001Good evening and welcome to the February 26, 2026 Lake Force Board Education meeting. I'm going to call the meeting to order. Um, thanks to those who have joined us in person and those have joined us online. Mind we are broadcasting over the internet. And for those that have joined us online, you'll notice a different background and a different setting as we have hit the road to Lake Force Elementary tonight. So, we are uh uh thankful for Mr. Sheen and Mr. Nathinger for having us this evening. And we're going to go ahead and get started. First order of business. On the agenda is our pledge of allegiance and moment of silence. If you please rise. Ice of America stands one nation under God indivisible with liberty and justice for all. >> Thank you. Item 2.3 on
002our agenda is our roll call. Mrs. Rash >> here. >> Dr. Wyatt >> present. >> Mrs. McCloskkey is absent. Mrs. Starky, vice president >> here. >> And James R, president serving as chair. Let the record know that we have four of five board members present. Item two function. >> Uh floor approval agenda. Make a motion we approve the agenda as presented. >> Second. Have a motion and a second on the floor to approve this evening's agenda. Any questions on that motion? Hearing none, I'll call for a vote. All those in favor? I opposed abstensions. Motion carries 40. >> 2.5 approval of minutes. I made a motion we approve the minutes from the February 12th, 2026 meeting of the playforce board of education. Second. >> And we have a motion and a second to approve the
003meeting minutes from the February 12th uh board of education meeting. Any questions on that motion? hearing. None. I'll call for a vote. All those in favor? I opposed abstensions. Motion carries 40. And as I alluded to, we are at Lake Forest this evening. So I'm going to turn that over to Dr. Lucas with some introductions and our presentation. Good evening everybody. Welcome. Thank you for being here. And I'm going to turn it right over to principal Jeff Shehand who's got some great stories to tell us about down there for East. >> Absolutely. Thank you uh President Ral Vice President Stark, members of the board. Thank you guys for coming and uh supporting us here and showcasing the board meeting here at uh Lake Forest East. Uh the timing for this is perfect. Uh our art
004and literacy night happens every year around this time and it's great opportunity for us to showcase the arts uh whether the visual arts or um or vocal arts that we're going to uh present for you tonight. Um want to give a thank you to Miss Quinn, our art director who our teacher uh who has been working all period getting our art show uh projects ready. We actually had to move our art and literary night officially from east which was supposed to be last night to uh to March 4th. So, not that you are our dress rehearsal, you're going to be our encore. Um, but uh we're lucky to be able to showcase for you guys tonight uh in preparation for that uh next week. Um I'm not going to, you know, keep you very long.
005I'm going to hand it over to Mr. Corvy, our uh our choir teacher and music teacher, and uh get some students up here singing for you. Let's go. >> Good evening both. My name is Mr. Corby. Uh I've been working here for um 5 years, my seventh year uh in education. I got to say I really really enjoy my job. I really really enjoy watching uh these guys come and become great musicians before they go off to the central where music really opens up and uh they get to learn a instrument and important skills that really keeps with us like throughout our tenure at at um Lake Forest and throughout that and all of our lives. Um we have a small group today uh totaling of 12. Um, our total Lake Forest East combined choir
006ranges over 60 members. Uh, obviously that would be a little much for uh our smaller of a setting, but if you do come to uh Art and Literacy Night or I Love Lake Forest Day, you'll see the full uh cast in action. But we're going to take a quick second to u go over two songs that we're going to be doing at Art and Literacy Night. Um, so we're going to have the kids come on out. And as they're getting set up, um, our two songs we chose because our theme for our liturgy night is focusing on nature. So our, uh, first song is somewhere over the rainbow by Israel. Here I go. And our second song is Take Me Home Country Road. by John Deer. And just so I don't blind the students, let's
007go down a route. And then this is my favorite part. We're going to shift a little bit this way. Breeze. That'll work. Right. over one of us. wedding. Oh, why can't I I love There's a white at the very end. It's a different but very very proud of this group. a lot of that uh things that are inside that song. It's a lot of stuff that we do with pitch and tone. You can see them moving up and down, which is really awesome to teach at at the third at third grade, second grade level. So, really, really happy with where we're at as a full choir. Very, very excited to show that here at the board meeting. We got one more song. Like I said, it's taking me a home country road by John Denver.
