001Let's stand for the pledge. I pledge allegiance to 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. All right. So, 3.0 is to approve the meeting agenda. I'll make a motion to approve the agenda. I'll second. Uh any discussion? One thing I will note is that we're having a closed uh session at the end of our meeting, so we'll adjourn into that before adjourning the meeting. Um but it will be the last minute, so just so everybody knows. All right, all those in favor? I. I. I. Those opposed? Chairs approved. All right, 4.0 are acknowledgements and recognitions. Um we don't have anything specifically for this evening. Um 5.0, we have a recognition of visitors and community comments.
002Um welcome to the April meeting for the ISD 166 school board. Appreciate everybody being here in the room and online. Um always great to have you. And our community comment section is an opportunity for the public to comment on item and include it in the in the agenda. Um and we do not have any people signed up for today. So, we'll roll right into our reports. 6.1 is our principal's report. Mr. Balangy. >> Good evening, everybody. Good evening. It's nice to see you still have all your hair. Yes, I do. I think it's pretty safe. We'll see. I'm not again I'm asking for receipts. They They say [clears throat] they made I want to see proof. >> [laughter] >> Uh yes, in uh Sawtooth um this month we can continue with our student spotlight assemblies
003every month. We've recognized over 150 students so far this year. Um and then this month we've been focusing on the practice of nibwaakaawin, which is wisdom. And so with the kiddos we talk about how that means that we can show that by knowing when to stop, think, and ask for help. We talked about the difference between being smart and wise. Um and so they've been focusing on that um value this month. And then the other big thing happening in Sawtooth this week is our third, fourth, and fifth graders have been doing their MCAs, um reading and math MCAs this week. And fifth graders will be doing their science MCAs next week. Um so that's kind of what's going on in Sawtooth. Um in the middle school and high school right now, we've had eight senior
004high students going down to North House every day working on the annual timber frame project. I'm not sure where that structure is going to this year. Um but they've been having a great time with that. I checked in with some of them this morning and it's going to be a late night, but they are on track to get the structure completed this week. Um also some other things coming up for uh students here at the end of the year, our senior scholarship awards night is May 13th. Prom is coming up and that's May 16th at Up Yonder. And then also our Grand Portage awards night is going to be on May 20th. And then for the community, just let them know that next week Tuesday we're having our pre-K registration night. And then also our
005kindergarten sixth grade info night. So, we're inviting families um of students here obviously in in pre-K and fifth grade, but also um want to put out that out there to any families in the community, no matter where your kid is currently enrolled, to come check us out for kindergarten and middle school next year. Um online enrollment is open on our website right now, so any new students coming in can um start that enrollment process. And then for the community as well, the grand march for prom on May 16th is going to be at 7:00 in the main gym. And then also again, just checking in and reminding folks that our graduation commencement ceremony is on the Saturday of Memorial Weekend at 1:00 p.m. Already looking at graduation, huh? Yes. Next month. That's not a long
006way. >> Race to the finish here, huh? >> Yes. Yes. >> [clears throat] >> Great. He's smiling about that, you see? Well, it's hard not to smile on a sunny day. That's right. Um any other questions or comments for Mr. Balangy? All right, well thank you so much and best of luck rounding out this year. Well, thank you. All right, 6.2 is our student school board member report. Um and we have a report in our packet from Tamoi and uh she's not here with us this evening, but have a look through her report. Um 6.3 is the superintendent's report. Mr. Lindahl. Thank you, Mr. Chair. I will just share that uh read Tamoi's report. There's a lot going on right now in the high school um with poetry nights and um career fairs and obviously
007athletics, so um it's really been a hopping two, three weeks here uh during the month of April, which is normal. It's what we do this time of year, but um it's fun to see kids celebrating not just athletics, but academic things like poetry and reading and and music and concerts, so um take a look at that. Uh for my report, uh you can see in there the biggest celebration I want to share uh is that we were notified on Wednesday afternoon finally uh that Cook County Schools was awarded a second two-year native language revitalization grant. Uh that is a a grant that's a very strong partnership with Grand Portage. I want to thank Eric in his day job uh for working with me to submit that grant. Um it uh ultimately will fund one of
008our Cook County teachers uh a 1.0 FTE uh for elementary Ojibwe to work alongside with Margaret and alongside with Michael um teaching Ojibwe as we try to expand um the capacity of of people in-house to be able to do that and further that work. So, it's really exciting. It's over a $400,000 grant over two years. It's a lot of money. Um and I think it speaks to them thinking that what we're doing right now is really good and they want to see it continue for a couple more years. So, uh I'm exceptionally proud of that and I want to thank Eric and Anna for helping in that partnership. It's going to be it's going to be great. Um yeah. Um beyond that, a reminder that the groundbreaking ceremony is May 22nd at 2:00 p.m. outside
009the front entrance. Uh that we'll have ICS here and then some of our partners uh and get out invitations to that probably here in the next uh week or so. Uh we're working with ICS to continue to tighten up our summer occupancy plans. Uh there's just a lot of little details that this uh entails. And so in a nutshell, the office the hallway where the district office is, that's where pretty much most of the programming is going to go on. Uh so those rooms will not be updated next this coming summer. Um they'll be in summer number two. Uh and then that way preschool, Y camps, summer school, all those programs, it'll all be In fact, even food service out of the culinary arts room, it'll all be down in that little section of the
