001Emily here. >> I am here. >> Oh, Paul, sorry. You're here. publicly. >> We'll move on to item approval of the agenda. I will entertain a motion to move item to immediately after my schedule. I'd like us to have that discussion that >> let's put on that motion agenda. All in favor say I. >> I carries. All in favor of the agenda as amended say. >> I will now flag the United States of America to the stands and justice for all. Excellent. I'm really excited about their person for it. But I'll hand this off to Dr. >> So pretty straightforward. Uh want wanting to recognize our partners at Purveya Health. Um, as most folks are aware, uh, we had a situation where we lost an athletic trainer early on in the season. Um, and it
002it put us at a little bit of a disadvantage for our student athletes. And thanks to our healthc care providers in the area and extending the area, uh, everybody was able to help out, but PA really stepped up and has had us covered almost every fall contest and then all of our winter contests. They've stepped in to help us with folks. They're working on hiring somebody to fulfill that responsibility full-time. Uh but uh while while we have that going on, they really stepped up to help us in that short term to make sure that we had coverage for all of our athletic contests and we want to make sure that the board takes an opportunity to recognize them. Um and we have a couple folks that we'll have them introduce themselves uh to join us
003here up front. >> Thank you. My name is Chris Lens. I'm the manager of very excited forward just to kind of cover what Dr. We will certainly hoping early May and have someone full graduate program. We're very confident high school. I was part of the original Okay. So, we have a declaration to read to you. [laughter] >> We'll move over here. Um, Okay, so the Coler School District recognizes PA Health on this date of February 11th, 2026. Whereas PA Health has demonstrated continuous support of the Coler School District and school districts throughout Wisconsin in honoring their mission and strong commitment to community health, PA Health has provided solutions to support the students, coaches, and Coler community. And whereas throughout the 2025 2026 school year, PA Health has provided athletic training services for athletic contests when
004the school district Coler School District lost coverage. And whereas PA Health became aware of a need in the community and has provided short-term solutions for the school district as well as establishing long-term solutions and partnerships. Their support has enhanced the quality of care and safety for student athletes. And whereas PA Health continues to lead on providing consistent coverage and works diligently to make services available to the school district, PA Health's ongoing support of the Coler School District reflects a shared belief in student safety, community support, and business partnerships. Therefore, be it resolved that on behalf of the board of education and the Coler School District, we extend our sincere appreciation and formally recognize PA Health for their support and collaboration that exemplifies investments in community health and well-being. Respectfully submitted, Kelly Conrith and the Coler
005School Board. >> [laughter] >> Where would you like Not in front of >> Paul. >> Thank you all very much. Have a great night. >> Thank you. Okay, before we start here, I will read our public comment speaking notice and it is as follows. Anyone interest participants must be recognized by officiated Policy 167.3 outines additional rules regarding public comment. When you come up and start talking, I will start a timer for the three minute mark. If you're still talking, I'll ask you to finish your sentence and then of course you can always email us additional information that We ask the person to please. >> Good evening. Uh my name is Dane Schaefer. Uh do you need my address? 3728 South 13th Street. I'm a parent of uh uh in the Coler school district and the
006father of a student living with type 1 diabetes. Um I'm here tonight to formally submit a petition signed by 84 families and community members asking the district to consider establishing a full-time nurse position. I began gathering signatures following the announcement of nurse Nicole's departure. Once Mrs. Wolf, the new nurse, was hired. I concluded that effort and prepared to bring the petition forward. First, I want to acknowledge the efforts of the that the district has made following nurse Nicole's departure. From my perspective, the new coverage plan represents an improvement over the previous arrangement, and many families I've spoken with share that view. I appreciate the district's work to maintain consistency for students, and I'm not here tonight to press the issue for further or demand immediate changes. I simply wanted to submit this information so that
