We're not a concealed carry campus. I guess it's a public school. Um, so that was again that's an old update that just needed to get updated on those. So what I would suggest, look at the highlights. Um, you can look at all of it. I'm not saying you can't, but if you want the bigger thing since it is pretty hefty, there is a lot of repetition. And um, look at the yellows and uh, Any questions or comments? We can move on. Okay. Next up is the approval of behavior and outstanding invoices. So, this is another one of those December um requests that we bring to you. So Beth has to balance the books at the end
014of every calendar year and the state board accounts and department of ed um require this process and it basically just lets her pay out any outstanding invoices that we're still carrying so that she can close out our books um for 2025 believe it or not this do >> any questions or comments or motion to approve. >> I'll make a motion to approve. Motion by WY, seconded by Michelle. Motion by WY, second by Michelle to approve the paying of um year end outstanding invoices. All those in favor announce I oppose. Same sign. Approved six to zero. Next is the approval of year end budget transfers. So when we do the budget um in the summer and it goes into fall, you're kind of guessing at what you're going to spend in every budget line. And at
015the end of the fiscal year, you we stay within our budget, but you can't have any fun in education in the red. And so basically, you just move money around. It's not asking for any more money. You're just saying if we had extra money in this account and we didn't we were a thousand short in this account, we move money to make sure we cut in and schools cannot have a deficit in any of their fund money. So, this just gives Beth permission to basically adjust our fund amount so that we don't have any deficit spending in any fund. Anything else to say, Beth? >> Okay. Any questions or comments or motion to approve? Motion motion by Darlene. Seconded by Joel. Motion, seconded by Joel to approve the end of year budget transfers. All those
016in favor by saying I. >> I oppose. Same sign. occurs to zero. Next is the approval of donations. So, we have some very generous and appreciated community members who um we want to recognize. So, Zach Hess, our new deer officer, I shouldn't say new. We're getting through the first semester and he's been doing great and the kids are loving it and he's loving it and we appreciate his forward thinking and making sure that our program continues to be funded. He has been out soliciting donations for the bear programs longevity and hippo repair and future pattern have both donated $450 and $500 respectively. We appreciate them and thank you. This basically allows us to do our special activities for each days with the kids, do different rewards, um do special things with our students of the
017month, um positive referrals, things like that. and I'm going to be sending you as a board, but I don't want to let the cat out of the bag publicly. Um, Aaron Baker, our high school ad, has been investigating some different options with our main gymnasium um kind of pre-show, if you will, of the varsity game. And he had encountered um a production company called Luxo Projection Systems. And they have a system and 3D projection system that basically they project some amazing things on your floor. All the lights get turned out in the gymnasium and then basically this is what happens as they call the varsity lineup out and there's some really cool digital light show with different projections. Um, just to kind of give you a pre preview, our girls and boys basketball and I'm
018sure wrestling is going to be coming up all we're in front of the green screen because they get their image projected in kind of their call out too on the floor and it's going to be pretty cool with again a great we're replacing the audio system and this is nothing we're paying for out of operations or education got quite a bit of donation. So, we want to thank J&D Real Estate Ventures for a $25,000 um donation toward that. Um and we have some other folks that either we've already um recognized for donating toward the sound system or are upcoming and so going to be excited to be seeing that. I think it could be seen as early as the end of this month, early January if that's at all. Very. So, we're very excited about
019that. And then we also have one of our new Decater businesses, Soda House, from the Morehouse family have been um doing a lot of um philanthropic work here in the community with their new business. And I know they donate their tips to a lot of different causes, which what a great model for kids about starting their own business and then using it to give back and pay it forward. but they donated to this year's um class of 2027 junior class for prom and we appreciate their $600 donation. >> Very nice. >> Those are some amazing donations. >> There are. Thank you. Um any questions or comments for motion to approve? >> Motion to approve. >> Motion by Michelle. Is there a second? >> Seconded by Jill. Motion by Michelle. Second by Jill to approve the
020donations as presented. All those in favor announce I >> I oppose any sign. Approve six to zero. Next we have the superintendent report. So I did just want to comment for one moment why I have a mask on my the stomach butt hit my family which I think is hitting the elementary pretty hard right now and I didn't want these folks here to necessarily be exposed to my exposure. So this is just a courtesy as we're all busy here in the holidays. Um believe it or not, end of semester is here. So in here just a couple short weeks. high school will be given final exams. Um, we are in full holiday preparations. Um, we already have a month of dress up days. Um, still by far the favorite PJ day, low maintenance, low fight
021at home, getting the kids out the door. Um, kids have been going to Penguin Patch in the elementary, which is where we have a little gift store and we have volunteers that help the kids shop for gifts for their loved ones. And so that's cool. And had to have a conversation with my own kid that, you know, the purpose of that was not to buy yourself a gift, my mom and dad, which I did, mom. I bought all those first and then save my money, but it's fun and it's fun for them. And we appreciate the um parent volunteers to come and help the kids do that. It's a great experience for them not only to manage money but also to again that lesson of Christmas is about the giving and the gifts that you
