The regular meeting was held starting at 6:00 p.m.
The meeting minutes and treasurer’s reports were approved for the regular and special meetings held in October.
Superintendent Bergstrom presented “Superintendent Spotlight” certificates to volunteers and students throughout the district who have shown outstanding efforts as a parent volunteer or student.
Principal Joe Ayers, Assistant Principal Melissa Duffrin, and teacher Linzey Cytlak gave a presentation to the board on the Character Strong program that is being implemented at the elementary school. This program helps students develop social skills and conflict resolution; focusing, organizing, and goal-setting; and wellness strategies.
The board discussed the possibility of school branding of the Hanover-Horton logo and setting guidelines for school colors of uniforms. This issue was tabled for further discussion.
Superintendent Bergstrom informed the board of the progress made with the Strategic Plan:
Focus Area 1, Academics & Programs: District MICIP meeting held 10/23/24; K-12 alignment work continues; STARS and SAT meetings scheduled.
Focus Area 2, Learning Environment & Culture: Character Strong kick-off and implementation at the elementary school; MS/HS MICIP team explored programs and shared with staff; Staff surveyed to determine best program fit; Emergency drills being conducted in all three buildings; Plans for additional drills and safety measures being discussed with liaison officer.
Focus Area 3, Communication & Community Engagement: Facebook page established; Building secretaries trained in Canva; Comet Community Coffee on 11/20/24.
Focus Area 4, Personnel & Leadership: Mentor/mentee teachers continue to meet; SAU students visit/observe throughout all three buildings; Melissa attended SAU Partnership dinner; Working on student placements.
Focus Area 5, Operations: E-rate meeting with Brad Hess; Inventory complete in December.
Superintendent Bergstrom reported to the board members on the following:
• Congratulations to the boys cross country team for placing 5th at the state meet; also to Maisey Toteff and Brynlee Swihart for qualifying for the state meet.
• Congratulations to Coach Messer and the varsity football team for their historic season.
• Congratulations to the volleyball team for their undefeated conference season and winning Districts on Friday.
• Congratulations to 26 8th grade students inducted into the NJHS and 20 juniors inducted into the NHS.
• The elementary Fall Festival on November 1st was fantastic! A big thank you to all of our staff and sponsors for putting on such a great night for the kids.
• Thanks to the PTA for sponsoring the Mother/Son Glow Dance on Saturday.
• The Pancakes with Patriots breakfast, recognition, and parade honoring our veterans was fabulous. Many thanks to the social studies department and elementary staff for all their hard work and efforts to recognize the men and women of our area who made so many sacrifices.
• The elementary school is attending the SAU basketball game on Wednesday.
• Winter sports are under way at the middle and high school.
• Comet Community Coffee will be held on November 20th from 7:00-8:30 am.
• We will be getting quotes on cabling and wireless access points for the auxiliary gym.
The board members commented on the following:
• It was nice to see so many parents here for the Superintendent Spotlight and acknowledgement of the community volunteers.
• The Character Strong presentation was very insightful.
• Some board members attended the MASB Annual Leadership Conference and found the sessions to be very inspiring. They appreciate the board supporting members attending conferences and workshops.
• The board is happy for the successes of our fall sports teams.
The regular meeting was adjourned at 7:30 p.m.
