August 26 BOE Meeting Recap

Student Representative - Julian Giebelhaus was sworn in as the new Student Board Representative and attended his first meeting. Another student will join at the next session to ensure a consistent student voice at the table. Welcome, Julian! 

Board Procedures: Board President Michael Busch clarified updated procedures for community engagement: public comments must be made at the podium so they are captured on the meeting recording and live stream, and initial remarks will be subject to time limits. However, he emphasized that speakers at the podium will still have the opportunity for additional dialogue and follow-up questions during their time, promoting access and engagement while keeping the process organized. If further conversation is needed beyond that exchange, Mr. Busch noted that he will remain after the meeting to continue discussions and ensure that all voices are heard. 

Adoption of 2025–26 Code of Conduct and Districtwide Safety Plan: Both were approved by the board for adoption following public hearings (with no comments). 

Facilities & Capital Updates (click link to view presentation with photos)
Director of Facilities, Steve Chamberlain 
Mr. Chamberlain shared that the district had a very busy and successful summer, completing a wide range of capital improvement projects guided by the Building Condition Survey five-year plan, building administrator requests, and his own facilities to-do list. With these projects now complete, alongside routine preventative maintenance, the district is fully prepared to welcome back students and staff to buildings that are improved, well-maintained, and safe for the year ahead. Updates included: 

• Security: Hardware upgrades at BRS and MS; new card readers and cameras.
• Fields: Turf grooming and GMAX safety testing passed.
• Middle School: Bathroom renovations complete; full-depth backlot replacement with new curbing, retaining wall, and fencing.
• High School: Four bathrooms fully renovated (ADA compliant); two bathrooms received partial renovations (new floors, partitions, and paint)
• Gymnasium floors refinished at all three schools
• Bedford Road School: Ongoing classroom window replacements, playground and turf repairs, and tree pruning near the playground.
• Districtwide: Annual mandated inspections completed, including Fire Safety, with no non-compliance issues. Dr. Lutinski noted that this is not always the case and applauded Mr. Chamberlain for his attention to detail.
• Future Priorities: HS hot water pumps, rooftop chillers at BRS, final lighting upgrades, outdoor play space, track/field work, and districtwide security technology.

Superintendent’s Report: Dr. Lutinski shared that the district is ready to welcome students back next week, thanking staff for their summer work and welcoming new teachers with the traditional bus tour. Curriculum updates include new resources at BRS, a 7th-grade Project Lead the Way STEAM course at the Middle School, and expanded electives and arts at the High School. Over 60% of students are participating in fall athletics, with Homecoming set for October 10. He also noted the upcoming Community Facilities Committee meeting on September 4 and shared that the district is close to appointing its first Director of Curriculum, Instruction & Assessment. 

Board Discussions 

• Board Liaisons: Trustees volunteered as liaisons to more community groups (e.g., Scouts, Dad’s Club, Rotary, Senior Center) to expand outreach.

• Community Facilities Committee (CFC) Updates:
  • Aiming for the next Capital Project vote to align with the budget vote on May 19, 2026.
  • Subcommittees working towards providing scope and cost recommendations to the Superintendent by Dec. 31, 2025.
  • Critical elements under review: BRS rooftop chillers, HS hot water pumps, and security upgrades.
• CFC Subcommittee Updates:
  • Fields & Lights: Woodard & Curran’s analysis of Parkway Field determined that turf on the backfield is not feasible due to multiple conditions, including wetlands, flood zones, and drainage. Woodard & Curran to provide new lighting options at lower elevations.
  • STEAM: The subcommittee is developing a project plan with both short-term improvements to existing spaces and longer-term facility upgrades, guided by capital project timelines. Members discussed educational priorities and community input, including department chair feedback, potential student surveys, and outreach to groups such as Science Olympiad, FOPA, and FOVA.
  • BRS Outdoor Play Space: Early design discussions with vendors begin this week, focusing on inclusive and age-flexible play.
• A second Community Forum will be hosted in the coming weeks. Please keep an eye out for more information.