Board debates superintendent search, schedules retreat and flags facility and donation policies

Board members spent a substantial portion of the work session discussing next steps on the district superintendent search, retreat scheduling and policies for accepting donations and sponsorships.

On the search: Speaker 3 urged pausing the search process, saying the district's circumstances have changed and noting the vendor cost already incurred. "My vote is gonna be to, put a stop to it for now. We're $5,000 in," Speaker 3 said. Administration (Speaker 2) said the previous board had contracted with the search firm and tonight's objective was to reach a consensus to tell the firm whether to proceed; no formal vote was taken.

Retreat and priorities: The board discussed holding a retreat in late January (proposed 8 a.m.–3 p.m.) to set board priorities — transparency, revenue/funding, staff conditions — and to consider using an external facilitator. Speakers urged an 18‑month rolling plan rather than a fixed five‑year timeline and recommended community input for any strategic plan.

Donations, sponsorships and facilities: Board members raised recent offers from community donors (playground funds, goalpost replacement) and requested clearer written policy on accepting gifts, naming rights and in‑kind volunteer labor; staff said they are reviewing policy and will bring back an overview and any needed changes.

Agenda housekeeping: The board agreed to add an amended mill levy resolution and a district merit services true‑up to the January agenda; administration said a typographical correction to one previously submitted resolution would be reflected in January minutes and that the state‑filed version was correct.

Next steps: The board chair said she would contact the search vendor to confirm whether the district wants to continue the search, staff will prepare facilities and donation policy materials and the retreat logistics will be finalized.