Public Meeting Minutes: October 11, 2021 at 7:00 PM - Board of Education Regular Meeting

1. Call to Order and Pledge of Allegiance

Discussion: Additional Discussion:

The meeting was called to order by Board President Desh at 7:01 p.m.
Board President Desh led the board members (and patrons in attendance) in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Public Notice of the meeting was recently advertised in the Voice Newspaper.
Additionally, Public Notice was provided by posting notices at designated locations in Palmyra and Bennet.

2. Announcement of the Open Meetings Act Posting

Discussion:

Board President Desh identified the location of the Open Meetings Act Poster on the wall in the meeting room.

3. Staff and Student Presentations

Discussion:

The staff and students gave very informative presentations and board members had the opportunity to ask questions after each presentation.
The students showcased examples of projects created in class and shared personal stories about their interests and experiences in our high school art classes.
Staff presentation data is attached at the bottom of this agenda item.
Thanks again to our student and staff presenters for some outstanding informative (and engaging) presentations. The board greatly appreciates each presenter's commitment and dedication to our school district.

Attachments: (2)

4. Consent Agenda

Action(s):

Motion Passed:

Motion to approve the consent agenda as presented. Passed with a motion by Jaimi Calfee and a second by Lisa Wilen.

Church: Absent
Calfee: Yea
Desh: Yea
Maahs: Yea
Penterman: Yea
Wilen: Yea

No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.

Discussion:

No further discussion.
Special thanks to Mrs. Anderjaska for her service to our district!

4.1. Approval of minutes of previous meetings

Discussion:

Official Board of Education minutes are available on the district web site at www.districtor1.org

Attachments: (4)

4.2. Approval of Claims/Payment of Bills and Payroll

Attachments: (2)

4.3. Certificated/Classified Hire(s)/Reassignment(s)/Resignation(s)

4.3.1. Teacher Resignation: Ellie Anderjaska

Attachments: (1)

Anderjaska.Ellie. Letter of Resignation.9.28.2021.signed

4.4. Financial Report

Attachments: (1)

Financial Report.District OR1.October 11.2021

5. Public Comment

Discussion:

No public comment was presented.
Additional board member discussion centered around patrons providing names and addresses when getting ready to provide public comment.
This is a requirement of the new legislative bill (LB 83).

6. Board Vacancy Process

Discussion:

Board President Desh provided an overview of the appointment process and will provide more additional candidate information later in the Action Item portion of tonight's meeting.
No further discussion.

7. Administrative Reports

Discussion:

Administrative reports are available in their entirety at: https://meeting.sparqdata.com/Public/Organization/174

7.1. Superintendent's Report

Discussion:

Superintendent Hart provided information on a variety of topics to include: Board of Education Award of Excellence at the NASB Area Membership meeting on October 6th in Nebraska City, "Return to School" Update, Health and Wellness Task Force update, Flu Shot clinic for staff on Thursday, October 21st, School Accreditation information, current legislation initiatives, district enrollment update, Superintendent professional development, and information on upcoming board presentations.

Attachments: (2)

7.2. Administrative Report

Discussion:

Mr. Johnson (High School Principal) provided an update from both buildings to the board on the following topics. Parent-Teacher Conference Feedback, CTE class updates, School Safety and Security audit feedback, Bullying Prevention, Fire Safety, upcoming Halloween activities at the elementary school, Red Ribbon Week activities, the first quarter of school ending on October 15th, and no school on Friday, October 22nd.
One of the highlights from the safety audit was feedback from the auditor on the positive working relationships our staff members have with our students. Our staff does an excellent job of meeting the needs of all students.
These reports are attached to this agenda item.

Attachments: (5)

7.2.1. Safety Audit and Safety Plan Update

Discussion:

Mr. Johnson presented updated information on the district Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) and Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP).