010building. So, where your your offices are going to be still, too? Yeah, we'll be there through next year. Okay. Um until the summer of '27 when we get booted out of there. Um we will also use obviously this room for drivers ed and board meetings. We'll use um what's now Oldberg's room for some ECFE stuff. Um so they'll be a little bit down on this end where there's not that much happening, but um the vast majority of it will be in the district office hallway. And uh we continue to partner with the Y uh getting some some, not a lot, some gym time for our our volleyball and our our basketball program, so we're grateful to that partnership. And then lastly, I want to remind board members that uh we're in about the last month
011of the legislative session. Uh and uh don't be shy. Uh reach out to our legislators. In my report is a link to that legislative priorities list uh where I list out things like compensatory funding, special ed cross subsidy funding. Um obviously protect the general formula, those kinds of things. Uh and then uh Representative Hauschild is championing the seasonal recreational replacement aid bill uh that hopefully makes it into the tax committee. So, there's a lot of things there that are on that list, but don't be bashful about reaching out to them. They've They've gotten it from me, but it helps if they hear it from um all of us. Have we on that topic, have we got have we heard anything about the um the sales tax exemption that we're trying to >> not. No, I
012haven't even been scheduled to testify on it, so I would expect I'll be testifying on that in the next couple of weeks if it gets heard in the tax committee. Yeah. So, they're really focused it seems like right now on trying to get a bonding bill over the over the finish. As I shared in my memo a week ago, um what's happening in the house right now is just almost complete dysfunction. Uh the Republicans are in charge of everything one day and then the Democrats are in charge the next day and then the Republicans and then the Democrats and they're using that structure to stymie and stiff arm the things they don't one party doesn't want. And so I have colleagues that are on the schedule to testify on a bill and they chew up
013four hours on some other bill and never allow them to even testify or hear the bill. So, it's a lot of political shenanigans going on and that's creating a gridlock that's just I'm being told to expect that nothing happens. Nothing will happen. So, we'll see. Yeah. Democracy. >> [laughter] >> Right? We love it, we hate it. All right. Well, fantastic. Thank you. Any other questions or comments? Okay, we'll move on to the consent agenda, which is 7.0 here. Um, if there's anything that needs to be pulled for further discussion, um, let me know. Otherwise, we just need a motion. I'll make a motion. I'll second it. Any further discussion? All those in favor? I. I. I. Those opposed? Consent agenda is adopted. All right, 8.0 are discussion and action items. Um, 8.1 is to accept
014the expenditure and revenue report for March of 2026. Uh, let's see here. We've got that in the packet. And we've got business manager Overk with us as well. If you want me to speak to it now, or we can I have two items that are further down. One is the budget revision and budget parameters. Otherwise, I If anyone has any questions, I can speak to it. Um, sure. Well, we'll Is this the same document that, um, you're going to talk about those items with? Um, we can pull this one back up cuz I did put the proposed budget revision on this document. Um, Um, we'll just cover this sort of as it is right now, and then we'll just we'll make you get up and go. Sometimes, interest of time, okay. Uh, okay. So, with
015our March to date, um, fiscally, we're at the 75% mark of the year. Um, if you, you know, look down the percentage column, you can see what line items are there, what exceeded, and what are lagging behind. Um, typically, the um, items that involve any of the teachers are lagging behind because they get paid out in June, so it'll be a bump um, because of their annualized pay. >> [clears throat] >> Um, otherwise, there's nothing that jumps out at me that is obscure in this report. Um, we do now see the activity in fund um, six and seven for our, um, bonds and our debt service payments. So, if anyone has any specific questions that I can that you want to address or want me to address, I'd be happy to. Any questions? I'll make
016a motion, um, to accept the district's revenue report. Any further discussion? All those in favor? I. I. Those opposed? Motion carries. All right, thank you. Mhm. Um, Okay, let's see. 8.2 uh, is a discussion regarding, uh, notification regarding their disproportionality from the Department of Education. That's why I will invite up Chris Howlett. Chris, uh, welcome. Yeah. Chris is a staff member at the Northland Learning Center who, uh, kind of oversees the, um, early intervention work, uh, that the co- the co-op coordinates amongst all of the member districts. Um, Chris has also worked really uh, closely this past year or two, maybe, uh, with our preschool teachers are and Lacey Smith, uh, um, getting that program up and running and our teachers trained, um, but the biggest part of her job is helping address disproportionality and,
017um, implementing the MTSS systems or multi-tiered systems of support, uh, throughout the school district. So, welcome, Chris. Thank you. Um, she's going to help explain like what does that big word disproportionality mean and, uh, where we're at. Good evening. So, I provided you guys a draft [clears throat] letter, and I'm just going to kind of summarize that for you right now. Um, last year, on April 8th, we received a letter from the Department of Ed saying that Cook County was mandatory disproportionality, that you had met the threshold >> [clears throat] >> of 3.0 or or Native American students with disabilities and total disciplinary removals. Um, I sat down with Mr. Lonji and Mr. Lintelman, we looked through it, and because of your small school and the small population, it really could only be one or
