001and things like >> I'd like to bring the meeting to order and ask that role be called. >> Beron >> here. >> Feldman >> here. >> Paul >> here. >> Holer >> here. >> Tyra >> here. >> Wagon >> here. >> Yeah. >> Here. I'd >> like to ask everyone to stand for the pledge of allegiance. Pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for it stands one nation under God indivisible with liberty and justice for all. First order of business public hearing for the resolution uh for health safety funds. Should I have a motion to open the public hearing? >> I move to open the public hearing. >> Second, >> Chim, any discussion. Roll call vote. >> Hi. >> Felton. >> Hi. >> Paul. >> Hi. >>
002Kyra. >> Hi. >> Wagen. >> Hi. >> Yeah. >> Hi. Motion carried time 602. Is there anyone who would like to address the board regarding the resolution for health life safety funds? Do I have a motion to close the public hearing? >> I'll move to close public hearing. >> Is there a second? >> I'll second. >> Yousef. Roll call vote. >> Heldman. >> Hi. >> Paul. >> Hi. >> Holder. >> Hi. Tyra. >> Hi, >> Wagen. >> Hi, >> Y. >> Okay, motion carries. Time is still 602. >> Uh, board will now move on to public participation portion of the meeting. Dr. Dearman will begin with the superintendent report. >> Good enough. Uh for the sake of our audience, I think we'll move some things around a little bit. First thing I would like to
003do is student recognition of high school senior Tom Jagger who finished first place speaking at the IHSA state and this goes Mr. Tony. I'll turn it over to Tony if you'd like to introduce Right. Yes. I'm serious. First year here in the district and first year as a coach. Um had the honor of coaching a wonderful team just comprised of so many wonderful individuals. uh talented in so many aspects and uh just one of the peak uh accomplishments that we had this year was having a three state qualifiers and then one state champion. So timing I knew within probably the first conversation I had with him, he knew what he was doing. just uh hearing about his strategy and approach to the um extemporaneous speaking event, I knew that he knew what he was doing
004just kind of led him to his what he does best and it just proved itself over the year. Um I've also been thoroughly impressed with his leadership. the senior captain, managed the speech team website kind of from the ground up. And so to him for a lot of logistics of that and job with that and leading warm up here or not cheers but exercises, you know, sometimes 6:30 a.m. on a very cold Saturday morning uh in January. But yeah, leading up to last month, um, placed first in practically all of the regular season tournaments, state series went first all through and of course they just gave you an idea of what the event entitled. He hits half an hour to prep on a topic which is a policy based question and using sources and his
005own knowledge and gathering put together a supplement speech which is timed runner depression. So again, it is a great event to know how to speak on on your feet, very quick thinking, very thinking skills. And so I'm just again thoroughly impressed with what he did this year. And it's a huge accomplishment for the team and the district that stop. Really all the thanks goes to me because Mr. Felicia is a former student of mine. So all the knowledge I imparted on him. Next one we have Jeremy Conway. He is here with some EMS students. I'll turn over. Hello, my name is Jeremy Connley and it is an honor to present an initiative that has become a vital part of Wilderweight grade schools culture project Impact. Uh 10 years ago, my teaching partner Miss Darnett and
006I set out to provide Wilder Way fifth graders with a valuable chance to find ways to become actively involved in their community. We hope to create a group where through various service projects in school and in the wider community, our students could learn the true meaning of positive citizenship, leadership, and giving back. And how that vision, Project Impact was created. Uh we're incredibly proud of the work this group has accomplished over the past 10 years. And we're excited to share more about Project Impact with you tonight. Uh this year when I stepped into a new position in our building, the start has taken over a much bigger role in organizing and leading this group which is as you'll see quite an undertaking and it's a great testament to her dedication to our students and our
007school. So at this time I'm going to turn it over to her and some very special fifth graders who are going to tell you more about Project Impact. >> Just like Mr. family said we were super excited about starting this. When I came back to the district 10 years ago, we wanted to do something to give back to the community and really teach the kids the importance of um empathy toward others. Uh the understanding that when we give back, even at 10 years old, we can do really great things. And so I'm really proud of all of them. And we wanted to kind of showcase that. When we were coming up with this idea, we had four pillars. Hands-on service projects was something we wanted to do, focusing on health and wellness initiatives. We wanted
008to do as many donor drives as we could and then schoolwide service um opportunities. So, our students kind of do this every single month. U Mr. and I for the past 10 years have each month kind of set out um different projects. So, they change each year. And uh we're really proud of everything that we've done and the money we've raised, but mostly seeing the kids that are seniors, juniors come back and say, "We love Project Impact." And I've gone back to the Midwest Food Bank. And I um am involved in the student council at the middle school or the high school because of this. And that's really why we started it. It's an opportunity for them to be able to all get involved at first and hopefully carry them on into their lives moving
009forward. So, I just want to share these great people with you. Um, we've got Anna, Libby, Morgan, Ray, and Ryan. And they're going to tell you a little bit about all of it. One of the activities we do is the annual Veterans Day assembly. Each November, Project Impact leads our school's Veterans Day assembly, honoring local heroes with performances, thank you cards, and hope heartfelt tributes to their service. We also do a service day at Epic for Project impact students volunteer at Epic to support individuals with disabilities through hands-on activities, building friendships and understanding while making a real difference. We also do Midwest Food Bank Service Day. Our fifth graders will impact food at Midwest Food Bank about food and security while helping provide meals for families. One of the other pillars of our of project
010impact is the health and moms initiative. One of our activities is the JDR fundraiser. Project impact students organized an annual basketball game is a fundraising event to support the juvenile diabetes research foundation or JDF for short raising awareness and funds for diabetes research. So one of the activities we do is the relay recess. Project impact organizes and leads the American Cancer Association relay recess promoting cancer awareness while having fun and supporting Bible research. During them we make cards with nursing homes. Students create handmade cards to brighten the days of nursing home patients spreading joy and building connections across generations in our community. The next pillar is the donation drives. One of the one of the projects that we do for donation drives is the blanket drive. Project impact makes blankets for the kids at OSF
011Children's Hospital. Families donate fleas and students cut and tie it into blankets to provide comfort and warmth for all children in need. When another project we have is a winter warm drive. When the temperature drops, Project Impact collects coats, hats, and gloves for area families. Students help ensure everyone stays warm throughout the cold winter winter months. During the holiday season, our students collect canned goods to help families in our community. Every donation makes a difference for those facing food insecurity. >> Another thing we do is follow my books. Project impact raises money in honor of all those battling with cancer as well as those survivors. We also the last pillar is school service. One of the activities we do is every morning we will go around and recycle through the building throughout the whole year.
