Let's stand for the pledge. >> I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
>> All right. So 3.0 is to approve the meeting agenda. >> I'll make a motion to approve the agenda. I'll second. >> Um, any discussion? One thing I will note is that we're
having a closed uh session at the end of our meeting. So, we'll adjourn into that before adjourning the meeting. Um, but it will be the last name. So, just so everybody knows. All right. All those in favor?
>> I I >> I those opposed. Agenda is approved. All right. 4.0 know our acknowledgements and recognitions. Um we don't have anything specifically for this evening. Um 5.0 we have a
recognition of visitors and community comments. Um welcome to the April meeting for the ISD 166 school board. Appreciate everybody being here in the room and online. Um always great to have you. And our community comment
section is an opportunity for the public to comment on an item included in the in the agenda. Um, and we do not have any people signed up for tonight. So, we'll roll right into our reports.
6.1 is our principal report. Mr. Bali, >> good evening everybody. >> Good evening. It's nice to see you still have all your hair. >> Well, yes, I do. I I I think it's pretty safe. Let's see. I am again I am asking for receipts if they they say they made it. I want to
see proof but uh yes in uh satus um this month we can uh continue with our student spotlight uh assemblies. Every month we've recognized over 150 students so far this year. Um and then this month we've been
focusing on the practice of nwakawan which is wisdom. And so with the kiddos, we talk about how that means that we can show that by knowing when to stop, think, and ask for help. We talked about the difference between being smart and wise. Um, and so they've been focusing
on that um value this month. And then the other big thing happening in Satu this week is our third, fourth, and fifth graders been doing their MCAs, um, reading and math MCAs this week and fifth graders will be doing their science MCAs next week. Um, so that's
kind of what's going on in Sawtooth. Um, in the middle school and high school right now, we've had eight senior high students going down to North House every day working on the annual timber frame project. I'm not sure where that structure is going to this year. Um, but
they've been having a great time with that. I checked in with some of them this morning and it's going to be a late night, but they are on track to get the structure completed this week. Um, also some other things coming up for uh students here at the end of the year. Our senior scholarship awards night is
May 13th. Prom is coming up and that's May 16th at Up Yonder. And then also our grand portage awards night is going to be on May 20th. And then for the community, just to let them know that next week, Tuesday, we're having our prek registration night and then also
our kindergarten and sixth grade info night. So, we're inviting families um of students here obviously in in um preK and fifth grade, but also want to put out that out there to any families in the community, no matter where your kid is currently enrolled, to come check us out for kindergarten and middle school
next year. Um online enrollment is open on our website right now, so any new students coming in can um start that enrollment process. And then for the community as well, the grand march for prom on May 16th is going to be at 7
o'clock in the main gym. And then also again, just checking in and reminding folks that our graduation commencement ceremony is on the Saturday, Memorial weekend at 100 p.m. >> Already looking at graduation, huh? >> Yes. Next month. That's not long.
>> Race to the finish here, huh? >> Yes. Yes. >> Great. He's smiling about that. You see that? >> Well, it's hard not to smile with a sunny day. So, >> that's right. That's right. >> Um, any other questions or comments for Mr. Balanchi?
>> All right. Well, thank you so much and best of luck rounding out this year. >> Oh, thank you. >> All right. 6.2 is our student school board member report. Um and we have a report in our packet from Tamoy and uh she's not here with us this evening but
have a look through her report. Um 6.3 is a superintendent report. Mr. Lindol. Thank you Mr. Chair. I will just share that uh read's report. There's a lot going on right now in the high school um with poetry nights and um
career fairs and obviously athletics and um it's really been a hop in two three weeks here uh during the month of April which is normal. It's what we do this time of year but um it's fun to see kids celebrating not just athletics but academic things like poetry and reading
and and music and concerts. So um take a look at that uh for my report. You can see in there, the biggest celebration I want to share uh is that we were notified on Wednesday afternoon finally uh that Cook County Schools was awarded a second two-year native
language revitalization grant. Uh that is a a grant that's a very strong partnership with Grand Portage. And I want to thank Eric in his day job uh for working with me to submit that grant. Um it uh ultimately will fund one of our Cook County teachers uh a 1.0 know FTE
uh for elementary Ojiway to work alongside with Margaret and alongside with Michael um teaching Ojiway as we try to expand um the capacity of of people inhouse to be able to do that and further that work. So, it's really
exciting. It's over a $400,000 grant over two years. It's a lot of money. Um and I think it speaks to them thinking that what we're doing right now is really good and they want to see it continue for a couple more years. So, um, I'm exceptionally proud of that and I want to thank Eric and
Anna for helping in that partnership. It's going to be it's going to be great. Um, yeah. Uh, beyond that, a reminder that the groundbreaking ceremony is May 22nd at 2 p.m. outside the front entrance. Uh, that we'll have ICS here and some of our partners uh, and get out invitations to