022that you give not just what you receive. Um let's see delays and cancellations. Boy, last week hit us hard. Um wasn't expecting that early in December. Hopefully it's not a sign of things to come. I know I we were several of us talking to area superintendent south of us, which usually they don't have as much. And I think he said they uh have already cancelled more days than they by uh the 11th of December than they canceled all last year. Wow. Hopefully this is just a a blustery start to December and then at all curricular fees. I am going to be sending something more out to families. I'm getting a presentation put together to kind of explain um the changes in curricular fees. So, we did send out information to folks with what their invoices
023would be. Um yes, the holidays felt tight for all of us, I think. But I wanted people to have a heads up because I think the initial due date is end of February. We wanted people to be thinking about that as they're finishing their taxes and things. But the big message is no matter what your capacity to pay is, all we would like to do is just have an opportunity to communicate with you about that. And whatever you have the ability to pay, however little, as long as there's a goodhearted and conscientious effort, we'll certainly work with anyone. So, I don't want anyone to stress about it. Please just communicate with us and we'll work out whatever we need to work out with you. Um, but the overriding message, and again, I'll get into more
024particulars than what I send out, is there have been several different legislative things that have happened that have increased the demand on our education funds, as far as needing to increase first year teacher salaries, which consequently then increases everyone else's, having to increase the amount we have to contribute towards retirement funds, 4% increase in insurance premiums. Um, however, there was not an increase in how much the state was applying toward curricular fees despite schools pointing out that that had been grossly underestimated two years ago when they started doing this. Um, be that as it may, what that means is the 2% increase that was advertised for public schools really for some of us ended up being a deficit when we took off the curricular fees that they weren't reimbursing separately and applied towards just what
025our normal basic grant was. So when you have increased expenses that are outside your control, decreased revenue that's outside your control, you don't have a lot of other options but to try to bring in revenue in some of the few ways we have. We're not going to make a lot on curricular fees. Curricular fees this year we spent around $638,000. Unfortunately, um that is a lot more than we normally would have to spend for a couple reasons. number one for technology. We had had some reserves in in money that we had been quote unquote saving before we had to start paying for textbook fees. Um that was depleted at the end of last year. So basically all text technology fees were going to be coming straight out of education fund. The second thing was, as
026everyone probably if you have a younger kid, the science of reading initiative is great and I think it's really going to help move the needle for a lot of kids and it has um but we all had to adopt potentially new curriculum statemandated. Usually when you adopt new curriculum historically in schools you get to pay for it over five years. I don't know if textbook companies have just gotten smarter or they're feeling the pinch too. Now they want it all up front. >> So that is a huge impact and pressure on our education fund in that first year. We did get them to agree to take payments over 18 months instead of all up front, but that's another $250,000 we weren't expecting. I would say in general we are having to pay close to a
027quart million dollars more than we normally would pay for curricular fees this year when it all comes down to it and probably a little more. We usually expect to have to absorb 80 to $100,000 back when we were charging. That wasn't typical. We're going to have to absorb that much for different reasons because there are folks who can't pay. Um, but I hope people know that we did go through everything and there's nothing that was a textbook or textbook item that was charged for. It was simply technology for courses that don't use technology as the primary means of delivering their curriculum um and consumables and um those things add up just like any trip to the grocery store today. Um, so we did go through and we and we did minimize some of the expenses.
028For example, lab classes always cost more because of the number of materials you have to have. If you're going to do um sculpture and art, for example, clay is expensive. Glazes are expensive. If you're going to take an AP science class and have a lot of labs, those things get expensive, too. So anyway, be looking out for a little bit more specifics on what we're charging, why we're charging, so that you can have a better understanding of that. But the overriding messages, don't stress about it. Please just reach out and we'll talk we'll talk through it and we'll get through it. Um, and then the holidays, I want to wish everyone a happy holiday. Thank you folks for everything you do all year. Um, there's not a lot of thank that comes to doing public
029service jobs sometimes and this isn't much, but please take this as a token of our thank you for what you have done and what you do. Um, and everyone listening, I hope everyone has a great holiday and it's an opportunity to enjoy it with their family and friends and uh, life gets so hectic sometimes and harried. I hope that you got to slow down and get to really take that moment. I sent a newsletter out. I think it finally went out yesterday. Um, >> your message was very nice. >> But it is true that we are lucky. For as much as we worry about them and we get caught up in the busyiness in education, we do have one of the best jobs of seeing the littles and seeing children, the holidays through kids eyes
030>> because that's really what it's all about. um the innocence and um so I just wanted to really encourage everyone to think about what Christmas was like when you were kid and what you looked forward to and what you wanted it to be. Um but that is a great thing that we get to do is we get to do that and so and they get so excited for every little thing about it and it's possible and so I wish everyone has that opportunity to see Christmas through the eyes of a child. So I think that's all I have. Thank you. Um, next we have any other matters to come before the board member of public comment. >> Yes. Thank you for this. This is so lovely and interesting. It's all handmade and homemade which is
031>> that's really cool. >> Trying to get back to my homesteading roots but >> and I remembered why I left the farm. >> I enjoyed it. It actually was quite cathartic for me because I was I love to cook and I love to garden and all those things. So finally I just said I'm doing it. >> Thank you very much. >> Thank you. >> That's it. We will journ.