012And there are also kindergarten helpers that will help with daily centers, daily dismissal, as well as working with the kindergarten students marker recycling each week. Um, annual trick or treat. Fifth graders set up and run a treat for all this year. The nature classroom preparations upkeep. Project impact helps them prepare our nature classroom each fall and handles the upkeep throughout the year. Making sure looks fresh and setting up and activities. >> Um thank you for um taking the time. We can talk to you about a little bit about Project Impact and together we're raising a generation of students who want to make a difference in their community. You are more than welcome to stay for the rest of the meeting. We're just here for the present request. We received six for your request since our
013last meeting and Mr. has completed five of those requests. One is still in process. Uh regional leadership award. I'd like to congratulate Dr. Jennifer Hastings who has received the regional leadership award from the Illinois Alliance of Administrators of Special Education. This award honors special education professionals for exceptional leadership, dedication, and impact on students. Congratulations, Dr. Hastings. Uh the groundbreaking ceremony for the newer weight grade school will be held roughly a month from now on Friday, April 17th. Uh the ceremony will begin at 11:15. That's 15 minutes later than what we originally planned. Uh but that's working with Mrs. Bird. There's a PE class and if you have inclement weather, you will need to go inside and be classing with those students uh in PE. So that's the time change. I look for more information to
014be sent out in upcoming week. will also be communicating this information on the district Facebook page and district website. Uh unfortunately, the weather has not been cooperating the last couple of days. As you well know, uh since we have utilize our second emergency day of the year, this means the school will be in session on Friday, May 15th. The district calendar on our website has been updated to reflect this change and information has been communicated through the district's Facebook page. Uh, Dunlap Valley and Dunlap Middle trophy pickup opportunity. Dunlap Middle and Dunlap Valley will be clearing out older trophies and plaques the week of April 20th. Community members, alumni, families who are interested in picking up older DVMS and DMS trophies are welcome to stop by and claim these items as they'd like to keep.
015I know this will also be shared on social media and posted uh next month's board meeting. Vit Zman, who's with the Illinois Association of School Boards Executive Searches, will be here to present the results of the superintendent search and survey to the board. Uh, Wilder Wake bids update. Uh, we had the bid opening last week and then we met with DJ Hair earlier this week. Um, the bids came in better than anticipated, which is good news. Uh what we're looking at roughly right now is about 39 million and that's with having worked with PJ hair on top of them some of the packages that went out uh were done in such a way that there were less expensive alternatives to make sure that we came in at the budgetary number that he had expressed and
016obviously we did. But some of those like the floors and the main thorough affairs are going to be polished concrete. It would work, but it's not the nicest. Uh, that $39 million reflects, we will be able to put Turazzo on the main entrance way and the main hallways. If you know anything about Turazzo, it wears like iron and it looks really nice. Um, that's a nice upgrade. And again, that's included in the 39 million after we met with them, brought some of these things back. Some other improvements, uh, handrail on some of the steps. There's a cheaper handrail. It would work, but it wasn't the nicest. We were able to upgrade that a little bit. And then one of the concerns we heard in talking with staff was the acoustics, especially in the gymnasium. Uh
017we were able to put in some additional sound panels in gymnasium and also in the music area. Help control some of that noise that beats out. So all those are within that. Um you know, this basically worked out exactly or better than anticipated is when we passed this. You know, the language uh on the bonds was not only for Wilder weight, but also other building improvements, and what we can do now is take some of the summer projects, if the board approves, of course, um and move some of that bond money to cover those. I asked Dr. Avery to get me a number of the items he's presenting tonight, about $475,000 of that money could move into um that summer project. And again, it's not a savings. I'm not claiming it is. It's a displacement,
018but it takes pressure off the operating times. And as we talked about before, we'll extend that timeline potentially if we ever have to potentially have to raise taxes to increase additional revenue. So, it's a good thing. It's a start. Not saying we're at the finish line. A lot of work to do, but it's a good start. So, um you know, thank you to PJ Hair and the work that they did in soliciting this and giving us quality there. Other than that, I have a general construction update and I'll get back to Dr. Adrian. >> So, as Dr. Dearman alluded to, the weather's been our nemesis recently with that cold snack we had for about 3 weeks and then the rain. Uh, we're back to work and resuming the schedule of normal. Uh, all the well,
019I should say the interior framing of the office area, the dance room, the concession, and those types of areas are 95% complete. They're starting to put doors or sorry, door thresholds in there now. Uh next week we look to do like a combinational coordination of pouring the floor and putting the roof on. So they're working on that. They're going to be pumping the concrete over the open area of the roof and uh putting that in three different pores over the course of the next couple weeks. So once that's done, then start hanging equipment from the ceiling and so forth and things will pick up a little bit. Uh on a smaller scale, you guys know the nemesis of the district has been the HVAC unit for the pool. We've been battling that for five or
020six years. Uh I do want to commend Karen Jensen, the CEO of Karnsworth, for taking this project on personally herself. It appears that we've got that portion of the pool figured out, knock on wood, but it's really uh running at an optimal pace right now. Having said that, no sooner that happened, we had a little problem with the boiler, the heater there, and we have a new part coming for that tomorrow. Keep that running, but it's always something with that. You'll also uh we've had some problems with the stadium sound and the floorboard out there over the last five or six years. It's intermittent voltage issues. Well, when we went to address some other things, we discovered that the main power line to the stadium from the the uh power box was uh faulty and
021it was actually buried in the ground directly, not conduit. We think we eliminate a lot of those problems, but it does require some directional boarding and some conduit put in place to address those. Uh overall though, like I want to echo Dr. Herman's sentiment while I've got the audience, but uh John Sullivan and his team of PJ Air and Nathan Zuk with their team there at Ratio. We've had dozens of meetings over little details. So they have been transparent. They've been very communicative through the process. their work free bid has really saved the district a lot of money by getting the competitive uh nature of them going. Um so very pleased with that. One of the thing that's not mentioned in that is we are working with the uh um the township of Rener and
022uh more and because we are going to have to do some improvements to the roads in front of Wilder Way once this gets going. So, in that bid package, you may not have noticed, but all the the entryways and the parking lots are concrete, which is a big deal for us. That's a a huge longevity piece to that building. But those the roads coming in, Pacific, Atlantic, and Third Street are really in poor shape. Good news is the township is going to take a good portion of that on, but we're going to have to contribute to that project. Also, we're trying to get the actual city of F involved too because Pacific is annexed into the city. So, that's really their road even though primary unit for us. So, that's going to be a little
023bit better expens. But I want you to be aware of that. Thank you, Dr. Mr. Felman. That's all I ask. >> Thank you. >> Okay. So you wanted >> Oh, I just wanted to mention you probably saw the news article by WK or the Muslim student association um this past week I believe that they have um fed over the organization here to help feed over 100 different homeless people in the community. Um this is during the month of Ramadan where they're fasting from sunrise to sunset. The reason I'm bringing this up since most you guys already know is unfortunately on the Facebook comments and There's been a lot of individuals even from the Peoria area that have spoke so negatively about these students and about just the religion overall. And lots of these students, they
024have social media, they have Facebook, they're seeing these comments and they're affected by this. And I just want the parents and the students to know that from what I know about our community about DELAC that the teachers, administrators, they've always been supportive of every single student regardless of background, regardless of religion. And whenever there's a problem, they always speak with them and help them out. And so we're there for them no matter what. And these, you know, hateful comments and stuff, I mean, you know, they don't belong in our school system. And so anybody that has seen them and they know those individuals, I advise you to speak up for our students because that's what we're here for. Let us know that there for them. And one more thing, this Friday is uh the end
025of the runtime the holidays. So I'm very grateful for Dunl Life School District to allow these students to use their one of the holidays, one of their days off for the purpose because there are a lot of districts that don't allow that. Um, specifically where I'm from in Quebec, Canada, they're completely fans of that. So, you know, they're not allowing students to take off, but if they do, there might be test on that day and they can fill that test. So, I'm just very proud of our district for being able to be so reminded to students and that's all I wanted to bring up. So, at this time, we'll move on to public comments. Is there anyone who wishes to address the board? If so, raise your hand. Okay, coach, step to the podium. I'm