that probably here in the next uh, week or so. Uh, we're working with ICS to continue to tighten up our summer occupancy plans. Uh there's just a lot of little details that this uh entails. And so in a nutshell, the office, the
hallway where the district office is, that's where pretty much most of the programming is going to go on. Uh so those rooms will not be updated next this coming summer. Um they'll be in summer number two. Uh, and then that way preschool, Y camps, summer school, all
of those programs, it'll all be, in fact, even food service out of the culinary arts room. It'll all be down in that little section of the building. >> Is that where your offices are going to be still, too? >> Yeah, we'll be there through next year. >> Okay. >> Um, until it'll be summer 27 when we get booted out of there. Um, we will also
use obviously this room for drivers and add board meetings. We'll use um what's now room for some ECF stuff. Um, so there'll be a little bit down on this end where there's not that much happening, but um, the vast majority of it will be in the district office hallway. And, uh, we continue to partner
with the Y getting some some, not a lot, some gym time for our our volleyball and our our basketball program. So, we're grateful to that partnership. And then lastly, I want to remind board members that we're in about the last month of the legislative session. Uh, and uh,
don't be shy. Uh, reach out to our legislators. In my report is a link to that legislative priorities list where I list out things like compensatory funding, special ed cross subsidy funding. Um obviously protect the general formula, those kinds of things.
Uh and then uh grand house child is championing the seasonal recreational replacement aid bill. Uh that hopefully makes it into the tax committee. So there's a lot of things there that are on that list, but um but don't be bashful about reaching out to them. They've they've gotten it from me, but it helps if they hear from um all of us.
>> Have we on that topic, have we got have we heard anything about the um the sales tax exemption that we're >> We have not No, I haven't even been scheduled to testify on it. So, I would expect I'll be testifying on that in the next couple weeks >> if it gets heard in the tax committee. >> Yeah.
>> So, they're really focused, it seems like, right now, on trying to get a bonding bill over the over the finish. As I shared in my memo a week ago, um what's happening in the House right now is just almost complete dysfunction. Uh the Republicans are in charge of everything one day and then the
Democrats are in charge the next day and then the Republicans and then the Democrats and they're using that structure to styy and stiff arm the things they don't one party doesn't want. And so, uh, I have colleagues that are on the schedule to testify on a bill and they chew up four hours on some
other bill and never allow them to even testify or hear the bill. So, it's a lot of political shenanigans going on and that's creating a gridlock. That's just I'm being told to expect that nothing happens. Nothing will happen. So, we'll
see. Democracy, >> right? We love it. We hate it. >> All right. Well, fantastic. Thank you. Yep. >> Any other questions or comments?
>> Okay. We'll move on to the consent agenda, which is 7.0 here. Um, if there's anything that needs to be pulled for further discussion, um, let me know. Otherwise, we just need a motion. >> I'll make a motion. >> I'll second it. >> Any further discussion?
>> All those in favor? I >> I >> I those opposed sent agenda adopted. All right. 8.0 are discussion and action items. Um 8.1 is to accept the expenditure and revenue report for March
of 2026. Uh let's see here. Got that in the packet and we've got business manager Oberg with us as well. If you want me to speak to it now or we
can I have two items that are further down. One is budget revision and budget parameters. Otherwise I if anyone has any questions I can speak to it. >> Um sure. Well, we'll Is this the same
document that um you're going to talk about those items with? >> Um we can pull this one back up because I did put the proposed budget revision on this document. Um Um, we'll just cover this sort of as it
is right now and then we'll just make him interested talking about that. >> Uh, okay. So, with our March to date, um, fiscally we're at the 75% mark of
the year. Um if you you know look down the percentage column you can see what line items are there what exceed and what are lagging behind. Um typically the um items that involve any of the
teachers are lagging behind because they get paid out in June. So it'll be a a bump um because of their annualized pay. Um otherwise there's nothing that jumps out at me that is obscure in this report. Um we do now see the activity in
fund um six and seven for our um bonds and our debt service payments. So if anyone has any specific questions that I can that you want to address or
want me to address, I'd be happy to. Any questions? >> I'll make a motion um to accept the revenue report. >> Any further discussion? All those in favor? >> I
>> I. Those opposed? Motion carries. All right. Thank you. Um, okay. Let's see. 8.2 uh is a discussion regarding uh notification regarding
disproportionality from the Department of Education. Yeah. So, I will invite up Chris Howella. Chris uh welcome. >> Yeah. Chris is a staff member at the Northland Learning Center who uh kind of oversees the um early intervention work
uh that the co the the co-op coordinates amongst all of the member districts. Um Chris has also worked really closely this past year or two maybe uh with our preschool teachers are and Lacy Smith uh on getting that program up and running and our teachers trained. Um but the
biggest part of her job is helping address disproportionality and um implementing the MTSS systems or multi-tier systems of support uh throughout the school district. So welcome Chris. Thank you. Um she's going to help explain like what does that big
