001Okay, we like to call the regular convened public session at 7:16 p.m. Please stand for salute to the flag and a moment of sight. 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. >> Be seated. Okay. Um, review, revision, and approval of the of the agenda. We will be making one small revision uh concerning the date of our next meeting that'll be held in October. Recommend approving tonight's agenda as submitted. >> So move. >> Mr. Nichols. >> Second. >> Miss Ralph. Roll call vote. Mr. Nichols, >> approve. >> Miss Ralph, >> approve. >> Mr. Whley, >> approve. >> Miss Isler, >> approve. >> Okay. Recommend the approval of the minutes of the
002board of education regular meeting of August 12th, 2026. >> So moved. >> Miss Ralph, Mr. Nichols. Roll call vote. Miss Ralph, >> approve. >> Mr. Nichols, >> approve. >> Miss Ller, >> approve. >> Mr. Okay. Recognition of guests got this. >> Good evening everybody. How's everybody doing? >> Hear me? >> Yep. >> Yeah. Um, tonight we are honored to have two very special groups of people here uh for us to honor and recognize as our very special guests. And we're going to start off with our district secretaries. And I'd like to have the supervisor of our secretaries, Mr. Susan Whaler. Please give it up to Mrs. Whale. Before I hand it over to Mrs. Willy, you know, I just want to say that there used to be a saying that u when secretary catches cold,
003the whole building catches the cold away because they're the first ones at the door. Uh they're the first ones to to give a smile to someone who's coming in off the street, they're the first one to calm down, an upset parent. And we don't appreciate them enough. And that's just the truth. You think about some of our parents. Some of our parents didn't have great experiences in school. Okay? So, they don't even like coming to work because they have a little bit of trauma, right? And it helps out so much when they come through those doors and they see, you know, our front office secretaries and district office secretaries. I can't tell you how much you guys are mean to us. And uh I just want to tell you that the bottom of my Mrs.
004Dr. Army, >> the heart and soul of the school. I want you to think about it now. For those of you that are from Laurel and you're young like myself, you're going to recognize some of these names. Lois Atkins, Doris DS, Peggy Pride, Mary Ellen Connow, Joyce Knack, Pat James, Joanne Muser, Dale Odo, Jeannie Ellison, Tina Hooper, Brenda Thomas, Marsha Murphy, just to name a few. But I'm sure I've missed some. But for those of you uh fellow Laurel folks here with us tonight, you probably when I said some of those names, I could see your faces. You remember those were our secretaries and they were the heart and soul then and the group of 12 women that we're going to recognize tonight are the heart and soul of today. Um our secretaries. So there's
005two sets. We have the school secretaries in the buildings that serve as the cheerleaders. They're the shoulders to cry on. They're the listening ears. They change drawers if they need to change clothes to help kids have uniforms. They make sure they the parents are informed of things. And you know, there's always, like myself, there's always the parent that forgot to send the permission slip money in. And you know, those secretaries look out for them and make sure they make the phone calls home. Um tonight, um our district office secretaries are a wonderful group of ladies. They work hard to keep us straight because they're responsible to make sure obviously all our bills are paid. Um they support us in in supporting the schools. So they help us um as the liaison from the district office
006to the schools. I just know that tonight it is a true honor for me to recognize along with Dr. Larmore and the board um for the outstanding work that these 12 individuals do. Um just everybody thinks the summertime um we everybody, you know, there's nothing to do, but that's the busiest time for these ladies because they're enrolling, they're ordering, they're making sure the teachers have what they need. um helping parents that don't, you know, get frustrated with the online enrollment process. So, tonight it is a true honor and my pleasure to recognize the 12 people that I get to work closely with on a daily basis. So, I appreciate everything that all of you do for our students, the staff, and the families of our Laurel School District. Thank you, ladies. I can do whatever
007you would like me to do. Okay. All right. >> All right. >> Oh, okay. There we go. All right. So, we're going to start with um Nila uh Jordan Whan. That's from the And then we have Laurel Elementary School which is Britney Aosta who has been doing double duty for us as and she is going to be moving into our district register and um additional financial secretary and we appreciate it and I know Mrs. Giles appreciates her very much that she has been a team player and has helped us with the start of the school year. Britney and Laurel Intermediate School. Mary Elz Laurel Middle School. Stacy Duncan Laurel High School. Um, we have two secretaries there, Ashley Pew and Karen Ober. And I do not believe they're here tonight, but I would still like
