Merton Community School District Board of Education Minutes

Merton Community School District Board of Education Minutes MERTON COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT Board of Education Monday, October 27, 2025 6:05 p.m. Merton Intermediate School Little Theater President Imes called the meeting to order at 6:01 p.m. A sneak peak of the Intermediate play Beauty and the Beast Jr followed in the cafeteria, introduced by Steve Newcomer. The Pledge of Allegiance followed. Imes announced the meeting was properly posted. Board members in attendance were Nicole Cotton, Dean Dobbertin, Rebecca Imes, John LaFleur and Patrick Griffin. District Administrator Russ was in attendance. There were no reporters and three citizens in person. Approval of Agenda Motion by Dobbertin, second by Cotton to approve the agenda as presented. Motion carried 5-0. Approval of Consent Agenda Items Motion by Cotton, second by Griffin to approve the consent agenda items (Approval of Minutes, Approval of Financial Report, Bill Listing and Donations and Approval of Personnel Actions). Motion carried 5-0. Delegations to be Heard There were no delegations to be heard. A. Approval of Minutes Approved Board Meeting Minutes from Monday, September 29, 2025, at 6:05 PM. B. Approval of Financial Report, Bill Listings, and Donations Approved Direct Deposits #900066557-900066673 in the amount of $188,459.39. #900066674-900066790 in the amount of $201,766.97, Payroll Wire Transfers #202500087-202500126 in the amount of $625,705.02. Total Payroll in the amount of $1,015,931.38. Accounts Payable Checks #57272-57300 in the amount of $98,538.18. AP Wire Transfers #202500106-202500110 in the amount of $6,384.53, Credit Card transactions #92025 in the amount of $27,110.59. ACH/Direct Deposit #252600020-252600026 in the amount of $4,855.11. Total Accounts Payable of $136,888.41. Total Disbursements in the amount of $1,152,819.79. C. Personnel Actions (Action) There are no personnel actions to be heard. Delegations to be Heard There were no delegations to be heard. District Administrator's Report Principal's Report The "Whoa Easy" initiative was initiated by the Merton Values Team and presented by Robert Blessington and Dr. Steve Newcomer. This is a plan to track minor classroom behaviors and to improve communication and partnership with families. This includes a behavior slip that can be completed by staff, reflected upon by the student, and shared with the parent/guardian. Steve Newcomer expounded on the initiative and how they arrived at the idea based on behavior data. Behavior Academies, essentially behavioral interventions, can become available to students with particular behavioral needs, in order to give them clear expectations and the tools they need to succeed. Dr. Ron Russ discussed perceptions survey. This was recently sent to families and staff as part of the continuous improvement process. It is a confidential survey that allows staff and families to share input regarding the workplace and will help drive strategic planning. Open Records Requests No big open records requests occurred last month. Committee Reports Dr. Russ addressed the board about the Finance Committee meeting held on October 20, 2025. Quarter 1 expenses and revenues are where they are expected to be in comparison to previous years. Also discussed was the variables of enrollment, property values, and state aid that went into the District's revenue limit worksheet. Dr. Russ addressed the board about the Facility Committee meeting held on October 20, 2025. The Board would like the administration to come back with a more detailed proposal for the Board to consider regarding the Library remodel project. Also presented was the lay out/concept of a mini-soccer field (turf) at Merton Primary School. Next month Dr. Russ will bring back bids for the Board to review. This project will be a collaboration with the PTO. Dr. Imes suggested revisiting shade sails as well. This will be revisited in November. Dr. Russ addressed the board about the Student Achievement Committee meeting held on October 27, 2025. He discussed the continuous improvement update with the Strategic Plan, Science Committee update, and Act 20 update. New Business A. Approve 2025-26 District Budget/Tax Levy (Action) Motion by Dean Dobbertin, seconded by Mr. Patrick Griffin to certify the tax levies of: Fund 10: $5,866,779.00 Fund 38: $57,188.00 Fund 41: $100,000.00 For a total tax levy of $6,023,967 Be it resolved that the property tax levy to fund the 2025-26 Merton Community School District operations be set at $$6,023,967 and that the necessary certifications be forwarded to the clerks of the appropriate municipalities. This creates a mill rate of $3.30 per $1000 of property value. Motion carried 5-0. Motion by Cotton, second by Griffin to approve the 2025-2026 budget as presented. Motion carried 5-0. B. Discussion about adding a part-time Human Resource position (Discussion) Requested for discussion by Dr. Imes. The Board requested Dr. Russ to bring back other District FTE percentages of Human Resource staffing as well as potential job descriptions or duties. Future Agenda Items and Meetings 1. November 17, 2025 @ 5:15 PM a. Board Self-Review 2. November 17, 2025 @ 6:00 p.m. a. Consolidation Fiscal Review b. Potential Library remodel planning c. Potential Human Resource position planning d. Monthly Meeting w/Community Forum to begin the meeting Motion by Dobbertin, second by Imes to adjourn at 7:15p.m. Motion carried 5-0. Respectfully submitted, Nicole Cotton District Clerk WNAXLP December 10 2025 LWIX0417460