Superintendent updates board on 250th anniversary plans, donation and construction; resident urges focus on Declaration

Superintendent Francois told the board the district will mark the 250th Anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence with weekly slides prepared by Principal Foster to display on video walls and a family newsletter with talking points. The superintendent said the materials will mix trivia and interactive experiences to engage students during the second semester.

Community member Karen Alexander, who previously spoke in support of the celebration, told the board she was disappointed that numerous slides dealt with the Constitution and urged those pieces be reserved for Constitution Day each fall. "Mrs. Alexander stated that those pieces should be reserved for Constitution Day celebrated each fall, and replaced with additional facts pertaining solely to the Declaration of Independence," the minutes record.

The district publicly recognized a $500 donation from the Honey Creek Civic Club to offset negative student lunch account balances. Francois also gave a construction update: asbestos abatement is expected to be completed in early March, funding exists to address additional asbestos 'hot zone' areas without delaying the timeline, crews have begun work in utility tunnels and removed much of the galvanized plumbing in Section D, and the project remains under budget with bulk work anticipated this summer. Francois said Dr. Francois and Nexus are working with the Village to obtain permits; no noise issues have been reported and a finishing-fume smell that morning was attributed to theatre set building.