District renews Boelen Center mental‑health contract and staff outline start‑of‑year operations

District staff updated trustees on student supports and school operations and confirmed a one‑year renewal with the Boelen Center for mental‑health services.

Mr. Reed told the board he met with Christina Blasky of the Boelen Center and "went ahead and signed the contract to renew" for another year. He said the district pays about $3,500 annually for the arrangement and that it includes the student assistance program. "That also includes our student assistance program... 2 free sessions for any student that would be referred to over there and our staff as well," Mr. Reed said.

Staff also reported on the academic and operational start to the year. A presenter said the elementary year "is off to a good start," noting several new staff members are acclimating, beginning-of-year testing and intervention plans are starting, and the district is rolling out a new state IEP system that has introduced some challenges.

On assessment, staff said the district will retain NWEA testing for kindergarten through grade 2 but will use IHORN checkpoints for grades 3 and 4 instead of NWEA in those grades. The high school update noted progress on the gym floor (sanding complete, awaiting painting), installation of new classroom screens, mentorship for new medical teachers, upcoming fundraisers and a scheduled safety week that will include bus, shelter‑in‑place and fire drills.

The reporting was informational; trustees did not take separate formal action on the mental‑health renewal or the operational updates during the meeting. The board will proceed with the advertised budget hearing and the previously approved contract work under the architectural services agreement.