008to recognize them. So, And now to our district office secretaries. The keeper of the money and keeps us straight. When she says no, it's a no. Penny Bell. In case you didn't know who I was talking about, I would like to recognize someone that isn't here tonight who at one point was one of our middle school secretaries, believe it or not, and then moved into the district office, and that's um Miss Judy Evans. was not able to be with us tonight. And then our other lady that keeps us straight with our orders and making sure what we can spend what pot of money on, and that would be our Tracy Matthews. I would like to recognize Angie Milligan um who could not be here tonight, but I would like us to give a shout out
009to Angie as well, please. and the one that keeps me straight on a daily basis um and keeps us um the buses rolling. Tracy Messi. And last but not least, I've had the privilege of this lady has served as our secretary when we were teachers. She was my secretary at the intermediate middle school and now I get to work alongside her at the district office. Mrs. Donna Ward. I know I could not do my job without these 12 amazing ladies. as I know my fellow directors feel the same way. My fellow cabinet members, my fellow principal and AP staff, and I know um the teachers value and the and you know what, there's a lot of parents that value what these ladies do every day. So, I appreciate everything you all do and we could
010not do this without you. You are the heart of Laurel. How about one more round of applause for our secretaries? Thank you so much, ladies. At this time, we're going to honor our uh second group, which is tonight, our FFA summer participants. Um, while some of our classmen at the high school and middle school were at the beach and enjoying the boardwalk and things of that nature for the summer and enjoying their vacation, uh, these students were at the Delaware State Fair doing their very best to represent Laurel School District. And we are immensely proud. And to help honor them tonight, I'd be appreciative if Mr. Dr. Wood and Miss Simmons and Mr. Reid come join me up at the podium. Good evening. Over this past year, the Laurel High FFA members participated in 10
011career and leadership development events, including five this summer alone. These events help prepare students for future careers in agriculture, food, and natural resources by building communication, teamwork, problem solving, and leadership skills while also developing industry specific knowledge and hands-on experience. Tonight, we recognize the following students. Carson Pete Carson participated in aggra science fair, food science, agricultural issues and showed a goat. Jasine herser for participation in aggra science fair, food science, agricultural issues and also showing a goat. Destiny McCrae for participation in aggra science fair food science and agricultural issues. Kylie Payne for participation in food science. Sata Lewis for participation in vet science, dairy evaluation, and also showing a goat. Uh Haley Collic for participation in vet science and dairy evaluation. Ashlin King for participation in vet science dairy evaluation and also showing a goat
012and Brennan Thompson for participation in dairy evaluation tonight. We uh also had two individuals at the high school level that could not be here with us. Uh we have Colobby Boyce who also showed a goat and uh Emily Peterson who participated in vet science. Our vet science and a issues teams placed fourth while our dairy evaluation team this year placed third. Both of our aggra science fair projects earned first in the state and were later named national finalists placing among the top 10 in the nation. Our Aggra Science Fair finalists will attend the National FFA Convention and Expo next month where they will uh will learn their final placings. In addition to these competitive successes, students participated in chapter displays, produce entries, agricultural communication posters, and livestock exhibition at the Delaware State Fair. The chapter's
013Delaware A products display earned first and numerous student produce entries and a communication posters placed in the top five. Finally, two additional accomplishments of the Laurel High FFA chapter that we feel deserve recognition. This year, our chapter was named a two-star national chapter through the National FFA Chapter Award program. This program recognizes FFA chapters for developing strong programs of activities that grow leaders, build communities, and strengthen agriculture. Fewer than 10% of FFA chapters nationwide receive national recognition through this program, and Laurel was one of only five in Delaware recognized this year. Additionally, Miss Simmons and myself have been selected to receive the honorary American FFA degree. This honor recognizes individuals who have demonstrated exceptional service to agriculture, a education, and FFA, including educators who have built strong programs that provide meaningful opportunities for our students.