018two kids that are making the significant disproportionality for you. Um, and we talked through all of the pieces of it, and have a really solid plan here in your school. Um, but because of that disproportionality, the whole entire co-op that goes into mandatory, which means they have to set aside 15% of their special ed funding to be used for general education support and training. Um, and part of my job is from that 15%. So, what we're doing with this early intervention is we're really digging in, and we're we're setting up a system to make sure that all kids are connected and they're getting the supports and interventions that they need at that tiered level, like Chris was talking about the multi-tiered. So, we're really starting to dig into tier one, which is that quality core
019instruction, tier two, which are those different levels of like smaller group interventions or support, or tier three, where it could be more individualized. Um, in this district, you've heard many times through your school board meetings, reports on the universal data and benchmark testing that's happening. That's part of this MTSS process and part of what we're doing using in the, um, safe school world, um, using that data to really drive decisions and look at programming. Um, one of the other pieces that the funding has, um, supported in your district is a checking connect mentor. Um, that's part of the last couple There's been professional development for your staff and leadership team. Um, why does this ongoing work matter? Because in January this year, we received notice that you're in voluntary year one disproportionality for that same
020group of students being placed under a specific learning disability category. Um, so, we're making great progress, but there's always more work to do, like Chris said um, before the meeting started, when you know better, you do better. We're learning a lot better, doing a lot better. Um, >> [clears throat] >> but we want to really work on that proactive response to students and meeting their needs. So, um, that's pretty much the the gist of the report. Any questions, sir? What is the year three status for this? So, the state runs year one, year two, year three. You don't have to do There's nothing really to get in or out of it. It just flows year one, year two, year three. So, the first time that you're identified as being disproportionate over that 3.0 threshold, you're
021year one. Then it could be a year or two later when you hit it again, then you're year two. The third time that you hit it in any category, then you go into mandatory year three. >> [clears throat] >> So, it's just kind of where you are in the cycle, and it just goes year one, year two, year three. And is there ever like an amount of time that elapses where like it starts back over, or is it just, you know, like the time between year one and year two, it could be 10 years? I've seen like on a couple of them more extended, four or five years. Yeah. Um, this process and how they're doing it now, I think is only been about 10 years. So, um, the Department of Ed always kind of
022refines how they're calculating and looking at things. So, you can be year one in one category, and you can be year two in a different category. Like if you were in year one, you can be like in multiple years, too, depending on categories. So, there's there's a very informative, uh, video on the Department of Ed of the actual numerical system that they use to calculate and figure out the disproportionality in all of those categories, but Do you happen to know offhand when we hit those other two milestones, year one and year two? So, you were in year three. No, I think you were voluntary those other years. So, this this year three right now, this is your first voluntary. Um, you had a year one for EBD a couple of years ago, and now you
023have voluntary for SLD. Um, I can go back and look at those letters, too, and send it to Chris if you >> What What does it mean that you're in voluntary? That you're So, voluntary means it's the first year you were identified in category, so you can decide if you want to really focus on your general ed and and training and supporting um through that multi-tiered system of support. So that we're not just pushing kids automatic to like, "Oh, they need a little bit of help. Special ed's the answer." I see. But to like really digging in and making sure that before we refer students that we've done interventions, we've progress monitored, we've done our due diligence to make sure that it's um not a learning disability or a disability at all that we've we've
024done that multi-tiered process. Yeah, I I flipantly say um that I we've been on a naughty list the entire time I've been in Cook County. We were on the naughty list when I was in Pequot Lakes. It's an algorithm that drives me bonkers because you can be flagged in any given year in any given category or bucket. And it actually amounts to not that much help. Um they force the superintendent and the principal to sit down with a state level consultant every month for three four hours to write plans even though not a single one of the consultants have ever been a school principal, have ever been a school district superintendent. They know everything about continuous improvement. It's a colossal waste of taxpayer dollars and my time. It's never done a thing to improve student
025achievement. So I get a little angry though I have to admit with these consultants that try to tell me how to do my job. And they've never sat in my seat. So I don't know. It's been around for as long as I've been a superintendent and it's hoops that we have to jump through. The only good things that come out of it are when we purposely invest in resources to help us do better with MTSS structures and protocols and that's what Chris does and that's of value to us. Yes. Um but the amount of reporting we have to do because one kid was identified as learning disabled and they happen to be indigenous. You know, it's like, "Come on." Is it right to then just not give them the support they need? I mean, would
026that be better? You know, it doesn't feel to me like it's a system for supporting someone. But in this case isn't it isn't it Is this uh like an achievement thing or is this Well, last year it was about it was about discipline removals from school. Yeah. This year This year it's um identification of learning disabled students who happen to also be indigenous. Yeah. Compared to white kids being identified as learning disabled. Or removals from class in the prior year. Mhm. Or Right. Take it >> other thing if you look at like the number of referrals that come through where a student didn't qualify versus if a referral comes through and qualifies, the student really needs that help and support. >> For sure. Um and And we're not going to not give it to them.
