Board hears Eagle Kids childcare update, accepts READ Act MOU and a buildings & grounds retirement

At its Feb. 19 meeting, the Eden Valley‑Watkins School Board received a presentation on the new Eagle Kids/Lil’Eagles childcare facility, accepted a READ Act memorandum of understanding with the teachers’ federation, and accepted a letter of intent to retire from the district’s director of buildings and grounds.

Community Education Director Kelsey Magedanz and Childcare Coordinator Kayla Schmitz presented an update on the Eagle Kids/Lil’Eagles renovation. The minutes record discussion of renovation progress, expenses and potential grant opportunities; the minutes do not spell out grant amounts or specific award sources in the text provided.

Superintendent Mark Messman reviewed a 2024 legislative mandate related to the READ Act and presented a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Eden Valley‑Watkins Federation of Teachers to implement READ Act requirements; the board accepted the READ ACT MOU on a motion by Ann Lemke, seconded by Jen Evens. The minutes record the motion as carried unanimously.

The board also accepted a letter of intent to retire from Director of Buildings & Grounds Ralph Lambert; acceptance was approved on a motion by Jen Evens, seconded by Charli Magedanz. The minutes do not provide Lambert’s retirement effective date in the text provided.

Additional items during this portion of the meeting included student activity updates (ACT registration, One Act, speech, Knowledge Bowl, athletics and FFA week) and principal reports noting new security camera installations and upcoming PLC no‑class days.

What’s next: the board’s minutes list follow‑up items including a legislative update and further curriculum and WBWF discussion at a future meeting.