January 13, 2025 at 6:00 PM - Regular Meeting

1. Call to Order by Adam Bowen, Superintendent - Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

2. Oath of Office: Jennifer Summers and Greg Vosberg

3. Appointment of Temporary Secretary

4. Roll Call:   Denise Churchill, Stephen Donnelly, John Haskins, Jennifer Summers, Vanessa Thun, Greg Vosberg, Lisa Werner

5. Presentation: New Buffalo Elementary School - Janelle Foulk - Golden Acorn Classroom Mini-Grant Recipient.

6. Expressions from the Public

7. Items too Late for Printed Agenda

8. Adoption of the Agenda

9. Election of Officers (Meeting turned over to newly elected President immediately after position nomination/voting)

10. Adoption of Consent Agenda
Items on the Consent Agenda are to be voted on as a single item by the Board. Board members may remove items from the Consent Agenda prior to vote. Discussion of the items that have been removed can take place at the appropriate time listed on the Agenda.
A. Selection of Regular Meeting Time, Date, Place. (Board Retreat Dates: 02/10/2025 and 07/28/2025)
B. Bonding Authorization
C. Designation of Banks as Depositories/Signatures.
D. Copy Charges
E. Supervision of Election
F. Re-adopt existing Board policies per its authority as a General Powers School District.
G. Post Legal Notices in the New Buffalo Times.
H. Designate Barbara Woerdehoff, Beth Arvanitis, Devinnie Wysocki, Lori Gramelspacher, and Tracy Ripley to issue work permits. 
I. Designate Adam Bowen, Superintendent of Schools, or his designer, to sign all necessary paperwork for sale/purchase of district properties and all other documents required by the district. 

11. Communications

11.A. Class President: Jacqueline Behzadi, 9th Grade

12. Committee Report(s)
Foundation: December 10, 2024
PUD: December 11, 2024
Foundation: January 8, 2025

13. Presentation - Strategic Scorecard
Elementary Principal: Melissa Lijewski
Middle School Principal: Dan Caudle
High School Principal: Tracy Ripley

14. The Superintendent recommends the Board approve revisions to Board Policy 2306, per attached. 

15. The Superintendent recommends the Board approve the resignation, for retirement purposes, of Keith Carlson with retirement benefits, per attached. 

16. The Superintendent recommends the Board approve the resignation, for retirement purposes, of Robert Hughes, per attached. 

17. The Superintendent recommends the Board approve the Frederick S. Upton Foundation Grant in the amount of $13,500.00, to provide funding to map the biodiversity of plants and trees for land management, educational opportunities, and community recreation on two parcels of land owned by New Buffalo Area Schools. 

18. Remarks from the Superintendent

19. Remarks from the Board President and Members

20. Discussion Item(s)

20.A. Appointment of Board Committees:
1. Executive 
2. Personnel
3. Curriculum
4. Building/Grounds
5. Berrien County Intermediate School District
6. Berrien-Cass School Boards' Association
7. LRSB
8. PUD - Planned Unit Development

20.B. Board Appreciation Month - We sincerely thank the members of the Board of Education for their steadfast dedication to creating a supportive and enriching learning environment for all students. Your thoughtful decision-making, visionary leadership, and tireless efforts are essential in shaping the future of our community. The countless hours you invest in addressing challenges, supporting educational initiatives, and advocating for student achievement do not go unnoticed. Thank you for your commitment to education and the lasting difference you make in the lives of so many.

20.C. The Superintendent approved the following hires:
Baseball Head Coach - Adam Lijewski
Baseball Assistant Coach - Chris Thun
Golf Coach - Ed Fidler
Girls Soccer Head Coach - Natalie Walter
Girls Tennis Head Coach - Dave Kelly
Girls Tennis Assistant Coach - Lisa Price
Middle School Track Coaches: Vance Price, Lisa Knoll, and Leanne Lamport
High School Track Assistant Coaches: Marty McGinn, Matt Johnson
 

20.D. Cannabis Education - Student and Parent Sessions

21. Other Business

22. Adjournment