March 11, 2025 at 7:00 PM - Board of Education Regular Monthly Meeting

Discussion:  President Lutkemeier opened the meeting at 7:00 pm.  The meeting notice was advertised in the March 6th publication of the Webster County Sun.  "The Open Meetings Act" poster was displayed in the meeting room.

Discussion:  Jennifer Karr was a guest in attendance.  No comments were offered.

Discussion: 

1. I want to thank Mr. Drake, Mr. Jones and Mr. Sluka for all the extra hours and work they have done in preparation of hosting two sub-districts, two district finals (Albeit at different venues) and the legwork required in sending two teams to state. I know these efforts often go overlooked.

2. Mr. Sluka and Mr. Jones have begun working on extra-duty assignments. If you have comments or concerns please reach out to one of those two individuals. You will vote to approve those at the April Board Meeting. We just couldn’t get this ready and be diligent about the process for tonight’s meeting. I apologize.

3. Building committee met ahead of the meeting today in Bladen to discuss some things that we need to address. Committee members want to share what their thoughts are?

4. Preliminary tax request numbers have been released. I did not have a stroke. There is a chance that I recommend you take the additional 7% this year. I know that most were not in favor of this last year. I do think it would be the financially responsible thing for you to do a board every other year. We don’t always know we are going to have to take it. But we need to have the ability to take it if it is needed to make the budget work. Budget authority is going to be a squeeze again. I do think my building principals and myself have some great options for cutting some costs in several avenues.

5. NASB Legislative Update notes. (Will have a handout for you all as well).

6. Reminder of the NRCSA Spring Conference March 20th and 21st.

7. AG and FFA sponsor vacancy - Difference in the hiring process.

8. State Basketball Story - Time permitting.....

Discussion: 

Enrollment as of 3/2025

Total Enrollment: 134

PreK- 26 (17 all day, 9 half day)
Kindergarten - 9
1st Grade - 17
2nd Grade - 14
3rd Grade - 16
4th Grade - 23
5th Grade - 16
6th Grade - 13

Completed Events:

February 24th: Preschool Roundup
February 24th: Kindergarten Roundup
March 2-6: Dr. Seuss Week
April 9th: Edgerton on the Move

Upcoming Events:

April 8th: New Kindergartners Visit

Information:

Nebraska Literacy Project
CLSD Grant (Comprehensive Literacy State Development Program)

Discussion: 

Professional Development

• February 24th - ESU Planning Meeting
• February 26th - TVC Executive Meeting
• March 19th - TVC Executive Meeting
• March 19th - School Masters Meeting - Kearney

JH/HS Academics

• March 6th - End of Quarter 3rd
• March 12th - JH Science Fair @ North Platte
• March 17th - MAPs Testing - ELA
• March 18th - MAPs Testing - Math
• March 19th - HC Science Fair
• March 19th - CCC Actions Day
• March 20th - MAPs Testing - Science
• March 21st - MAPs Testing - Reading
• March 25th - Junior ACT
• March 26th - HS Science Fair @ Kearney
• March 27th - MAPs Testing Make-Up
• Other
•   25-26 Schedule Will Be Created Soon
•   Drivers Education Has Started

JH/HS Safety Drills

• March Fire Drill - TBA
• Tornado Drill - March 27th

JH/HS Sports / Activities

• February 28th - HS GBB - District Finals
• March 1st - HS BBB - District Finals
• March 1st - Speech @ Voice of the Plains
• March 3rd - Start of Spring Practices
• March 3rd - HS Quiz Bowl @ Red Cloud
• March 6th-8th - GBB @ State
• March 10th - FFA Banquet
• March 12th - HS Quiz Bowl @ Lawrence-Nelson
• March 13th-15th - BBB @ State
• March 17th - Speech Night
• March 18th - District Speech @ GICC
• March 20th - HS Spring Sport Pictures
• March 20th - JH Spring Sport Pictures
• March 20th - HS Track @ UNK Invite
• March 22nd - PowerLifting @ State
• March 24th - TVC Honor Band @ Hastings
• March 26th - JH/HS TVC Quiz Bowl @ Giltner
• March 28th - State Speech
• March 28th - HS Track @ Wilcox
• April 1st - HS Track @ Kenesaw
• April 1st - HS Golf @ Elks (Scrimmage)
• April 2nd-4th - FFA @ State
• April 5th - PowerLifting @ Orchard
• Other
•   25-26 Holiday Tournament Update
•   Weight Room Floor Update
•   Prom - April 25th
•   Athletic Signings
•       Paige Faimon - Cross Country / Track - Hastings College
•       Katelyn Strampher - Track - Hastings College

Other:

• Night Custodian Update
• Track Shed Update
• 25-26 Coaches/Sponsors - April Meeting

Discussion:  RESOLUTION

         WHEREAS, Shaun Fisher was elected as a member of the Silver Lake Public Schools Board of Education for a term beginning January 9, 2025 and ending on January 4, 2029; and

         WHEREAS, on February 12, 2025, Shaun Fisher resigned as a board member, and the board accepted that resignation on February 12, 2025, thereby creating a vacancy; and

         WHEREAS, Neb. Rev. Stat. 32-570(3) provides for the remaining members of the board to fill the vacancy by appointment of a qualified registered voter by the remaining members of the board for the remainder of the unexpired term; and

         WHEREAS, on February 25^th, 2025 the board provided advance publicized notice of the vacancy.  WHEREAS, on March 6th the board provided advance publicized notice of the meeting to be held on March 11^th, 2025 to take public comments on candidates and to appoint a new member to fill the vacancy; and

         WHEREAS, Jocelyn Serna is a qualified registered voter of the district and has expressed an interest in school affairs; and

         NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED as follows: 

         1.      That after due consideration of the qualifications of the candidates and any public comments received, the board appoints Jocelyn Serna to the Silver Lake Public Schools Board of Education for a term ending on January 4, 2029.

         2.      The board secretary shall cause a copy of this resolution to be filed with the Secretary of State or county or township clerk.

Discussion:  Network Computer Solutions (Manhattan, KS) came in with the best bid for updates.  The bid came in at $27,398.88.  

We will receive around 70% in discounts for the services and be reimbursed accordingly.  

Attached is the cost breakdown for Wireless Access Points, switches and all the other things that go into this.  Travel, per diem and expenses are all included in the estimate. 

Discussion:  Justin Clark has previously worked as a night custodian at Doniphan-Trumbull.  He interviewed with Mr. Jones and Mr. Journey.  We would like to hire him to take on the vacancy left with Vinny's departure.  

Discussion:  Mr. Jones and Mr. Drake both put together a calendar.  Attached is the version that received the most votes by teachers and staff.

Discussion:  Board members discussed options regarding custodial position and duties, in an effort to maintain personnel.  

Discussion:  Mr. Drake saw the demo yesterday.  Some of you may have seen how it looks on the field, if you didn't drive by and check it out.  The robot striper performs exceptionally.  The price being considered was approximately $7,500.  It produces straight lines, hash marks, and logos in a short period of time.  Looking at neighboring schools who might be interested in cost share. 

Discussion:  Future agenda items include extracurricular duties and the resignation of Ag Teacher.  The next board of education meeting will be Tuesday, April 15th at 7:30 pm in Roseland at the high school.