007those who signed the petition feel their voices and concerns have been respectfully conveyed. That said, I do want to re reiterate that I strongly believe establishing a full-time school nurse position remains the best long-term path forward for the district. Health needs and medical situations do not occur on predictable schedules and consistent access to a qualified medical professional benefits all students, not only those with ongoing medical conditions. A full-time nurse would further support student safety, reduce disruptions to learning, and strengthen the district's ability to recruit and retain high-quality staff. I also want to briefly raise a broader concern and I want to be clear that I'm speaking only from an outside perspective with the limited information available to parents. Over this school year, there has been a noticeable amount of mid-year turnover, particularly within the front
008office. Uh from a parents point of view, that level of change feels unusual and concerning. The reason I mention this is not to speculate about causes or assign blame, but because stability and continuity matter. In a relatively short period of time, the district has lost many years of rapport, institutional knowledge, and familiarity that students and families rely upon. If there is underlying, excuse [clears throat] me, if there are any underlying factors contributing to this pattern, um I trust and hope that the board and administration are aware of them and are working towards solutions. I also understand that personnel uh matters are often sensitive and cannot be uh openly discussed. However, increased communication when possible would go a long way toward maintaining confidence within the community. Consistency and trust are critical elements of a strong school
009environment. I appreciate the work of the board and the administration and I thank you for your time. >> I don't know who would like >> com that all chair reports. I'm sorry. Is there any other public? >> No. >> A big thank you to Kelly for attending the convention. We appreciate you representing us there. Want to thank all of our board members for the work they've done. Mike and I meet Mike and I probably genoc apparent screen. Paul, do you want me to >> run through it? >> Okay, we are moving on to 5B, the superintendence report. >> We sure did. Sorry. >> 7 A after the Okay. Okay. So, I'm sorry. So, we are we're moving on to discussion on board committees. Do you So, um we as a board need to discuss the
010committee structure um as well as our policy around that and talk about if we want to continue with our current structure or amend it. Who would like to start the conversation? Sounds it. Y. So I think we get a policy updates. to review those policies I'm curious. agree with that. >> As as treasurer, I think that we have some very defined tasks with finance that are better in committee. They take a long time. There's some discussion, some future financial planning, that kind of stuff. Um, they're open meetings, but I think they would be long for a regular board meeting. I agree just I'm chair of policy so um same thing just kind of doing that work having that discussion at that committee level when needed um and then you know bringing that to to the
011board as needed. So I think policy is kind of straightforward. >> I agree. I think we had talked about maybe need to do the finance committee maybe need to meet a little more often than we have but other than that I think everything I think we've been doing a pretty good job of meeting when there is a definite objective. >> I would say the same for curriculum. I mean, it certainly I think right now we're meeting twice a year. Um, it could certainly go to the whole board. I'm not sure that it needs to rather than going to committee and then making a recommendation to the board as far as um recommending curriculum changes. Um, >> do we have what other committees do we have? >> I have HR, >> right? >> But I would
012prefer that we do that work in committee as well, Kelly, because I do not want to do all of the research. Like I >> I already chair two other committees. So for me to have to research the curriculum and understand all that, I'd like to trust that to >> other people. I feel like when that does happen that it comes to the full board without a recommendation from the committee um our meetings have felt rushed. I think this is before you but >> all of a sudden people want meetings to be over but I don't feel like we've gotten to the meat of some of the things that should be talked about. So I would rather go in depth in committee and get a recommendation from the committee >> and and then we can ask
013questions of course before the actual >> how do we feel about about eliminating the HR committee. Why? Um because we are moving away from our past practice of the board being very involved in selecting employees to allowing our administration to do that. And we as a board need to approve those and we have time to ask questions before that if um we feel the need to do so. Um, I think it helps us steer where administration is leading the show and we're holding them accountable. I don't think that the board needs to be selecting a survey um or doing that work, but maybe there's other work that I'm missing. I think probably just feel differently on that. >> Yes. I can see something as requested by What do you think is typical in a district