word disproportionality mean and u where we're at. >> Good evening. So I provided you guys a draft letter and I'm just going to kind of summarize that for you right now. Um, last year on April 8th, we received a letter from the Department of Ed saying
that Cook County Tony was mandatory disproportionality that you had met the threshold of 3.0 or higher um for American Indian or Native American students with disabilities and total disciplinary
removals. Um, I sat down with Mr. Fangi and Mr. home and we looked through it and because of your small school and the small population, it really could only be one or two kids that are making this significant disproportionality for you. Um, and we talked through all of the
pieces of it and have a really solid plan here in your school. Um, but because of that disproportionality, the whole entire co-op that goes into mandatory, which means they have to set aside 15% of their special ed funding to be used for general education support
and training. Um, and part of my job is from that 15%. So what we're doing with this early intervention is we're really digging in and we're we're setting up a system to make sure that all kids are connected and they're getting the
supports and interventions that they need at that tiered level like Chris was talking about the multi-tered. So, we're really starting to dig into tier one, which is that quality core instruction, tier two, which are those different levels of like smaller group interventions or support or tier three
where it could be more individualized. Um, in this district, you've heard many times during your schoolboard meetings, reports on the universal data and benchmark testing that's happening. That's part of this MTSS process and part of what we're using in the um safe
world. um using that data to really drive decisions and look at programming. Um one of the other pieces that the funding has um supported in your district is a check and connect mentor um that's worked here the last couple of years.
There's been professional development for your staff and leadership team. Um why does this ongoing work matter? um because in January this year, we received notice that you're in voluntary
year 1 um disproportionality for that same group of students being placed under a specific learning disability category. Um so we're making great progress, but there's always more work to do. Like Chris said um before the meeting started, when you know better,
you do better. We're learning a lot better, doing a lot better. Um, but we want to really work on that proactive response to students and meeting their needs. So, um,
that's pretty much the the gist of the report. Any questions or >> what is the year three status? Does that >> So, the state runs year 1, year two, year three. You don't have to do there's
nothing really to get in or out of it. It just flows year one, year two, year three. So the first time that you're identified as being disproportionate or over that 3.0 threshold, you're year one. Then it could be a year or two later when you hit it again, then you're year two. The third time that you hit it
in any category, then you go into mandatory year three. >> So it's just kind of where you are in the cycle and it just goes a year one, year two, year three. And is there ever like an amount of time that elapses where like it starts back
over or is it just you know like the time between year one and year two it could be 10 years? >> I've seen like on a couple of them where it's been four or five years. >> Yeah. >> Um this process and how they're doing it
now I think is only been about 10 years. So, um, the department of ed always kind of refineses how they're calculating and looking at things. So, um, you can be year one
in one category and you can be year two in a different category. Like if you were in year one, you can be like in multiple years too, depending on categories. Yeah. >> So there's there's a very informative video
on the Department of Ed of P the actual numerical system that they use to calculate and figure out the disproportionality in all of those categories. But >> do you happen to know offhand when we hit those other two milestones, year one
and year two? >> So you were in year three. Well, I think you were voluntary those other years. So, this this year three right now, this is your first voluntary. Um, you had a year one for EBD a couple
years ago and now you have voluntary for SLP. Um, I can go back and look in those letters too and send it to Chris. What What does that mean that you're involuntary? That you're >> So, voluntary means it's the first year you were identified in category. So you
can decide if you want to really focus on your general ed and and training and supporting um through that multi-tered system of support so that we're not just pushing kids automatic to like oh they need a little
bit of help special ed. >> I see. but to like really digging in and making sure that before we refer students that we've done interventions, we've progress monitored, we've done our due diligence to make sure that it's um
not a learning disability or or a disability at all that we've we've done that multi-year process. >> Yeah. I I flippidly say um that we've been on the naughty list the entire time I've been in Cook County. We were in the
naughty list when I was in Pequat Lakes. It's an algorithm that drives me bonkers because it can be flagged in any given year in any given category or bucket and it actually amounts to not that much help. um they force the superintendent
and the principal to sit down with a state level consultant every month for three four hours to write plans even though not a single one of the consultants have ever been a school principal have ever been a school district superintendent they know everything about continuous improvement
it's a colossal waste of taxpayer dollars and my time it's never done a thing to improve student achievement so I get a little angry that I have to meet with these consultants that try to tell me how to do my job and they've never sat in my seat. So, I don't know.
