March 11, 2024 at 6:30 PM - Regular Board of Education Meeting

Discussion:  Notice of the meeting was given in advance by publication to the public and to all members of the Board of Education. Availability of the agenda was communicated in advance. The Open Meetings Act was available for review. 

Discussion:  Kris Schrad, Teammates Program Coordinator presented.  The Boone Central Teammates program began in 2000 by Jeanette Zwiener. This year, the program gained 26 matches (75 total matches total), and the Board has increased by two members (6 total members).  Events this year have included Football tailgate, movie night, Basketball game recognition, and more.  There has been an effort to keep events local and separate them out by school grade level.  The Big Give funds created a connection corner in the middle school.  An office has been established in the building for paperwork, financial documents, and games.  A Facebook page was created and a mentor spotlight was showcased on that page to attract mentors.  All mentees are matched at this point.  Boone Central Teammates has joined Read Nebraska, and will receive approx. $3,500 plus free books.  Jim Pillen will be at the banquet on April 21st. 

Discussion: 

Knott- Teammates program and all Kris has done with the program.  Also to the community for all they have done to contribute to this program.  

Roberts- The Administration had to handle some difficult situations such as the boys sub district basketball game.  It was done in a professional and consistent manner.  Alignment on how things are done The Cardinal Way is important.  Our community is a part of that and needs to embrace it for us to be successful as a district.   

Frey-  All the administrators and Staff who put in extra time to showcase our school during Districts.  Also thank you to Kris Schrad for her work with the Teammates program.

Stuhr- Coaches and athletes for all their hard work this past season, all the hard work paid off.

Fogleman- Albion Area Education Foundation. Especially Rick Martinsen, for managing and following through on the area scholarships.  Our students are very lucky to have such a great organization that truly has all students' best interests at heart.  

Rolf- Mrs. Hitcher, FFA Sponsor.  FFA has a large group of students and Mrs. Hitcher does a great job of overseeing the program.  Boone Central’s chapter had an impressive showing at District CDEs and that is a testament to her leadership.

Schwartz- I would like to give a shoutout to our Albion education foundation.  Last week we had our BOE meeting and got to go through proposals from our teachers.  They approved roughly $56,000 worth of grants to help out our educational opportunities for our students. 

Larsen-All of the substitutes who step up to serve our District at any given time.  We have a wonderful pool of substitutes.  Also, thank you to Angie Zoucha who schedules all the substitutes.

Curry- Karen Anderson has amazing baking skills and the District is very lucky to have her as part of the kitchen staff.  Also, thank you to Erin Eickhoff for all she does for the 8th graders to help them prepare for high school.

Perone-Dennis Fox has done a great job with the extra work he puts in, especially with all the extra events going on.  He doesn't complain, he just works.  

Discussion:  In April, our District will work with ESU7 on how to align our goals and get our action plans set.

Discussion:  Facilities Committee - met with Energy Services, who presented what they offer and their process for doing projects.  They would walk through the facility, see what we have and what would be a priority as it relates to efficiency and safety.  This is a service that we may look at in the future.

AEF - 26 requests have been received, reimbursements to sponsors for the closeup trips, paid 1/3 of the closeup attendees' expenses, matching up to $15,000 match for a grant submission, 3 scholarships will be awarded to the graduation class, $102,250 of commitments this year.  In the past, AEF has helped with the Nationals expenses.  17 scholarship programs are also handed out to families.  None of this happens without the people who give to the AEF and to the stock market.  

The Superintendent Evaluation was read by Ed Knott.

Discussion:  Ms. Olson updated the board on the Committee on American Civics.

Discussion:  Grant opportunities - Safety grant due on Thursday.  Working with Devon on camera system updates to close some gaps in surveillance.  Cameras are approximately 7 years old.  Also looking at putting in new windows in the 1983 addition.  In addition, the Perkins grant funds are available, due March 25th.  A discussion with CTE teachers on what is needed has been had.  The preschool grant has been submitted, we will be hearing back on that one soon.

Welcome Ponka, who has been added to the Mid-States Conference.

The Olnes house is tentatively scheduled to be demoed this Friday.

ESU7 evening meeting is on June 17th.

Discussion:  Larsen - Scheduling is a big emphasis right now.  Dual credit and college course options are being offered to our high school students.  We are able to partner with Wayne State on dual credit classes due to our highly qualified teachers.  This year, 225 college credits have been earned by Boone Central students.  Kids are saving a significant amount of money by taking advantage of this opportunity.  We will have an opportunity to teach an AP Science class next year.  Mrs. Blanchard has worked hard to ensure the success of this program.  We have a student at Boone Central who has the opportunity to graduate high school with 35 college credits.

Perone - Speech qualified 13 out of 20 entries.  Shot clocks are on their way this week.  Scorevision - we are in negotiations with four partners.  The speaker is of great quality, it covers all the dead spots.  Sportsmanship needs to be paid attention to. We are going to be proactive with a heavy emphasis on this.  Finish Lynx camera has been purchased, which will allow us to be efficient at both finish lines for Track.  We have been asked to host District Track, May 7th.

Discussion:  Strategic Plan - 3 proposals (NASB, ESU7, NRCSA), to be started in August.
Classified Staff Wages - an average of 2.79-3.5% increases.  The paraeducator's years of service max has moved to 18 years to match with what the teachers receive.  There are now 3 groups of para-educator pay: I, II, and III depending on if they work with students one-on-one.
Certified Staff Contract List - contracts will be distributed March 15th, due back April 15th.
Chromebooks - 100 ordered, purchased through Reap funds
ESU7 Sped Services - projected cost for next year is $240,000+, which is a decrease from this year.  We will be keeping LMHP for 2 days a week.
ESU7 Technology Services - 2 proposals received, we will be going down to 4 days per week, $85,000.
Clevertouch Devices - We currently have 5 devices purchased with Big Give funds.  ESSER funds will be used to purchase these.
IPads - to be purchased with REAP funds.
Gym Floor Refinish - all 3 gyms plus the stage

Discussion:  April 8, 2024 at 7:30 pm

Special Board Meeting/Retreat May 23, 2024 at 6:00 am

Discussion:  8:06 pm