November 8, 2021 at 7:00 PM - Board of Education Regular Meeting

Discussion: 

• Board President Desh called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. 

Discussion: 

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

Discussion: 

• The board resolution was read to the board and public patrons by Superintendent Hart. 

Discussion: 

• Superintendent Hart read the attached "oath of office" to Mr. Busch. 
• Board members and district staff at the meeting welcomed Mr. Busch to the district. 

Discussion: 

• No further discussion. 

Discussion: 

• No further discussion.

Discussion: 

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

Discussion: 

• Jack Moles gave a presentation to the board about the NRCSA organization and its benefits to rural school districts. 
• His presentation included discussion on the following topics: 
  • NRCSA Goals: Maintain local control, Promote and protect ESU's, Improve the rural teacher shortage, Work to get state funding for all rural school districts, Maintain NRCSA presence at the state level
  • Other areas of discussion: Board connection, membership growth, benefits of membership, Covid Issues, Legislative issues, professional development, scholarships, and policy, strategic planning, and Superintendent search services.

Discussion: 

• Public comment was provided by Jackie Bremer of Palmyra.

Discussion: 

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

 

Discussion: 

• Superintendent Hart presented the Superintendent's report to the board. 
• Topics included in the report were: Strategic Planning, Veterans Day Assembly and Celebration, District Newsletter, Negotiations update, NSAA Football Classification for 2022-2024, "Return to School" Update, Audit information, and upcoming board meeting presentations.
• Correction: The correct Legion Post Number for Palmyra is Post 195. 
• Additional discussion was centered on the current DHM for Lancaster County and options to consider if the mandate is extended or removed after November 24th. 
• A special board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, November 23rd at 5:30 p.m. at Palmyra High School to discuss the mask mandate and options for moving forward. Public Notice of this meeting will be advertised and posted as normal. 

Discussion: 

• Superintendent Hart presented an update on his goals for the 2021-2022 school year. 
• Board members will provide feedback to Board President Desh regarding these goals prior to December 1st, 2021.
• Board President Desh will provide a summary to the board about Superintendent Hart's goals and performance for the December 13th regular board meeting.

Discussion: 

• Ms. Walter presented information about Bennet Elementary. Topics included: Red Ribbon Week activities, Purple Hand Pledge, Veterans Day Assembly at the high school on November 11th, upcoming Elementary Holiday Concert on Monday, November 29th, and NSCAS testing. 
• Mr. Johnson presented information regarding activities, local law enforcement presence at the high school, safety and security, social studies curriculum, and college visits for students. 

Discussion: 

• The document has been updated to include new board committee assignments for Dean Busch. 

Discussion: 

• Superintendent Hart presented information on the topics listed. 
• Additional discussion was focused on the available options for bus and vehicle service providers in the area. Due to parts delays and staffing shortages, vehicle repairs have taken longer than normal and this has impacted our district's ability to get vehicles back in operation in an expedient manner. The discussion also centered on driver compensation and recruiting and keeping good drivers. 
• A Transportation Committee meeting has been scheduled for Wednesday, November 17th at 6:00 p.m. at Bennet Elementary. 

Discussion:  The committee met on Thursday, October 14th to discuss the following agenda topics. 

• 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
• The next meeting will be Wednesday, February 2nd, 2002 at 12:00 p.m. at the high school.

Additional discussion focused on the quality of our district teachers and an appreciation for our high school students being assessed with a standard Citizenship Test to check current knowledge of our country and government. 

Discussion: 

• Small non-substantive changes were suggested by the committee. 
• Policy #7020 - Add board members.
• Policy #6212 Updated Social Studies to 2019
• Additional discussion was presented on Policies 5306 and 5103. 
  • Questions about monitoring drug and alcohol use, school supervision, and follow-up with students after drug testing were also items of discussion.
• Follow-up with coaches and activity sponsors on policies 5306 and 5103 will take place sometime before the end of November. Feedback from the meeting will be presented at the December 13th regular board meeting. 

Discussion: 

• Superintendent Hart presented an update on our current Strategic Planning process with NASB. 
• There was a community engagement meeting held at Palmyra High School on Sunday, November 7th. 
• A Strategic Overview Committee (SOC) was also chosen to collaborate and gather feedback for the Strategic Planning process. A list of those members is now attached.  
• SOC members met on Sunday, November 7th and will meet again on Wednesday, November 10th to provide feedback on the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats to our district. This information, along with feedback from our students, staff, and community patrons will be combined, categorized, and summarized, and the information will be shared publicly later in the Strategic Planning process (after the first of the year). A final Strategic Plan will be developed and finalized during second semester. 
• Additional opportunities for community engagement and follow-up meetings with the SOC committee will take place in the spring. 

Discussion: 

• No further discussion. 

Discussion:  How do school districts qualify for this designation?

• The district and schools must complete some activities to be considered a Purple Star School. These activities include

1. Designating a military liaison: 
2. Maintaining a dedicated webpage for military-connected students and families:
3. Maintaining a transition program led by students.
4. Offering professional development for school staff related to military-connected students.
5. Creating/Doing at least one of the following:
   • Resolution from the school board showing support for military-connected families posted on the school website.
   • Recognize April as the military-child month or November as military-family month with relevant events being held.
   • Partner with a local military installation to provide opportunities for service members to volunteer or otherwise be involved in the school.

• No further discussion.
• Special thanks to Mr, Chaffe for organizing this initiative. 

Discussion: 

• Logistics for transportation to the State Conference were discussed. 

Discussion: 

• No further discussion. 

Discussion: 

• No closed session. 

Discussion:  The meeting was adjourned at 9:56.