Highland Community Schools
Board of Directors Meeting
Monday, February 12, 2024
5:00 p.m. – High School Board Room
The meeting was called to order at 5:02 p.m. by President Nate Robinson.
Roll call was taken with Joslin Schott, Dan Ruth, Karen Fink, John O’Leary, Monica Jepson and Nate Robinson present. Rachel Longbine was absent. Also in attendance were Ken Crawford, Superintendent, Angela Hazelett, Secondary Principal, Jane O’Leary, Elementary Principal and Sue Rich, Board Secretary.
Ruth made a motion to approve the agenda, as presented. Seconded by Jepson.
Motion carried 6-0
Consent Agenda Items:
Minutes: Approval of the January 8, 2024 regular meeting minutes.
Approval of the January 22, 2024 special meeting minutes.
Approval of the January 22, 2024 work session minutes.
Financial Reports: Approval of the January financial reports.
Payment of Bills: Approval of the following February bills.
General Fund - $295,293.21
Prepaid General Fund - $1,270.58
Schoolhouse Fund - $42,521.97
Activity Fund - $8,239.31
Prepaid Activity Fund - $1,983.42
Lunch Fund - $17,901.63
School Fundraisers: Class of 2025-Prom Fundraiser-Scratch Cupcake Sales.
Ruth made a motion to approve the items on the consent agenda. Seconded by Schott.
Motion carried 6-0
Longbine arrived at 5:08 p.m.
There was a discussion with the facilities advisory committee and OPN Architects over the meetings that were held the last 6 months about possible projects to be included in a bond issue that could be on the November ballot. The committee would like to see just one ballot question and keep the tax rate neutral with bonding up to $15 million dollars. The projects that the committee came to a consensus on were locker room improvements, multi-purpose center, elementary space-safety/security and commons/kitchen renovation. OPN Architects will work on the next steps to continue to move this process forward.
The board discussed the 4 day school week at length before bringing the issue to a vote.
Longbine made a motion to approve a 4 day week calendar for the 24-25 school year. Seconded by Fink. Roll Call Vote was taken.
Motion carried 6-1
Jepson opposed
Ruth made a motion to publish the proposed property tax levy for 2024-2025 in The News on March 14, 2024 and set the public hearing for March 25, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. Seconded by Longbine.
Motion carried 7-0
Longbine made a motion to publish the 2024-2025 budget in The News on March 28, 2024; set the public hearing for April 8, 2024 at 5:00 pm; and certify the budget to the county auditor by April 30, 2024. Seconded by Schott.
Motion carried 7-0
Longbine made a motion to approve the resignation of Sue Rich, Business Manager/Board Secretary. Seconded by O’Leary.
Motion carried 7-0
Longbine made a motion to approve the early retiree the early retirement package including paying out vacation days for Sue Rich. Seconded by O’Leary.
Motion carried 7-0
Ruth made a motion to approve the 2024 summer reading and learning programs for the elementary. Seconded by Schott.
Motion carried 7-0
Longbine made a motion to approve the resolution authorizing the payment of general obligation school bonds, series 2020, dated March 11, 2020, approving a third amendment to escrow agent agreement, and levying a tax for fiscal year 2025 for the payment of general obligation school bonds, series 2020, dated March 11, 2020. Seconded by O’Leary. Roll Call Vote - All Ayes.
Motion carried 7-0
Ruth made a motion to approve the door alarms bid from Electronic Engineering in the amount of $22,171.05 as part of the safety grant. Seconded by Longbine.
Motion carried 7-0
Schott made a motion to approve the new cameras bid from Electronic Engineering in the amount of $12,677.59 as part of the safety grant. Seconded by Longbine.
Motion carried 7-0
Ruth made a motion to approve the intercom/bell system bid from Electronic Engineering in the amount of $109,317.96 as part of the safety grant. Seconded by O’Leary.
Motion carried 7-0
Mr Crawford discussed the first reading of the following board policies, 713-Responsible Technology Use & Social Networking, 713-R(1)-Responsible Technology Use & Social Networking - Regulation, 605.06-Internet-Appropriate Use, 605.06-R(1)- Internet-Appropriate Use - Regulation, 605.08-Artificial Intelligence in the Educational Environment, 605.08-R(1)-Artificial Intelligence in the Educational Environment - Regulation, 701.01-Depository of Funds, 701.02-Transfer of Funds, 701.03-Financial Records, 701.04-Governmental Accounting Practices & Regulations, 703.01-Budget Planning, 703.2-Spending Plan (Rescind). These policies will be brought back to the next meeting for the second reading.
Longbine made a motion to approve the below board policies. Seconded by Schott.
Motion carried 7-0
400 Role of and Guiding Principles for Employees
401.02 Employee Conflict of Interest
401.03 Nepotism
401.04 Employee Complaints
401.05 Employee Records
401.05-R(1) Employee Records - Regulation
401.06 Limitations to Employment References
401.07 Employee Travel Compensation
401.08 Recognition for Service of Employees
401.09 Employee Political Activity
Ruth made a motion to approve the below resignation. Seconded by Longbine.
Motion carried 7-0
Resignations:
Shannon Hill Copeman - Head Volleyball Coach
A work session will be held on Monday, February 26, 2024 at 5:00 pm in the high school boardroom.
The next regular board meeting is scheduled for Monday, March 11, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. in the high school boardroom.
Longbine made a motion to adjourn at 6:32 p.m. Seconded by O’Leary.
Motion carried 7-0
Reports and documents and the full text of motions, resolutions, or policies considered by the Board at this meeting are on file in the Board Secretary’s office, 648-3822, Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
PRESIDENT, NATE ROBINSON
SECRETARY, SUE E RICH
Published in The News, Thursday, February 22, 2024 L-193
