The board’s most concern was addressing the current teacher shortage, which has resulted in a number of staff members being placed in fields outside their licenses. The board acknowledged that teachers face limitations on how many out-of-field placements they can take throughout their careers, capped at five and not consecutively. While this situation underscores the broader teacher shortage issues, the administration is working to ensure that fully licensed teachers will be available for the upcoming school year.

In close connection with staffing challenges, the board is preparing for upcoming teacher contract negotiations. Although the teachers’ union has not yet formally initiated negotiations, the administration is readying budget information to support these discussions. Legislative changes impacting school contracts were also a topic of concern, as new state laws can complicate negotiations, especially when implemented mid-year. The board emphasized the necessity for flexible planning and diligent communication with staff to navigate these complexities.

On a lighter note, the board discussed a new initiative to engage students in naming the school mascot, the Wolverine. The mascot has remained nameless since its introduction in the early 1990s. Over the holiday break, staff members proposed involving students in the naming process. Students will submit name suggestions, which will be narrowed down to a few finalists for a school-wide vote. The goal is to unveil the new mascot name by the end of January, aligning with the region’s snow days.

The board also revisited the success of recent school events. Holiday concerts organized by the music department received positive feedback and strong attendance. Additionally, a graduate panel intended for seniors, where recent graduates would discuss their post-graduation experiences, was postponed due to inclement weather. The board noted the value of this initiative, highlighting the insights and maturity shown by graduates in sharing their experiences with current students.

The implementation of e-learning days was another significant topic, particularly relevant to the safety of students and staff during severe weather conditions. The Superintendent expressed gratitude for the board’s approval of three e-learning days, which allow for continued educational opportunities while ensuring safety. Discussions are ongoing about managing future weather-related cancellations and how e-learning days can be effectively integrated.

The board also handled various administrative and organizational tasks. The meeting began with a ceremonial swearing-in of a new board member, followed by the annual reorganization and election of officers, which was conducted via unanimous votes. The appointment of committees, particularly the Transportation Committee, saw active engagement from members with previous experience in transportation services. Regular board meeting compensation was confirmed at $100, and committee meeting compensation at $75, with no opposition to these rates.

Budget discussions revealed that some expenditures were over budget due to early purchases of curriculum and supplies. This prompted the board to commit to closely monitoring the budget as the fiscal year progresses. Communication reports included updates on student participation in competitions, staff training for upcoming assessments, and efforts to innovate course offerings based on student and teacher input. An example was the interest in a meat-cutting class, leading to discussions about resource allocation based on student demand.

To ensure clear communication, the board reviewed and confirmed the schedule for upcoming meetings, emphasizing the importance of maintaining alignment among board members and staff. A resolution was passed to direct the administration to make recommendations regarding future initiatives.