027No, and you do not have very many referrals that come through where students don't qualify. Right. What was a shocker to me this was our Latino population cuz that was 30% of our student body. So uh you know, saying the exact thing. Different district. [clears throat] So thank you, Chris. Um it's a if if if you can figure out the algorithm they use, you are a rocket scientist. I've never been able to figure it out. >> [clears throat] >> I watched the video twice. >> [laughter] >> It feels like Russian roulette to me. Okay, well thank you. I mean, it's encouraging, you know, reading this it's encouraging to know that uh this isn't like we're not like in trouble per se. You that you guys are kind of like on it in terms of doing
028what we need to do. Yeah. Chris does a really good job of getting our data submitted and tracked and uh we're we're grateful for that help. So Thanks. Okay. Um 8.3 uh is a variety of items regarding our construction project. Um we've got our schematic design. Um we've got Jason from ICS here with us tonight. And Damian from ICS hiding back there, too. Welcome, gentlemen. Hi, thank you. Um Chris, did you want me to try to share my screen? Totally your call. I can drive or you can drive. Let's try. It's kind of fun. We can actually see your laptop from on the screen. It's true. >> [laughter] >> It's like a mirror thing. >> Yeah. It just keeps going. Be careful. Don't look too close. >> Infinity. Like Look cool out. What? No. Don't
029go and fall in. >> [laughter] >> That's what you're saying. >> was like Sure. >> [clears throat] >> Thank you, everyone. Uh Jason Fillipek again with ICS. And I am here to review the uh construction update for the Cook County Schools project. Uh Damian Williams here with me, also part of ICS. Um today we will review the referendum one construction which includes the budget review and project updates. And we will also review the schematic design for referendum number two. >> [clears throat] >> Regarding referendum one the budget for referendum one is 26,149,000 $594. And we have a cost to date of $2,950,188. I have uh reviewed this with Teresa and we are um both tracking the same cost here to date. So we're doing well. Um we do have $300,000 of value engineering that is
030still pending uh that is related to the site work playground and uh bus loop paving and we are getting really close on those, but they are all um components of the same part of the project. So we're getting close. We do still anticipate uh 300,000 of savings on those items. And uh overall we have a projected surplus for referendum one of $163,514. Are there any questions about the budget? Are those value engineering Is that also just you're waiting for conditions to look at it? I mean Um some of it is, yeah. A couple of the items we'll find out as we start excavation. Mhm. >> [clears throat] >> Uh regarding the project update, so the um construction documents are under review with the state for permitting. Um we have completed our second round of comments
031uh with the design team and the plan reviewers. So that process is moving along well. Um as Chris mentioned earlier, um occupancy and construction coordination is ongoing for the construction uh that will take place this summer. Um so we're coordinating where the students and the staff will be and where the construction will be to make it a safe environment for everyone. Um we are reviewing the submittals and samples from the contractors uh with the architects to make sure that um the products proposed are the products that were incorporated in the design. And we are also reviewing a furniture proposal. So on Tuesday one of the furniture vendors came in here to showcase some of their um cafeteria furniture. Um we will be compiling a list of uh the furniture proposals and providing a recommendation back
032to the school on uh which one of the four vendors has the best value. Um furniture will be um an item we do have to move on fairly quickly here to uh procure the cafeteria furniture before the end of the summer. The current lead time for the cafeteria tables um if we procured it today uh the tables would arrive in June. So we have a little bit of time here, but but not a lot. Uh we have received proposals from the furniture vendors this last week here. So, um, further information will come pretty quick. Jason, I don't think I remember to ask you on Tuesday, um, have you made that timeline clear to Emily from DSW? No, and I will be following up with her as well. >> Okay. That whole look of the cafeteria
033will kind of drive what we buy, so And choose the colors. >> Yeah. Um, construction mobilization will start May 1st with site preparation and utility routing in the, uh, back by the new gym and also relocating the cooler. And then, as Chris mentioned, the groundbreaking will be Friday, May 22nd, 2:00 p.m. Um, we figured out where the podium is going to be and where the, uh, ceremonial dirt will be located and I think we're getting ready here, guys. Big decisions. >> [clears throat] >> Um, that is my update for referendum one construction. Are there any questions on that before we jump into the schematic design? Okay. Um, today I'll be presenting the schematic design for referendum two. Uh, we will review the design approach, the schematic design summary, the estimate approach, uh, funding and schematic