026going to read something while you make your way. Before addressing the board, I would like to remind you of our process per board policy 2.230. We ask that when addressing the board, please identify yourself and be brief. >> Brief, coach. >> Comment comment shall be limited to five minutes. The speaker is asked to please conduct themselves with respect and civility towards others. Individuals less than 18 years of age to address the board. Board typically does not engage in two-way conversations during the public portion of the meeting. Any followup response will be addressed by administration at a later date to be respectful of others to protect confidentiality. Complaints against individual student staff members or board members either named or unnamed shall not be orally presented to the board of education. Such complaints should be put in
027writing, signed by the person or person making the charges and delivered to the board of education secretary. At this time, I'd like to ask anyone who wishes to address the board to come forward sign participation sheet know what you're going to be talking about. >> Uh just the junior high. >> Uh so my name is Eric. Um, I've been involved with the wrestling program here at DEMA since it started in 2019. Um, at the high school, um, this year we we were successful. Um, I helped run the, uh, inter mural junior high program and we had students from both middle schools uh, participating in that program. Uh, with roughly right around 25, both boys and girls. Um, it was a six-week program uh, two nights a week. um learning the basics of wrestling and and
028along with that uh we did a lot of just general exercises for the for the students. Um I want to say based on a survey I I did with those students um they were very happy uh they were they're very excited about the potential of a full-time uh I guess program in the future. Um, so overall I'm just uh I'm pleased that hopefully uh that will happen and I just want to thank everybody in the board for their continued support for Okay, this concludes the public participation portion of the meeting. The board will now move on to information discussion items. School activity reports have been included in the board packet. Is there any discussion? Information regarding the 2026 2027 board meeting dates has been included in board packet. Is there any discussion? Approval of the
029administrator contract. Uh information regarding the administrator contract has been included in the board packet. Is there any discussion? Next, we'll move on to the consent agenda. Is there any discussion regarding items on the consent agenda? Do I have a motion to approve the consent agenda? I move to approve the consent agenda as presented. Andrew, >> is there a second? >> Second. Nick. Any discussion? >> Roll call. >> Paul. >> Hi. >> Tyra. >> Hi. >> Falcon. >> Hi. >> Motion carries. bill list, treasures report, direct investment report, and bank statements have been included in board packing. I have a motion to approve payment of the bills. >> I'll move to approve the payment of the bills the amount of 9,137,74920 as presented. Nick, >> is there a second? >> Tim, any discussion? Roll call. >>
030Hi. >> Tyra. >> Hi. >> Wagen. >> Hi. >> Young. >> Hi. Paul. >> Hi. >> Mr. Chair. Information regarding the health life safety resolution has been included in the board packet. Could I have a motion to approve the resolution? >> I move to approve the resolution as presented. >> Is there a second? I'll second. Roll call. Any discussion? Roll call. >> Tyra. >> Iron. >> Hi. >> Belman. >> Hi. >> Paul. >> Hi. >> I. >> Okay. Motion carried. Information regarding the 2026 2027 student handbooks has been included in the board packet. Could I have a motion to approve the handbooks? I'll move to approve the handbooks as presented and I have a second. >> Second. >> Any discussion? >> Tom, who who uh reviewed the handbooks from the board perspective? >> Second. >>
031Dr. Andrew can tell you that. I don't know. Tom, who who was on who showed up for those meetings for the uh handbook reviews if any or board? >> Oh, for the board. Um the We have wise for middle and high school. >> Did you do elementary? >> And Nick went to the elementary. >> Okay. >> Next question is um Mick did I know you mentioned last meeting about the the AI glasses or whatever they're called. >> Yeah. >> Is that in or out? >> Oh. That says they're not allowed in school. >> Correct. >> Okay. >> Yeah. Starting next year. >> Are they coming in now? >> Oh. >> Okay. >> It's going to be interesting next year for you. >> And what what do you do with those now? >> So, it's not
032in the handbook for currently. What do you do? >> Right. The biggest concern so far has been the teachers have been cheating, right? So, I just told them that they need to let them know their prescription. They need to bring their other prescription glasses and they put it into the cell phone pocket like they do their cell phones when they're taking a test. >> The handbook, did it say it's only during school hours? Does that make sense? >> Yeah. Yeah, just during school. >> So, like the school or is that >> um I mean That's not really a concern. Our concern is most of the cheating and then having restrooms kind of but I mean I don't think >> I did not know a lot of school. >> Sure. Yeah. >> No, we we only
033put in this handbook for the most part. We only put in there. >> Yeah. >> It's like >> Yeah. >> Are some of them prescription those AI glasses? >> I So I know they can get prescription. the ones that our kids have with a prescription. >> And I keep doing that because I know they can take a picture with the >> Yeah, >> button. >> Yeah. Thank you. >> They can be and your prescription and and if you touch the button, they can broadcast live online. >> Yeah. >> Come out of context. >> Uh other discussion or questions about the handbook? Okay. Roll call vote. >> Second. >> Hi. >> Y >> I >> Falcon. >> Hi. >> Paul. >> Hi. >> Bullsher. >> I >> Okay. Motion carries. Information regarding the 2026 summer projects
034has been included in board packet. I have a motion to approve the 2026 summer projects. >> I'd make a motion to approve them, but I'd like to make an amendment. I don't like to add new projects if we don't have money and we don't have money. So, I would hold the bullpens off both ball fields and batting cage off. >> That's a good motion is to prove the summer projects less the the two pack >> and the batting cage. And the bag cages of the bullpens. >> Let's get a second. >> Okay. Can Tim get a second to that motion? >> Can I ask a question before we do a second >> about his Yes, you can. I I just I to try to understand this is is it a title n requirement the bullpens
035in the batting cage or is it just a wish list item? What do we have here? >> The bullpens in my view are priority a safety item. If you've been to a baseball softball game, I don't care if you have wings or not. They're in the infield or outfield. They're going to be people lined up on the first and third baseline. Unfortunately, that's where our bull pins are. So, our kids are warming up. Our high school kids are throwing close to, you know, 85 miles an hour. Our softball girls are throwing in the 55s and 60s, maybe more. And when we have parents and grandparents and little kids sitting there watching the game, they're not paying attention to somebody along the side. So for me, it's an easy expense because it's not that much money
036considering what the opportunity. So that's private safety uh and for the coach and administrator. That said, cage is is something we'd like to have. That's something the coach has brought to Mr. Holmes and we brought it forward this part of the summer. >> And just for assuming that everyone's memorized, the bullpens are about 18 grand a piece if I recall. I don't remember the back. >> Yeah, that that's more construction of the nuts and materials of the actual cage that's paid for out of I think boosters has got money for that and Mr. Holmes came up with money for that for what's that for? >> Cages. I'm sorry for the cages. >> Correct. >> District cost is 18 to 19 on the bullpens. And if the boosters pay more, that's above that. >> Not for
037the bullpens. No, they are paying more for the bag. >> How much is the district paying for both? My question. >> That's the number I've got. >> Okay. >> I mean, the actual >> so I could see what he's talking about. I can I can do it on my computer. That's what you know what I'm trying to see what this is. Maybe Dr. Adrian, you can come up and maybe show me here. >> My only concern with I'm fine with the batting cages. I that's a one. It'd be nice to have them. We can live without them. The concern I have, and it's my job to keep the district out of harm's way, is now that we've identified a safety uh with the warm-up areas for the high school softball and baseball kids, we've identified
038it, we're choosing not to address it, heaven forbid there ever is an accident. I'm afraid we could be held negligent because we didn't take action to correct a safety situation that we knew existed. So, keep that in mind as you consider this. Has there ever been an incident in the last 40 years? >> Is this going to be there? >> I've seen balls whipping through there. Whether somebody's reported it to me that they got hurt, not that I'm aware of Katie probably. They use those portable nets back. So we're using back portable pack back stops right now to stop the ballads other athletes or whoever's around coaches and that >> all right other uh comments or discussion. Yeah, >> I will um just add to it. Yes, the it was colored correctly. Wasn't red. It
039was page was yellow, not red, but um it was it's 10,000. So it's not both ends were 18 or 19 a piece but the bag cage was just clarify >> all right other questions or discussions or about track your motion >> you need a second >> well you're good with your motion is presented >> we can see what happens I just when we don't have money I I'm not going to spend it so you guys find money good for you >> all right so Jim had a motion that he made uh which was to approve the summer projects less the two bullpens and the batting cage and that requires a second to continue. >> May I ask another question? >> Have we had any incidents to to date >> close calls? >> Oh yeah. near