014As the highest degree of the National FFA organization can bestow on an individual, it is an incredible honor for both of us and reflects the work being done through our program. We will receive the degree at the National FFA Convention and Expo in Indianapolis next month. At this time, I would like to turn it over to Mr. Reid, who will share on behalf of the middle school. Good evening. Um, as my name is Mr. Travis Reid. This is my second year teaching at Laurel Middle School. Uh, I came to Laurel a couple years ago as a chemistry teacher and bolded at the chance to uh join the FFA once again. This is my um 10th year teaching FFA at a couple other districts and I really have found a wonderful home here in Laurel. So
015I want to thank everyone for being so hospitable and welcoming. So, we had uh a couple um students uh we had two students that competed at the um Delaware State Fair. Um and also uh had two parents that were kind of arm- in-armm and keeping me in line uh at the state fair. It's been several years I it's actually been 10 years since I've I've been actively involved in FFA um you know from the high school level. So getting back uh and going to the fair and getting used to uh some of the nuances of how the FFA participates uh was something new to me. So Jacqueline Spots and Charlie Evans were the two students that um that participated. So Charlie Jacqueline couldn't be here tonight. Um I would like to recognize um Jolene Cross
016if she can come up please. So in addition to uh Jolene being a wonderful educator here in the district, she was instrumental in helping me uh get my FFA groove back. So the wonderful thing about having uh two students participate in at the state fair was uh they were all on the same team. So uh luckily um we did participate in livestock judging, horse evaluation, and poultry judging. So uh here's a couple action picks of uh poultry judging and our wonderful red t-shirts that they got made for the state fair. definitely were able to find where they were at uh when they were judging. So, um I think horse judging was by far their favorite. Um but then livestock as well, I think so. But, uh this year, um as the seventh graders are starting
017to learn about FFA in the middle school, we've I've had a very strong response so far from seventh graders and joining FFA. I've actually got 15 already signed up and we haven't even had our first meeting yet. So, I think there's an eagerness uh for uh students to learn about what FFA is and what they're able to what they're able to accomplish uh within FFA. So, I appreciate the school board and all the support that not only the parents do, but then also the districts. Thanks. Sky time. >> Yeah. >> Come on. Okay. >> There is a sign that person speaks, but he's not here. >> Yeah. >> Oh, that's >> see guys. >> Okay. Thank you for that. Uh we're going to move past the board participation and announcements as there are no pertinent
018announcements and in the interest of time. So now we're at public participation. Okay, we have two people signed up to speak tonight. I need to read this to you first before we begin. Each person wishing to address the board will be afforded the floor once during each public discussion period. At the beginning of your presentation, please identify yourself and the purpose for your presentation. Presentations are limited to three minutes. Speakers shall not bequeath any or all remaining time to another speaker. Persons wishing to speak for a longer period must arrange for a place on the board's agenda. Persons wishing to be placed on the agenda shall inform the superintendent of that desire in writing and the topic no later than three full working days prior to the day of the regular meeting of the board,
019which is usually the third Wednesday of the month. Members of the public are expected to conduct themselves responsibly and with due respect in an effort to maintain a high standard of conduct. The board president will have authority to terminate the remarks of any individual who does not adhere to the above rules. Persons appearing before the board are reminded that all their requests may be directed to the board. Action and answers to questions must be deferred pending board consideration. So we have um forgive me on the last name, Mr. Matt Krasick. >> Mic. >> Okay, sir. You may go to the podium. >> You got it. >> Yeah. Three minutes. Three minutes after he gets >> I'd like to take a look at the school policy for fighting in school. Um, my daughter was suspended on
