Auburndale board approves teacher contracts, renews health plan and moves payroll to Forward Bank

The Auburndale School Board on April 1 approved a package of personnel and operational actions including ratifying the 2026–27 teacher contracts, renewing the districtmployee health plan and authorizing a transition of payroll and HSA services to Forward Financial Bank.

Superintendent Van Wise told the board the recommended payroll move would "save the district $1,800 on a yearly basis" by reducing bank fees and consolidating services. The board later voted to add Forward Bank as an HSA deposit institution and to close Associated Bank accounts effective July 1.

The board approved continuing the districtontract with Security Health Plan for employee coverage. "We're staying with Security Health Plan and continuing conversations with the AEA about details," Van Wise said during the meeting.

On personnel items, the board accepted the retirement of David Jasinski and approved hiring Nicole Monroe Garvin as a fourth-grade teacher. The 2026–27 teacher contracts were moved and seconded and passed; one board member abstained on that vote as recorded.

Other motions approved included a 2026–27 services contract with CISA 5 and second readings of the online course handbook (which adds a $300 fee per half credit when a student elects an online version of an in-person course) and a school property disposal policy. The board also voted to table a separate action on teacher wages pending ratification by the AEA.

The board recorded roll-call and voice votes throughout the meeting; where specific roll-call responses were read aloud, the minutes and agenda folder capture the names and the votes. The meeting moved into closed session later for district administrator evaluations and goal-setting.