January 16, 2023 at 7:00 PM - Board of Education Regular Meeting

Discussion: 

• Board President Desh called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
• Board President Desh led the board and the patrons in attendance in the Pledge of Allegiance. 

Discussion: 

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

Discussion: 

• All newly elected (and re-elected) board members recited the "Oath of Office". 

Discussion: 

• Superintendent Hart temporarily took over the chairperson role and board members nominated Brandon Desh for Board President and Jaimi Calfee for Vice President. 
• The vote tally count for the Board President was six members voting yes and zero members voting no.  Brandon Desh was elected President for 2023:  6-0.
• The vote tally count for the Board Vice-President was six members voting yes and zero members voting no.  Jaimi Calfee was elected Vice President for 2023:  6-0.
• No further discussion. 

Discussion: 

• No further discussion. 

Discussion: 

• Special thanks to Mrs. McCreight, Mr. Furrow, and our students for sharing their knowledge and special talents with the board. 
• The week of January 22nd - January 29th serves as School Board Recognition Week in Nebraska. 
• This month, we would like to formally recognize the District OR-1 Board of Education for their work and dedication to the students, staff, and patrons of our community.
  • Current board members are Mr. Dean Busch, Mrs. Jaimi Calfee, Mr. Tim Cheney, Mr. Brandon Desh, Mrs. Dee Moore, and Mr. Josh Penterman
  • We greatly appreciate your service to our district.
• The nomination form for the Excellence in Education Award is also attached to this agenda item.

No further discussion. 

Discussion: 

• Brandon Desh recited his "Conflict of Interest" statement in accordance with policy guidelines.
• No further discussion.

Discussion: 

• It shall be the policy of District OR-1 Public Schools that any contract whether oral or written, formal or informal, which is entered into by the school district and in which a member of the Board of Education is directly or indirectly interested, is voidable unless certain reporting, disclosure, and abstention requirements are met. 
  • A "Conflict of Interest" statement submitted by Brandon Desh is attached to the agenda item.

Discussion: 

• Public Comment was provided by Craig Bolz of Palmyra. 

Discussion:  Superintendent Hart presented information on the following topics:

• Parent Meeting Information: January 11.2023: The meeting contained information about students and the impact of social media. The meeting was well attended and staff appreciated the presence of parents in attendance for their input and engagement. 
• Superintendent 2022-2023 Goals Presentation: Mr. Hart presented information relative to his goals for the 2022-2023 school year. 
• Upcoming Community Meetings: See attached document updated January 13th, 2023
• Staff, Students, and Community Kudos: Special thanks to students for their outstanding work in a national Microsoft Excel competition and the Bennet Water Tower Design contest.
• Student Enrollment Update: See attached document. The current enrollment as of January 16th was 725 students Pre-K- 12. 
• CTE Concentrators and Career Readiness Standards: see attached document. 
• School Improvement Process Update: Mr. Johnson and Ms. Walter provided information relative to the Continuous Improvement Process and our external team accreditation visit later this spring. 
• Legislative Preview and Update: Legislative Notes: New Faces document is attached. 
• 2023-2024 District Calendar Discussion: See attached document 

Additional discussion centered around the possibility of having community service hours required for students in order to complete high school graduation. The importance of giving back to the community was brought up and helping students understand the concept and develop experience with "volunteerism" is a valuable life skill for students.

Discussion: 

• Information was shared and discussed regarding the attached building site plan documents.
• The next Community information meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, January 25th, 2023 at Palmyra High School beginning at 6:00 p.m. in the media center. 

Discussion: 

• The current enrollment as of January 16th is attached to this agenda item.
• No further discussion. 

Discussion: 

• Board members reviewed the draft and provided additional input regarding school start times and alignment with school activities. 
• A final draft of the calendar will be on the agenda for approval at the February 13th regular board meeting. 

Discussion: 

• Mr. Johnson and Ms. Walter presented information about report cards, student testing, the Continuous Improvement Process, the Chick-Fil-A  Leadership Academy, elementary student council, and parent-teacher conferences coming up on Tuesday, February 7th, from 2-8 p.m. 

Discussion: 

• The next Strategic Overview Committee meeting is scheduled for Monday, January 23rd at 6:00 p.m. at Palmyra High School in the media center.
• No further discussion. 

Discussion: 

• Negotiations Committee members discussed the 2023-2024 compensation increase recommendation for the building principals. 
• The Negotiations Committee will meet prior to the February 13th Regular board meeting to discuss classified staff compensation. 

Discussion: 

• The 8000 and 9000 Policy Series will be reviewed at the February 13th regular board meeting. 
• Additional discussion was held in relation to policies involving social media and the use of personal electronic devices for students at school.

Discussion: 

• Relevant documents are attached to this agenda item.
• No further discussion. 

Discussion: 

• Relevant documents are attached to this agenda item.
• No further discussion. 

Discussion: 

• No further discussion. 

Discussion: 

• The Negotiations Committee recommended a 4.0% increase. 

Discussion: 

• No further discussion. 

Discussion: 

• Board members are encouraged to attend these professional development opportunities and they will let Superintendent Hart know of their intent to participate.

Discussion: 

• No closed session. 

Discussion: 

• No further discussion. 

Discussion: 

• The meeting was adjourned at: 8:42 a.m.