008Five. Ready? Thank you. That's true. Mexico. Get off. Get out. Thank you so much for taking some time and listening to us. I really do appreciate getting this opportunity to uh showcase our tremendous talent we have here at Lake Elementary. Uh thank you so much. I hope you all come to see us at art lit night. Thank you. Literacy night is the 4th. >> March 4th. Yep. March 4th. Thank you. That was I know. >> All right, turning back to our agenda. Next item is citizens participation and I will read directly from board policy K public concerns complaints. The citizens participation item on the board agenda is an opportunity for interested citizens to speak publicly and address the board. Those who wish to speak publicly whether in person or online must complete and submit the
009public comment information from PCIF by 12 p.m. on the scheduled board meeting date. PCI which is available on the district website must be completed in its entirety and submitted to the superintendent's office by the scheduled deadline. The citizens participation agenda item is limited to 30 minutes and individual speakers will limit to three minutes per speaker. In the event interested citizens wish to speak on a particular concern as a group should select one individual to speak on the behalf at the discretion of the board president or chair. Speaking time may be limited to two minutes per speaker to allow for greater participation. Approved speakers will be recognized by the board president or chair and in the order in which their names appear on the approved list. The board values citizens participation and respects the right of
010all speakers to speak freely. However, all speakers should maintain a level of decency and decorum to ensure a public forum that remains productive and respected. The public should not expect discussion or response to any speaker comments at the board meeting. And my understanding is we do not have anyone that has signed up to speak today and this will come back again at our next meeting as another agenda item. Turning to section three reports. First one up is student council report and I believe we have uh Riley. Welcome. >> Hi everybody. Hi guys. Hey. >> My name is Riley Shenan and I'm here representing the Lake Forest High School student council. I just have a couple updates on events and activities that we have happening at our school. So first up, the yearbook students are working
011hard to get our 2025 2026 yearbook out with the theme being capture the moment. Next up, Driver's Ed has a couple speakers coming in this month. On March 6, we have a speaker from Mothers Against Drunk Drivers and one from Virginia Tech on March 16th for a sharing the road demonstration where students can experience blind spots inside large tractor trailers and trucks. They had this demonstration in September, which I personally attended and found that it's a great learning experience for all students. Lake Forest Hosta had seven students advance to round two in the state leadership conference in the events medical math and public health. We also want to give a big thanks to our custodial team for working tirelessly to clear all of the snow to ensure that we could return to campus as soon
012as possible. Students Anthony Smith and Christopher wheeing to shovel darts. Our Lake Forest wrestlers competing conferences last week. Dearon Russ and Jerusalem Howard placed second in their weight class. Frederick Tullson placed fifth and Chase Lewis was our hen looping conference champion. Good luck to some of our swimmers who will be competing at states tonight. So we'll get the results on that tomorrow. And congrats to Chef Mayo and the Pro Start team who placed third in restaurant management competition at the 2026 Delaware Prostar State Student Invitational Invitational last week. This was the first time Blake has meddled in this category. So congratulations guys. Junior Natalie Cuchinelli represented the Hub Club in Ocean City, Maryland, preparing meals to the to be donated to the cornerstone community to support families in need. EPA attended the state leadership conference
013last Thursday where they displayed professionalism, confidence, and pride, showcasing their ability to collaborate at a higher level as well as showcase their technical and leadership skills. Lake attended the black male initiative conference in Delaware State University where they engaged in meaningful conversation surrounding leadership purpose and academic success. Their chaperons Dr. Johnson, Coach Johnson, Mr. Hall, and Dr. Bourley, Mr. Borley, sorry, said that it went very different. In science, Miss Ramstell conducted a fun and engaging science experiment of energy con an energy conversion demonstration using isopropyl alcohol rockets that was a very handson way to see chemical energy transform into thermal and kinetic energy. Last week, 11 link four students competed the Delaware ad rising state competition at the University of Delaware. We are proud to share the following results. McKenna Riggins, silver in creative lecture.
