The Heartland School Board met on Monday, August 11, at 8 p.m. for its regular meeting, with a full agenda of discussion items. Board members present were: Lacey Gloystein, Ryan Goertzen, Jen Hiebner, Jeb Mierau, Tammy Ott, and Tyler Newton.
Administrators present were Superintendent Jeremy Klein, High School principal Tim Carr, and Elementary principal Dana Reinke. There were three patrons present at the meeting.
Superintendent Klein’s Report
Superintendent Klein reported on the progress of the playground project, which was delayed because the equipment did not arrive on schedule. Equipment installation and concrete work are ongoing, and the project is expected to be completed by mid-September, pretty much on schedule.
Work on the playground had progressed quickly and is taking shape – HeartlandBeat photo
He also reported on the process for closing out the fiscal year and the dates of additional special meetings in August and September. He estimates that the 2027 budget will require an additional $310,000 (4.7%) in tax request authority, well below the 7% ask threshold.
At the special August 24 board meeting, they will determine the exact date and time of the joint public hearing (pink postcard hearing) and adjust the board’s budget and levy approval process accordingly, said Klein.
Board members Ryan Goertzen and Tammy Ott voiced their appreciation for the work Klein has done on such a complex budget and how they have met the goals they set out a few years ago. “I appreciate what a good job Jeremy has done on the budget, again putting us on a better footing and seeing us round the corner putting the budget in a better place,” said Goertzen.
“School budgets are far different than a business or household budget, and it takes time to turn things around. We are on track and on target to achieve the goals we set years ago, and we are still able to add services. Huge kudos to Superintendent Klein for seeing this through,” said Ott.
Building/Construction Update
Klein gave a building/construction update and reported there were several open warranty issues and other unfinished jobs that need to be addressed. The school is holding a remaining $50,000 balance owed to Hausmann and will decide when to release these funds after meeting with Hausmann regarding completion of the punch list.
Potential Parking Lot Project for Summer of 2027
The Board spent considerable time discussing how to proceed with improvements to the additional parking lot area west of the existing parking lot. After discussing the pros & cons of pursuing either a design/build approach or the traditional method of hiring an architect to begin the project, they instructed Klein to go with the traditional route.
Klein recommended they consider creating two main two-way arteries off Main Street and Front Street. He suggested looking at how much of it they wanted to be crushed rock or concrete. Safety and accessibility for patrons were discussed at length, as well as how much additional parking was needed. The Board will consider options for upgrading the parking lot at future meetings.
Potential Restrooms Project in Summer of 2027
Plans are to renovate six restrooms, with two in the high school, junior high, and elementary. There was discussion about how many restrooms needed to be handicap accessible.
New Digital Marquee from Henderson State Bank
Klein reported that Henderson State Bank has offered the school a new digital marquee to replace the existing one that has had some problems. The new sign will be larger than the current one, and he presented the artwork to the Board. The Board recommended a few minor changes to the lettering and design of the marquee. Later in the meeting, they formally approved accepting the marquee from Henderson State Bank.
Modifications to Current 2-Year H&H Co-op Agreement for 2026-27
Klein reviewed the previous modifications to the agreement, including the rotation schedule for junior high volleyball and basketball. Later in the meeting, the Board voted to formally approve these changes to the agreement.
Discussion of Renewal of H&H Co-op for Another Two-Year Term
“So we are in the season of renewal of the Co-op, and we are at the point in time when we need to discuss target dates for making a decision on whether to renew or not,” said Klein.
He explained that NSAA sets the rules for renewing sports co-ops every two years.
“We want to make sure constituents have every opportunity to have their voice heard by the board about the renewal. I think we should all be open to making ourselves available and open to listening. I feel very adamant that we should make our decision before the end of the year,” said Goertzen.
“We’ve heard feedback all along as we transitioned through the seasons. We made a lot of modifications based on what we heard from parents, kids, and coaches. I think it’s respectful of Hampton to make sure that, whatever the decision on renewal, we have enough time, and I definitely think by the end of the year we need to do this,” said Ott.
Mierau was the only Board member who said he wanted to wait until January or February to decide on the renewal. Gloystein added that “We’ve all been living out the co-op and are more than qualified to make a decision by the end of the year.”
The Board’s consensus was to proceed with the review and make a decision by the end of the year.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:47 p.m.
