Board Meeting Recap for December 2023

A graphic that reads Board Recap, December 13, 2023 Regular Meeting.

Forest Hills School District is utilizing these articles as a way to communicate specific action taken at regular Board of Education meetings throughout the year. The Board of Education met on Wednesday, December 13, 2023 at Mercer Elementary School to discuss a variety of topics relevant to students, staff and the community.

The official agenda and related attachments for this meeting can be found on the FHSD BoardDocs page here. You can watch a full recording of the meeting on YouTube here.

The Turpin High School Chamber Choir performs at the Board of Education meeting.

Special Recognitions

The Turpin High School Chamber Choir performed "Carol of the Bells and Festival Deck the Halls." The students delighted the audience under the direction of Michelle Burkey and their participation is greatly appreciated by Forest Hills School District.

Principal Kyle Fender and Jack Sammarco pose for a photo as Jack holds his diploma.

Anderson High School Principal Kyle Fender presented a candidate for graduation. Principal Fender commended Jack Sammarco for his excellent academic performance, particularly the decision to take additional classes this fall semester to allow Mr. Sammarco to enter college a semester early. The Board approved the granting of a high school diploma and the district wishes Mr. Sammarco well on his journey to study and play football at West Virginia University.

Additionally, the Forest Hills Foundation for Education announced the date for its highly anticipated Forest Hills 5K, which will be held on Saturday, May 11, 2024 at Nagel Middle School. You can learn more about the organization and its commitment to students and public education by visiting fhfe.org.

Superintendent Larry Hook presents Board President Linda Hausfeld and Board Member Leslie Rasmussen with an appreciation gift.

Superintendent Update

Superintendent Larry Hook recognized the service and dedication of Board President Linda Hausfeld and Board Member Dr. Leslie Rasmussen, who have both decided to step away from their roles at the completion of their terms at the end of this calendar year.

Dr. Rasmussen was elected and has served the district and community for four years and Mrs. Hausfeld was elected and served out a two-year term.

Dr. Rasmussen currently serves on the board’s Human Resources and Finance Committees and is the legislative liaison for the board. Mrs. Hausfeld serves on the board’s Policy and Technology/Facilities Committees, as well as serving as board president.

Superintendent Hook recognized both members for how passionate they are about serving students, staff and the community. He thanked them both for their commitment of time and energy to Forest Hills School District.

Board Action

The Board of Education often reviews and votes on a variety of actions that impact different departments throughout the school district. The following action items presented by department representatives were voted on together as part of the “consent agenda.” For specific information about any of the following items, you can find the meeting agenda and attachments here.

The following items in the consent agenda were approved by the Board of Education.

Human Resources

9.1 Human Resources Report
- The report covers a variety of topics including retirements, resignations and appointments of different staff members. You can view the report here and related attachments here.

Business Operations

10.1 Request to Advertise for Bids
- The FHSD administration requested permission to advertise for bids for the stated project: Roof Replacements - Anderson High School, Turpin High School, Ayer Elementary, Maddux Elementary, Central Office.

Teaching and Learning/Curriculum

11.1 Proposed Secondary Course Change Descriptions for 2024-2025 School Year
- This item presents proposed course description changes for the 2024-2025 school year to the Board of Education. The course descriptions linked below will be available for review in the Teaching and Learning Department until the January 2024 Board of Education regular meeting.
- You can read a summary of the changes here.
11.2 Performing Arts Course of Study
- This item presents the updated Performing Arts Course of Study to the Board of Education. The document, linked below, will be available for review in the Teaching and Learning Department until the January 2024 Board of Education regular meeting, at which time formal board approval will be requested.
- You can read the proposed Performing Arts Course of Study here.
11.3 Physical Education Course of Study
- This item presents the updated Physical Education Course of Study to the Board of Education. The document, linked below, will be available for review in the Teaching and Learning Department until the January 2024 Board of Education regular meeting, at which time formal board approval will be requested.
- You can read the proposed Physical Education Course of Study here.
11.4 Visual Arts Course of Study
- This item presents the updated Visual Arts Course of Study to the Board of Education. The document, linked below, will be available for review in the Teaching and Learning Department until the January 2024 Board of Education regular meeting, at which time formal board approval will be requested.
- You can read the proposed Visual Arts Course of Study here.
11.5 Overnight Field Trip Requests
- This item approves two overnight field trip requests for Turpin High School. You can view the proposed trips here.

Treasurer Update

12.1 Treasurer's Report
- Treasurer Alana Cropper’s December report provided information on the following items:
  - Donations
  - Statement of Board Accounts
  - General Fund Receipts
  - General Fund Expenditures by Function
  - General Fund Expenditures by Object
  - Permanent Improvement Fund
  - Monthly Bank Statement
  - Amendments to Permanent Appropriations FY24
  - Approval of Certification of Funds

Committee Reports

Board Members provided updates on the committee meeting listed below.

Policy Committee
- Board President Linda Hausfeld reminded the full Board that a meeting of the Policy Committee was held on October 5, 2023. This meeting was held to discuss the NEOLA policy updates from Volume 42, No. 1 and those updates were approved by the Board at November’s regular meeting.
- Board President Linda Hausfeld presented a new policy for a first reading. This is Policy 5330.5 Procurement and Use of Naloxone (NARCAN) in Emergency Situations, which you can view here. This policy was part of Volume 42, No. 1 NEOLA policy updates, but was tabled for review by Forest Hills School District legal counsel.

Additional Board Action

13.2 Election of President Pro-Tem
- The Board of Education elected Sara Jonas to serve as President Pro-tem for the Organizational Meeting of the Board of Education on January 4, 2024, at 6:30 p.m.

Approved Minutes

The Board of Education approved minutes for the following meetings, which you can view by clicking the link associated with each meeting. After clicking the appropriate link, you will need to then click “View Minutes” under Agenda Item Details, next to the category titled “Minutes.”

Regular Meeting - November 15, 2023
Special Meeting - November 29, 2023