014Leila Armstrong, gold and interactive bulletin board. Kaden Shockley, gold and interactive bulletin board. Alexa Stark, gold and interactive bulletin board. Kendy Lewis, silver in children's literature. Juliana McCloud Martinez, gold in children's literature. Violet Smith, bronze in lesson plan and delivery. Arthur or Ricky Hamilton, gold in public speaking. Sophia Kemp, bronze in lesson plan and delivery. Pyina Aguilar Romeirez, bronze in teacher and creative materials. And finally, Alexis Beaver, gold in children's literature. Our gold medalists will be heading to Portland for Nationals. And our three state officers for the 2026 and 2027 year are will be Amber Gomez, Toro, Purina, Aguilar, RmIrez, and Violet Smith. Lake Forest also had the privilege of hosting Zach Ryan, the executive director of Shaun's House on campus this week. Shaun's House was founded in memory of Shawn, a young man who
015died of suicide with the mission to ensure that no one faces mental health struggles alone. The organization provides free 24-hour peer support and a safe space for young teens navigating crisis, connection, and hope. Mr. RI met with our students as well as our counselors, wellness staff, administrators, school nurse, constable, dean, and RSO to share the services they provide and to discuss their expansion into Kent and Sussex counts. We are grateful for leaders who stepped forward, collaborate, and work alongside our schools to show that support is real and accessible. This week, we proudly celebrated our unified basketball seniors and what has truly been an incredible first season for this team. This team has showed our entire school community what inclusion, perseverance, and spartan pride really looks like in action. A huge shout out to Dr. Jones
016for coaching this amazing team and helping create such a positive, meaningful environment for our students. Oh, and I think that's all I have for you guys tonight. >> Thank you, Raleigh. Any questions for one question we would like to ask, what grade are you and what position do you hold? >> So, I'm treasure and I'm a 10th grader. here. Thank you very much for that very uh comprehensive report. Thank you. >> All right, moving back the agenda, item 3.2, superintendent report, Dr. Lucas. Good evening everybody and welcome and uh congratulations Mr. Shehan. We really look forward to uh uh the art and uh what we call night of the arts and >> art and literacy night. Can't wait to see it. Um and if you don't get a chance before you leave, check out some
017of the artwork. Exceptional, especially like the um metal work. really good. Uh, good evening, Spartan family. Like to start tonight's report by thanking and recognizing, as Riley did, our custodial staff again. Uh, for the second time this year, they've had to clear significant snow and ice, as we all know, because many of us had to do that, too, at home. And, uh, but we were able to get back into school really in record time. So, we really appreciate that. Kudos to Mr. Star and his team. And uh I think I think everyone agrees that we hope this is the last time this year that they have to clear snow. Uh we're rapidly approaching the third marking period interim. This year is just flying right on by. That's March 3rd. So coming up next week, I
018encourage everyone to uh keep track of your students grades. Check the uh the home access center. If you have any questions about their progress, reach out to your student's teacher, school counselor, or principal just as soon as possible. Um, I did want to share with the community that we uh got with our uh architect last week, RG Architects, and talked about the addition at Chipman. So, while that does seem like we're moving kind of slow, we really aren't. There's a lot of progress going on behind the scenes and we are really optimistic that they can begin demolition um once school lets out and then as soon as they can uh tear out the existing structures that are uh in that space, we can start building on that addition. Uh March is right around the corner.