It's been around for as long as I've been a superintendent and it's hoops that we have to jump through. The only good things that come out of it are when we purposely invest in resources to help us do better with MTSS structures and
protocols. And that's what Chris does. And that's of value to us. Yes. Um, that's the amount of reporting we have to do because one kid was identified as learning disabled and they happen to be indigenous,
you know, it's like, come on, is it right to then just not look give them the support they need? I mean, would that be better? You know, it doesn't feel to me like it's a system for supporting. But in this case, isn't it is this
like an achievement thing or is this >> Well, last year it was about it was about discipline removals from school. >> Yeah. >> This year, >> this year it's >> identification of learning disabled students who happen to also be indigenous. >> Yeah.
compared to white kids being identified as learning disabled or removal from class in the prior year >> or right. >> And the other thing if you look at like the number of referrals that come through where a student didn't qualify
versus if a referral comes through and qualifies, the student really needs that help and support. >> Right. For sure. >> Um and >> and we're not going to not give it to them. >> No. And you do not have very many referrals that come through where students don't qualify.
>> Right. When I was in Shak, this was our Latino population because that was 30% of our student buy. So, uh you know, same exact thing, just different district. So, thank you, Chris. Um it's a if if if
you can figure out the algorithm they use, you are a rocket scientist. I have never been able to figure it out. I watched the video twice. >> It feels like a Russian roulette to me. >> Okay. Well, thank you. I mean, it's encouraging, you know, reading this.
It's encouraging to know that. >> This isn't like we're not like in trouble, per se. You that you guys are kind of like on it in terms of doing what we need to do. >> Yeah. Chris does a really good job of getting our data submitted and tracked.
We're we're grateful for that help. >> Okay. Um 8.3 uh is a variety of items regarding our construction project. Um we've got our
schematic design. Um, and we've got Jason from ICS here with us tonight and Damian from ICS hiding back there, too. Welcome, gentlemen.
>> Hi. Thank you. Um, Chris, do you want me to try to share my screen? >> Totally your call. I can drive or you can drive. >> Let's try. It's kind of fun. We can actually see your laptop from on the
screen. It's true. It's >> like a mirror thing. >> Yeah. >> Just keeps going. >> Be careful. Don't look too close. >> Going bald. That's what you're saying. Sure.
Thank you everyone. Jason Philip back again with ICS and I am here to review the uh construction update for the Cook County Schools project. Uh Damen Williams here with me, also part of ICS.
Um today we will review the referendum one construction which includes the budget review and project updates and we will also review the schematic design for referendum number two
regarding referendum one. out of your packets in state market. >> The budget for referendum one is 26,149,594 and we have a cost to date of 2,950,188. I have uh reviewed this with Teresa and
we are um both tracking the same cost here to date. So, we're doing well. Um, we do have $300,000 of value engineering that is still pending. Uh, that is related to the site work, playground,
and uh, a sloop paving. And we are getting really close on those, but they are all um, components of the same part of the project. So, we're getting close. We do still anticipate uh 300,000 of savings
on those items. And uh overall we have a projected surplus for referendum one of $163,514. Are there any questions about the
budget? >> Are those value engineering? Is that also just you're waiting for conditions to look at it? I mean >> some some of it is. >> Yeah. >> A couple of the items we'll find out as we start excavation >> regarding the project update. So the um
construction documents are under review with the state for permitting. uh we have completed our second round of comments uh with the design team and the plan reviewers. So that process is moving along well. Um as Chris mentioned
earlier um occupancy and construction coordination is ongoing for the construction uh that will take place this summer. Um so we're coordinating where the students and the staff will be and where the construction will be to
make it a safe environment for everyone. Um we are reviewing the submittals and samples from the contractors uh with the architects to make sure that um the products
proposed are the products that were incorporated in the design. And we are also reviewing furniture proposals. So on Tuesday, one of the furniture vendors came in here to
showcase some of their um cafeteria furniture. Um we will be compiling a list of uh the furniture proposals and providing a recommendation back to the school on uh
which one of the four vendors has the best value. Um furniture will be an item we do have to move on fairly quickly here to uh procure the cafeteria furniture before the end of the summer.
