Superintendent Dr. Andy Barrett presented information regarding the recently conducted Facility Capacity Analysis.
Board Member Jackie Forbes shared several bills that might impact local districts, including bills related to safety drills for substitute teachers, requirements for athletics coaches to be certified in CPR, and laws related to the use of Native American names as mascots. There is also a proposed bill related to cell phone use in classrooms that aligns to our current district practices. IASB will be sending another digest about additional bills to come.
Dr. Barrett reflected on spring break and the important work that was done during that week in some critical areas. He thanked the staff who worked over spring break to transition the District to a new finance system.
He discussed that the Demographics Study and the Facility Capacity Analysis will be overlaid to determine next steps.
He concluded by emphasizing that great things are happening in our classrooms and the District has a strong commitment to keeping important programming in place.
BOARD DIALOGUE TOPICS AND PENDING ACTION CONSIDERATIONS
The Board approved the Student Information System Recommendation as presented by Director of Technology Michael Wilkes.
The Board also approved the 2025-26 Staffing Plan, the Annual Resolution for Dismissal: Part-time and Select Certified Staff, and the Annual Resolution for Dismissal: Part-time Select Educational Support Personnel as presented by Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources Dr. Adam Law.
The Board approved the 2024-25 Designation of Auditor and the Resolution to Transfer Funds from the Working Cash Fund as presented by Assistant Superintendent for Business Services Todd Latham.
WORK-STUDY TOPICS & FUTURE ACTION CONSIDERATIONS
The Board reviewed the Consolidated District Plan for FY26.
One Board member commented that this is a very busy time of year and thanked all the administrators and teachers for all the work with our students. They said they attended the Music Boosters meeting where they are preparing for the GHS spring musical on April 24-26 – it is a production of “Suessical the Musical”, including a matinee for the first time.
Another member reminded everyone about the Jazz Dinner on May 20, and the upcoming fundraising night. They mentioned that the Jazz Band that performed at the Moonlight Theater in St. Charles, and what a great opportunity it was for the students.
One member said they attended the Facility Task Force meeting, adding that it is great to see how far the district has come to be transparent about Capital Plan projects. They added that the scope of projects was significant this year and gave credit to the leadership and team in our operations department for doing a great job. They also commented on the Suessical show, adding it’s a good idea to get tickets early.
Another member gave a shout-out to the robotics student Sawyer Rinn who has made an impact on a global stage and is looking forward to seeing what else he will accomplish in the future. They said they attended the Heartland Variety Show that featured short videos between each act from people sending congratulations to Heartland on their National Blue Ribbon Award. The show included several surprise shout-out videos, and it was touching to see Principal Mrs. Hornberg’s reaction. They also gave a shout-out to Director of Technology Mike Wilkes on his work with the technology team. They will be attending the Health Insurance Committee meeting the following day.
A member said they are excited about the end of the school year and the fun activities ahead. They wished students good luck this week on their ACT and standardized tests. They reflected that the Viking Leader Awards are nice because they call attention to student achievements that may not be as well known, adding that they were impressed by GMSN student Sawyer Rinn.
Congratulations went out to all the board members who were re-elected this season. Another member said there is work being done at the transportation facility to keep our buses more secure. Adding that this is one of the many projects in the works by the O&M department.