The survey, developed with School Perceptions, will reach every residential mailbox in the district. Its purpose is to engage residents, gather opinions on the school district’s operational situation, and assess priorities concerning funding and tax tolerance. The survey will help identify community perceptions, especially since many residents may not have direct ties to the schools. Each survey will feature a unique identifier to ensure the integrity of responses, preventing multiple submissions.

Key topics within the survey include property ownership, agricultural land taxation, and the Agre tax credit’s benefits for farmers. Additionally, the survey seeks community input on proposed projects, such as early childhood additions, HVAC and plumbing upgrades, and safety enhancements. With a focus on transparency, the survey clarifies that bond money is designated solely for capital improvements, not operational expenses like salaries.

The board emphasized the need for community input to guide decision-making. The survey’s results will inform future projects, with the understanding that not all community requests can be fulfilled. The board acknowledged the necessity of balancing public desires with practical limitations.

During the meeting, the board also discussed ongoing infrastructure needs across the district’s buildings. Aging facilities, outdated HVAC systems, and necessary upgrades were highlighted, with a particular focus on the high school’s air handling units and electrical systems. Central Middle School and South Point Elementary were also noted for their infrastructural challenges, including outdated heat pumps and inadequate classroom configurations.

Additional topics of discussion included the need for a dedicated space for mental health services within the school, which would accommodate psychiatrists, counselors, and social workers. This area aims to provide students with a comfortable environment to seek help. The board also considered transitioning group bathrooms to family-style facilities, allowing for better supervision and reducing incidents in unsupervised areas.

The board further explored potential expansions for early childhood services. Options ranged from additions to existing facilities to the construction of standalone structures. Discussions included the feasibility and cost implications of each option, emphasizing the need for strategic planning to address current and future needs.

The meeting also covered the boys’ soccer program’s proposal to construct a “schlocker” or shed locker near the football field to address equipment storage and player safety challenges. The funding for this project would come from fundraising efforts, with a goal of completion by fall 2026. The board deferred a decision, opting to revisit the proposal in the next meeting.

In financial matters, the board approved a contract for boiler replacement at South Point Elementary, scheduled for summer 2026, and addressed a missed property tax abatement for new construction. Donations to the district, totaling $6,242.23, were also approved.

The meeting concluded with discussions on the potential for a referendum to fund school improvements, with a community facility task force reviewing the survey results in early March. The timeline for a referendum was laid out, with the possibility of holding it in August or November, depending on community feedback and readiness.