034design estimate, project schedule, and next steps. Uh, so regarding the basis of design for referendum two, uh, the referendum that was voted on in November established the budget for the project and also the three areas of focus for this project. Uh, we did conduct user groups uh, to review the referendum design, the programming, priorities, and project goals. So, two user group sessions were held in February and March and a third user group will take place, uh, on Monday, April 20th. Uh, the project was also presented to Grand Portage on March 12th. Um, for referendum two, we did supplement the design team with specialty consultants in, uh, areas such as the track design, landscaping, and then theatrical stage design. And those, uh, specialty consultants did lead the user group meetings. Um, so we did bring in
035real experts to help drive these, uh, particular areas of the project. As a summary of those user group meetings, uh, five designs for the athletic areas uh, were reviewed by the user group and a consensus was reached on a preferred layout for the track, turf, and the, uh, field events. Uh, two designs for the outdoor learning spaces were reviewed by the user group and the performing arts, uh, user group focused on equipment needs to modernize the space. Uh, jumping right into the athletics schematic design summary, uh, so the primary objective for the athletics improvements were to support hosted competitions. Uh, so the sports that are being accommodated here are the nine-man and 11-man football, soccer, softball, track and field events, uh, such as the long jump, high jump, pole vault, discus, and shotput. Uh, the
036track itself had a particular, uh, layout that was requested. It was an eight-lane track with a shorter runway. Uh, they called it a fat track, so I think it was a little bit easier to, uh, navigate around the corners. Specific with baseball, uh, we have planned improvements with new lighting and grass or, um, terrain leveling out there. There's a few, uh, water um, ponding issues out there. Um, we also discussed equipment needed for this new, uh, athletics area, um, such as hurdles and those sort of things that the school doesn't currently have. So, we are working on putting a list together of items. Um, here we have, uh, the layout that was reviewed by the user group and selected as the, uh, best option for, um, the site. We are still in the schematic design
037phase of the project, so this could still change based on, uh, the elevation of the field or other constraints for the project, bedrock, um, or or other items. Are there any questions about the athletics schematic design? You want to just walk us through the amenities, Jason, real quick? Oh, sure. So, we've got our bleachers here, um, which will be overlooking uh, Lake Superior just like they are now. We have our pole vault, um, here next to the bleachers. We have our long jump and high jump down here. Uh, we have our turf area, which includes the soccer, softball, football. It's a synthetic turf. And, uh, we have our track. Uh, we also have concessions and restrooms and storage for the athletic equipment and also, uh, maintenance type of equipment here. Uh, there will be new
038light fixtures and a sound system to go along with this. Everyone say your prayers for the lights to work this fall. >> [clears throat] [laughter] >> One more time. >> One more year. It'll solve the press box with the, uh, with the new bleachers. Um, so the facility buildings that will be, uh, located out there on the athletics area include the restrooms, concessions, ticketing, uh, storage, and then the bleachers. Uh, so we do have a combined building here, which includes restrooms for men's and women's, uh, storage, and then, uh, concessions. And we have a second building that was, uh, non-heated here, which would be for cold storage of, uh, the athletic equipment and uh, maintenance equipment. Uh, we also have new bleachers here with a, uh, target capacity of 500 to 700, uh, people. And
039the bleachers will all be located on one side of the, uh, track and that's, uh, because the track itself is going to take up a larger footprint. We can't actually fit bleachers on both sides this time. So, there was some reason they used to provide them. I think you, well, like that you can't put under under bleacher storage isn't a thing. They believe you have to have different bleachers or something. There That was brought up during the user group meetings and it might require different, uh, occupancy. Okay. They, you know, right now it's not an occupied space, but if it had closed walls, it it might Sprinklers. Yeah, okay, that's what I think that's what you were Okay, that makes sense. Um, the scoreboard, we talked about that being on the east side of the