014of our size? Because I can see in a larger district where boards are much less involved, they would never be hiring a building principal or there there's so many more people in administration that would be selected for those types of committees. But in a district so small, do you think that boards are more involved? Because there are some boards who hold those people as their employees as well versus we just have the superintendent. >> I mean, do we know >> I can answer some of that district by district >> some districts in the area too that the board's involved in hiring of athletic coaches. So like there's a wide variety. I think that's really what is the definition and role of the board. Um, so I think there that's where you can have those those
015different areas and it's dependent on that involvement. Um, and so I think that follows what are your policies, what are your procedures, what are your expectations of one another. For my suggestion on the committee structures, we have uh three the HR curriculum finance committee already scheduled for April. Uh we have those outlined on our board calendar and likely a policy addition once we get the latest round of Neola updates. So probably in March. Um my I guess what I would advocate for is continuing with the the committees that we have outlined for this year with a chance to re-evaluate after we've had some time to talk through uh some of that content at the committee meetings. Um for for me it would be helpful to get an idea of what is the structure of those
016committee meetings because I haven't had an opportunity to have some of those meetings yet uh with this team. And so that would be my ask is is this something where I appreciate this and my does not matter in this part of the the conversation because you all can ultimately make that decision. But that would be what I would suggest is that we uh continue as we have scheduled and then look at what are some of those strategic objectives, what are some of those goals for those committees, have that better defined because I don't think that's defined well in policy. Um and I think that would be a larger conversation to give us a trajectory and a strategy of where we should go with those committees >> for what that's worth. Regarding that April HR meeting,
017are you okay with me being virtual or who it's me? >> You should be here. >> Okay. So, I'll be at um state HOSA. Um are you okay with me being virtual or should we switch it? >> It's April 8th. It's a Wednesday. 4 p.m. Okay, just kind of going off of um Mike's comment, I have never been on HR, so I can't really speak to what tasks I guess come up. Um I think I personally as a board member would just love to know um not just about HR but about any committees kind of what is that structure if there's certain things. Um, I think about, you know, Kelly's on policy with me and there was a couple policies that were curricular policies that like at this time of the year, these are things
018we would expect from curriculum. Um, so I just wonder about, you know, I know you said it was kind of loose in the policies, but are there policies revolving around HR would be kind of my first thought, um, at the board level and what would that look like and sound like to direct that committee? Um, is my first I wonder. And then also just maybe sharing with us at some point in time what what occurs, you know, I know we have the agenda, but just what are kind of those items that continue to come up that would warrant having like that committee time. And I think that would be good for all of us. Kind of like what Mike said is, you know, I'm new to chair a committee and so I would appreciate any
019guidance too on kind of that structure of what is to be expected moving forward. So I think that would be nice for each person. as a committee just to kind of have that like this is this is the work we need to do or maybe the work that we don't need to do and then you know just so we all because I haven't been on those committees so I I don't feel like I can speak to it because I just I don't know the needs >> if that makes sense would be my personal >> I think too as Mike and his team develop the strategic plan where the committees fit in might make more sense to us. Um, I really see my role as a board member as somebody who Mike is accountable to to
020adhere meet the benchmarks of whatever the strategic plan is. And I I feel like what we do and our committees should reflect that. Um, so I agree that we should keep the rest of the year as it is planned and I hate to kick this down the road, but I think that's kind of where we are right now. Um, and we as board members might not all agree with exactly what we want to see and we can figure it out from there. Um, but I I do think for this to be an effective board, we have to let Mike and his team lead and then we hold them accountable to the goals that have been put in place. >> Paul I wonder for us to consider what makes sense for Does that work for you?