The current lead time for the cafeteria tables um if we procured it today uh the tables would arrive in June. So, we have a little bit of time here, but but not a lot. Uh, we have received proposals from the
furniture vendors this last week here, so um, further information will come pretty quick. >> Jason, I don't think I remembered to ask you on Tuesday. Um, have you made that timeline clear to Emily from DSGW? >> No. And I will be following up with her.
>> Okay. That whole look of the cafeteria will kind of drive what we buy. So >> yeah, terms the colors. >> Yeah. >> Um construction mobilization will start May 1st with site preparation and utility routing in the uh back by the
new gym and also relocating the cooler. And then as Chris mentioned, the groundbreaking will be Friday, May 22nd, 2 PM. Um, we figured out where the podium is
going to be and where the uh ceremonial dirt will be located and I think we're getting ready here, guys. Big decisions. >> Um, that is my update for referendum one construction. Are there any questions on that before we jump into the schematic
design? >> Okay. Um, today I'll be presenting the schematic design for referendum 2. Uh we will review the design approach, the schematic design summary,
the estimate approach, a funding and schematic design estimate, project schedule and next steps. Uh so regarding the basis of design for referendum 2, uh the referendum that was
voted on in November established the budget for the project and also the three areas of focus for this project. Uh we did conduct user groups
uh to review the referendum design, the programming priorities and project goals. So two user group sessions were held in February and March and a third user
group will take place on Monday, April 20th. Uh the project was also presented to Grand Portage on March 12th. Um for referendum 2, we did supplement
the design team with specialty consultants in uh areas such as the track design, landscaping and then theatrical stage design and those uh
specialty consultants did lead the user group meetings. Um so we did bring in real experts to help drive these uh particular areas of the project. As a summary of those user group
meetings uh five designs for the athletic areas uh were reviewed by the user group and a consensus was reached on a preferred layout for the track, the turf and the uh field events.
Uh two designs for the outdoor learning spaces were reviewed by the user group and the performing arts uh user group focused on equipment needs to modernize the space.
Uh jumping right into the athletics schematic design summary. Uh so the primary objective for the athletics improvements were to support hosted competitions.
So the sports that are being accommodated here are the nineman and 11man football, soccer, softball, track and field events uh such as the long jump, high jump, pull vault, discus
and shot put. Uh the track itself had a particular uh layout that was requested. It was an eight lane track with a shorter runway. Uh they called it a fat track, so I
think it was a little bit easier to uh navigate around the corners. Specific with baseball, uh we have planned improvements with new lighting and grass or um terrain leveling out
there. There's a few uh water ponding issues out there. Um we also discussed equipment needed for this new uh athletics area
um such as hurdles and those sort of things that the school doesn't currently have. So we are working on putting a list together of those items. Um here we have uh the layout that was reviewed by the user group and selected
as the uh best option for um the site. We are still in the schematic design phase of the project. So this could still change based on uh the elevation
of the field or other constraints for the project, bedrock um or or other items. Are there any questions about the athletics
schematic design? You want to just walk them through the amenities, Jason, real quick? >> Oh, sure. So, we've got our bleachers here, um, which will be overlooking, uh, Blake Superior, just like they are
now. We have our pole vault, um, here next to the bleachers. We have our long jump and high jump. Down here uh we have our
turf area which includes the soccer, softball, football. So synthetic turf and uh we have our track. Uh we also have
concessions and restrooms and storage for the athletic equipment and also a maintenance type of equipment here. Uh there will be new light fixtures and a sound system to go along with this.
Everyone say your prayers for the lights to work this fall. >> Four more times. One more here. There's also press box the new bleachers. >> Yep. Um so the facility buildings that will
be uh located out there on the athletics area include the restrooms, concessions, ticketing, uh storage, and then the bleachers. Uh so we do have a combined building here which includes restrooms for men's
and women's uh storage and then uh concessions. And we have a second building that was non-heated here which would be for cold storage of the athletic equipment and
maintenance equipment. Uh we also have new bleachers here with a uh target capacity of 500 to 700 uh people. And the bleachers will all be located on one side of the uh
track. And that's uh because the track itself is going to take up a larger footprint. We can't actually fit bleachers on both sides this time. So there was some reason that you guys remind me I think you like that you can't that under under bleacher storage
isn't a thing the bleach you have to have different bleachers or something >> there that was brought up during the user group meetings and it might require different uh occupancy. >> Okay. Yeah. >> That you know right now it's not an occupied space but if it had closed
walls it it might >> sprinklers. >> Yeah. Okay. That's what I think that's what you Okay, that makes sense. >> Um the scoreboard, we talked about that being on the east side of the field um for the best spectator viewing.
