The regular meeting was held starting at 6:00 p.m.
Superintendent Bergstrom discussed the following projects with the board:
Dynamic Library/Learning Lab Update (I)
Some exciting progress has been made with the Dynamic Library/Learning Lab project at the elementary school. The first batch of furniture has arrived. New couches, pillows, and chairs were unboxed by students, which was incorporated into a lesson on working as a team and problem solving. Students have been using the lab after reading or watching videos and then bringing the story that they read to life with projects built in the library.
Superintendent Bergstrom and Ron Geisman of Lomar Machine presented the project last week at the Wake-up Jackson meeting, which was attended by about 100 Jackson-area community members. They emphasized the importance of schools working with local businesses.
Superintendent Bergstrom and Mrs. Bushinski also met with the Hanover-Horton Business Group to discuss the library project.
Enrollment Update (I)
There are currently a total of 969 students enrolled in school, district-wide. This number could still fluctuate slightly before count day. Superintendent Bergstrom discussed with the board the number of students who have left the district and the reasons why, with the biggest share of the reason due to families moving.
2026 Bond Projects Update (I)
Things are moving forward with some of the bond projects. An appointment has been made with the electrician to evaluate the work to be done in the boiler room to install new boilers. Contracts are being finalized with the construction and engineering companies.
Teacher (Temporary) Hirings (A)
The board approved the temporary hirings of two teachers for late teaching vacancies due to a retirement and another teacher resignation. Mr. Bill Jones has returned from retirement to teach ELA and FAST classes in the middle school, and Mrs. Carla LaFond has transitioned from RTI in the elementary to a first grade classroom teacher.
Superintendent Bergstrom reported to the board members on the following:
- Mr. Flint invited students to participate in a memorial stair climb in commemoration of September 11th. Students who wanted to be involved worked in a group to climb 2200 stairs between them to pay tribute to those first responders who made the ultimate sacrifice serving our nation. Thank you to teachers and students for helping honor those heroes.
- The marching band debuted new uniforms at the last home football game. We are grateful to the H-H Music Boosters, those who support fundraisers, and a very generous donor for helping raise money for the new uniforms over the last five years.
- There was great participation for the Youth Football/Cheerleading Night, including the first girls’ flag football team.
- Ms. Jessica Hull shared with us that Channing Hull was able to meet with Dr. Dellaquila, which led to a full time job and an ongoing mentorship and access to resources he may not otherwise have had to explore the possibility of becoming an anesthesiologist. Channing was part of an article by the Michigan Society of Anesthesiologists, in which he spoke about getting this opportunity through his senior portfolio presentation. What a great example of the portfolio process opening doors and preparing our students for their future!
- The district received a very generous donation from Alro Steel/Al Glick Foundation again this year. The purpose of this donation is to support programs that align with the foundation’s mission of supporting sports programs and skilled trades.
- Requests for Proposals for new food service serving line equipment will be going live on September 16.
- Superintendent Bergstrom was able to nominate a teacher for the Educator of the Month sponsored by the Stowe Agency. She was excited to share that Mrs. Rhonda Herwat will be on JTV on September 15th.
- A big thank you to ReMax for sponsoring a school supply drive and donating many supplies to the elementary school.
- Another big thank you to the Stowe Agency and the PTA for sponsoring the back-to-school luncheon for staff, and to Sharla, Cindy, and Cammee for putting all of the details together.
- The JCSBA dinner for board members and a guest will be held on September 29th at the Career Center.
The board members commented on the following:
- The board is excited for the new school year and appreciates everyone’s efforts for the good start. All classes are covered with good teachers. The board is very confident with administration. The buildings look great.
- The Annual Leadership Conference through the MASB is coming up next month. Several board members will be attending and taking board member classes.
- The Rise Above program has a new executive director who is also on the board for the Exchange Teen Center and is enthusiastic about making connections with schools.
- Jeff Waltz did a great job appearing on JTV.
- The new band uniforms look very nice.
The regular meeting was adjourned at 6:55 p.m.
