Board approves election-timing resolution, policy changes and administrative updates

The Hiawatha School District Board of Education approved several governance and administrative actions during the meeting.

Election timing resolution: Speaker 1 explained a state statute related to election timing and recommended adopting a resolution to align local school board elections with the district fiscal year in July. Speaker 1 moved to adopt the resolution identified in the record as '20 26 - 0 8 - 20 26 - 0 9' as presented; the board approved the motion by voice vote.

AI policy: Board members discussed a draft artificial-intelligence policy that would require students to cite AI use. Speaker 6 raised concerns that enforcement should not be required until the district defines how citation and implementation will work; Speaker 6 suggested adopting the policy with that clause excluded until guidance is developed. Board members agreed to postpone enforcement language while keeping the policy’s intent. The board adopted the policy with the exception noted; a unanimous vote was recorded.

Course and enrollment guide changes: The board approved a forced change to high school course offerings to add Ag Welding 2 so the district can use grant-funded equipment (a laser welder). Rhonda (Speaker 4) explained the class will rotate every other year with AgMEC courses. The revised high-school enrollment guide reflecting new ELA/communications credit rules was also approved by voice vote.

Personnel actions: The board accepted the resignation of Ken Lilly (HMS activity director) and Kristen Clark; motions to accept those resignations passed unanimously.

Adjournment: The board moved to adjourn and the meeting was closed by voice vote.