021Sounds good. Anything on the discussion of committees. Okay. So, we will revisit this over the summer. Okay. Now, on to um the superintendence report. So, a couple items that to cover today and just highlight is last month after our board meeting, I had the opportunity to meet with kind of our four big partnership organizations together and that was a lot of fun and great discussion between the school foundation, the school friends, the PAO, the boosters. Um, we all came together and had a good conversation too just about um the different roles and the different uh objectives of each organization and what they were focused on. There's been leadership changes um in a couple of those organizations. And so it was nice to just be able for them to articulate to one another of how can
022there be some collaboration, what do they want to focus on and how can we be supportive um for all of our organizations that benefit our kids and our teachers. So, it was a really uh good opportunity to connect with folks, enjoyed the conversation and took a number of notes too that uh we've been able to talk through, work on and then just again helping to build that understanding because I think there was some stuff that you don't know if you're not part of one of the groups you don't know. And so, I think that was really good for folks to hear and understand and meet one another uh to be able to have some common objectives. Um, another two items I have, one is just kind of uh building off of this is I know
023the nurse uh full-time nurse was a a conversation there and there were a number of things and I think that's something we continue to look at. We look at our comparables. We look across the state. Uh full-time nursing, it's about the average across the state is about 1,443 students is kind of where that threshold is with full-time nursing. Um in our county, there's two districts. um the lowest having 1,600 students and the other one having over 9,000 that have full-time nurses on staff. And then we have some comparables too, uh that have 100 to 150 hours of coverage the entire school year. And so uh this was working with Kelsey and getting her on board as as Dan had mentioned uh five days a week was awesome. That was one of our goals too was
024to have that coverage. And so I appreciate it. We got to have some some interaction and some uh conversation uh that way. So, it's helpful and wanting to share some of that information to with folks. So, thank you for bringing your your thoughts forward, too, and I appreciate that. Um, and then finally, just looking at finalizing our student linkage. Uh, that's going to be something that we're looking to have. It's going to be over kind of their advisory lunch hour. Uh, so 11 o'clock, I will propose some dates um starting as early as next week or the week after um if folks are able to join us. I know that won't work for everybody, but it's also working around the kids schedules. So, I will send that out to get those options uh outlined and
025if folks can respond to me and we can get that set up with our students, I think it would be a great opportunity for for you all to to connect with them. So, we'll get that stuff shared um and then we'll keep moving forward. >> Great. Thank you, Mike. Okay, moving on to the student representative report. Charlotte, please. Uh so student council recently hosted a great winter fest week for the high school. The week kicked off with festive decorations throughout the building followed by themed dressup days that showed off strong school spirit. We wrapped up the celebration with an exciting pep rally that had great energy and lots of student participation. A big thank you to our teachers and faculty for helping finals week run so smoothly. Their organization and support really made a difference
026for the students. Looking ahead, student council will be hosting a blood drive on Friday, March 6th from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in the event lobby. Anyone interested in donating can visit redcrossblood.org and enter the sponsor codec colar to schedule an appointment. Reminder to families that the sign up window for parent teacher conferences on February 17th and 19th from 3:30 to 6:00 p.m. is now open. Finally, bomber cards are available for purchase in the main office for $20. >> Thank you, Charlotte. [snorts] >> Okay. And the report of the policy committee, Heather. Um, so Kelly and I are on the policy committee and I'm very thankful for her. Um, two sections were looked at during our committee time on January 26th. Section 34.1 and 34.2 contain technical corrections and updates recommended by Niola. Um, examples
027of technical corrections include revising correct grammatical issues and/or updating terminology in practice. So, kind of cut and dry type stuff. These technical changes do not um alter the policy's intent, but rather just provide those minor changes that improve the quality or consistency of the policy and guidelines. Um, one policy that I highlighted to the board was that section 34.2, um, policy 0144.5, board member behavior and code of conduct. Um, Kelly and I just thought it was a really great policy to kind of keep in mind as a board member that looks at the different aspects of our role. Um, and something that could be possibly added to our new board member handbook. um there are some policies that kind of guide the conduct of the board and so it's just a nice reminder to revisit