019There's not a lot of calendar updates as we know. March is one of those months where uh weather permitting, we're looking at four full weeks uh without a break until spring break. I would like to invite everyone to tomorrow night's Black History Celebration at Lake Forest High School. Uh Dr. can correct me if I'm wrong on this. Dinner starts at 5:30. >> 5:30. And then we'll have presentation in the auditorium at 7. Looking forward to Dr. Johnson is the MC and uh Coach Derell Jones, Dr. Derell Jones is our uh guest speaker. As always, I'd like to remind everyone to follow us on our website, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for all the latest updates and information. That's all I have this evening. I give y the floor back to President Ralph and the board for
020any questions or discussion. >> Thank you, sir. Any questions for Dr. Lucas on this? Thank you, sir. >> Thank you. Back to the agenda. 3.4 LFA and Mrs. H. >> Oh my gosh. I apologize. I skipped 3.3. >> That's fine >> because I had I had you queued up but apologies. So, we're gonna get back to 3.3 uh for our technology report. Mr. 11 back on technology works. We're done. >> Thank you, sir. Let's go. >> All right. Uh thanks for having me this evening board. Uh just some quick overviews of what we've accomplished this last year, what we're looking for in the in the next school year and the remainder of this year. Just kind of give you a quick update here. Next slide. So this is uh my technology team. Um Orlando, TJ,
021Greg, and Jerel. Um the five of us handle pretty much all the tech needs in the district. Um we do have um Anita helps with some stuff and we have Danielle Borgette from the instructional technology side that kind of partners with us on some things but this is these are the guys who do the grunt work you know throughout the school year. Uh you can see work orders that they've um closed out to date and previous years. Um this year we're seeing a lot more um breakage at the middle school level um screens, keyboards, things like that. Fortunately, we're able to fix a lot of that in-house um at at minimum cost, but um we are seeing an uptick this time of year versus some of the previous years. Next, so things we've got done
022in the last year, uh building network wiring. Um last summer, the high school and here at East, we completely gutted all the network wiring. I say we um we had a vendor come to do that, but um add all the cabling redone in the building brings up the cat 6 compliance new standard. Um we're going to do North Elementary next summer. We've currently soliciting quotes. We had vendors come in last week. Um they're working on quotes for us and uh once North is done, all of our buildings will be up to C6 standard um central and south because the newer buildings already had that network cabling in it. So, um, they're good to go. Uh, security cameras. Um, working with Mr. Weller, we did a big job over the last couple years getting new security
023cameras through all the buildings. Um, that project completed last summer. So, um, all the buildings now have cameras. I mean, they're everywhere. Um, we do have two different systems. Ricotta, which is here, and Motorola, the Alta system, which is in the other buildings. And devices. Um we are working on a um trying to do about 100 device replacements per year. That gets us the goal is fiveyear replacement cycle. With 100 a year, we're looking at closer to four years. So we're not letting things get really old and that's primarily staff. Um we're we've 100% upgraded to Windows 11 on all the devices now and we're still maintaining the 1:1 Chromebook kindergarten through 12th grade. Uh some of the other things we got done this year, website revamp. Um that was a a heavy project this
024summer that kind of ties into the the new district communication system. Um those two products are through the same vendor. So we kind of did that all at the same time. Again, Danielle Berett, she carried most of that load getting all that done, working with the buildings and the district office um to get those up and running. And then the infinite campus migration, which took a lot of time, a lot of work. We had a really good team with Anita and Danielle, Mr. D. Um got a lot done, got a lot of people trained and we are up and running. Um not as many issues as we know some of the other districts had fortunately. Um but um I think overall that that migration went great as best it could go and um no real
025issues with that. So we have coming up next um a new data backup system. Um, we're doing a lot of work or saving a lot of data to the cloud now up in Google. Um, our current backup solution doesn't back up that data in the cloud. So, we've reached out to a few vendors. We're trying to find a solution that would do cloud-based backup of our Google Drive. Um, so that's in work. Our data closet cleanups, again, we've had a lot of work done by vendors the last couple of years, upgrading cabling, but some of these network closets are a mess. um just just housekeeping kind of stuff we need to get done. We have some new UPS's battery backups that we're going to install as well and um some other servers that we plan
