The regular meeting was held starting at 6:00 p.m.
Superintendent Bergstrom presented “Superintendent Spotlight” certificates to staff and students throughout the district who have shown outstanding effort this school year.
The Student Council president advised the board of recent activities: thank you notes are being sent to those who helped with SnowFest; dates, spirit days, and plans for spirit games for the spring assembly are in the works.
The board approved the purchase of new band uniforms to replace the current uniforms, which are about 25 years old. Mr. Akers and the Hanover-Horton Music Boosters have been raising money over the past two years for this project. It will take approximately six months for production, and it is hoped that new uniforms will be here for marching season in the fall.
The annual fifth grade field trip to Sauder Village in Archbold, OH was approved to be taken in June.
The district received notice from Willis and Jurasek that they would no longer be conducting our financial audit, and after sending requests for proposals to several other auditing firms, the board considered six replies. Hungerford CPAs was approved by the board to conduct the district’s audit for the next three years.
Superintendent Bergstrom informed the board that due to the significant difficulty in finding a qualified candidate to fill our Spanish teaching vacancy over the last two years, we may be exploring other options besides Spanish to fulfill our foreign language requirement. Spanish would remain the preferred option.
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. Mr. Cottrell, Mr. Ayers, Mr. Waltz, Mrs. Bergstrom attended Crisis Management for Rural Schools Training – Homeland Security.
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; Building secretaries assigned a day of the week to feature each building; Secretaries meet monthly and will review calendar to identify events to highlight. 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; New fiber installed; Wi-fi installation in press box; Continuing to fine tune ticket system; Sinking fund passed.
The board approved the extension of administrative and supervisory contracts through June 2028. All contracts will now be on the same renewal schedule.
The board accepted, with deep regret, letters of retirement from Mrs. Gabrielle Scheese and Mrs. Tracy Stierle, which will be effective on June 30, 2026.
Superintendent Bergstrom reported to the board members on the following:
- The football team traveled to the state capital and was recognized by Representative Sarah Lightner on March 5.
- The competitive cheer team finished second in the state tournament last Friday.
- Wrestlers A.J. Fielder finished in third place in the individual state finals and Austyn Hocter is the state champion in his weight class.
- The middle school band earned an Excellent rating at the district band festival.
- The high school band earned a Superior rating at the district band festival and will move onto the state festival in April.
- The winter sports season wrapped up on Saturday and spring sports began today.
- March is Reading Month activities are underway at the elementary. The Thunder Bay Marine visit will be on March 17 and the author visit will be on March 24.
- The elementary production of Finding Nemo will take place on March 20 & 21.
- Requests for proposals for the high school kitchen remodel will be published on March 16. There may be a need for a special board meeting in April to consider bids for the project.
- Spring Break is right around the corner with a half day on March 26.
The board members commented on the following:
- We had another great showing of staff and students who received a Superintendent Spotlight award this month. It is great to hear that our Character Strong program has made an impact on students.
- The board has heard positive feedback on the new AV equipment in the high school cafeteria.
- Thank you to Chris VanEpps for his efforts in applying for and receiving a grant for another AED for the district.
- The kids loved the middle school Quiz Bowl competition. The finals were held in the library, and all 8th graders were able to watch it live, while 6th & 7th graders watched it livestreamed.
The regular meeting was adjourned at 7:15 p.m.
