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Brewster Board approves ELA adoption, new contracts, hires and $25,000 tech grant
Summary
At its June 16 meeting the Brewster Unified School District board approved a six-year ELA adoption for grades 2–5, a nursing contract, insurance renewal, multiple staffing actions, and accepted a $25,000 grant for tech/STEM programs; most motions passed unanimously 6–0.
Board President Sarah Starns called the June 16, 2025, regular meeting of the Brewster Unified School District #314 Board of Education to order at 6:00 p.m. in the school library and on Zoom. The board approved a slate of curriculum, contract and personnel actions during a meeting that lasted about an hour and three-quarters and adjourned at 7:45 p.m.
The board approved adoption of HMH Into Reading for grades 2–5 beginning in fall 2025 under a six-year recommendation. A motion by Heather McDonald, seconded by Mike Palmer, carried unanimously. The minutes state materials for the adoption will be paid from at-risk funds.
The board also approved a nursing services contract with the Thomas County Health Department beginning July 1, 2025 for $14,000; the minutes describe that figure as reflecting a $4,000 increase. The board approved renewal of property, auto and liability insurance with KICS at a proposed premium of $217,436.60, which the minutes list as a $17,435.08 increase. Both motions passed 6–0.
Food service prices for 2025–26 were revised upward by $0.10 per student meal and by $0.10 for adult breakfast; adult lunch and drink prices remained unchanged. The approved fee schedule in the minutes lists student breakfast for grades PK–5 at $1.95 and grades 6–12 at $2.20, with paid adult breakfast at $2.75. The board also authorized use of Verified First for background checks as needed.
The board accepted a $25,000 grant from the Pete Henry Foundation to support Brewster tech programs, including shop materials and STEM supplies. A motion by BJ Stephens to accept the grant carried 6–0.
On personnel items, the board authorized Deputy Clerk Jeanie Johnson to serve as District Clerk until a replacement is found and approved several hires and resignations. The minutes record approval of Chris Schritter as high school assistant football coach, Rose Wendling as K–12 physical education teacher for 2025–26, Terri Dickerson as head cook/food service coordinator, and Megan Garcia for junior high science and sixth-grade teaching. The board accepted the resignation of Tarra Baumfalk as District Clerk, effective June 30, 2025, and removed her access to financial systems as of June 16 per the minutes. All personnel motions passed 6–0.
The board approved a $2,886.20 quote from KJA Enterprises for financial and budgetary analysis with a completion target of August 2025 or sooner, and approved the regular board meeting dates for the next fiscal year. The board also scheduled a special Zoom meeting for June 23, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. to vote on a cooperative sports agreement.
During the meeting the board held two executive sessions—one on negotiation proposals for staff matters and one on confidential personnel matters—and reported that the negotiation committee will present two calendar options to teachers. Superintendent Jessica McCoy provided routine operational updates, including summer programming, Driver’s Ed vehicle arrangements, and continued hiring needs for high school math, science and Title I positions. The minutes note a brief two-minute recess during the meeting.
The board listed future agenda items—schedule and handbook for 2025–26, open enrollment applications, and board appointments—and set the next regular meeting for July 21, 2025. The meeting adjourned at 7:45 p.m.
