Beecher Board of Education Regular Board Meeting | October 8, 2025

The Beecher Board of Education on Tuesday, October 8, 2025, approved a major infrastructure project for the elementary school, made significant investments in transportation, and implemented a novel solution for athletic training coverage. The board authorized a contract for over $42,000 to remediate long-standing moisture issues in the tunnels beneath Beecher Elementary School, a move aimed at improving air quality and protecting the building. For more details, see the full story on this project.

In other major actions, the district will purchase a new 72-passenger school bus for nearly $90,000 and a new bus GPS and routing system for over $13,000. The board also addressed a shortage of athletic trainers by approving a partnership with the Beecher Fire Department to use off-duty paramedics for game coverage. Additionally, the board held a first reading on a policy update that would add an accountability clause to the board member oath of office.

Audit Shows District in Strong Financial Health
Superintendent Dr. Jack Gaham presented a summary of the Fiscal Year 2025 audit, reporting that the district is in excellent financial standing. Auditors from Melesko noted no significant difficulties and expressed no disagreements with management. The district ended the fiscal year with a balance of over $8.3 million in its Education Fund and over $1.7 million in the Operations and Maintenance Fund. The board formally approved the audit as presented.

Notice to Remedy Issued
Following a closed executive session, the board approved a motion authorizing the fourth issuance of a notice to remedy to employee Jessica Carter. The initial motion incorrectly used the word “resolution” but was amended by the board to “remediation” before the final vote to ensure procedural accuracy. No further details were discussed in open session.

New Social Media Position Created
The board approved the creation of a new district Social Media Position, which will come with a $2,000 stipend. The approval included a new job description for the role, which is intended to enhance the district’s communication and outreach efforts. A full-time bus monitor, Tammy Hitzelberger, was also officially hired by the board.

High School Soccer Player Sets State Record
During his staff report, Beecher High School Principal Mike Meyer recognized senior soccer player Wesus Bombgardner for setting a new state career scoring record. Bombgardner has scored 178 goals in his high school career, surpassing the previous record. This season alone, he has scored 58 goals, which ranks as the 15th most in a single season in IHSA history.

School Inspection Finds Fiberglass, Not Asbestos
Superintendent Dr. Jack Gaham informed the board that a recent inspection by the environmental firm Ideal confirmed that material of concern was fiberglass, not asbestos. “That’s fantastic news,” Gaham said, relaying the relief that the finding was not the more hazardous material.

Routine Business
The board approved the consent agenda, which included the minutes from the September 10, 2025, regular meeting, the October 2025 expenses, and the treasurer’s report. As of the end of September, the district’s total balance of all funds was $15,133,201.94.