During the meeting the board accepted a $4,000 benevolence gift from Zion Lutheran Church, presented by Jack Wright on behalf of Pastor Matthew McGarragh and the congregation. Wright said the congregation redirected earnings from a long-standing memorial bequest toward local benevolence; district staff noted the church’s donations total roughly $23,000 over the past five years and thanked the congregation for consistent support for social workers and counselors.

The board also formally recognized Baldwin High School for two honors: designation as a 2025 National Banner Unified Champion School by Special Olympics and selection for ESPN’s Honor Roll. The superintendent said the national-banner recognition is awarded to a small number of high schools for inclusive school culture and that a community recognition ceremony is scheduled for March 27.

Separately, the board publicly thanked administrators and First Student employees after a parent described how transportation staff and district employees recovered a missing insulin pump during off hours, enabling safe care for the student. The board recognized multiple staff for going above and beyond in assisting the family.

The superintendent thanked student performers (the Baldwin Aires) and student-art winners from the district’s holiday card contest, and highlighted upcoming school events including winter concerts and the Cookie Extravaganza on Dec. 19.