Hoehne school board approves free meals for all students, updates handbook and kindergarten report card

The Hoehne Reorganized School District No. 3 Board of Education on Aug. 13 unanimously approved free breakfast and lunch for all students for the 2025–2026 school year, continued staff meal benefits under a closed-campus designation, and approved updates to the student handbook and the district's kindergarten report card.

Superintendent Tammie Mack presented the district's theme for the year, "Anchored in Education," and noted the administration's preparation for the start of classes. The board voted to designate the district a closed campus and to continue providing staff lunch as part of compensation. The board also approved an increase in the General Fund contribution to the hot-lunch program to cover staff meals ($4.69 per staff meal) and student second meals ($2.16 per second meal).

Principal Holly Massarotti summarized changes to the student handbook and said supply lists for junior-high and high-school classes will be distributed on the first day of school to accommodate new teachers. The board approved the Administration's revisions to the student handbook for 2025–2026. The board also approved the revised 2025–2026 Hoehne kindergarten report card, which Principal Massarotti said aligns to required kindergarten standards.

The decisions follow administration reports that included facilities updates — an insurance inspection offered an estimated $93,000 toward roof repair or replacement — and other operational preparations ahead of the Aug. 25 first day of school. The board adjourned at 8:11 p.m.; the next regular meeting is scheduled for Sept. 24, 2025.