040field uh, for the best spectator viewing. Um, here we have our new bleachers, pretty similar to what we have now, but there will be a new, uh, press box here on the back, ADA compliant, and, uh, the bleachers themselves are are an improvement from what what is out there right now. These are about 30 ft longer than the the set that's there. So, give you an idea. Like width-wise? Yeah. Okay. I said well, at least from what I stepped off today. I stepped off about 95 ft. I think so. And this [clears throat] scoreboard will be able to do multiple sports. It will. One of the comments from the track um user group was that they don't actually use the scoreboard in the same way as football, but it would be useful for probably softball,
041soccer, those those sports. So, is it more of a video kind of No, it'll be very similar to the scoreboard that's already up. Only it works. One that works, yes. Say that. Yeah, it'll be >> [laughter] >> it won't be a budget is not for a video scoreboard, but it is for a board that can handle softball, soccer, football. That's a working scoreboard. Yeah, a working scoreboard. You don't have to wind it up. >> [clears throat] >> Uh regarding the outdoor learning schematic design, uh so we discussed the sawtooth garden, uh the main entry, and also the trails. So, the primary objective for the sawtooth garden was to preserve the natural character while improving the usability and access of the space. Um we talked about an amphitheater in front of the mosaic here for 20
042to 40 students. And also relocating of the garden, kind of consolidating that into one area. Um and providing a fence around it for um Yeah, for deer. >> [laughter] >> Deer fence. The location of this garden is not set in stone here, and there will be additional layouts shared with the group on Monday. Yeah, Tom had some ideas on that. Yep, we did. Um but it was important to keep the garden. It's very important to the community, and uh um Regarding the main entry here, um primary objective was to provide a durable, low-maintenance gathering space. Uh and the seating we discussed was uh seating for approximately 30. Um right now we have this uh amphitheater type type of seating again here, and we have some picnic tables kind of scattered about. Uh both of these
043again will be reviewed as a group on Monday to refine these a bit further. The last area with outdoor learning that has been discussed is the trails, and specifically with that are the bridges that were identified in the grant application. Um Chris had mentioned um working with the folk school to try to see if we can collaborate a bit closer on those bridges with them. Possibly. Working scoreboard. And I think that is a great idea. Uh regarding the performing arts schematic design summary, so the primary objective with the performing arts improvements was to revitalize the Arrowhead Center for the arts with new lighting, lighting controls, and finishes. Uh we discussed a um new seating at the lower level of the auditorium. Um a folding mesh folding chair like this. There's definitely been some discussion over
044the last week about what is the most appropriate for the space, and those discussions will continue on Monday. However, this has been used previously, and it was recommended um as we were going through the user group meetings. Uh the other item we discussed was the stage. So, there's a front portion of the stage called a thrust, and that portion is mobile, so some days it's up, other plays it's taken down or it moves. Uh that hardware is not in the best condition, and it does require replacing. Um we also discussed lighting access. So, one of the early discussions was a catwalk, which would allow staff to climb into the rafters to modify the light fixtures. That assembly was not uh practical or functional for the space. And uh reviewing this closer with uh with the
045staff and the uh design specialist, they have recommended a uh motorized structure to lower these light fixtures down to the floor so that the lights can be changed and adjusted without the use of scaffolding or lifts. And I think they can be changed. I think they still need to be like the final you know, when my understanding they still need to go up and do the final tweak point or whatever. Yeah, the the final focus. So, there's still going to be field service. The yellow will still be having to go up in the lift to do the >> So, yeah. Final focus, but but it will give the ability to, you know, if we're going to um you can, you know, show kids how those different light fixtures work and everything so like better. And
046it'll provide some learning opportunities. Where otherwise the kids would have to go up in the lift, and I think that's that's a no-no. Right. Exactly. Um we also discussed the light fixtures. So, uh replacing the existing light fixtures with LED fixtures, and also [clears throat] replacing the lighting control board. So, currently the control board is uh more of a manual switches for each of these different lighting zones, and some of the light fixtures are managed by the theater group, and some of them are by school. This is going to centralize all of that lighting control into an updated um system. >> [clears throat] >> Um we also discussed audio. So, there are some microphone connections that are on the stage that need to be relocated. And uh the sound mixing table uh they want a