8. Discussion Items- Committee Reports

Discussion:

Discussion centered around filling the vacant board committee slots left open by the recent resignation of Doug Church.
These open committee slots will be filled after the appointment of a new board member.
A document containing our updated Board Committee assignments is attached to this agenda item.

Attachments: (1)

Updated 2021 Board Committee Assignments_ District OR.1. Updated October 11, 2021

8.1. Olson Complex Update

Discussion:

Superintendent Hart and Board President Desh provided a summary of items related to the Olson Complex.
Special thanks to our community military servicemen and servicewomen, and our first responders for participating in our flag event at the complex on Friday, October 8th. Pictures from this event have been posted on our school website.
Kudos to our music program for an outstanding Marching Band event held on Wednesday, October 6th at the complex!
Additional discussion centered around complex area event day parking, Olson Complex signage, and future events scheduled to occur at the complex.
- Special note: Our conference track meet will be held at the Olson Complex on Saturday, April 30th.

Attachments: (2)

8.2. Transportation Update:

Discussion:

Superintendent Hart provided an update to the board on a variety of transportation-related items. These items included seat belts for preschoolers, adding gravel to the south bus lot at the high school, refreshing some of our street and parking lot striping and signage at both buildings, and an update on the bus rebate program and the continuing need for substitute bus drivers.

8.3. Americanism Committee Update

Discussion:

This public meeting will be held on Thursday, October 14th.

Agenda for the Meeting:

State of the Current Curriculum (materials, etc.) at the High School and Elementary
Scope and Sequence of Classes for Social Studies at the High School: Content and Credits
Social Studies Instruction at the Elementary
Controversial Topics Instruction and Policies: #6390 and #6391
Social Studies Curriculum: Possible Options and Recommendations: Moving Forward
Adjourn

No further discussion.

Attachments: (2)

8.4. ↵Strategic Planning Update

Discussion:

Superintendent Hart provided an update on our district Strategic Planning process.
A survey will be sent to our community to gather input from community patrons about thoughts and solutions for moving our district forward in the coming years.
This survey will be posted on our district website and social media channels through the end of October and early November.
All community patrons are invited to attend a Community Engagement Meeting on Sunday, November 7th, beginning at 7:00 p.m. at Palmyra High School. FYI: The meeting will last until 8:30 p.m.
- At the meeting, community patrons will be asked to share their thoughts on the following questions.
  1. Identify the points of pride, accomplishments, and achievements of the school district.
  2. Identify the future challenges that may impact the district and the community and how this may affect the school district.
  3. Identify the knowledge and skills a student should possess as a graduate of the school district.
  4. How can the board/district improve communication to inform patrons of the district’s needs and priorities?

Attachments: (1)

StratPlanTimeline2021. District OR1 with Possible Draft Dates Included. Updated October 8..2021

8.5. Policy Review Update

Discussion:

A Policy Review Committee "Zoom" meeting was scheduled for Tuesday, November 2nd at 12:00 p.m.
Board policies to be reviewed at the committee meeting will be Series 6000 (Instruction) and Series 7000 (New Construction). A summary of these policies and any recommended changes will be discussed at the November 8th regular board meeting.
The committee will also review and clarify questions regarding Policy #5306 (Drug and Alcohol Testing).

Additional discussion centered around Policy #5306 (Drug and Alcohol Testing) and the effectiveness of the current policy, the purpose of the current policy, consequences and options for rehabilitation for students who violate the policy, and the role of parents and the school in making the policy effective.

Attachments: (1)

DISTRICT OR-1 POLICY REVIEW SCHEDULE_ 2021-2022.updated. October 2021

9. Action Items

9.1. Discuss, consider and take all necessary action to appoint a qualified registered voter of the Otoe County School District 66-0501 a/k/a District OR-1 Public School District, to fill the vacancy on the Board of Education of this district created by the resignation of Doug Church, a member of the Board of Education.

Action(s):

Motion Passed:

Motion to approve Gary (Dean) Busch as the candidate to fill the current vacant board seat and be "sworn in" at the November 8th regular board meeting. Passed with a motion by Jaimi Calfee and a second by Lisa Wilen.