028um some of our norms that we've collectively created. Um section 34.2 will be reviewing um policy 3432 and policy 4432 again in the future um as there are adjustments to our handbook and leave. As stated, the majority of the policies are just review or technical updates. Um, but I would like to get in the habit now that I'm sharing policy of just bringing out those specific ones um that can help us personally reflect, grow, or might be of specific interest um like I know, yep, Tara's super passionate about um health and wellness such as I am. And so um just kind of bringing some of those um policies to the forefront um to get feedback from you guys. So I appreciate the opportunity to Chair, any questions at all? >> I just want to say
029it's a tremendous amount of policies to go through. Um, I appreciate the work that Mike and Heather do before the meeting. Heather's highly organized and it makes it go very quickly. So, thank you for all of that. And Mike with the changes between the different colors and then all that. Um, yeah, it's it's been going smoothly. So, thank you. That's all I have to me. Let me get the agenda back up. Okay. Um, next we have the consent agenda. Is there anything that anyone would like to pull out? Or Mike, do you want to say anything before we approve this? Just >> one thing and and building off of the policy committee is I know we've talked about technical corrections before in the approval with Miola. Um that's something that we also need to identify
030with the board. While you've delegated those technical corrections and updates, we still need to point to a time when those were approved by the board. So when we have that, we'll likely have just a consent agenda item. It'll be part of our policy committee review. Um but that's that's something where we've talked about that before. and then just making sure that you understand the why of that coming back to us as well. >> Thank you. >> I'll entertain a motion to approve the consent agenda. >> So, second. >> All in favor? >> I. >> All right. Motion passes. Consent agenda is approved. >> Um >> Ellie, I will say something. Yes. So, um I want to introduce to our new director of business services. Melissa is back there. Um some of you got a chance
031to meet her. But uh now that she's officially approved, we're excited to have her joining um our team and and working with our folks there. And so um she's going to be wrapping up some things with her current district and they're going to work through um some items and uh we'll be sending out an introduction uh to staff that way. And I also want to make sure we take a moment to recognize our retirement. Um Michelle's done incredible work too in the area of special education. And so wanting to just make sure that I highlight any time we have somebody um that's dedicated themselves to uh helping kids and helping our school. I want to make sure that we have a chance to thank them too. >> Thank you. Um yes, welcome Melissa. And we
032are going to miss Michelle. She's always a smiling face around the building and she certainly brings the magic um every morning with the elementary kids when she does the countdown for the bell to ring so that they can go inside the school. Um It's a lot of fun. So, wish her the best in retirement. All right. Next on the agenda, we have the board learning series, the hiring process and capital planning. Kick that off to you, Mike. If it was just that simple, I would have done it. Thank you. All right. So, we're going to talk about this. This is uh kind of in connection to a variety of topics that we've talked about. Uh whether it was the WASB survey that you all completed and highlighted some areas and we'll talk about what items
033that we have on the horizon for learning topics. Thought this was best to make this a learning series since we have a multitude of things we're going to cover. Um and then also from the board retreat, you talked about areas that you wanted to learn more about and we've had a number of these to including to include our hiring processes uh outlined in our calendar since that was developed in June and July. So it's we're getting to the point of now being able to put some of these things to fruition and also having them really triangulate with the retreat with what you identified on the calendar and then also connected to your uh WASB survey that you all completed. So, we're going to start with that. We're going to talk about the hiring process and
034capital planning today. So, hiring process, uh, pretty straightforward when we have a situation where we have an opening, too, just like, uh, with with now with a a teacher that we're going to post to, it's taking a look at what does our job description, uh, look like, making sure we're evaluating that position and making sure it makes sense and identifying um, what are some of those key responsibilities. And so, that's something we're going to look at any time we have a job that we are to post. We're going to make sure we identify what are some of those key areas. Is it a position that we can look at an adjustment on or is it something that we need to make sure we're fulfilling at the same level that we are? So, that's going to
035take some time to make sure we evaluate those items. And there's some of those positions that we've already had conversations about too when we know we're going to have an opening um is making sure that we're ready to go and ready uh to post that. When we look at that, generally education postings are on WeCAN and that's uh where folks know where if you're looking for a job in education, that tends to be where you are looking. Uh but with that being said, not everybody knows that too. And so when we have especially kind of our non-eing uh position, sometimes we need to get a little more creative or we use some other uh things whether it's Indeed, LinkedIn, some of those types of areas to make sure that we're sharing that. But for the