Um here we have our new bleachers. Pretty similar to what we have now, but there will be a new uh press box here on the back. ADA compliant. And uh the bleachers themselves are are an improvement from what what is out
there right now. >> These are about 30 ft longer than the the set that's that's there. So to give you an idea >> like widthwise. >> Yeah. >> I stepped well at least from what I stepped off today. I stepped off about
95 ft. and the scoreboard will be on the other side able to do multiple sports. >> It will um one of the comments from the track um user group was that they don't
actually use the scoreboard in the same way as uh football, but it would be useful for uh probably softball, soccer, those those sports. So, is it more of a video kind of?
>> No, it'll be very similar to the scoreboard that's already up. >> Only it works. >> One that works. Yes. >> Say it. >> Yeah. It'll be It won't be a >> The budget is not for a video scoreboard. Um, but it is for a a board
that can handle softball, soccer, football >> or a working scoreboard. >> Yeah. A working. >> We busted. >> You don't have to wind it up. >> Yeah. regarding the outdoor learning schematic design. Uh so we discussed the saw to garden uh the main entry and also the
trails. So the primary objective for the sawtooth garden was to preserve the natural character while improving the usability and access of the space.
Um, we talked about an amphitheater in front of the uh mosaic here for uh 20 to 40 students and uh also relocating the garden, kind
of uh consolidating that into one area and providing a fence around it for um >> Yeah. for deer. near here near fast. >> The location of this garden is not set
in stone here and there will be additional um layouts shared with the group on Monday. >> Yeah, Tom had some ideas on that. >> Yeah, you did. >> Um but it was important to keep the garden. It's very important to the
community. And uh regarding the main entry here, um the primary objective was to provide a durable lowmaintenance gathering space. Uh and
the seating we discussed was uh seating for approximately 30. Um, right now we have this uh amphitheater type type of seating again here and we have uh some picnic tables
kind of scattered about. Uh both of these again will be reviewed as a group on Monday to uh refine these a bit further. Uh the last area with outdoor learning that has been discussed is the trails and specifically with that
are the bridges that were identified in the grant application. Um Chris had mentioned um working with the folk school to uh try to see if we can collaborate a bit closer
on those bridges with them >> possibly. And I think that is a great idea uh regarding the performing arts schematic design summary. So the uh primary objective with the performing
arts improvements was to revitalize the arrowhead center for the arts with new lighting, lighting controls and finishes. Uh we discussed a um
new seating at the lower level of the auditorium. Um a folding mesh folding chair like this. Uh there's definitely been some discussion over the last week about what is the uh most appropriate for the space and those
discussions will continue on Monday. However, this has been used previously and it was recommended um as we were going through the user group meetings. Uh the other item we discussed was the
stage. So there's a front portion of the stage called a thrust and that portion is mobile. So some days it's up, other plays it's taken down or it moves. uh that hardware is not in the best
condition and it does require replacing. Um we also discussed lighting access. So one of the early discussions was a catwalk which would allow staff to uh climb into the rafters to modify the
light fixtures. that assembly was not uh practical or functional for the space. And uh reviewing this closer with uh
with the staff and the uh design specialist. They have recommended a uh motorized structure to lower these light fixtures down to the floor so that the lights can be changed and adjusted
without the use of scaffolding or lifts. >> And I think they can be changed. I think they still need to be like the final, you know, my understanding they still need to go up and do the final tweak point or whatever. Yeah. the the final
focus. So there's still going to be feels the yellow will still be having to go up in the left to do with the >> Sue. Yeah. >> Yeah. Final focus. But but it will give the ability to, you know, if we're going to um you can, you know, show kids how those little different light fixtures
work and different things in the theater. It'll provide some learning opportunities where otherwise the kids would open a lift and I think that's >> that's a no no. >> Right. Exactly. >> Um we also discussed the light fixtures.
So uh replacing the existing light fixtures with LED fixtures and also replacing the lighting control board. So currently the control board is uh more of a manual switches for each of these
different lighting zones and some of the light fixtures are managed by the theater group and some of them are by school. This is going to centralize all of that lighting control into an updated um
system. Um we also discussed audio. So there are some microphone connections that are on the stage that need to be relocated and uh the sound mixing table.
um they want a permanent space for that kind of in the back of the um lower seating for use with theater and also um other performing arts. Uh lastly, uh we discussed other minor
uh facility improvements such as replacing the carpet and repainting the walls with a darker color. Um, and installing a new video screen. Any questions about the theater?
