One focus of the meeting was the presentation and approval of an amending resolution concerning a general obligation school building and facilities maintenance bond series for 2026A. This resolution included a refunding component designed to capitalize on the decline in municipal bond interest rates, resulting in a projected savings of $4.2 million. This financial maneuver is expected to reduce future property tax levies, providing relief to district taxpayers. The board engaged in discussions about how these savings would be integrated into future financial planning and property tax considerations, ultimately approving the resolution.

The meeting provided extensive updates on the construction projects at Woodbury High School and Park High School. Progress has been made, with the goal of having the cafeteria and new kitchen facilities at both schools ready for student use by the next academic year. However, some interior renovations and classroom work, particularly at Woodbury High School, will extend into the summer of 2027, with completion expected in phases. The construction updates also included plans for the completion of new locker rooms and a media center at Woodbury High School, as well as the art wing and small engines area at Park High School. To mitigate any disruption to students, temporary safety measures, such as walls, will be implemented during construction.

The board also focused on student safety and community concerns. Superintendent Julie Nielsen reported on the district’s efforts to ensure student safety amid ongoing immigration enforcement issues. The district is closely monitoring the situation and has encouraged families to reach out for support if needed. Additionally, a community survey is being administered through a third-party vendor, with results expected in February. This survey aims to gather community feedback and inform district policies and practices.

In a related decision, the superintendent announced that schools would be closed the following day due to severe cold weather conditions. This measure was taken to ensure student safety, particularly concerning the transportation of over 12,000 students, as extreme temperatures posed risks to school bus operations. The board expressed gratitude towards student meteorologists for their insights on the weather conditions, which contributed to the decision to close schools.

Celebrating student success was another topic of discussion of the meeting. The board recognized Logan Hoververman, a junior swimmer from Eastridge High School, who has achieved accomplishments, including being a two-time state champion in the 200 individual medley and the 100 breaststroke, and setting a state record in the 200 individual medley. Logan expressed her appreciation for the support from her coaches and teammates and shared her plans to continue her swimming and academic career at the University of Louisville.

The district’s adaptive program, the Thunderbolts, was also celebrated for placing second in the state soccer tournament, with three players making the all-tournament team. Their current floor hockey season shows promise with a record of six wins and one loss. Additionally, achievements in debate were recognized, highlighting Ayasha Singh and Jason Jang as state champions in public forum debate.

In other board actions, the fiscal year 2024-2025 audit results were presented and accepted unanimously. The board also approved several proposed policy changes presented by the superintendent, including updates to the school district mission statement and policies related to employee recognition and the district credit card program.

The meeting concluded with the approval of a tentative agreement with the office professionals’ union, covering a two-year period. This agreement includes provisions for salary increases, health insurance contributions, and additional contract items, and was approved by the board without further debate.