036most part, uh those in education know we can as their resource and so we'll get a posting up there. um as well. And then I think this is where it's going to be a little bit different. Education in the past, I remember when I first started and we reviewed applications and we were at the middle school, we had to each person on the interview team take 50 people, one sheet to review and have our recommendations because we had 650 applicants for a seventh grade teaching position. And so I remember that when it was a little bit different, but I think we need to be a little bit more uh creative when we're posting and looking at how do we seek out individuals and how are we making sure that we're being a little bit more
037proactive and not just waiting up we posted something on we can. And so even just conversations I had a had an alum reach out to me too uh that uh is looking for different opportunities in the future. Sat down had a conversation about some of their goals and objectives and uh if that's would be interested in a position should something open up in the future. It's that type of uh conversation and dialogue and just making sure that we're having um that network as well. And I think it's it's different. It's it's job selling to a certain extent. So uh my creativity sometimes gets the better of me um on different things, but it's doing things a little bit differently. And I shared a LinkedIn post that got a tremendous amount of traction and attention. And
038I don't know if it was good, bad, and different, but uh a number of folks said something to me, too. And it was a good conversation starter. actually for our director of business services role. Um, and so allowed for some introductions that I don't know necessarily would have taken place. And so that was a really good thing. And then just uh highlighting making sure we're connecting to with the university and colleges when we need to make sure we're looking at uh candidates for positions. And I think this goes to a much larger broader conversation on education, not just the Ger School District. And then once we get into a process where we've posted a job, really I look at three different things. And I always say this because anytime you have folks on an interview
039team, it's that's one part of the process. And so as we have just uh looking at that process as we have the actual interview and that's a portion of it too, looking at the materials of individuals, those qualifications, experiences, getting all that stuff, understanding their story, bringing those things together and then references are a huge part. So I kind of look at it this as we do interviews as a part of this process. Uh but it's also part of a process. And I think that's something to reiterate because uh when we go through these things, it's making sure we're identifying the best candidate who's going to be the best fit within the organization. From there too, when we are ready to make an offer and and hiring, and this is something that uh Amanda's done
040a really nice job with HR, is just making sure that we have offer letters, that information shared, whether it's a coaching position or um a teaching position or whatever the role is. Making sure that we have that uh shared with somebody so that they know uh here's where things are, looking at those conditions, making sure we're spelling out that information. And then once we get folks here, it's really going through and making sure that we're setting them up for success from the get-go of making sure they have simple things like they're logged into Skyward and having some of those things and simple things like a welcome sign or a welcome email to staff sharing that information. Um, so we're trying to continue to outline these processes so we make sure that we don't miss something
041along the way knowing that we are adding to this sheet. We just added a couple things after a meeting yesterday uh to this document. And so uh we wanting to make sure that we're building that up, but we're getting folks on board and we're making sure that they're ready uh to to be successful in giving them all the information that they need. And then this is a goal and I talked with a couple of our teammates about this too is I would like us to get in a spot where we're also having kind of our 30 60 90 check-ins. Um and that's something we're going to build towards. they may be a little bit more informal right now, but I think that's going to be something that's critical, too. Um, is as we check in
042with folks, how are we going to be able to support them? How are things going? Um, and just making sure that we're able to have those conversations um with individuals. All right, so that was an overview too on the hiring process. I said I'd keep that uh straightforward. We'll talk a little bit about capital planning here. Um, and so looking at this, this is directly connected to our policy in 7410. So, I figured those of you on the policy committee would love that, too. So, we highlight a couple of those areas. Um, but it's also outlining um what does that look like for conditions repairs, but then also what is our long range uh program? And this is something that a lot of districts too will spell out. And we have a plan mapped out.
043It's how are we going to continue to modify that plan? How are we making adjustments? And for some cases, how are we going to afford that? Um when we start talking about windows and uh different roof sections, those are not cheap items. And so there's things that we just need to make sure that we have built into a plan um and outlining what does that look like. And so this is just a nice fun picture too of our uh condition assessment that we have and this outlines some of the projects that we need to do. Um and so Drew has this as really a guidepost too for helping him. Obviously if you look at this this is something where we're getting to the end of its lifespan. Um I forget at times it's 2026 now.