040and misss, right? >> And can they not sit somewhere else or somewhere else? >> My concern and Tim, I understand money and you know that um one one time that ball hits somebody in the eye that's walking around and I've you know I almost got hit one time and at a major league baseball game with that ball coming that fast, right? Um that that's going to be tragic. So, how high are these fences going to be to make sure that that can't get out? >> Eight foot tall. >> Pardon me. >> Eight foot tall. There's a there's a fence on each end and then there's a fence that separates the gate for the pitcher and catcher to walk into it all up against the baseline fences that are existing. >> Okay. And and so Tim,
041I just want to let you know I get get what you're saying. Okay. But that I mean that's yeah one one incident would it would be too many. Okay. So, uh last call for a second on the current motion. Okay. So, that uh motion is going to fail without a second. And um I still need or still would like a different motion for the summer projects. So I'll move to approve the 2026 summer projects as presented. >> Is there a second to that? Andrew. Any more discussion? >> Hi. >> Belman. >> Hi. >> Paul. >> Hi. >> Holouser. >> Hi. >> Tyra. >> Hi. >> Wagen. >> No. >> Yeah. >> Hi. >> Okay. Motion carries. Information regarding the Chromebook refresh has been included in the board packet. Well, I asked for a motion. I
042know about this. So, um, you said, do you want to say something? >> Have a few comments about this is last time I don't know if it's Kevin here. Um, so I know last time you had mentioned about our monitor requested for the new laptops and that if there was new possibly new batteries or whatnot last year or so, but um afterwards injuries um to give more clarification on this because I didn't understand too much of this wait another year or so and why I spend all the money right now but then everything came in regards to the warranty like and then refreshing that's been going on as we met about 10 years ago. So, um it talks with Dr. Andrew and you guys can talk about a little more today too. Um just like
043the refresh system, recycle some of that been brought in 10 years ago or so and there's the potential of instead of bringing in laptops for four new grades 9 to 12 and then next year we basically do two grades five and six I believe. Um because from my understanding it looks like the high schoolers, they're the ones that use the laptops the most, bring them home and they wear and tear much more, but the lower grades, they don't bring them home. So the wear and tear on those are a lot less. Um and so I don't think that middle school where the younger students really need a lot of student at least four years or so. And so I think one of the discussions that one of the things I was proposing based on conversation
044Um, and I believe Capital is aware of this is that instead of providing the request of funding for the new Chromebooks this year for 9 through 12, uh, we only purchased to review the three three grades. So, it may be 10 through 12 and that would be about 400 devices instead. And then next year um we can see with the IT we actually need to purchase more laptops for grades four and five or laptops are still good or the high school we can hand them down to them since we don't need the top software my understanding. So it could be at a point next year that we have to purchase a lot less cost or we have spending money on it. And so my understanding here is basically next year if we only did it
045for three grades right now, next year we want to spend for one grade ninth grade class, then we'd be saving a lot of money. My understanding is we would save about $184,000 500. Um if we were to only do it for three this year. So that means it brings us $85,000 the budget that we have for the refresh program. So based on this, I don't know if you Dr. Mike, >> come on down. >> We'll be quick. Um, >> just if you could uh again, I know that you yourself and I love the engagement. Um, I know he reached out to you in advance to talk about this and so instead of what you all had proposed for what was information at last month's meeting was the wholesale all you know years out in what
046what you wants to do is do a modified motion. He doesn't want uh move what was presented last month. >> So I want two of you to you just said a lot there. >> And so I want you to get it into something that um just summarize it. >> Okay. Um so Kevin and I had a conversation about how we could potentially take a look at what was proposed to control some of that cost. Um, some of the constricting factors is that if we don't reenow, we're going to have to renew at some point. Um, by 2029, our ability to auto update from from the IT department going when I send an email on a Friday and say, "Hey, all these Chromebooks need to have a new testing software application so they can be utilizing
047this with teachers on Monday to practice for AP exams coming up in less than two months." That can do that very instantaneously. After that expiration, each device would have to be manually updated not only for any mandated testing applications, anything that they use and then also any security updates manually. So trying to avoid that and then if we were back up against the wall then obviously having to do too many Chromebooks at once. So the thought was this year we were proposing four grades, next year was going to be two grades, four and five, right? >> And uh so it would be three uh grades this year and then three grades next year. We can take a look at that in the meantime because one conversation that Kevin and I had was since we uh
048implemented one to one about 10 years ago. Um originally the refresh cycle was grades 4 through 8 and then 9 through 12 and then K through three and then we had a year off. So through the technology fee and through the technology lease loving um that was going to be covering the cost of the new since then technology costs have only started have only increased and they are slated to continue to do that unfortunately um and so to otherwise control for what we can for now. Um going to propose then for potential proposal adjustment would be doing three grades. it would um take the the total proposed amount to $567,000 um because that's 400 fewer devices than what was in the 1600s and 1200 1600 uh devices. Um and then again we would take a
049look at what next year u would look like as well as take a look at our refresh proposal to see at the elementary level because we do have significantly less uh wear and tear in those devices how we can stretch that out to a four or five year or I'm sorry five or six year cycle replacing batteries screens as you had mentioned at the last meeting. >> Give me the the dollars again. $567,000 >> which is what >> 1,200 devices >> but that would be >> that's you's correct >> idea is the 567 and what was it before >> it was $751,600 >> and there was something about it was originally forecasted or budgeted >> to be more like six >> 650 is what Mike had in budget originally. Um, and so >> so the
050750 was going to be over what Mike had forecast or budgeted >> and this would be keep it under that. Let me ask a um just you know from a practical standpoint how this would because I'm I heard what you said last month about know just even we were late but just later in the year in terms of getting you the go the last time this happened and then it was kind of a mad dash to get it turned around. from a practical standpoint. I mean, I mean, I like the idea certainly of getting closer to this is a pay now or pay later situation, right? So, we don't save the money, but we certainly conscious of it and get it back under what we thought it was going to be. Is the going to
051the three grade instead of the four, whatever matches said. I mean, is that I know I I know you can do anything, but Will it uh will can you do it and will it make sense >> uh >> or is it going to be burdensome? I mean it's going to be a mess for you. >> It would be doable. Uh it would be all the devices currently at the high school will be out of warranty at the end of this year for replacement. >> This current >> Yes, this current school year is the last year that they are under warranty which is why we're looking to replace those This year, we ran some numbers earlier. We've had just at the high school over 400 devices uh be sented for warranty repair. Most of that, a
052quarter of that was screens. Uh and then the rest was batteries, uh keyboards, other hardware. Uh so that would all be on us to repair in house uh for whichever grade does be replaced by pressure. Uh so that would be the main pain point for us. Uh moving to a replace grades 10, 11, 12 this year and then fourth and fifth and ninth next year. We work equally as well as far as keeping all of our software up to date. Uh the software update we're okay for a couple years. Uh but we can't push it out too too much that um when you you do them in house labor's already here, right? when you um have to do something outside or ship it out, you can't do everything, right? That's obviously there's no there's no
053um maintenance. There's no repair estimate built into that difference that you talked about. Correct. There will be additional cost onto that 567 by some of the additional repair work that you're going to have to do on the nth grade from those. >> Right. And that's something that would come out of next year's budget or potentially the remainder of this year since this would come out of the current this year. >> Trying to get a good beat on what the delta is. That's why. >> Do you have metrics on how many repairs you did to them like in a year? >> Uh the 400 devices at the high school uh was just this year so far. This year is no. Uh if I were to look for what we have done districtwide it's higher but we
054have noticed that with the newer devices that we put in at the middle school uh since they have their own less screens which are much less likely to break they're a lot more durable hardware wise the repairs on those have gone down significantly less than half >> so on average >> what's the repair cost like a screen Uh a screen is $40 to $50 depending on inventory at the time. Uh we basically purchase uh used or secondhand parts when we can we have a few vendors that we use >> and do you have when these screens have to be replaced do they get a replacement device? Do you have a >> Yes. Yes. We'll give them a replacement. >> So from your perspective and I I tried to I tried to process everything you said.
