SEP Board Minutes 11/6/25

SEP Board Minutes 11/6/25 Attendance Voting Board Members Brigid Ernst, Board President Chad Crabb, Board Vice-President Kelly Simmons, Board Member Ric Powell, Board Member Brett Handy, Board Member Lori Slings, Board Member Gary Fischer, Board Member Other Attendees Dr. Dirk Halupnik, Superintendent Lacey Beals, Board Recorder Kevin Baccam, Board Secretary Allie Etnyre, Student Council Representative I. Call to Order A. Roll Call/Quorum - Declaration The meeting was called to order at 5:30 pm by Board President Brigid Ernst. Voting: Brigid Ernst - Yes Chad Crabb - Yes Kelly Simmons - Yes Ric Powell - Yes Brett Handy - Yes Lori Slings - Yes Gary Fischer - Yes B. Agenda Adoption Motion was made to adopt the agenda. Motion made by: Kelly Simmons Motion seconded by: Chad Crabb Voting: Unanimously Approved C. Pledge of Allegiance D. District Vision and Mission E. Public Comments Public comments opened and Eric Morrow, Brent Behrens, and Julie Duer all spoke about advanced curriculum opportunities for students. Julie Duer and Tom Hockensmith also spoke of their appreciation for board member Ric Powell. II. Consent Agenda Motion was made to approve the consent agenda. Board President Ernst did comment on the acceptance of Superintendent Dr. Halupnik's retirement at the end of the 25-26 school year. Board member Gary Fischer also spoke of his appreciation for Dr. Halupnik and what he has accomplished so far in his role as superintendent of Southeast Polk. Motion made by: Chad Crabb Motion seconded by: Lori Slings Voting: Unanimously Approved A. Certified Personnel Action [communication] B. Classified Personnel Action [communication] 1. Food Service Catering Pay Rate C. Approval of Minutes [communication] D. Open Enrollment [communication] III. New/Old Business A. Board Policy - 2nd Reading [communication] Motion was made to approve the 2nd reading of board policies. Motion made by: Lori Slings Motion seconded by: Brett Handy Voting: Unanimously Approved B. Set Public Hearing for 26-27 Academic Calendar [academic achievement] Motion was made to set a public hearing on December 11, 2025, to discuss the academic school calendar for the 2026-2027 school year. Motion made by: Chad Crabb Motion seconded by: Kelly Simmons Voting: Unanimously Approved IV. Topics for Discussion A. Bond Referendum Update [communication] Chief Financial Officer Kevin Baccam spoke about the passing of the bond referendum. B. Board Election Update [communication] Chief Financial Officer Kevin Baccam congratulated the newly elected board members Tracy Dawson, Brigid Ernst, and Grant Gillon. C. High School Program of Studies [academic achievement] High School Principal Pettit and Junior High Principal Dailey spoke about programs of study which include the introduction of 4 new courses. Those new courses are Foundations of Artificial Intelligence, Education Exploration/Experience, Culinary Arts 1, and Computer-Aided Machining. D. Early Retirement [communication] Deputy Superintendent Joe Horton discussed the early retirement option that will be offered to qualifying staff. E. Board Member Powell Comments [communication] Superintendent Dr. Halupnik recognized board member Ric Powell for his 8 years of service on the school board and presented him with a token of appreciation. Board member Chad Crabb also presented Ric with a collage of photos reflecting his years of service. Ric spoke at length of his gratitude for those that showed support to him and his relationships built with all the board members during his two terms. V. Adjournment Meeting was adjourned at 6:29 pm. Motion made by: Lori Slings Motion seconded by: Brett Handy Voting:Unanimously Approved November 19 2025 LIOW0406492