The regular meeting was held starting at 6:00 p.m.
Superintendent Bergstrom presented “Superintendent Spotlight” certificates to students and employees throughout the district who have shown outstanding effort this school year.
The October 2025 meeting minutes and treasurer’s report were approved with no changes.
There were no public comments.
The board approved the Audit Report as presented by Ms. Sara Sauer of Willis and Jurasek, the district’s auditors, for the year ended June 30, 2025. Copies are available in the administrative office and on the district’s website.
The board discussed the first reading of NEOLA policy updates, Vol. 40, No. 1 – Nondiscrimination – September 2025 and NEOLA policy updates, Vol. 40 No. 1 – September 2025. The second reading will be next month.
Strategic Plan Update (I)
Superintendent Bergstrom updated the board on the goals that have been met toward the district’s strategic plan for the third quarter:
Focus Area 1, Academics & Programs: Staff analyzed data from previous school year to determine interventions (RTI services, FAST, and Transitions class placements); Students are being identified for intervention using the SAT and STARS processes in the respective buildings; MS/HS students completed an interest survey, and new clubs started as a result: Pickleball Club, Chess Club, Board Games Club, Magic the Gathering Club, Drama Club, Cooking Club.
Focus Area 2, Learning Environment & Culture: Character Strong implemented in all three buildings; Elementary continuing with ticket system. MS Planning Committee meeting to formalize pieces already in place (positive behavior referrals, etc.); HS focusing on SEL plans for now; Selected teachers and administration participated in an online workshop; New AED for concession stand at athletic complex installed; Emergency Drill Schedule submitted to Jackson County Sheriff Department; Emergency drills being conducted in all buildings; Mr. VanEpps, Mr. Cottrell, Mrs. Bergstrom attended the Jackson County Emergency Training at Jackson College; CPR/AED/First Aid training for elementary ERT team and all 6-12 teachers.
Focus Area 3, Communication & Community Engagement: Parent Communication Guides (one-page quick reference) distributed at open houses; Parent Curriculum Guide available at fall conferences; Remains a standing item on Department Meeting agenda; Comets Community Give Back Day; Elementary Fall Festival; Football team assisting Hanover-Horton Historical Society and Hillside Church; Elementary School Veterans Day breakfast.Han
Focus Area 4, Personnel & Leadership: Continued partnerships with colleges and universities; Mrs. Bergstrom attended SAU Partnership Dinner; SAU Deep Roots Direct Admission initiative for H-H graduates; UM Dearborn-JC partnership for elementary educators – Mr. Ayers attended kick-off meeting; Mentor/mentee teachers continue to meet; Shadowing opportunities offered; “Coaching” connections for new teachers participating in alternative certificate programs; Selected teachers and administrators from all three buildings participated in an online workshop “Supporting Teachers With Challenging Behavior.”
Focus Area 5, Operations: Analyzing inventory list of current technology; Google storage solutions; Continuing to fine-tune ticket system; Sinking fund passed.
The board discussed the topic of Incompatible Offices, due to having a board member who serves on two elected boards. This was an informational item. No action was taken.
Superintendent Bergstrom reported to the board members on the following:
- We are very thankful to our community for passing the sinking fund renewal millage.
- What an exciting time to be a Comet!
- Boys cross country were Cascades Conference champs.
- Boys finished 13th in the cross country state meet.
- Brynlee Swihart also competed in the cross country state meet and finished with her strongest time at that location.
- Varsity volleyball won Cascades Conference and District titles; they compete in Regionals at Clinton against Lumen Christi on November 11th.
- Football won the first Cascades Conference championship, first playoff game, and first District championship in school history. Next game is Saturday, November 15th at home against Schoolcraft (making plans for restroom accommodations).
- Parent/teacher conferences were well attended on October 24th.
- Our first Comet Give Back Day was a huge success.
- The Elementary Fall Festival was also a huge success.
- Veterans Day breakfast is on November 12th at Heritage Park at 7:45 am, with the parade at the elementary following. We are very grateful to the elementary social studies department teachers for organizing this wonderful event honoring our veterans.
- The NHS induction ceremony was postponed tomorrow night due to the exciting volleyball game. No other date has been finalized yet.
- Jackson County School Board meeting/dinner is tomorrow night at the JACC.
- First trimester for elementary and middle school ends on Friday, November 14th.
- Thanksgiving is just around the corner.
- I’m very grateful to be a Comet and for all of the positive happenings and people in our school and community.
The board members commented on the following:
- The district has accomplished a lot in the last 30 days. There was a great turnout for Comet Give Back Day, and the board has received good feedback.
- A board member who attended a football team dinner said it was a great experience.
- The HHEF Mini-Grant Committee awarded full or partial funding to all eleven applicants; the committee appreciated that this opportunity for staff is back.
- The board enjoys the Superintendent Spotlight awards.
- Thank you to administrators.
- The Superintendent evaluation will be next month.
The board went into closed session at 8:05 pm regarding a confidential attorney-client privileged communication from Thrun Law Firm.
The board adopted a resolution (“Resolution B”) to decline an opt-in to receive School State Aid Act Section 31aa funding for the 2025-26 school year.
The regular meeting was adjourned at 8:25 pm.