047permanent space for that kind of in the back of the um lower seating. For use with theater and also other performing arts. Uh lastly, we discussed other minor facility improvements such as replacing the carpet and repainting the walls with a darker color. Um and installing a new video screen. Any questions about the theater? Uh regarding the estimate, so we did receive the design documents from the design team couple of weeks ago, and we have engaged several key partners throughout uh the estimating process here to uh validate the pricing for the SD design. So, we have worked with two track and turf vendors, two site contractors, Musco lighting, the uh Auerbach theater consultant, SAS Landscaping, the landscaping consultant, and also um Safe Bleachers. So, we are working with all these different uh partners to um refine
048that budget and estimate. Uh the schematic design estimate has a total of a total cost of 9,075,837. And uh if we include the construction contingency uh that was recorded in the referendum, that would bring our total um to, you know, 9.9 million, which is which is on track with the referendum budget for construction. There are a lot of contingencies and variables at this stage of the um design process, but we're comfortable and confident uh where we're at here. Are there any questions about the budget? Uh regarding the schedule, so we are currently in the schematic design process here um with an action item of board approval of the SD design. Uh moving forward we will be in design development uh so really uh refining the design we have right now and preparing for the construction
049documents. So that process will take place April and May. Uh there will be another board approval for those documents in June. And then we will have our construction documents in July and this project will go out for bidding in August. Our goal is to have bidding complete at the end of August so that we can um have some material delivered for the site such as the uh fill. So this project will take several thousand cubic yards of soil to uh level the turf. And uh doing that in the fall would uh be beneficial for the schedule. At least getting it here, right? Yep. Are you Are we Are you going to be able to use any of that rock? No. Okay. We got a lot of rock, though. >> [clears throat and cough] >> After
050the retaining wall, is that the idea? >> [clears throat] >> I just wondered. Yeah. Cuz it's certainly right there, so Absolutely. makes a lot of sense. That's everyone's always tried to make You can use it for like landscape features if you want that showcase rock. I don't Well, there's no shortage of rock. Great. So that's what you can That looks like we need to bring soil up and back all the rocks. Yeah, right. We're going to be trucking, right? We'll make that work for the value of these rocks. Right. It was like we're going to have a shortage of rock. Sell them to a landscaping company. Oh, yeah. >> [clears throat] >> Um to go along with this uh summary, I did provide Chris with the narratives from the design consultant and also uh the
051design documents. Um And they're in your packet if you want to you know, buzz through 50-page documents. Um our recommendation here today is to uh vote to approve the schematic design documents that were presented here and proceed with design development. So we were at the the last meeting you were here, I think we were talking about like turf logos and colors, like that's all that comes later. Yeah, that's the next phase. Yeah, we're just screwing with it very generally. Yep. It was actually a very thorough schematic design all in all. Yes. So a lot of a lot of a lot of effort went into this. Uh which will make the next steps a little probably a little easier. Help you know, as accurate as possible at this point with the cost. Oh, yeah. Yeah, we
052spent a lot of time making sure that was Right. >> Yeah. is is It wasn't very much fun last time around. No, it wasn't. Have a little better visibility going into bid day. Yeah. Absolutely. Absolutely appreciate that. Um Cool. Other questions? I'd like to make a motion to approve. I'll second. Okay. Further discussion? All those in favor? Aye. Aye. Aye. Those opposed? Motion carries. So get to work on the next step. >> [laughter] >> All right. No rest for the weary. I'll send out the message right now. >> [laughter] >> I don't see that took care of 8.3 and 8.4, actually, cuz we have the construction update at the beginning. Thank you, Jenny. >> got all of that ICS stuff there. Appreciate you guys coming down and or up, I guess, as it is. Yeah,
053pick a great day. So it was We actually walked the entire site. Did you? Yep. Cuz it's been a little while since uh since winter was upon us, right? So It's a little different when it's at 50 below. We walked out there. Right, we picked a lot warmer day today. It's one of the few we have, so I'm glad you guys are here for it. >> It'll be the same temperature in July, don't worry. >> [laughter] >> That was great. It was great to see you today. All right. Thank you. Yeah, thanks, guys. I'm free so over to you. Okay. Let's see. So we are going to move to 8.5, which is the 26 budget revision. We'll bring back I'll go manager over. You guys ready? Safe travels, guys. >> [clears throat] >> All right.
