Ontario School Board approves routine policy readings, hears grant update and public-records request

The Ontario School District Board of Directors met in regular session and approved routine agenda and consent items while taking time to recognize classified staff across the district, hear a superintendent update on facilities planning and a TAP grant, and receive a public records request about dual-credit payments.

Li, the ASB public relations officer, reported on student activities and upcoming events, including spring sports and prom preparations. Multiple principals and department leaders then honored classified employees from several schools and departments, citing their dedication to students and the district’s operations.

During the superintendent report, Superintendent Nikki said the district has received a TAP grant to support an engineered-wood roof systems assessment and funding to develop a long-range facilities plan. Nikki also briefed the board on the district’s work to prepare next year’s budget amid statewide K–12 fiscal pressures. The superintendent said routine testing schedules remain in place for lead/water (last completed in 2023; next cycle noted) and radon (next cycle referenced in 2028), and described recent kitchen renovation work at one primary school.

In public comment, Mary Joe Evers of Ontario said parents were notified on Feb. 18 that dual-credit payments would not be covered for the third trimester and that 27 business days had passed without a response to her records request. “I would just like to ask for the board to direct them to honor my public records request,” Evers said. Superintendent Nikki responded that the district had the requested records and expected to provide them soon, saying the materials were “ready to go and we'll send it off actually probably tomorrow.” Nikki also explained that some superintendent or finance report material can contain sensitive information and is redacted before public posting but that the documents remain publicly available upon records request.

On business, the board considered policy items. A motion to approve the second reading of policy IG AI and to give final approval to policy GAB (referred to as a final reading in the meeting) was made, seconded and approved by voice vote. The meeting concluded with board members requesting future follow-ups on roles and responsibilities guidance, proposed board budget goals, and an update to the district communications plan, and noting an open house for the district’s virtual learning hub is scheduled for April 14 from 4 to 6 p.m.

The board approved the amended agenda and consent items earlier in the meeting by voice vote. No roll-call vote tallies were read into the record during the session.