055What would your recommendation? >> My recommendation would be to do a full refresh. >> They the the we got to ask the pros and cons there. Just just tell me why why you would do that. >> Uh keeping everything consistent uh having one grade with a different model in the same school there would be a noticeable difference in performance uh in classes. Uh I know standardized testing start testing works much better on the newer devices that we already have than on the Dell 3100s that X is currently using. So it's really a a a parody or equality between all the students. >> You said that if they have older laptops, the performance would like you have data showing that the performance would be as good as other things just because they're laptops. I just want
056to make sure because like that's what I want. >> Uh yes, the I could bring in two of the devices for you to use if you like. Uh yeah, the performance on the newer devices is a huge improvement and it definitely would make a difference in how well they're able to use it to perform those standardized tests. >> When you mention that like the fourth to fifth grade like they're not their devices last a lot longer. There's less wear and tear. So a lot less repairs for them to do. So, is it a possibility that next year you wouldn't need funding or as much funding for fourth and fifth graders, their laptops could still be prolonged? >> Yes, I would be much more comfortable traveler delaying replacing fifth grade next year uh because those ones
057stay in the classrooms. Uh they are they are much less beat up. So we could be saving more money basically doing it this way where next year if we possibly only would have to spend for ninth grade versus three grades next year we only get three this year. >> Uh yes. >> Thank you. >> I I assume you're doing some it's a volume buy, right? Are there are there cut off points where if you take 400 out of the number that you're missing a volume discount >> or is it above a certain number? matter. >> I believe that the amount that we're purchasing, it shouldn't matter. >> I I haven't asked for a new because I just got the information about reducing the purchase amount today. Uh but I could check on that, but I
058believe that price should be the same. >> That wasn't enough time found out today. >> I have one more question. So the neglect and the breaking, do we hold them responsible for anything? >> Yes. >> Yeah. that if any student is found to be purposely using or inferring their device, they are charged full repair price for it. Uh we have a list of what certain uh items on the devices are to be repaired. We have had students just break their device in half. They get charged a new device. >> I want to make sure Okay. Other uh questions or discussion on this? >> All right. So, I'm um based on this, I would like to make a motion to approve funding for Chromebooks refresh amount of 567,100 for the three grades instead of the original
059751,600. >> Okay. So you are going with the refresh less less the fresh. So that motion needs a second. >> Can you make that work? I'll second that. Make that work. And you're looking at it to we have more discussion. Sorry. >> Yep. >> What? Yeah. We've just got it seconded and now any discussion on the motion? Perfect. >> Then that then that creates a disparity from what you're telling me. >> Yes. >> And that's I have I have a I have a fundamental issue with that. >> So just I just want to make my point out there. >> I think that's a good point. The other thing that did not come up um I was made aware this also earlier today performance aspect that is something that is not part of the the back
060and forth that brief back and forth that I had. So that is I I think that is a a piece that I just I'm not smart enough on it to to know but I have to take your word on that there's a difference or measurable enough for you to mention it. So, I'd say that's an issue also. Okay. Any other comments? >> So, we'll call vote on that. >> I mean, no. >> Paul, >> no. >> Yes. >> No. >> Yes. Okay. So, that motion does not carry. >> Anyone else want to say anything about this? >> I want to thank you for answering all our questions. >> Yeah, I mean, I like the thought of it and I appreciate the the time and effort and discussion of it. Teresa said, it just gives me
061a little pause. the disparity there within the high school just it's a bit of a concern or an unknown I guess just to vote yes right now >> yeah I have to be honest I didn't know about performance aspect before bringing this up so I'm glad you raised that >> I think it's worth >> you know next year when we're looking at the fourth and fifth >> yeah next year we talk about >> the refresh schedule and the student fees things absolutely You said raise it. That's a consideration. >> Um, would anyone else like to say anything else about this? >> Yeah. You call the questions? >> Yeah, I'll move to approve the Chromebook refreshes presented. >> Okay, Mick, is there a second to that? >> I'll second. >> Okay, thank you. Teresa can't be
062any more discussion on this. So, to the roll call. >> Paul, >> hi. >> Father, >> hi >> Tyra. >> Hi. >> Waging back. >> What am I supposed to do? It's fine. on. >> No. >> Okay. Information regarding the Wilder Way construction bids. It's been included in the board packet. I have a motion to approve the Wild Way construction bids. I move to approve the bids as presented. >> Thank you, Teresa. Is there a second? >> I'll second. >> Thank you, Nick. Just because I I know Dr. Adrian talked about it maybe in that, but because you guys are here, do you want to say anything? We had to sit through the Chromebook discussion. >> We all want to say anything. >> We are learning a lot. Now, we when we were here last
063time before the board, we talked about the importance of getting the design done so that we could be out for bid no later than the middle of February. Getting that design done in that time frame was a major undertaking and ratio design and Nathan and their sub consultants KD Blue Stone Warren Ker uh RG Consulting uh they did a great job in keeping on the timelines that we needed. So last Thursday we had the bid opening. We had 29 bid packages. Uh we had over we had 109 individual bids come in. So everything that we had planned that we've been telling the district was going to happen has happened. And you can see by the results of the bids, you know, we saved a considerable amount of money both in the design that ratio was
064able to come up with. We went back and forth and we were trying to weigh the pros and cons of different features. uh in different parts of the design and we came up with a happy medium among a lot of the things and now with uh some of the things that we took out that were very important to ratio but they were also very important for us cost savings we're able to revisit those things and and overall very pleased very successful >> bid Um, a motion and a second. Any other discussion? >> I have a question. Tom, >> yes. >> Comment. Maybe this is for Dr. Adrian. >> Um, and that's a great job on the bed. Outstanding. Um, you indicated earlier about the roads. Okay. You said the Pacific parts in the city, right?
