March 15, 2022 at 6:00 PM - Board of Education Regular Meeting

Discussion:  President Sandman called the meeting to order at 6 pm MT.

Discussion:  Maris and Fanning verified.

Discussion:  Present Board Members: Hondo Fanning, John Jutten, Laurie Maris, Aaron McKinney, Allison Sandman, Marty Wheeler

Discussion:  Brock Malcom asked that the SparqData be updated with the minutes.  Vanessa Fanning asked that if the committee was formed for book review and that process. Mick Majors asked that we stream our meetings on Facebook.  Skylar Sutherland also asked that we find a way to stream our meetings.

Discussion:  Sandman shared that the Board is looking at all options with respect to our buildings and the future of them.  Sandman noted that both buildings are approaching 100 years old and in need to updates and repairs to provide good learning environments for our students and staff. Sandman recognizes that the Palisade patrons met to discuss the future of the Palisade building and is open to looking at a new facility in Palisade if the patrons are willing to support higher taxes and possible bond issue.  Sandman also noted that three items of public concern are taxes, bussing, and test scores. The Board has discussed that moving everyone to one location would be more efficient and improve the educational experience for our students, reduce bussing time, and not increase the taxes.  Geier reminded the board that he has been successful in reducing the tax asking for several years. Geier shared that nothing is finalized for plans of the buildings.  We are gathering information and will plan meetings in both locations. Maris asked good questions of Mr. Frecks thoughts on two buildings versus one with pros and cons.  Fanning reminded the board that Carl Dietz (FNCM) shared in his superintendent experience moving all students to Eustis and closing Farnum and in turn, test scores did improve. Jacob Sertich (Wilkins ADP) shared updated drawings to review based on FNCM financial review of the districts finances.  The districts current finances would support a renovation and addition for an estimated $8.5 Million. The board discussed with Jacob what a bond issue process looks like. The board would like to move forward with community meetings within the next two weeks if scheduling allows.  Geier reminded the board that we still have to renovate and update Wauneta. The Board recognizes that the Palisade building is not salvageable and a new building would need to be designed and built. The districts current finances would not be able to fund a new building in Palisade as that would require all new funding. Mark Lewis (BD Construction) shared that a facility audit of Palisade was conducted in 2017-2018 and also showed that a new facility in Palisade would need to be constructed, that investment would be estimated at $7.5 Million and to update the existing gym estimated $500,000.

Discussion:  Mr. Geier shared that the External Visitation was conducted today in our district and happens every 5 years for NDE accreditation. Full report will be completed in one month, but highlights were a very positive student climate, positive relationships between students and staff, impressed with how our district operated during COVID, liked our PLC and Marzanno process.  Frecks shared that the school improvement team looks at what areas the school could improve and reading comprehension was one of them.  State tests have changed three times in the last five years.  RPAC Supt meeting in MCCook, NRCSA begins tomorrow thru Friday.

Discussion:  Activities Transition, RPAC instrumental music, InterHigh day, district music, prom this weekend.

Discussion:  April 11, 2022 Regular Meeting in Palisade @ 6 MT/7 CT
March 28, 2022 Facilities Informational Meeting in Palisade 6 MT/7 CT
April 4, 2022 Facilities Informational Meeting in Wauneta 6 MT/7 CT

Discussion:  Meeting is adjourned @ 8:02 pm MT.