020Monday. uh a girl came up behind her or what, however it happened and grabbed her by the back of the head and spun her around. My daughter reached out to try and push her away. So, I'm told. I haven't been shown the footage yet, but I'd like to say that like the aggressor maybe should be suspended and maybe not the other student who didn't have anything to do with this. I've talked to Mr. Richardson about this. This is my fourth trip or fifth trip over here to the school about this. Um, my daughter got on the bus, second day of school. The girl told her, "I'm going to fight you." My daughter said, "No, we're not going to fight." So the next day, my daughter got on the bus. The girl said, "I'm going to
021fight you." So my daughter went to the principal and told the principal, "There's a problem with this girl. She wants a fight." Mr. Richardson said he didn't have a chance to talk to the other girl or maybe both girls at the same time to maybe put an end to this. Well, it just so happens that they did run into each other or however it happened in the hallway on Monday morning and the girl, the other girl, the aggressor grabbed her by the back of the head, hit her in the head, and when she spun around, uh, my daughter told me that she was trying to push her away. Well, I got a phone call saying they're both suspended for 5 days. So, now she's on vacation for 5 days for something she didn't have anything
022to do with. So, I'd like to look at that proposal or whatever that policy is and try and change that. Like, if you're the aggressor and you go after somebody like that, I mean, there's no reason why the other person should get suspended >> and maybe aggressor maybe get a 10day suspension instead of five. And I talked to the officer, I guess Mr. Haney, and he's going to review the footage tomorrow and talk to me and my wife about it tomorrow. But the meeting was tonight. So, I just wanted to put that out there and see where we can go with that. Thank you. >> Thank you, >> sir. What's your daughter's first name? >> My daughter is Kendall Christian. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Great. What grade, sir? >> Seven. Okay. Thank you. >>
023Okay. All right. Next for public participation, Hamra, [laughter] Mrs. All right. When you begin, you state your name and your purpose and the time will begin. That's a long [laughter] basically what I am here about is my daughter who is in fifth grade. Um she had failed third grade going into fourth grade and so she got to fourth grade and I she struggled in fourth grade and they didn't want to do anything at all about it. I mean, they did their meetings and they're stuck with her, but they didn't I don't feel like they spent enough time with her. And now that there's no summer school at Fullerton, at least there wasn't the last two years, I don't know what I'm supposed to do with her. I mean, I don't know if you have an
024idea. I was asked if we voted, you know, did, you know, did we vote? And we're like, there was no votes. So, I don't know what we're supposed to do. >> Could you clarify the concern? She's she's struggling and there's no extra resources. >> Yes, she is in fifth grade and she struggles to do all of her work. She struggles to do any of her work to be honest with you. I mean, I work with her the best I can do, but I can only do so much. I feel like that's what the teachers were here for. >> And what is your daughter's name? >> Clarissa Christian. >> And that's fifth grade, correct? >> I'm sorry. currently a fifth grade student. >> Okay. There are some things that we can uh check into for you,
025but instead of making all that public here, I promise I will get back with you in the next couple days before the end of the week. >> All right. All right. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Okay. It's time for our monthly financial report. This is Laura Horsey. Will you please go to the podium? >> Good evening. Um just some things that we've done since our last meeting. Um we had our mass pay update for our 10-month employees. Um that would be our teachers and paras mainly. Um the beginning of the school year with new hires and transfers um have been completed up to the point that we can. Um we have our first pay is actually this Friday. um our certificate of necessity application was submitted uh since you approved it at the last
