A central topic of the meeting was the detailed presentation on the upcoming renovations at Apollo High School, which is set to undergo changes with a $50 million investment. The project, led by Principal Justin Schallerude and architects David Leopold and Whitney Loheed from JLG Architects, aims to modernize the 55-plus-year-old building. This initiative focuses on “future ready learning,” ensuring that students are equipped with skills for community contribution or further education.

The renovation plans, a product of extensive community input, include a new multi-purpose athletic center, a revamped main entrance, and a new activities entrance. These changes are designed to enhance student experience and improve the school’s functionality. The project involves transforming the junior varsity baseball field into a varsity field and upgrading the junior varsity softball field. Additional improvements include installing appropriate fencing, dugouts, bull pens, and batting cages. The architects also emphasized the need for improved wayfinding signage on campus to facilitate navigation.

Among the proposed improvements, the architectural team highlighted the need for a visually appealing and functional entryway. Suggestions included installing a constellation of lights and introducing warmer wood materials to enhance the ambiance. A canopy above the entrance doors was recommended to make it more apparent, addressing concerns from the finance committee regarding the confusion caused by extensive glass walls. Inside, the welcome center will feature soft seating arrangements and ample natural light, making it a warm and inviting space for students.

The meeting also touched on modifications to the music suite and performing arts spaces. Significant changes include creating a dedicated music suite area with practice rooms and a storage room, enhancing natural light, and replacing tiered seating with a level floor in band and choir rooms to increase flexibility. The addition of a separate scene shop is planned to improve set construction safety and efficiency.

The focus on enhancing educational environments extended to the Career and Technical Education (CTE) wing, where plans for a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program and an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) lab were discussed. The EMT lab will feature a real ambulance for practical training, while a multi-purpose classroom adjacent to the lab will accommodate various educational needs.

Additionally, the board approved significant contracts aimed at addressing staffing challenges. The LPN contract includes an 8.5% first-year wage increase. The sign language interpreter contract provides a 3.5% increase in hourly wages for the first year, acknowledging the statewide shortage of qualified interpreters.

The meeting also covered policy revisions, including updates to Board Policy 611 concerning homeschooling and proposed changes to the facility rental fee structure. These revisions aim to align with state statutes and reflect current practices in surrounding districts.

Finally, the board reviewed a preliminary levy for 2025, revealing a 4.7% increase due to new debt from a recently approved referendum. The personnel negotiations board committee reported on district staff responses to a student medical emergency and ongoing negotiations with collective bargaining groups.