BEA leaders introduce union team; students report on 'Day on the Hill' advocacy

BEA leaders used the board meeting to introduce their executive team, outline their building-representative structure and raise scheduling concerns when board meetings fall on Wednesdays.

Michael Olsen identified himself as a fourth-grade teacher and BEA leader and said the BEA executive team represents educators across the district. He told the board that BEA traditionally meets the first Wednesday of each month and asked that the board consider student and staff commitments when scheduling board meetings so teachers can more easily participate.

The superintendent and board also heard a student showcase about the district's recent "Day on the Hill" advocacy trip to Des Moines. Superintendent doctor Morse said the district was one of 17 districts selected statewide to present career- and college-readiness programming. Student Natalie James said she and peers "got to sit in on a senator meeting" and heard an advocate describe using a cancer diagnosis to advocate for health care, which she found "very impactful." The superintendent noted that students received a standing ovation in the Iowa Senate and that legislators from outside the district took time to meet and speak with the students.

The presentations highlighted career readiness programming, apprenticeship opportunities and student experiences connecting classroom work to civic engagement. BEA leaders characterized these activities as examples of the district's commitment to students and staff, and they thanked board members for considering the proposed Bill of Rights resolution later on the agenda.

No formal board action was taken on the BEA presentation or student remarks; the board moved to the resolution and other agenda items afterward.