065And the others in township. Is that what you said? The >> the exterior roads off the campus are not in that. >> Yeah, you're right. So I'm I'm asking about that. >> So one is in the city and one's in the township and you're expecting hopefully to get some contribution from them. >> They're working on Yes. Yes. I mean I talked to Frank Strong. They feel like that's going to be part of their obligation, but whenever a developer develops a subdivision, they've got to help improve some of the infrastructure and we're that developer in this case. Uh I don't have a number on it yet. We just did the conceptual drawings and they're going to kind of get the preliminary price on those. But for the most part, with the exception of I want to
066say uh Atlantic is the road, we're still looking at hot mix asphalt is what we're looking at those roads. So uh with some hopefully some concrete aprons, if you go by that area now, the intersections are just terrible where you turn in there. So >> we're going to have 600 kids there to start with and you know all those families. So, we want to make sure that the approaches to that building are nice. I think it's going to be uh fairly reasonable. Like I talked to Tim Wagbot earlier, it'll probably be a part of the negotiation that we talked about, but I don't expect it to be very contentious. I mean, so far the the mood's been very welcoming and hey, let's solve this problem together and be they're willing to increase the rideways, use
067up some of the space to make it safe for that. If you recall on that south side where the buses are coming, that's where our most concern is on the Atlantic road that get most wear and tear every day. >> Um, but if you also recall, there's two lanes coming in on the parent side and one going out. I know there was a concern about some parking, but when we have events three or four times a year when we have all the grandparents and parents come, there's going to be plenty of queuing space in the parking that right hand. So, I feel good about the pavement. Uh, the timing right now good. I mean, hopefully it'll be that way next summer, but you know, only time will tell. >> Okay, thank you. >> Okay, other
068questions, discussion on that while we're waiter. >> Hi, >> Tyra. >> Hi, Wagenbot. >> Hi, >> Y. >> Hi, Luteron. >> Hi, S. Duke. >> Okay. Be a good time for you guys to leave as you want. >> Thanks, guys. >> Okay. Next, we're going to get into the um staffing requests presented as a group for information at last month's meeting. I asked for them to be broken out in categories because I believe they all had or come with their own justification. All very different. Um so there's five different uh items but we're 10 same 10 positions that were on the screen last week. Okay, that is the preamble. First one. >> Tom, can I make a couple comments? >> Sure. >> Yeah. I just wanted to take a quick moment and uh thank the
069administrators that uh were so kind to give me their time over the last couple of weeks and uh to kind of discuss these FTEEs and positions. I really felt that your insights were invaluable to helping me, you know, make the come to the conclusions about the needs for these roles. So, just again wanted to uh let you guys know that I'm very appreciative of the opportunity to to meet with you. >> Yeah, thank you, Nick. Um, and I should have said behind the scenes, uh, I do know that, uh, a few board members, certainly including Nick, um, had some one-on-one discussions, uh, with a couple of administrators, and, uh, there has been some additional data shared, um, via email with the board, some benchmarking, some other things that we have discussed. I know that's handy
070on the laptops. If anyone want to get into the roles of positions tonight, you guys will be able to speak to it. But, uh, there has been a a fair amount of dialogue since the last meeting about these positions. Okay. With that, uh, information regarding the 2026 2027 elementary counseling position at Hickory Grove Elementary School has been included in the board packet. I have a motion to approve this position. >> I'll move to approve position as presented. >> Nick, is there a second? >> I'll second. Andrew, is there discussion on this position? >> Tom, if I could >> to say having to maybe retra the same path here five different times. I want to make clear I appreciate the effort of the administration in bringing forward these 10 positions. Even though we're breaking them down
071for purposes of our vote, I think that there has been a uh an effort on behalf of the administration over the last few years to um to avoid having to add uh as you know positions maybe as the need grew, but now they've gotten to the point where they need and uh I didn't take the list as a list of boy, we'd love to someday if possible make this happen. The the things that were on the list, all 10 of them are important to the buildings uh that they're going to be in in the administrator positions and the special ed positions. They are important. Uh I think they are badly needed. Um and so I I intend to support all of them. >> Okay. Thank you, Mick. Any other discussion? >> I have a couple
072comments. Um maybe a question. >> Okay. And as I'm looking at these and and of course, you know, with positions, I I completely understand that. My question is, what was the intent to fund these knowing that we've been in a deficit every year and continue to be in a deficit moving forward? >> The intent to fund it would be, as we have every year, we always take a look at our retirees and um we continue to look at our our student population and make adjustments to FTE and placements there. and everything. Of course, that's always a consideration. Um but looking at the the difference between any position that we that we rehire as opposed to the outgoing individual salary looking at that is it apples in this case it's not because we do have a
073healthy number of positions being >> I guess my question is I I get that I understand that I know as people go out you know that's that's every place right the the hours are higher >> but you still do anticipate a deficit correct moving forward We do. I do believe Mr. McY's forecast. >> I included in that forecast I sent to you last month 650,000 new salary in addition to the raises. I did not put in that calculation savings from the retirements. That's always a little fluffy until you hire something,000 loss. >> So if I look at it holistically, I understand what you're doing there with those positions, right? So if we look at the holistically, right? Since our expenditures are increasing at a faster pace than our revenues, do you would agree with that
074statement? >> Last several years >> and that's going to continue. It's expected to continue, right? Um that's where my concern is. Um you know, and as as a board member, you know, we are responsible to, you know, financial stewardship is one of our, you know, public tax dollars. we you know we got to look at those public funds. So my question is if we to do this where can we compensate somewhere else that's not going to affect the students because you know I'm looking forward I don't want the future board's going to have a problem if we continue at this pace of what we're doing now and that's my biggest concern. So I am challenging you I won't I would I would not have any issue with this if you could balance the budget. Uh,
075no issue at all. But my concern is moving forward, you know, and I'm willing to to to help out. And I thank you for what you've done there, Yseph, digging in there. But that's my concern because three years down the road, we're we're giving this and and it's not the education of the students is is first and foremost, right? But we got to get this under control. And that's where my concern lies. So I challenge you. I would not have any issue approving these if we can get that budget balanced. But knowing what that future looks like with our expenditures going up at a higher pace than our revenues are coming in. That's my big concern. >> I would just add, you know, we did talk about middle school concept. Has that been even talked
076about or we just kind of brushed aside that was an option to save some money? >> Well, I was made aware of that this evening and that was part of the other day. Um, we have not looked at removing programs. I was told to reposition support as changes. >> Well, >> if that's if that's something you want to do, we absolutely can. That's just >> and you know to that specific point, but Teresa's larger, more broad comment there. I mean, some of middle school concept was an item, one of many that Dr. dear had brought forward as hey here's some things for the school board for the board to look at that was in actually September September 22nd my birthday um we brought that list and um and I mean after that meeting um I
077mentioned this to you Tim but there was a flurry of conversation here on the emails. You talked about finance committee. I mean, we were going to talk about it. And um then we each had the opportunity, I think everyone did take the opportunity between November and now, everyone sat down individually or a couple small groups with Dr. Andrews kind of went through that list of of expenses that were were presented and um and yes, I don't disagree with um any of Teresa's comments. I do believe that um moving forward it's going to continue to be a predicted problem until you know it's become going to become more real every day. Um uh approving uh budget deficits is not uh something that um we want to do, but it's something that we plan to do last