044So when I think to 2027 that's a lot closer than what it is. So it's something we need to continue to to make sure that we're investing in um and looking at what are those options. And so I look at this a little bit differently than probably some of our folks in the trades or in construction or design. It's really evaluating that, identifying what are some of those needs, starting to plan for it. Um developing that plan and developing what are the actual items that we're going to need to accomplish and then really getting it to completion. Um, and so this is something I've I've kind of broken this down to how I start to think about this and what this looks like. And then when you have folks that get into this trade and
045this skill, these are some of the breakdowns that they provide too of making sure that we're looking at where are those needs. And this is really dependent on what the project that we're going to look at is. having gone through some significant capital projects that was very different. When you're doing $50 million worth of renovation on a building, your your plans are very different than we need to look at sections of roof and windows. Um, so this is part of a process, but it's also making sure we're identifying if there's areas that we can improve too from not only the facility side, but from an academic side. Taking a look at that and having that conversation. Everybody likes the envelope and finishes part. That's always the fun part. [snorts] Um and then looking at just
046here are some partners too. Uh some folks that I've talked to over the last couple weeks of looking at outlining what are some of those facilities assessments. That's going to be something that we need to do. So, I have a couple calls and some followup too with some partners here to outline what does that look like and what uh do we need to start to put together for our facilities assessments in need and updating our 2017 um area. Now, looking at this, this also connects to what are some of your long-term strategies. Um I'm I'm guessing when we do our community uh sessions and and link that to our strategic plan, I'm guessing there will be something around operational excellence and fiscal responsibility. I'm just going to go on the record and say I think
047that's going to be something that comes up along the way. So, it's also identifying that too. There's a lot of building projects to do, but it's also looking at just the physical structure, the layout, as well as the academic areas and what we can do to support the advancement of uh education through a building project and building plans. Uh funding wise, there's a lot of different uh organizations that use fund 46 and fund 41. I highlight that we're in a different position with those projects than other districts. Um that's been something that those funds were were utilized prior. Um and and uh that's something where other districts have invested in that a little bit more and it's a strategy um that way. And that's kind of a whole different rabbit hole on school finance, but
048it's something too um on making sure that you're looking at those areas. And then a lot of school districts and and this is where uh the the word referendum always gets uh concerning, but a lot of folks too have to go for a capital um or debt issuance for different projects. Um and so that's that's looking at a scope of as you identify these needs. It's also about what is the strategic financial approach to make these things happen because to say hey we need to do $2 million worth of work on our bud that's not going to happen. So, what is that going to look like from our strategy? But it's also that predictability for the future. So, we know these roof sections are going to be here, here, here, and here. And if if
049we can't handle that in our our normal budget, we need to have what is our long-term plan for that and being able to articulate that. So, we're at a spot right now where that's what we need to do is just kind of the planning process, making sure we're having those items evaluated and looking at what is our strategy that coincides to uh to projects that we need to do. And in no way Am I suggesting, hey, we're doing a referendum? I'm not saying that. So, I will be clear on that one. Uh, this is part of a how districts generally um look to to fund this and look at these projects. So, that's we need some more information gathered uh to make those determinations and really get uh that strategy moving forward. Um, and so
050continuing on kind of our board learning series, uh some other items that we had on vision, budgeting process, legislative advocacy, and school finance. Those were topics that uh came out of those surveys we had on the beginning of the year and kind of that compilation. Um and so we'll continue to uh educate and be able to cover a number of those processes. Um as Melissa on boards too, we'll be talking about the budgeting process. And so that'll be a great uh transition for us to both collaborate um through that and educating the board on those different areas and working through the logistics uh to prepare for the 2627 school year from a financial component. So, there you go. I'll offer it up for any questions. >> One, I just want to say thank you because
