Hamilton Community Schools board shifts calendar, authorizes electronic payments and names transportation lead

At its regular meeting, the Hamilton Community Schools board voted to adjust the 2026–27 school calendar after the Decal County Fair moved from Sept. 27 to Oct. 2, approved a resolution authorizing the ECA treasurer to pay sports officials through Event Link, and heard that Andy Baker will take on transportation responsibilities with an extra prep period and a $5,000 stipend.

The calendar change was proposed after administrators learned the county fair date had shifted, and the board moved and seconded the change; one board member voiced opposition during the vote. The superintendent said the adjustment is necessary to align the district calendar with community events and avoid conflicts for families and staff.

On a finance-related item, the board considered a resolution to allow ECA Treasurer Lori to use Event Link, a vendor for electronic payments to athletic officials. "Officials appreciate electronic payments and it does cut down on checks as well," said Britney, a school staff member who walked the board through the district's internal-control steps to limit access and prevent a single-person workflow. A motion to authorize Lori to use Event Link was made and seconded; one member announced an objection during the roll call.

In his report, the superintendent reminded the board to sign outstanding documents and said the state Department of Education's new accountability model for school grades will begin in the 2026–27 school year; administrators will present the model next month pending required approvals. He also reported the district received a fourth state waiver, keeping the last day of school set for June 2.

The superintendent said he has been overseeing transportation and recommended Andy Baker—who has worked as a substitute bus driver and has prior administrative experience—assume the role. "We agreed to a stipend of $5,000," the superintendent said, adding the district will give Baker an extra prep period so drivers can reach him during the day. He also reported a recent driver resignation and said the district remains short one full-time bus driver for next year; recruiting efforts are underway.

Administrators Kristen and Alli updated the board on school activities: the school production of The Jungle Book concluded, standardized testing (I-Read for grades 2–3, SAT for 11th graders and upcoming iLearn checkpoints) is underway, FFA Week included student activities with elementary involvement, winter sports awards are scheduled, and preK/kindergarten roundup will be held March 18 between 4 and 6 p.m. at door 4 in the library. The district said families outside the attendance boundary are welcome to enroll and may request tours from Mrs. Watkins.

The meeting opened with student-of-the-month recognitions for Benjamin Little, Alice Parker and others; photos were offered in the hall after the presentation. After brief board-member comments and thanks to staff for school communications and photos, a motion to adjourn passed and the meeting concluded.

Votes noted in the transcript included at least one board member speaking in opposition on motions to approve the agenda, the consent items and the Event Link authorization; the record does not include a roll-call tally with named votes. Where the transcript did not name who opposed, this summary reports the opposition but does not attribute it to a specific board member.