Approval of Previous Meeting Minutes

Dissent: None

Moved by Unknown [Early in meeting] · Seconded by Unknown [Early in meeting]

Board reviewed minutes from four prior meetings held in January and February. No corrections or additions were noted by board members.

Agenda Amendments: Highlands Elementary Mechanical Bid Withdrawals and Approval

Dissent: None

Moved by Unknown [Early in meeting] · Seconded by Unknown [Early in meeting]

The board added two items to the consent agenda: C1 for accepting withdrawal of three incorrectly submitted bids (McFarland Ebert, and Mizinger) and C2 for approval of the mechanical improvements project. Discussion clarified that specific bid withdrawals needed to be listed in the motion.

Capital Budget Project Request 2014-2015

Dissent: None

Moved by Unknown [During action items] · Seconded by Unknown [During action items]

The board approved the $2 million capital budget allocation. Margo Bach provided background on the capital request process, explaining that requests were adjusted this year due to the alternative facilities plan and mechanical repair priorities. The budget includes buses, building improvements, repairs, textbooks, site allocations, and furniture/fixtures for kindergarten additions.

Creek Valley Elementary School Mechanical Improvements

Dissent: None

Moved by Unknown [During action items] · Seconded by Unknown [During action items]

The board approved mechanical improvements at Creek Valley Elementary with QE Contractors as the successful bidder at $4.7 million. The project exceeded the initial construction budget. Margo Bach explained that the tight construction market, with multiple districts undertaking similar projects and all-day kindergarten additions, has driven costs up. The district received seven competitive bids. The project is prioritized in the 10-year facility plan. The board discussed holding the Valley View parking lot project pending secondary facility study outcomes.

Highlands Elementary School Mechanical Bid Withdrawals

Dissent: None

Moved by Unknown [During action items] · Seconded by Unknown [During action items]

The board approved acceptance of bid withdrawals from three contractors (McFarland Construction Company, Ebert Construction Company, and Meisinger Construction Company) who submitted bids for Highlands Elementary mechanical improvements but later identified errors. Two of the contractors used the same subcontractor who provided incorrect information. The board discussed whether three withdrawals from one bid was unusual, with staff indicating it was a coincidence and noting an unusual day with late bid submissions.

Highlands Elementary School Mechanical Improvements

Dissent: None

Moved by Unknown [During action items] · Seconded by Unknown [During action items]

The board approved mechanical improvements at Highlands Elementary School at $4.4 million. Like Creek Valley, this project exceeded initial budget estimates due to market conditions. The project is part of the 10-year facility plan prioritizing mechanical system replacement.

Purchase of Data and Internet Lines and Service

Dissent: None

Moved by Unknown [During action items] · Seconded by Unknown [During action items]

The board approved a $37,800 contract for a secondary internet connection through Office of Enterprise Technology (OET) for a 12-month period. Steve Buettner explained that the e-learning squared initiative has driven internet usage to 600-900 megabits during peak times. The dual fiber connections from Ties and OET provide redundancy and increased capacity. The district will continue using both providers and can file for e-rate reimbursement for both lines. Discussion clarified that Comcast's proposal was cheaper for internet service but did not include connectivity costs and would use less reliable cable connections rather than fiber.

Student Policy 502 Approval

Dissent: None

Moved by Unknown [During action items] · Seconded by Unknown [During action items]

The board approved Student Policy 502 as amended. The primary change involved moving guidelines from the policy body to an appendix with a reference added in paragraph 4c to direct readers to the appendix. The policy was previously reviewed on January 27th. Discussion noted that the district successfully piloted random breathalyzer testing at a school dance with positive results and no student issues. A board member raised a concern about whether important search guidelines should remain in the policy body rather than just referenced in an appendix, and the board agreed to revisit this question at the policy committee meeting.

Policy 533: Student Wellness (Food, Nutrition, and Physical Activity) - Discussion Item

Dissent: Multiple board members raised substantive concerns about policy scope, title accuracy, and distinction between mandatory and aspirational language.

Policy 533 was presented for board review and discussion (not yet approved). The policy focuses specifically on food, nutrition, and physical activity as required by federal law for grant compliance and food program participation. The wellness committee has reviewed the policy with the teaching and learning department. The policy includes two appendices: Appendix 1 (new, with general standards) and Appendix 2 (more detailed, reflecting previous committee work). Discussion centered on several issues: (1) whether aspirational language (e.g., 'locally sustainable foods') versus federal mandates was clearly distinguished; (2) whether the title 'Student Wellness' adequately reflects the policy's limited scope to food, nutrition, and physical activity; (3) whether language about reflecting religious, ethnic, and cultural diversity in meal planning is federally mandated or aspirational; and (4) whether dietary accommodations language (number 6) adequately addresses both health-based restrictions and religious/cultural food preferences. The board agreed to send the policy back to the policy committee for further discussion before bringing it back for approval.