Church: Absent
Calfee: Yea
Desh: Yea
Maahs: Yea
Penterman: Yea
Wilen: Yea

No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.

Discussion:

Board President Desh provided an overview of the interview process and highlighted the quality of candidates interviewed. Candidates not selected were encouraged to run for positions in the next cycle of board elections.
Board members discussed the applicant criteria and selection process, and the board Vacancy Committee recommendation for board member selection.
- Components for consideration included: Experience, Leadership, Board and Community Involvement, Ability to Serve, Vision for Success, and Cohesiveness with the Board and Community.
After additional discussion, the committee recommended Gary (Dean) Busch as the selection to fill the vacancy of Doug Church.
The board voted 5-0 to approve the recommendation and motion.
Mr. Busch will be provided introductory board materials and "sworn in" at the November 8th regular board meeting.

Attachments: (1)

Board Member Appointment Resolution. October 11.2021

9.2. Federal Disaster Mitigation Act Resolution Update

Action(s):

Motion Passed:

Motion to approve Passed with a motion by Jaimi Calfee and a second by Josh Penterman.

Church: Absent
Calfee: Yea
Desh: Yea
Maahs: Yea
Penterman: Yea
Wilen: Yea

No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.

Discussion:

No further discussion on this agenda item.

Attachments: (2)

9.3. Discuss, consider and take action to appoint one Board member to serve as our voting delegate at the Nebraska Association of School Board's Assembly Delegate

Action(s):

Motion Passed:

Motion to appoint Board Member Desh as Voting Delegate for the 2021 State Education Conference. Passed with a motion by Lisa Wilen and a second by Clayton Maahs.

Church: Absent
Calfee: Yea
Desh: Yea
Maahs: Yea
Penterman: Yea
Wilen: Yea

No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.

Discussion:

The board recommended Brandon Desh to be the district voting representative at the upcoming State Education Conference Delegate Assembly.

10. Board of Education Development

10.1. NASB State Conference: Thursday, November 18th, and Friday, November 19th, 2021.

Discussion:

Board members will attend the State Education Conference in Omaha and share feedback about the conference at the December 13th regular board meeting.

Attachments: (1)

NASB State Education Conference Flyer. November 17 through 19. 2021 in Omaha

10.2. Superintendent Evaluation

Discussion:

Board members will complete evaluation feedback after the November 8th Superintendent's presentation.
Board members will send completed feedback to Board President Desh prior to the December 13th regular board meeting.
The Superintendent's evaluation will be completed at the December 13th regular board meeting.
The NASB Superintendent Evaluation document will be used for the 2021-2022 school year. The use of this evaluation document was approved by the board at an earlier meeting.

Attachments: (1)

NASB Standard Superintendent Evaluation with goals.updated.October 8.2021

10.3. NASB Board Notes: September 2021

Discussion:

No further discussion

Attachments: (1)

NASB Board-Notes---September 2021

10.4. Negotiations Timeline and Process

Discussion:

An initial Negotiations Committee meeting is scheduled for Monday, October. 25th at 5:00 p.m. at Bennet Elementary School.

10.5. NASB Area Meeting Summary

Discussion:

Special thanks to all board members who attended this event.
Congratulations to the board for receiving a special Board of Excellence Award.
No further discussion.

Attachments: (1)

NASB Area Membership Meetings Flyer 2021

10.6. Annual Audit Information

Discussion:

No further discussion.

11. Topics for Next Month’s Agenda

Discussion:

The date and time of the next board meeting is Monday, November 8th at 7:00 p.m. at Palmyra High School in the media center.

12. Closed Session

Discussion:

There was no closed session for this meeting.

13. Adjournment

Discussion:

The meeting was adjourned at 9:29 p.m.

October 11, 2021 at 7:00 PM - Board of Education Regular Meeting

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