026to um bring offline this summer. The domain migration that was um it's been a three-year project honestly um but this summer the old domain I don't know if you guys remember the email issue we had a few years ago. This this summer we'll be completely decommissioned that old domain. So we'll have one flat domain um which was great. We'll update some servers. Um, Wi-Fi authentication will be updated. So, hopefully, you know, when you come to buildings like this, you don't have to reconnect to a Wi-Fi. It'll be seamless. And then, um, conversations about a VoIP phone system. Um, talking to Mr. Kellerman. Um, trying to engage with some vendors to find out what that may cost. Our current phone system is is aging out. Um, so we'd like to upgrade that and go voiceover IP
027network phones throughout the entire district. and hopefully go with a like a three-digit phone system throughout. That's kind of on the horizon. And again, everything we do um aligns with the strategic plan. Um again, the success for every student, that's our devices, our infrastructure upgrades, and our um partnership from an information technology standpoint with instructional technology and data management. priority too, the partnership from the families. Again, that's the communication systems, the website, Infinite Campus. Um, and again, that kind of goes along, we we went really heavy with social media this year as well. So, that kind of ties into that community partnership. And then the priority three, the facilities and climate culture again, server upgrades, security camera upgrades, infrastructure upgrades. We're just trying to make sure that all facilities can keep up with the the
028needs. And just a quick summary again just the things we've got done the devices upgrading again the the one one the five-year replacement cycle um we're modernizing all the technology the smart interactive displays we put in about four years ago have been great um and then just uh integration between all the the technology folks even outside of of my office itself that is it unless you have any questions All right, thank you for that report. Any questions for Mr. Leven on this SE report? So, comment and question. So, typically, as I mentioned a few times in the past, the board generally doesn't hear positive things. He just when someone has an issue, that's when they come to us, but I I did hear personally. I'm not sure about the other board members, but a lot
029of positive comments about the website. So, kudos to that. Question on the VoIP U system. Is that something we're looking to purchase equipment or do like a leasing or or um we have not even got that? We haven't really got to that point yet. I think um a lot of the other districts are using um a Cisco product. You know, it's it's cloud-based. We purchase the phones or lease the phones, but haven't really got that far into the engagement of this yet. >> It is the system that we have at my firm is um thankfully just pay them a flat month of fee for devices and if something happens to them, they swap them out. No questions, just to fix them. So, so just curious if we gotten there. So, >> that's it for me.
030appreciate getting the report and uh thank you to you and your staff. Thank you. >> And now the affformentioned Mrs. Hayes. Well, thank you about that. >> Thank you. Um so we I can't believe we are like towards the middle of the year already, the third marking period and inter um we normally don't do the basket raffle for scholarships this early, but we decided to go early with it. So out of mind and people raising money and stuff like that. So, um, yes, the deadline is on the brochure being tonight, but please, if you're still interested in buying tickets for the scholarships, we're trying to get money for the seniors to raise that money. Um, there's plenty of baskets. I know like there's my K, there's a a pot of gold, there's someund there's some
031gift cards and that kind of stuff. So, we tried to make it a little bit fun. It will be a drawing online. So, I believe that Heather is going to do the social media thing like we always do. Um, Val came out of the retirement world and kind of helped us a little bit as well and got some more donations. So, we're really excited about that. Um, in addition to that, you know, we're can't believe it's two snow days and we've been trying not to and we're praying that there's no snow on next week, too, because the teachers really want to get these kids in here and get started. Um, so we appreciate everything that you guys are doing with that and working with us and trying to give us everything that we can do.