078six years that I'm aware of. And um but until we get serious about the expense side and maybe um take a harder look at some of those items, um we're going to begin to ourelves to this >> we have some difficult conversations >> but I did mention to you um and I I was I'll call out myself for this um I did say that in the middle school concept I came up again I said I think it would be good idea for you and whoever you would need maybe at a high level and speak to the board about that because I I know that I could not speak intelligently about what it is, how it's different, who else does it versus us, what that real savings is. I know that um Dr. Dearman took a
079swag at, you know, what a number would be. It was on his it's all available to the public. It was in the, you know, 300,000 range or something, but you know, that was six months ago. And I mean, we'd have to look at that again. But I I think anything though from that September October conversation which was actually brought forward from three years prior I won't say he just cut and pasted the same list but I think he did and so um you know we still have that at our you know at our disposal to to you know get real have conversations about those but those are the the items we can I love the engagement on the Chromebook session a little long but I mean I I think that those are the kind of
080things that yeah we want to look for those opportunities but at the end of the day I mean those aren't you know batting cages and pull types right I mean yeah all that stuff adds up and that's great but we do have to get to the larger issue and I think a lot of that is in some of German's items that even speak of you know the revenue aspect. Okay. Um well, we have middle school principal here who can speak some more technical applications. um >> well I don't want to get into the middle school concept tonight necessarily because again kind of wore us out on some earlier topics but um not you specifically um but um but I think that that's the kind of thing that we need to we need to talk about
081to Tim's point I mean it's on the list and is it real and are we going to do something about it I don't know one's ever brought it forward after all the back and forth and meetings with you I didn't bring it back forward to >> Well, I think it's up to the administration to bring that to us, right? >> To balance that. That's what I'm asking. I'm challenging them, right? If they're going to add these dollars to the budget, right? Then what what there something you got to balance this out, right? You can't just continue to to do that. We've got to take a look at this or else in the future and it might only be two years, Tom, in the future that that there's going to be some significant discussion that's not
082going to be a positive one. And maybe it was a little maybe it was a little open-ended what um where we left it with Dr. During and administration in the fall because what we what we um asked him for was you know what are the you know what could he look at in terms of cost savings and maybe it should have been more prescriptive to say you know if you're a dollar in dollar out kind of thing what would you look at I mean if that's what you're >> I think I've always talked about that's why I didn't approve the deficit budget right I was a because I want the balance >> this this year, right? Previous year. That's because we had our We will get into that separately. We'll take that offline, Tom. Um,
083but yes, but you can see projecting out where we're going to be. So, my my challenge to to them is I don't have any issue with this and we need this, right? But I would like to see the balance the budget balance because we were in a deficit. Now, we're going to be five years in a row. That's going to cause significant issues. Just want to ask as a new board member, has there ever been any previous boards from past years and previous requests that >> we changed what our proposals were? >> I I didn't hear question. >> In the past years, have there been requests for additional staffing that was denied by the board? >> Sure. >> Yes. Yes. >> Yes, definitely. >> So, like has there been ongoing So, you would have approved
084in the little by little would be in a situation we had to tend to >> because the only thing I agree with what you're saying Teresa about you know we have to find a way to you know balance the budget and everything but there's ways to resolve the deficiencies or deficit that we're in in the future we have to figure that out but we all there's ways but there's no way there's no way to go back on the performance of the students because if there's a lack of teachers and the students are the ones that that fail every day when the teachers don't belong. The students are the ones, you know, they're overcrowding classrooms and without especially special educ education if they don't get the resources the only the main one that fail students. There's
085no going back on that. So that's why I mean I think we need to approve this. Now of course the issue is deficit. There's going to be questions that we're going to have to follow through on and we're going to have to go with that. But right now we have we have pass this so the students don't fail. >> Tom, if I could add, I think one of the things that we have to do though, I don't know that we can can eliminate from our conversation that eventually we're going to have to give them the administration some guide rails of what it is that we are willing or unwilling to cut if there are cuts involved. In other words, to suggest, well, you guys need to figure out a way to balance your budget. Bring
086us some options. Well, it would be a waste of time if if the board isn't ever going to approve those types of options. In other words, if it's if it's the middle school thing, for example, we should be able to tell them before they go spend a bunch of time to figure out what that cost savings is, is that something that we're willing to do or not? So I think we have to have as a board some conversations about what is the temperature of the board on whether it's cutting programs, cutting positions or whatever or the result I think that we all see coming down the track. It's been coming down the track down for six years. Eventually there's going to have to be more revenue. And if that if there's no other way to
087find it, that revenue will be a tax change. And that's just the reality of the world we live in. But it's also a reality of the world that people move to Donut because of this district, not because we have cases. And so we have to make sure that the district has all the resources that it needs to be able to provide the services for the kids. And so we I think we we need to be fair to the administration and say, "Listen, here's what we'd like you to bring to us. Um these other things are are off the table because we as a board don't don't want to take the time to consider those." And I think that's the conversation we need to be able to have to give some more direct um information to
088the administration on what what we're willing to do. >> Can I get to that, Tom? >> Okay. I know it was probably what are we in March now? Maybe it was November. Is that when I asked for a finance committee? I don't remember when it was. Sometime like that. Is that when it time flies when you're having fun on this board? Um let me let me propose this. Smith, would you be agreeable to have a finance committee meeting starting soon right with this board that we can look at that? I don't if if we can do that and come up with something, Nick, to get us to where we need to be. I I'm concerned about this clearly. I talk about it every meeting, right? But is is that you know I can look at
089this Tom you know if we approve something like this with a caveat that we will have a finance committee that will be looking at these to get us to where we need to be to have a balanced budget and we have to have some type of goal there some type of something that's going to get us there. So that would be my request to you Mr. Board President >> Otherwise it doesn't get done. >> What's that? >> It'll never get done if we don't put their hand. We have to we have to we there's got to be Yes. >> But I I think here's the problem with my understanding of a finance committee. This is really something we all need to participate in. >> Yes. >> And so is is that an open conversation that
090we have? I'm all for that. I think we should have that. I think that that conversation needs to take place in front of the the the stakeholders as opposed to like a committee of where there's only two, >> you know, I mean, administration plus two so we don't violate it. >> No, no, I was thinking more of a board committee and I know some of us don't like that because we're here too much, but um absolutely. I think it has to be everybody, Nick. Everybody has to do this because this is we're talking the the whole district here. I think everybody's got to be included in this. I I I I would be completely in favor of bringing out all the options for all stakeholders to be able to hear us talk about gather their
091input. >> Two things can add one thing. >> Oh, go ahead. >> I'm sorry. I just wanted to point out like I think we all saw Dr. Dearman's uh PowerPoint slide that had the three scenarios. The third being like the nuclear approach which in my opinion completely changes what this district looks like moving to the future. And I've said this openly before on the board, but I think we need to really think about what we want this district to be as we move forward into the future. Um, Dunlap has a standard of excellence in academia. I think to Mick's point, people move here for a specific reason. Uh, and I think if we start stripping that away, people are going to leave our district. And I mean, we really need to think about that when
