Lowell School Board 2/9 Meeting - The Minutes
Catch up on everything the school board discussed quickly with our board meeting minutes. Yesterday’s board meeting took about 45 minutes in total.
Student Council Update With Gigi Gates-Duprey
LHS Senior Gigi Gates-Duprey gave an update from student council.
Unified basketball game again was tremendous success in the program’s second year.
Lowell HS Theater program hard at work for Chicago, the Musical opening in early March.
Freshman Welcome Night on the 12th.
Curriculum and Programs
Craft Arts course at the high school was discussed by curriculum director Steve Gough.
It is a hands-on art class, focused more on crafting and creative projects rather than art history or technical theory.
Students are exposed to activities like weaving and other applied art forms.
The class does not add extra cost, as it uses existing seat allocations.
Sinking Fund Projects
Multiple sinking fund construction and repair projects were approved.
Projects included:
Plumbing, fire alarm, ceiling, drywall, and acoustical repairs.
Auditorium upgrades including new seating, flooring, and elevator updates.
Total project costs came in under original estimates, giving flexibility for future sinking fund projects.
Transportation
The district approved participation in the 2025–2026 MSBO Bus Purchase Program.
This program allows districts to jointly bid for buses to ensure compliance and competitive pricing.
The board approved the purchase of five buses.
Buses are consistent with the district’s current fleet to maintain training and maintenance efficiency.
Purchase is intended to avoid higher costs tied to future emissions standards.
Human Resources
A retirement planning session was held for district employees, with Dustin Cichocki presenting.
About 30 participants attended, ranging from early-career staff to those near retirement.
Sessions included personalized retirement planning and benefit explanations.
Ongoing mentor meetings for new teachers continue, focusing on:
Curriculum collaboration
Board policies
Contract changes
Contract negotiations with bus drivers are ongoing.
Budget and Finance
The School Aid Fund is projected to remain relatively healthy with modest growth.
The state general fund faces projected deficits in future years.
There is concern that more higher education funding may shift from the School Aid Fund.
The district is monitoring the governor’s upcoming budget release closely.
Curriculum Council Update
Positive feedback on new curriculum implementations across grade levels.
High school course failure rates remain below 2 percent, continuing a positive trend.
Plans are underway to create a clearer curriculum review cycle for long-term planning.
Upcoming professional development includes:
Vertical collaboration
Math instruction strategies
Crisis prevention training
AI basics for educators
Public Comment
A student and parent spoke about a recent student walkout.
LHS senior Eleanor Osmar emphasized the event was organized, purposeful, and coordinated with administration. Concerns were raised about detentions issued afterward.
A parent, Susan McDonald, who’s son participated in the walkout, spoke in support of both student expression and accountability.
Board members acknowledged student engagement and civic involvement.
Superintendent and Board Updates
Weather-related closures were reviewed; the district remains within allowed limits.
Facilities and maintenance staff were recognized for snow and cold-weather response.
New before and after-school care was added at Bushnell Elementary through a YMCA partnership.
Enrollment timelines for preschool and kindergarten were shared.
