March 4, 2025 at 8:00 AM - Board of Education Retreat

Discussion:  No members of the public were present.

Discussion:  Superintendent Patterson presented pricing options from Eakes and Capital Business Systems.  Eakes provided the best pricing option.

Discussion:  The district has several CDs with low interest rates.  Current short-term CD rates are favorable, with a 6-month CD having a 4.25% rate.  The Board discussed combining all CDs into one CD and adding $250,000 from the Depreciation Fund.  The Board authorized Superintendent Patterson to work with Cornerstone Bank to cash out existing CDs, then use those funds to create a single CD, and add another $250,000 to the new 6-month CD with an interest rate of 4.25%

Discussion:  Superintendent Patterson presented preliminary budget information to the Board of Education for the 2025-2026 fiscal year utilizing a 2% increase in tax asking.

Discussion:  Stephanie Summers and Stacie Higgins from the NASB presented a draft form of the Strategic Plan that the administration will be completing.  Information that was gathered for the development of the strategic plan came from public SOC meetings last fall.  Once the administration finishes editing the Strategic Plan the board will approve it at a regular meeting.  The strategic plan is a 5-year plan designed to improve many aspects of the district, focusing on: creating a student-centered learning environment, academic learning and success, district resources and board governance.  

Discussion:  Superintendent Patterson approached the board with an idea for recruiting and retaining teachers.  Superintendent Patterson proposed using funds from the special building fund to work with the Villages of Wilcox and Hildreth to utilize available lots and housing developments to build housing that could be sold to teachers.  The board of education will have Superintendent Patterson start conversations with each community to develop partnerships, and to collect information to determine anticipated costs.