092we make these decisions. And ultimately um through the conversations I've had, these positions are a need and not a want. And I think we have to ensure that we're supporting our faculty and staff and what they need. And we can really, you know, talk about the wants and what we want to do from a financial standpoint, but I think we really need to think about what we want this district to look like moving forward. >> Two things to hopefully wrap this up. one the positions like the middle school concept is being discussed certainly willing to look at that that will not be available as an option for next year because we have specific timelines we have to follow legally to give notice to our teachers and staff and we will not be able to meet
093those for next year so just to make that clear it's not going to happen for next year secondly is absolutely right I mean I've said it before when I did the financial presentation this is not new information I've been saying it for seven years and we've been beneficial and I gave specific examples I won't give them again of of how we've been able to kick that can down the road. Um, and we're doing it again as I stated in my superintendent report with the uh bonds that came in and the bids that came in better than anticipated. You know, we'll be able to extend that even further. No one wants to raise taxes. I don't. I'm sure the board doesn't either. Um but the days of Dunlap living off the exponential growth in EAB um
094are gone. Uh our expenses are going up much faster than what that EAB is. And that's something that's going to have to be considered. Is it next year? Is it two years? I don't think it's two years, especially if we use this money what I talked about really wisely, maybe four or five years down the road. But to say, you know, we have to have a balanced budget. The only way that's going to happen really under the current conditions is people and programs. I mean, I've demonstrated clearly our efficiency. U I gave you statistics. Tom verified them. They're not made up. They're real. We are very efficient. We're in the 96th percentile. Um so with that being said, I know that doesn't necessarily impact these positions, but those are conversations I totally agree that we
095need to have. I also agree with Mick. They need to be held out and open uh discussion so that all stakeholders are involved. So I I would welcome that opportunity. Okay, other comments or questions? Miranda, why don't you work with the members and pick a date for a meeting of the finance committee of board talk to Dr. And don't have to check my calendar. Just name the time and place. I'll be there just to make sure it works for everyone else. >> So, we have this this one approval as presented, right? >> Yes. >> And we can't change that. All right. Because I'm >> I just want to make the caveat with these motions >> possible to do it at the meeting or something >> with a with a finance committee being formed with the
096formation of a finance committee to to review >> our finances maybe something like that. I want that caveat in I didn't have an issue with that if we have that caveat in these proposals. You see what I'm saying? >> Sure. So approved as presented. >> No, I mean just no it's going to be that uh just at the you can put as part in the minutes you can put as part of the discussion that was asked and agreed upon that finance committee would be uh >> would be formed would be scheduled moving forward and then get into the votes as it says. Okay. and I'll look at it and I'll make sure it say I know exactly what you're saying >> with the intent of balancing the budget. >> Yeah, I don't know that it's
097gonna say that sentence, but um >> that is the intent. >> Stretch goal. Goal goal. Sure. >> Target >> goal is better than target. But yeah, we can we can you can work that sentence and then run it by me and we'll run it by Teresa. See if we can agree on the sentence. Okay, there's a motion and a second. >> Well, there's a motion and a second already. I wrote it down a long time ago, but I see it there. So, Mick moved it. Andrews seconded it. And now, uh, hearing no further discussion. It's a roll call vote. Tyler, >> I >> Paul >> I with the formation of a finance committee with a target of balancing the budget. >> Okay. Uh motion carries. Information regarding the 2026 27 special education teaching positions at
098Hickory Grove Elementary School and Wilder Wake School has been included in the board packet. Do I have a motion to approve these positions? >> I move to approve these positions as presented. >> Thank you, Andrew. A second. >> I'll second. Any discussion? >> Roll call vote box. >> No. Hi >> Paul. >> Hi >> with the caveat that we form a finance committee with the target of balancing the budget. I car. >> Okay. Approve. Uh information regarding the 20 26 27 D Younglap Middle School teaching positions has been included in the board packet. I have a motion to approve these positions. You have to approve the position as percept. Is there a second? >> Second. >> All box. >> Yeah. >> What were these positions? >> They're the DMS >> DMS teaching positions. >> That
099middle teacher, sir. >> Yeah. He's a yes. >> Yeah. >> Hi. Hi >> Belman. >> Hi >> Paul. >> Hi >> Paul. How >> information motion car information regarding the 2026 27 high school teaching positions have been included in board packet. Could I have a motion to approve these positions? >> I'll move to approve the positions as presented. >> Nick sir. >> Okay Tim. Thank you. Any discussion? Roll call vote. >> Dam >> I. >> Bron >> I. >> Belman. >> Hi. >> Paul. >> Hi. >> Hazard. >> I. >> Tyra. >> I. >> Wag. >> Hi. >> Okay. Motion carries. >> Information regarding the 2026 27 special education administrator positions have been included in the board packet. Could I have a motion to approve these positions? >> I move to approve these positions as
100presented. Andrew, is there a second? >> I'll second. >> Um, any discussion? >> Roll call vote. >> Hi, >> Felman. >> Hi, >> Paul. >> Hi. >> Holouser. >> Hi. >> Tyra. >> I. >> Wagon. >> No. >> Yeah. >> Hi. >> Does there come to a point where we're going to go back and see? Does that make sense? I ask you that. >> I ask. Motion to carriage. Now go a question. You said it to me. >> Yeah. >> You said you never answered it, but >> yeah, I got I got the information. I talked to CO yesterday. >> You going to say anything or not? >> Um, we could, but it would be we were paying when we left over $300,000 just in fees because it's based on enrollment. that figure would be
101closer to 400,000 now just in fees just to be a part of it let alone you know the services and stuff and the cost associated with that when we pulled out both Laura Hart and Karen Beverlin who were both there your director assistant director both said it's it's a good move for youth to pull out now the we moved the transition wasn't the best could have been planned better but financially it was the right decision to make >> we were paying the most in fees and getting the least in purpes just for context for everyone kind of hearing a little bit here. Uh Tim asked as part of his due diligence looking at all these positions and everything, he was trying to get straight what we had been paying SE code versus now versus addition
102positions with our program versus before we asked and I started asking about that that so that's where that is >> let alone the financial aspect. Part of the discussion at the time was we're servicing our kids in our buildings now in their home district and not shipping them out to other locations. So that was kind of not part of the financial discussion but part of the discussion to make them move as well. >> Yeah. So I think it was a math question more than it was programmatic question. So I don't want you in the room some big program change trying to trying to quantify it from where we were at these new positions. That's all. Okay. Uh is there a motion to adjourn to close session? I would like to move to adjourn to close
103session for the purposes in the open meeting act. I know of at least uh dream litigation. Is there anything else that anyone would like to add your letter choices? >> Okay. Is there a second to my motion? >> Second. Any discussion? All those in favor say I. >> I. >> Opposed. Okay. Motion carries. The time is 7:36. Thank you. Close the door. >> But thank you. >> Okay. Motion to return to open session. >> Open session. >> Is there a second? Second. Any discussion? All those in favor say I. >> I. >> Motion carried. The time is 7:51. Could I have a motion to approve the human resources consent agenda? >> I'd move to approve the human resources consent agenda as presented. >> Is there a second? >> Second. >> Tim. Any discussion? Roll call.
104Vote. >> Felman. I >> I >> carries. Can I have a motion to approve the settlement agreement with parents and student number 55017? >> I move to approve the settlement agreement as presented. >> So he says our second. Thank you. Any discussion? Roll call vote. >> Paul >> I >> motion carries. Is there a motion to adjurnn? >> I 10. Is there a second? >> Second. >> Uh all those in favor say I. >> I. Any opposed? Motion carried. The time is 7:53. Thank you. Oh yeah. >> They lost. >> Oh, here's a No, >> that's your