051I really love these little PDs that we get. Um, is Drew's report um somewhere accessible in the event I had downtime and just wanted to look to see um >> what was Oh, right there. Great. Okay, >> that's my copy as well. So, we can Yes, we can uh talk other. Yeah, I mean I know that was before my time, but I would be just really interested in reading what did that look like as we vision moving forward. Um, and then what was my other I'm gonna forget my other one. So, I'll come back if I remember what my other question was. Oh, the HR. Um, I just really appreciate the HR pro like the checklist and onboarding and stuff. And I think as um I know you've been working really hard on all of
052that, but I think that might help kind of ing that line of, you know, what's being taken care of, what are those processes, and then where would that committee structure come in? So, I just appreciate um seeing all of that laid out and um like I even saw like district swag on there, you know, like I love that there's even those things about how do we welcome people to our district. So, I appreciate all the work you've been doing on that. >> Mike, can we expect a new facilities plan in 2027. >> Yes, I Yes, I we need to have that done. Uh so yes, that's something that again um part of with and I know you'll give an update on the convention and connecting with folks. That was part of my other um conversations
053was around that building project. So, I have some time scheduled with some organizations that do that work um to to be able to start to get that uh process started and making sure we're getting competitive bids for that work. >> Sounds good. Thank you. >> Any other questions for me? >> Terrific. Okay, we will move on to 7C, the Wasby State Education Convention Report. Um, so Tara and I were both um lucky enough to attend the WASBY convention. Tara, do you have any comments that you want to share? >> Um, I enjoyed the convention. I spent most of my time in finance um, meetings and presentations just because I felt like that was my job. >> Um, >> I love that. That's your jam. >> I I love it. Um, and although we've had some
054frustration lately, I feel like I learned that we are still in a good position. We have some great processes in place that are expected at the state level and um I I still think that we're doing a great job and um that's that's pretty much what I learned. I also looked at some food service. >> That's great. >> Um I will piggyback off of the financial parts first just saying that um I was able to attend the delegate assembly where I could hear perspectives from districts across the state. Um so many districts are having to make tough decisions regarding declining enrollment and closing schools. Um, and that is not the situation that we are in. Um, so I'm grateful for that. Um, a consistent theme that I did hear was just a need for strong
055advocacy for our with our legislators, especially around school funding and special education reimbursement. Um, schools are are our our charge is to educate every child. Um, and we're asked to do more with less. um it's difficult for schools to educate students who are in crisis or without basic needs. So now schools are looking at other services that they're having to provide in order to provide an education. Um yeah, I learned more about policy governance and following those benchmarking strategies and strategic planning. Um what else? Yeah, I think the convention reinforced the importance of strong governance and responsible stewardship and yeah, I thought it was a great convention. Terrific. All right, moving on to our broadcast communication which is also on the convention. Um, so I wrote that piece. Uh, Mike helped edit that. Thank you,
056Mike. And any feedback on that before it goes to the villager? >> Yeah, I just really like how you're highlighting like the learning that the board is doing individually, too, and I thought that was really unique in the series of things that we've been putting out. I appreciated you experience to communicate that we're always trying to do better as well. >> Thank you. >> And did something calendar? >> Okay. Board calendar. Thank you. sign up there. So, uh pretty straightforward calendar. We'll look at um our agenda planning meeting. We're going to put a hold on the legislative linkage. Um we've been able to connect with the legislators on a monthly basis. Um and so trying to find that right balance of inviting them in, but also following what they have found as kind of their
057comfort level too while we're still able to advocate um for public education. So, we're going to continue uh to do that. We'll put a hold and then April, we'll be looking professionals. So, we'll start on that process. And as I mentioned, I'll be sending you a couple dates um for for coordinating uh a student linkage here um this month. Uh policy, we'll look at scheduling that meeting and then from a broadcast communication. Emily, you and I can work on a facilities. >> You can read the courts. [laughter] >> Terrific. All right. Well, I think that that's all on our agenda. Is that correct? Right. Um I will entertain a motion to adjourn the meeting. >> Second. >> All right. Everybody in favor? >> I. All right. We are adjourned. Thank you. I'm going to trade.