Uh, regarding the estimate. So, we did receive the design documents from the design team a couple of weeks ago and we have engaged several key partners throughout uh the estimating process
here to uh validate the pricing for the SD design. So we have worked with two track and turf vendors, two site contractors, Musco lighting the uh Airo theater
consultant, SAS landscaping the landscaping consultant and also um safe bleachers. So we are working with all these different uh partners to uh
refine that budget and estimate. Uh the schematic design estimate has a total of a total cost of 9,75,837. And uh if we include the construction contingency uh that was
recorded in the referendum, that would bring our total um to, you know, 9.9 million, which is which is on track with the referendum
budget for construction. There are a lot of contingencies and variables at this stage of the um design process, but we're comfortable and confident uh where we're at here. Are there any questions about the budget
uh regarding the schedule? So we are currently in the schematic design process here um with an action item of board approval of the SD design. Uh moving forward
we will be in design development. Uh so really uh refining the design we have right now and preparing for the construction documents. So that process will take place April and May.
Uh there will be another board approval for those documents in June and then we will have our construction documents in July and this project will go out for bidding in August.
Our goal is to have bidding complete at the end of August so that we can um have some material delivered for the site such as the uh fill.
So, this project will take several thousand cubic yards of soil to uh level the turf and uh doing that in the fall would uh be
beneficial for the schedule. >> At least getting it here, right? >> Yeah. Are we are you going to be able to use any of that rock? No. >> Forget a lot of rock though.
>> After the retaining walls nothing, huh? >> I just wonder. >> Yeah, >> it's certainly right there. So you know makes a lot of sense. >> Everyone's always tried to make you can use them for like landscape features if you want to showcase rock.
>> Well, there's no shortage of rock, >> right? See, that's the economics of like we need to bring soil up and back all the rocks >> we're going to be trucking almost make that work for the value of these rocks if it was anywhere that had a shortage of them.
>> Some to a landscaping company. Yeah. >> Oh man. Um to go along with this uh summary, I did provide Chris with the narratives from the design consultants and also uh the design documents
>> and they're in your packet if you want to, you know, buzz through 50page documents. Um, our recommendation here today is to vote to approve the schematic design documents that were presented here and
proceed with design development. So, we were at that the last meeting you were here think we were talking about like turf logos and colors like that's all >> next phase. Yeah, we're just proving the
very general. Yep. >> This is actually a very thorough schematic design >> all in all. >> Yep. >> So, a lot of lot of lot of effort went into this which will make the next steps probably a little easier.
>> Help, you know, as accurate as possible at this point with the cost. >> Oh, totally. Yeah. We spent a lot of time making sure that was >> the case is >> it wasn't very much fun last time around. have a little better visibility going into bid day. Yeah,
>> absolutely. Absolutely appreciate that. Um, cool. Other questions, but I make a motion to approve. >> I'll second.
>> Okay, further discussion. >> All those in favor? I I >> I. Those opposed? Motion carries. So get to work on that extent. All right. >> No rest for the wary.
>> I'll send out the message right now. >> See, that took care of 8.3 and 8.4 actually because we had the construction update at the beginning. >> Thanks. >> So we got all the IC stuff there. Appreciate you guys coming down and up,
I guess, as it is. >> Yeah. Picked a great day. So we actually walked the entire site. >> Did you? >> Yep. because it's been a little while since uh since winter was upon us, right? So, >> it's a little different when it's that 50 below out there, >> right? We picked a lot warmer day today.
It's one of the few we have. So, I'm glad you guys are here for it. >> It'll be the same 10 July. >> That was great. It was great to see you. >> All right. >> Yeah. Thanks, guys. >> Three silver show. >> Okay, let's see. So we are going to move
to 8.5 which is 26 budget revision. We'll bring back >> manager over >> travels guys. >> All right.
