July 14, 2014 at 6:00 PM - Board of Education Regular Meeting

Discussion:  Notice of this meeting was posted at the Jeffrey Elementary School, Osceola Middle School/High School, Pinnacle Bank of Osceola, and the Osceola Post Office. A copy of the agenda items is tentative and may be changed by the Board if necessary.

Discussion:  President Schleif called the regular meeting to order at 6: PM and informed those in attendance that a current copy of the Open Meetings Act is posted in the meeting room, then directed the public to its location.

Discussion:  Also present were Superintendent Rinehart, MS/HS Principal Dale Maynard, Debra Berry, Lisa Stowe, Julie Rinehart, Osceola student Caleb Green, one patron from the Osceola district, and EHA representative Greg Long. Shelby-Rising City Public School's Superintendent Chip Kay and board members Roy Houdersheldt, Heath Vrbka and Geoff Ruth were present to talk to the Osceola Public Schools' board.

Discussion:  Shelby-Rising City Public Schools' Superintendent Chip Kay addressed their strategic plan for their district and what their thoughts are about merging with Osceola Public Schools. Superintendent Kay stated that their goal is to have one site in Shelby, but a neutral site for a merged district may be an option in the future. Shelby-Rising City board members Roy Houdershledt, Geoff Ruth and Heath Vrbka also answered questions asked by Osceola board members.

Discussion:  EHA Representative, Greg Long, explained the advantages of offering a Health Savings Account (HSA) for health insurance. This is not to replace the current health insurance plan, but to make another option available to employees.

Discussion:  Elementary Principal Sarah Johnson submitted a written report about the progress of the preschool. Supplies have been ordered, a spot has been cleared for playground equipment, cabinets are being installed, and the state liaison for preschool has visited twice.

Discussion:  MS/HS Principal Maynard had Osceola student Caleb Green explain the event "June Jam" to the Board. Grants are available to get students involved in a club to promote being drug-free and getting involved in activities around the community. Principal Maynard gave his written and oral report about: updates to the student handbook; student numbers; and computer "bootcamp".

Discussion:  Superintendent Steven Rinehart gave his written and oral report about: the completion of the hot water heater project; the installation of the preschool playground equipment; the confirmation of board member points for NASB; upcoming NASB area meetings; the start of the budget process; and the possibility of moving monies to the depreciation fund at the end of the year.

Discussion:  There were no board reports.

Discussion:  The administration presented a review of the amount of money collected from students pursuant to, and the use of waivers provided in, the student fee policies of the District for the 2013-2014 school year.

Discussion:  Superintendent Rinehart pointed out the need to raise the fees on some items because of increased cost and to eliminate an organization that was duplicated.

Discussion:  Superintendent Rinehart reviewed with the Board the current Bullying Policy #5415.

Discussion:  Superintendent Rinehart reviewed the current Attendance Policy #5008 with the Board.

Discussion:  The Board discussed the information presented by Shelby-Rising City's Superintendent Kay and board members. Osceola's committee members will attend the upcoming Shelby-Rising City's board meeting.