July 12, 2016 at 6:00 PM - Board of Education Regular Meeting

Discussion:  President Olsen called meeting to order at 6:02 P.M. and directed attention to the open meetings act.

Discussion:  President Olsen led the assembly in the pledge of allegiance.

Discussion:  None noted.

Discussion:  Mr. Hauxwell discussed the coaches clinic coming up end of the month in Lincoln, Ne. He noted the gym floors were in the process of being refinished. Hauxwell noted that the motors were replaced on basketball hoops as well as safety straps in both longhorn & shorthorn gyms. Hauxwell also noted the NSAA classifications were out & we moved up to class C in XC & are also in the lower end of C-1 in volleyball as well as basketball. He noted the possibility of jumping to class B in track as well. The NSAA classifications are based on enrollment. Board member Sheila Stromberger inquired if we had enough girls going out for softball this year, Hauxwell verified that we did.

Discussion:  Principal Odens did not have anything to report. Principal Scheel was absent so Supt. Lefdal relayed Principal Scheels update noting that Mrs. Odens & himself attended a Language Arts Conference. Principal Scheel also had a discussion with teachers about new technology & programs that would allow them to develop new methods of instruction to enhance the use of technology in the classroom.

Discussion:  no discussion

Discussion:  Perkins & Coding: State questioned some of the course codes offered & Lefdal did further investigation & discovered the school needed to correct some coding on courses. He noted that for this year the codes will be okay but he is working on correcting them for the next year. New website is up and running, but Supt Lefdal stated there will be some tweaking that needs done before it's completed. Alicap has decreased premium 26% for 2016-17 year, although Lefdal stated that may fluctuate due to claims this past year. The FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) conducted an aeronautical study concerning the new addition & stated structure would not exceed obstruction standards & would not be a hazard to air navigation. Lefdal shared he would be teaching a class for NPCC on Disc Golf this week & was looking forward to it. Handbooks were not completed as Lefdal stated there is more to do, but will be available for next board meeting. There will be hard copies and also online copies that can be downloaded from website. Parents & students will still have to sign off on the handbooks. Asbestos inspection was done by Twin Rivers who walked through the Wellington & main school facility. The main school is asbestos free and Lefdal noted there should be a policy stating that the location is free of asbestos. That policy will be drawn up and available at a later time the report on Wellington will take about a month. Lefdal spoke with Perry Law firm via phone on policy updates, Lefdal suggested to move forward with legal help in writing the schools policies because the language that is currently being used isn't as legal as it should be & stated the law firm will work with us through the next couple years, by going through section by section. The rewriting will take up to a couple years to complete.

Discussion:  Pepsi contract was a better offer. Coke was recently purchased by Chester? They weren't interested in giving much, Pepsi a 5 yr contract, they could donate for signage. We have to meet certain requirments but Supt Lefdal didn't think it was unattainable.

Discussion:  Lefdal suggested moving rate for substitutes to $9/hr.

Discussion:  Current P.E uniform costs were discussed, with idea of not making students purchase P.E uniforms but instead wearing black shorts and white t-shirts. Board Member Stromberger inquired whether or not the P.E. instructors had any opinions on the uniforms. Other discussion whether or not shirts should be white or colored, with no logos or writing on them might be more appropriate. Mr. Lefdal stated that attire would have to pass school policy. Lefdal noted that if the school is requiring a course for students then the school is liable to provide materials for that course. So if band is required in 5th grade, then the school has to provide the instrument. That goes for 4th grade recorders if it's a required part of the music program.

Discussion:  Went into closed hearing at 6:48 P.M.

Discussion:  Supt/cheerleading. But those have lessened this year. Supt Lefdal read the policy currently written. P.E. and Band we require students to participate in, so shouldn't be charging fees for something the school requires. We shouldn't be charging for uniforms. Stromberger asked when did Band become a required subject. Mrs. Odens stated it has been for a couple years now. Supt. Lefdal stated we should be providing an instrument if we are requiring it, esp. the first semester. P.E recommendation black short and whit shorts. The white shirt should follow our dress code. Wallin asked what total cost for year was for P.E uniforms. Hauxwell stated they are $20 a piece & according to P.E instructors elementary likes it, high school isn't as picky Stromberger likes to keep the uniforms. Giving everyone at the beginning of the year no charge, then if they need a replacement uniform they have to pay a fee. Other Fees: Class dues: Supt Lefdal stated what he would like to do is if Pom Poms dont want to do concession, classes then will do the concession stands. Stromberger suggested that classes still pay dues for dances etc. but not graduation. Milk: Supt Lefdal stated they would have them drink water instead of milk for Kindergarten in the afternoon. Show Choir: Elementary recorders: If its required the school needs to take care of that. cheerleading: $500-$1000 to pay for uniforms. Multiple pieces of apparel. The high cost can push some kids away from participating. Lefdal recommends that the school purchase and those uniforms roll forward to other cheerleaders but remain property of the schools. Hauxwell stated that this year the cheerleaders went with a different vendor that was more cost effective & cheerleaders did fund raisers to pay for the uniform and costs were around $100 per uniform. Lefdal stated we could control

Discussion:  Mr. Lefdal read through the new & reaffirmed policies. Board Member Stromberger inquired on the hazing/soliciting policy in regards to the Armed Forces coming into the school talking to the students. Lefdal stated he would research that.

Discussion:  Lefdal discussed limiting mileage on transportation through the summer, but starting that process next summer. Stromberger noted that the NSAA has transportation to be approved by board. Supt Lefdal would like a yearly update on transportation for sports activities. Lefdal noted that he would like to discuss transportation needs in the Spring with coaches on any upcoming transportation needs. Hauxwell liked the idea of keeping mileage at a cap.

Discussion:  Lefdal discussed new dishwasher that fits area and right model. This is something that is desperately needed.

Discussion:  Supt Lefdal noted that the current swing set is not in very good condition & it needs replaced & to either remove the current spinner altogether or replacing it with a new one. A new swing set will be around $5,000 and a spinner $3,000. The costs do not include installation, however Lefdal noted that our maintenance staff will be doing the installation so that won't be a factor in cost.

Discussion:  Lefdal discussed 3 options in regard to new addition and building maintenance: To move ahead with addition, redesign rebuild or reconstruction of Wellington. He shared with board the possible cuts and the pros and cons of each. Lefdal strongly suggested to move forward with addition and away from any remodel or revamping of Wellington. Board President Olsen inquired about the Alt Ed room currently at Wellington, Lefdal stated there were some options for the Alt Ed room & he would be working with the ESU to get a good location. President Olsen also discussed the bus barn being an issue as we would need that location to store buses. The deadline for making a decision on the addition is July 21st and further discussion will be held at a special meeting on that date.

Discussion:  President Olsen adjourned meeting at 8:07 P.M.