032Um, so hopefully things continue to progress and we can hit spring break and into testing season >> questions from Mrs. >> I start. >> When do the drawings start? >> It's supposed to be next week. >> Okay. Feeling good about it this year. >> Well, like I said, you know, Mr. Dempsey's not here to put his money in. >> So, I have question. I mean, did he actually did he Venmo anyone? Like, is he still in this thing? Because he wins every time. there. Okay. >> Yes. So, if you get him in touch. Absolutely. >> I should have gave him my 20 so that he could then buy tickets for me because that's a sure way to win there. So, >> there you go. >> I won't be the first to win this year. I
033promise. >> That's right. >> Thank you so much. Appreciate it. >> All right. That is in the report section. We're going to jump into believe an action item section five unfinished business board policy. Second reading. Mr. Start. Make a motion we approve the board policy second reading as modified during discussion. >> Second. >> All right. I have a motion second. We will have some brief discussion on these as they've already come to the board once and we've had greater discussion, but we'll go through each one to make sure that any uh comments that were made or corrections that were made were changed or any questions in. So, let's start with ECC buildings and grounds records and reports. ECF, energy conservation. ED, materials and equipment management. GBK, staff concerns, complaints, grievances. GCB, donated leave program for
034school district employees. I J instructional resources and materials. JLD guidance and counseling. KHA public solicitations and schools. KHB advertising the streets. finally KHC distribution/posting of the motion materials. All right, one last time for any questions or comments on those hearing none. I will call for a vote. All those in favor? I opposed extensions. Motion carries 40. >> Section 8, personnel report. Can I make a motion we approve the personnel report and receive it? >> Second. >> Have a motion, a second to approve this evening's personnel report. Any questions on that motion? >> Hearing none. I'll call for a vote. All those in favor? I oppose. Abstensions. Motion carries 40. >> Section 10. Other business. I make a motion we approve resolution 10.1 school choice as presented. >> Second. >> Have a motion and a second
035on the floor to approve resolution 10.1 school choice. Any questions on that motion? Hearing none. I'll call their vote. All those in favor? I opposed. Extensions. Motion carries 40. >> Uh section 11 other assist field trips and make a motion we approve resolution 11.1 field trips as presented. >> Second. >> A motion and a second on the floor to approve resolution 11.1 field trips. Any questions on that motion? Hearing none. I'll call for a vote. All those in favor? I >> opposed. Abstensions. Motion carries 40. Thank you, Mrs. Starky. Dr. Wyatt, reports. Um, section 14, board reports. We actually covered DSBA and legislative committee last meeting. Um, however, if there are any questions or comments on either of those, we'll entertain those. Now, these will come back for actual report items at our next board
036meeting of March 14.3. Good to the order. Um, this is an opportunity for any board member who has a uh topic they'd like to address that was not on the agenda to bring that up now. Anyone with go to the order items? All right. I have a few things. So, first thing, as I've been uh mentioning the last few meetings, it is schoolboard election uh season. The closing date for uh filing for school board elections is the first Friday in March. That is March 6th. That is next Friday. So, when we come back to you guys at our next board meeting, uh we'll have official candidates that are that have fully um um yeah submitted their information for the election. As of the check today, we still have two we have first of all, we
037have two seats that are up and we have two candidates that have filed and that is Dr. Wyatt and Mrs. Rash and that election will take place on >> May. >> Yes, written somewhere. It will be May 13th. excuse me, May 13th. However, if no additional candidates, father, there will be no election. And the other item I wanted to mention was uh the day after our last board meeting, we received an email uh was regarding a statewide um local funding uh performance audit conducted by the state and uh we gave some internal kudos to Mr. Kell and his team, but I wanted to give him some public uh kudos because we were one of three districts that had zero recommendations for changes or knocks on performance items that we did not uh meet. And that
038that's critical because when there are issues with performance, that's what leads to issues with finances and funding those things. So, uh the fact that we're dotting all the eyes crossing like these is important stuff. So, um again, I wanted to mention that publicly to you and your staff. So, thank you. And with that, um, I believe we have a meeting for executive session. Before I move into that, our next board meeting is, I pull that up quickly, will be March 12th, and we will be traveling again. It will be at Lake Forest Central. Excuse me, that's at the CBO. And then in on the 26th, we'll travel to Lake Force East. So, the next meeting is at the CBO March 12th. >> South South. >> Man, I'm having a tough night, huh? Well, >> yeah.
039this it's this red font on my computer instead of black. So you'd think that would like really get my attention but I'm struggling so I apologize. So March 12th 2026 CBO the 26 of 26 that's well it's crazy will be at South. So we'll see everyone uh at CBO next I'm just going to stop >> 7 p.m. there. >> I will entertain a motion for executive session. >> So move second. I have a motion and a second on the floor. Any questions on that motion? Hearing none, I will call for a vote. All those in favor? I opposed. Abstensions. Motion carries 40. The board stands in executive session. Thank you all for coming this evening. It's so