Chief Facilities and Operations Director Mark Stein presented the 2023 Clean Bus Rebate program at the Jan. 8 school board meeting, reiterating the district’s commitment to purchasing electric buses, and therefore should be able to qualify for the Clean (Energy) Bus Rebate. This is an extension of the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law of 2021.

Stein also reported that drinking water lead testing indicate only two water fountains in the entire district produced slightly higher results, and are being corrected.

The 2018 Public School Code encourages but does not mandate the testing of water for lead, so the district’s testing is entirely self-imposed.

The Finance Committee reported the 2022-23 local audit from Gorman and Associates shows no areas for concern, and initiated discussion of third-party collections within the district and how to handle them. These vary from teachers leaving the district after being funded for educational advancements to children owing lunch money. The committee also mentioned the Mr. Ronald Haas Memorial, dedicated to the beloved music educator who passed away in November of 2023. Donations toward his memorial will aid the music departments.