Hillsboro School District administrative staff and Board members have been extra busy recently, passing along information about the upcoming Referendum at public community information meetings. More than 200 interested voters have attended.

This effort was discussed at the regular Board meeting on Monday night, held for the first time in the former Distance Learning Room, rather than the High School Library.

There are still referendum information meetings scheduled Oct. 17 at 1 p.m. and Oct. 20, at 7 p.m., both in in the High School Library.

In addition, the Administration has mailed out extremely informative data to all members of the School District. If you have been wondering about certain aspects of the referendum and how they would affect you, chances are you will find the answers in the mailing.

High School Principal Greg Zimmerman’s report to the Board included an update on a Halloween Haunted Trail along the forest path behind the school Oct. 24. It will be a fundraiser for the FBLA. What better reason is there to get scared!

He also had good news for Tiger sports fans.

The cross-country WIAA Sectionals will be held Oct. 25. Also the volleyball team has WIAA Regionals starting next week and, with a victory Friday night, the football team will earn a spot in the WIAA playoffs on Oct.  24 or 25.

Elementary School Principal Cara Wood offered thanks and appreciation in her report for staff and students who handled the recent gas-scare evacuations with flexibility and calm.

The Hillsboro Fire Department visited the 4-K and kindergarten classes last week with some good learning tips for Fire Prevention Week.

The Elementary School is planning on having a Veterans Day program Nov. 11. It is tentatively planned to be held at the High School at 9 a.m., prior to the high school program at 10:30 a.m.

Picture retake day will be Nov. 7.

Among many other technical updates for Board members, Business Manager Mindy Lankey reported that the Summer Pupil Count was 16, the same as last year.  In addition, the Sept. 3 Friday Count: FTE up 7.

Schools Superintendent Curt Bisarek reported that he had received thank you notes from Pastor Roger Miller and Father Bauer in appreciation for the school sports passes.

In a brief report, he also said the school was waiting on a bid for windows and lighting in the library.

In other business, the Board hired Mary Helgerson for a Title One position to replace Anita Burch, who has resigned.

The Board also unanimously approved the first reading of:

• A revised policy that strictly forbids weapons on school property;

• Four course options for career planning;

• Modification of curriculum:

• Alternative Education Program:

• Student fees:

• Exhibit fee waiver

• Policy 400s Series–Students

Before adjourning, the Board scheduled a special meeting to certify the levy Nov. 5, at 7 p.m.