Policy Review Process Streamlining
Consensus to adopt new procedure for policy review, to be scheduled by Brenda Albert, Executive Director of Administrative Services.
The board engaged in a lengthy discussion about the effectiveness of the current two-step policy review process involving a policy committee. Concerns were raised about the slow pace of updates and lengthy discussions. A proposal to sunset the policy committee and conduct policy reviews with all seven board members at work sessions was discussed. A key suggestion involved separating minor, statute-mandated updates (via consent agenda) from more substantial changes requiring board discussion. The board decided to move forward with a plan for the Executive Director of Administrative Services to create a schedule for policy review, categorizing items for consent or first reading, and allowing board members to pre-identify policies for deeper discussion.
Wellness Policy Review (Policy #615)
Policy to be brought to the next meeting for review and consideration for approval. No vote taken at this meeting.
The board followed up on the first reading of the Wellness Policy. Kristen Rezac, Director of Student Nutrition, provided context, explaining the policy's legal basis in the Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 and its alignment with state law and MSBA language. She clarified the policy's purpose to promote nutrition education, physical activity, and reduce childhood obesity. The board referenced previous questions regarding the policy's title, healthy meal choices, cultural foods, and food as rewards. No new concerns or requests for changes were raised from board members during this work session.
Hazing Prohibition (Policy 526) & Search of Student Lockers (Policy 502) - Parent Notification
Policies deferred pending further information regarding existing procedural handbook guidelines on parent notification.
Discussion focused on two main points for Hazing Prohibition Policy (526): adding 'paraphernalia' to the definition of contraband, which was generally accepted. The more significant debate revolved around parental notification before student interviews or searches, applicable to both Policy 526 and the Search of Student Lockers Policy (502). Legal counsel advised against formalizing prior notification in policy due to the absence of a legal right, potential administrative delays, and existing 'Tenney warning' procedures for students. Board members weighed administrative efficiency against parental rights, especially in potentially criminal situations. It was decided to investigate the district's procedural handbooks for existing guidelines on parent contact before finalizing the policies.
2026-29 Achievement and Integration Plan Update
Plan to be brought before the board for a vote on February 24th, 2026, for signature and submission by March 15th, 2026. No vote taken at this meeting.
Nicole Adams and Jamie Ut. Schumacher presented the new Achievement and Integration (ANI) Plan, outlining its three required areas: achievement, integration, and teacher equity goals. The plan is now mandatory for the district. The achievement goal shifts focus from graduation rates to reading scores, expanding interventions for EL students. The integration goal will address disproportionate discipline among students of color, beginning with data collection and moving towards non-exclusionary and restorative practices. The teacher equity goal aims to create a cohesive vision for equitable practices and align teacher evaluations with new state standards. The plan also includes a new partnership with Farmington School District for student alliance groups. Funding for programs like 'bar' will be reallocated to the general fund. Challenges regarding teacher of color representation from the previous plan were acknowledged, with a focus on building district culture and infrastructure for future recruitment and retention.
Revised Budget Update
Revised budget presented; to be brought back at the next meeting with the full budget book for further review. No vote taken at this meeting.
Bill Homegen, Executive Director of Business Services, presented the revised budget, showing an anticipated $3.2-3.3 million increase in the general fund balance to $29 million. The student nutrition fund is decreasing as planned, while the community service fund is slowly recovering. The building construction fund is set to increase by $10 million due to planned $21 million bonding for LTFM. The internal service fund, primarily for insurance, is projected to have an $800,000 deficit, which can be borrowed from the general fund. Increased local revenue comes from interest earnings, third-party special education billing, and rental rates. Expenditure increases were attributed to staff, district reorganization, and new assistant principals/counselors. The budget projects an 8.3% fund balance, not yet reaching the 10% policy goal. Superintendent Bowman emphasized that achieving larger district goals would necessitate an operating levy or future bonds, as the general education formula is insufficient.
Board Procedures and Protocols
Discussion and general agreement on proposed board procedures and communication protocols. No formal vote taken.
Chair Amber Cameron led a discussion on improving board functionality, drawing insights from MSBA training on building high-performance school board teams. Key areas included clarifying board roles, fostering trust (potentially through informal activities), group leadership skills, maintaining a supportive environment, setting high expectations, ensuring equitable participation, and having clear processes for decision-making and conflict resolution. Specific communication protocols were proposed to avoid open meeting law violations, such as directing topic suggestions to the Chair/Vice-Chair and channeling questions for district staff through the Superintendent. Guidelines for managing media inquiries and board-wide email responses were also discussed to ensure coordinated and consistent communication.