026meeting. We did uh receive word from the department of education that they are only considering applications that are 15 million or less. So our application will not be considered but we'll still be on the list um for future consideration if any funding were to become available but I highly doubt it. Um, our safety and security fund application was submitted and funds are on the way. And our uh citizens budget oversight committee meeting was scheduled for Monday. However, it was cancelled due to our uh lack of members being able to attend. Some things we have coming up. Uh, our state funds that are ending on September 30th. Um, we're making sure that those monies are spent down. Um, anything that is not spent will be reverted back to the state. So, we want to make sure
027that we capitalize on on those funds. Um, our September 30th unit count began today and our quarterly bond bill report will be due uh next month and we also have some federal grant funds that will be ending on November 30th. So, same thing. We need to make sure that we spend that money down and if we have anything left over that that will be reverted back. So, And that's a snapshot of our reserve and local fund for August as compared to last year. Any questions from the board? >> Thank you. >> Okay. Recommend the approval of the August financial position report as submitted. >> So move. Miss Ralph >> second. >> Mr. Whe roll call vote. Miss Ralph >> approved. >> Mr. Whe >> approve. >> Miss Ller approved. >> Mr. Nichols >> approved. >>
028Unfinished business. The second reading of the cell phone peed policy. Recommend the second reading of policy JJ LSD, student cell phone and personal electronic use as submitted and found on the district website and in the board of education policy section. and is found in the Laurel School District um sites. This policy is available for review by the community at the Laurel School District buildings and on the district website. >> Miss Sizzler, Mr. Nichols, roll call vote. Miss Sizzler, >> approve. >> Mr. Nichols, >> approve. >> Miss Ralph, >> approve. >> Mr. Whe choice recommend approval of school choice as a group. Mr. Nichols, Miss Ller, roll call vote. Mr. Nichols, >> approve. >> Miss Ller, >> approve. [clears throat] >> Miss Ralph, >> approved. >> Mr. Whley, >> approve. >> Recommend approval of the school
029choice as submitted. >> Miss Ller, >> second. >> Mr. Nicholls, roll call vote. Miss Ller, >> Mr. Nichols, >> approved. >> Miss Ralph, >> approve. >> Mr. W, >> approve. recommend to approve school choice applications for student AP as an upcoming 11th grade student at the Laurel High School for 2026 27 school year from Delmore School District fundraisers recommend approve the fundraisers as a group >> second >> Miss Mr. Nichols roll call vote Missler >> approve >> Mr. Nichols >> approve >> Miss Ralph >> approve >> Mr. approved. >> Recommend approval fundraisers as submitted. >> Miss Ller, Mr. Nichols. Roll call vote. Miss Ller, >> approve. >> Mr. Nichols, >> approve. >> Miss Ralph, >> approve. >> Mr. Whale, >> approve. >> Okay. Rentals recommend to approve request of Amy Handy Project Rise Community Connection
030for use of the Laurel High School library and cafeteria to hold Project Rise once a month on Saturdays September 2026 to May 2027 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. The purpose is for the community members to build relationships, participate in community service, and develop a greater sense of belonging with Operation West Laurel's men of purpose. Certificate of liability insurance is provided. Page page, >> we recommend approval of the use of facilities fee and custodial fee waved and constable fees applied. >> Okay. Miss moved by Miss Ralph. Do I have a second? >> Second. >> Mr. Whe roll call vote. Miss Ralph >> approved. >> Mr. Whezler >> approve. >> And Mr. Nichols >> approve. Recommend to approve the request of Penny Fry Good News Club for use of Law Elementary intermediate school cafeteria to host
031Christian club teaching the Bible beginning one day a week on Tuesdays starting October the 6th, 2026 until March 23rd, 2027 from 3:40 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Equipment requested microphone and sound system certificate of liability insurance provided. recommend approval of use of facility fee and custodial fee wave and constable applied. >> So moved by Miss Ralph a second >> Miss Ller roll call vote. Miss Ralph >> approved. >> Miss Ller >> approve. >> Mr. Nichols >> approve. >> Mr. approved. >> Recommend to approve the request of Amy Handy Project Rise after school program for use of Laurel High School CH classroom and cafeteria to hold an afterchool program for males in grades 9 through 12 on Tuesdays and Wednesdays September 2026 through June 2027 from 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Certificate of liability assurance is provided.