Budget revision. We kind of dug in a little bit deeper over at work session, but just as a broad overview, um when we approved our budget, we did not have the passing of the referendum um in this in
the original plan. And so after passing the referendum in November, there was activity that really needed to be reflected in the budget. So what you're looking at is the primarily changes. is there were a few other things since we were doing a bud budget revision that um
I also included contract settlements from negotiations um and some curriculum purchases that were required because of the read act um and so what we're looking at is a bud budget revision and the
um change is an increase to the general fund of approximately $200,000 um and that hopefully maybe won't all ding the unrestricted fund balance but
um uh there is potential for some fund balance usage in this plan. Um and then the other components are the refunding of the debt. So there was an in and out in fund seven and then the um
acknowledgement in fund six of the revenue that was received from the sale of the bonds. So, if anyone has any questions specific to the re budget revisions or clarification from our last discussion earlier this month,
>> just so everyone understands this this fiscal year was what we're talking about with this and it'll all get tied out in August, September, no, and then approved with an audit in November when we really know where we land at the very end of the fiscal year. So, this is an
adjustment or a revision and then the audit comes in the late summer, questions, comments. a change in $12 million in revenue was kind of important thing to recognize,
>> right? >> We do that very soon. >> It's a change in the right direction, >> right? And so then when the revenue is recognized in this fiscal year in future, it'll just Yeah. The expenditure
side. So that often times gets a little bit distracting I guess but that's when we have to look at the fund 135 and >> separate >> just know that the fun six is doing its thing right
>> fantastic >> is yes >> so that needs to be approved >> approved I'll make recommendation to approve the budget revisions as presented >> I'll Second. >> Any further discussion? All those in favor?
>> I. >> I. Those opposed? Motion carries. All right. 8.6 is to approve the uh fiscal year 2027 uh budget parameters.
>> Um so this document equally we discussed uh at our work session. Basically it's kind of laying out uh what's reality, what is happening. Um and then kind of what are assumptions for building the um
fiscal year 27 budget. Um so reality is that project our projected unrestricted fund balance um is expected to land at 3.5 million of that there's about 22 to 25 in this unassigned bucket. Um, so
we're hoping to maintain in that spot. Um, because that is our uh policy. We lost our screen. Um, our projected enrollment, we talked about that a little bit in detail.
There we go. Um, and it really is remaining flat, if not dipping a little bit. So, uh, conservatively budgeting for fairly flat enrollment, uh, as we move into the next year. Um, so that what that does to the kind
of budget is it we have an increase in the general fund formula, but we're really not going to see a whole lot of increase in in revenues. Um, I did ran some numbers and I'm kind of seeing that the general fund revenue will likely be
around the same as this year, the 9.2ish million million dollars. So, um, our expenses are going to I'm going to try really hard to get it to that. Um, I've kind of done some preliminary
numbers with with um salaries and benefits and we'll get in there with the finer tooth comb. I don't have any numbers to show you that are definitive yet. So, um, that will be at our May
um session we can dig into that a little bit more. Um so I guess looking at those things um our plan for our budget that we discussed was you know we know that there is an increase in the generalized
formula. Um we will use assigned funds if needed for curriculum purchases buses. I believe Tom still wants to get one more new bus in the fleet before we can take a break for a while and then we'll get on a better schedule. Um there will be increased cost
personnel. Um are reducing two FTE teachers to balance the budget. I think that is going to be helpful um as I try to you know get those expenses to level out. Um and then the referendum project will be happening. So we will be
spending lots of money. Um but that's all um in a draw schedule. And so that will be um planned out with ICS's help and as we walk through that process um of construction.
So unless anyone has any questions or more things that you want to weigh on Chris and I to for this budget cycle, we'll have numbers If not, then I would recommend or
request that this um be approved for work on the budget. >> Motion to approve budget parameters. >> I think I went first. >> I'll second further discussion. Yo.
>> Um, thank you for getting this started. We appreciate this process to have it be real iterative for the board as we move through this. So, great. >> Uh, all those in favor?
>> I >> I those opposed motion carries. All right. 8.7 is to accept donations. Got a resolution accepting donations in
the packet here for this month. And another generous slate of of donations coming our way. I'll make a motion. >> I'll second it.
>> Any further discussion? Thank you so much to the donors. um continuously surprise us with your generosity every month. So, thank you. Um all those in favor?
>> I I those opposed? Motion carries. All right. 9.0 is personnel. Um 9.1 is the slate of new hires resignations, leaves of
absence here in the packet. There are a few. It's typical on a man that we have quite a bit going on. >> Yeah. Oh, >> right. I'll make a motion to uh ex uh accept
the uh who hires resignations leave of absence report. >> I'll second any further discussion? >> Just glad to see that we did school psychologist thing. >> Yes. Yeah. And uh excited about that
hire and grateful with the NLC and negotiating how that's going to work and we just hope the best for that. I think it's be a value ad. >> All those in favor? >> I those opposed? Motion carries.
All right, that is everything on our regular agenda. Um so what we're going to do is go into close session before we adjourn the um there's not going to be any other agenda items. So, we'll just
need a motion to >> close session. >> Okay. So, we got a motion to move into close session here at 608. Need a second. >> Yeah, I'll second. >> Okay. Um, all those in favor