054Budget revision, we kind of dug in a little bit deeper over at work session, but just as a broad overview um when we approved our budget, we did not have the passing of the referendum um in this in the original plan. And so after passing the referendum in November, there was activity that really needed to be reflected in the budget. So what you're looking at is the primarily changes, there were a few other things since we were doing a budget budget revision that um I also included contract settlements from negotiations um and some for healing purchases that were required because of the READ Act um and so what we're looking at is a budget revision and the um change is an increase to the general fund of approximately $200,000 um and that hopefully maybe won't
055all ding the unrestricted fund balance, but um uh there is potential for some fund balance usage in this plan. Um and then the other components are the refunding of the debt, so there was an in and out in fund seven, and then the um acknowledgement in fund six of the revenue that was received from the sale of the bonds. So if anyone has any questions specific to the re- budget revisions or clarification from our last discussion earlier this month. Just so everyone understands, this this fiscal year is what we're talking about with this. And it'll all get tied out in August, September, no and then approved with an audit in November when we really know where we landed at the very end of the fiscal year. So this is an adjustment [clears throat] or a
056revision and then the audit comes in the late summer. Questions? Comments? A change in $12 million of revenue is kind of important thing to recognize. Right. >> [laughter] >> We do that every fiscal year, don't we? It's a change in the right direction. Right. And so then when the revenue's recognized in this fiscal year, in future it'll just be Yeah, it'll just be on the expenditure side, so that oftentimes gets a little bit distracting, I guess. But that's when we have to look at the fund 135. And Separate. just know that the fund six is doing its thing. Right. All right. >> [clears throat] >> Fantastic. Is what you're trying to Yes. So that needs to be approved. Approved. The recommendation to approve the budget revisions as presented. I'll second. Any further discussion? All those
057in favor? Aye. Aye. Those opposed? Motion carries. All right. 8.6 is to approve the uh fiscal year 2027 uh budget parameters. Um so this document equally we uh at our work session. Basically, it's kind of laying out uh what's reality, what is happening, um and then kind of what are up assumptions for building the um fiscal year '27 budget. Um, so reality is that we'll project our projected unrestricted fund balance um is expected to land at 3.5 million. Of that, there's about 22 to 25 in this unassigned bucket. Um, so we're hoping to maintain in that spot um cuz that is our uh policy. We lost our screen. Um Our projected enrollment, we talked about that a little bit in detail. There we go. Um, and it really is remaining flat if not dipping a
058little bit. So, uh conservatively budgeting for fairly flat enrollment uh as we move into the next year. Um, so that what that does to the kind of budget is it we have an increase in the general fund formula, but we're really not going to see a whole lot of increase in in revenues. Um, I did run some numbers and I'm kind of seeing that the general fund revenue will likely be around the same as this year, the 9.2 ish milli- million dollars. So, um our expenses are going to I'm going to try really hard to get it to that. >> [laughter] >> Um, I've kind of done some preliminary numbers with with um salaries and benefits and we'll feed in there with the finer tooth comb. I don't have any numbers to show you that
059are definitive yet, so um that will be at our May um session, we can dig into that a little bit more. Um, so I guess looking at those things, um our plan for our budget that we had discussed was, you know, we know that there is an increase in the general aid formula. Um, we will use assigned funds if needed for curriculum purchases, buses. I believe Tom still wants to get one more new bus in the fleet before we can take a break for a while, and then we'll get on our better schedule. Um, there will be increased cost personnel. Um, our reducing two FTE teachers to balance the budget. I think that is going to be helpful um as I try to, you know, get those expenses to level out. Um, and then the
060referendum project will be happening, so we will be spending lots of money. Um, but that's all um in a draw schedule, and so that will be um planned out with ICS's help and as we walk through that process um of construction. So, unless anyone has any questions or more things that you want to lay on Chris and I to or this budget cycle, we'll have numbers at I believe If not, then I would recommend or request that this um be approved for work on the budget. I'll second the approval of budget parameters. I think I was first. >> [laughter] [snorts] >> Further discussion? No. Um, thank you for [clears throat] getting this started. We appreciate this process. Uh I hope it'll be real iterative for the board as we move through this, so Great. I'll
061second. Uh all those in favor? I. I. I. Those opposed? Motion carries. Have a recess. 8.7 is to accept donations. We have a resolution accepting donations in the packet here for this month. And another generous slate of of donations coming our way. I'll make a motion. I'll second it. Any further discussion? Thank you so much to the donors. Um continuously surprise us with your generosity every month. So, thank you. Um, all those in favor? I. I. Those opposed? Motion carries. All right. 9.0 is personnel. Um, 9.1 is the slate of new hires, resignations, leaves of absence here in the packet. So, there are a few. It's typical in April, May that we have quite a bit going on. Yeah. Oh. All right. I'll make a motion to well >> [clears throat] >> accept the new
062hires, resignations, leave of absence report. I'll second. Any further discussion? Just glad to see that we did the school psychologist thing. Yes. Yeah, and uh excited about that hire and um grateful with the NLC in negotiating how that's going to work, and we just hope the best for that I think it's value add. All those in favor? I. Those opposed? Motion carries. All right. That is everything on our regular agenda. Um So, what we're going to do is go into close session before we adjourn with um There's not going to be any other agenda items, so we'll just need a motion to close session. Okay. So, we got a motion to move into close session here at 6:08. Need a second. Yeah, I'll second. Okay. Um, all those in favor?