032recommend approval with use of facility fee and custodial fee waved and costable fee applied. >> So moved by Miss Ralph, second >> Mr. Whe roll call vote. Miss Ralph >> approved. >> Mr. Whe >> Miss Sizzler >> approved. >> Mr. Nichols, >> approve. recommend to approve request of Shay Patel uh Brian's bowling alley for use of the Laurel High School parking lot on October the 1st, 2026 from 3:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The purpose is for overflow parking for the Laurel Police night out event that is held at Brian's Bowling Center parking lot. Certificate of liability insurance is provided. Senator >> recommend approve approval of use of facility fee, custodial fee, and costable fee wave. Senator Okay, Miss Ralph. Uh um roll call vote. Miss Ralph, approve. >> Miss. >> Mr. Nichols. >> Approve. >>
033Mr. Whe >> Professional Trips recommend approval of professional trips as a group. >> Move. >> Mr. Nichols. >> Second. >> M. Ralph. Roll call vote. Mr. Nichols. >> Approved. >> Miss Ralph >> approved. >> Mr. Whe. >> Miss. So approved. Recommend approval of professional trips as submitted. So move >> Mr. Nichols. >> Second. >> Miss Sizzler. Roll call vote. Mr. Nichols. >> Approve. >> Miss Ller. >> Approve. >> Miss. Ralph. >> Approve. >> Mr. Whley. >> Approve. >> Okay. the PSAT dates. Uh PS 9th for sophomores, request asynchronous instruction for 9th, 11th, 12th grade students for March 9th, 2027. PSAT9 uh March 10th. For freshmen, request asynchronous instruction for 10th, 11th, and 12th grade students for March 10th, 2027. recommend to approve the PSAT dates March 9th 20 27th for sophomores and March 10th, 2027
034for freshmen. Request asynchronous instruction for 9th, 11th, and 12th grade students for March 9th, 2027. And request asynchronous instruction for 10th, 11th, and 12th grade students for March 10th, 2027 as submitted. >> So move. >> Miss Ralph, second. >> Miss Sizzler, roll call vote. Miss Ralph, >> approved. >> Miss approved. Mr. Nichols >> and Mr. Wheat dates March 11th, 2027th and March 12th, 2027 for juniors. Request asynchronous instruction for 9th, 10th, and 12th grade students for March 11th, and 12th, 2027. March 12th is a makeup for all grades. Recommend to approve SAT dates March 11th, 2027 to March 12th, 2027 for juniors. request asynchronous instruction for 9th, 10th, and 12th grade students on March 11th, 2027 and March 12th, 2027 as submitted. >> Move. >> Mr. Nichols, >> second, >> Miss Ller. Roll call vote.
035Mr. Nichols approved. >> Miss Ller, >> approved. >> Miss R. >> Approved. >> Mr. Whe. >> Okay. Items for presentation and review. The Laurel School Wellness Policy, ADF, formerly IGAF. First reading recommend first reading the Laurel School District wellness policy ADF formerly IG AF as submitted and found on the district website and is found at the Laurel School District sites. The Laurel School wellness policy is available for review by the community at the Laurel School District buildings and on the district website. Community input is welcome and should be directed to the superintendent of schools no later than Monday, October 12th, 2026. Okay, we are now on the action for executive session items. A, personal attachment A, professional staff recommend to approve the personnel report with recommendations as discussed in executive session as listed in attachment
036A. >> Mr. Nichols, >> Miss Isler, roll call vote. Mr. Nichols, >> approve. >> Miss Ller. >> Miss Ralph, >> approve. >> Mr. Personnel attachment B support staff recommend to approve the personnel report with recommendations as discussed in executive session as listed in attachment B. >> Miss Ller Mr. Nichols roll call vote. Miss >> approve. >> Mr. Nichols >> approve. >> Miss RS >> approved. >> Mr. Whley >> approve. >> Personnel attachment C. Cafeteria recommend to approve the personnel report with recommendations as discussed in executive session as listed in attachment C. So move. >> Miss Ralph second. >> Mr. Whley. Roll call vote. Miss Ralph, >> approved. >> Mr. Whley, >> approve. >> Miss. >> Mr. Nichols. >> Approve. [clears throat] >> Personnel attachment D. Coaches recommend to approve the personnel report with recommendations as
037discussed in executive session as listed in attachment D. >> Miss Ller. >> Second. >> Mr. Nichols. Roll call vote. Misser. >> Approve. >> Mr. Nichols. >> Approve. >> Miss. Ralph. >> Approved. >> And Mr. future agenda regular board meeting scheduled as as we stated earlier that it will be changed to Wednesday October 21st at 7 p.m. right here in this cafeteria. Do I have a motion to adjurnn? >> Second, >> Miss Sizzler. Mr. Nichols, roll call vote. Miss Sizzler, >> approve. >> Mr. Nichols, >> Miss Ralph, approved. >> Mr. Whe are adjourning at 7:57 p.m. Thank you. Thanks everybody.