April 8, 2019 at 7:30 PM - Board of Education Regular Meeting

Discussion:  Skylar Pretzer and Korey Theye reported on recent student activities.  Congratulations to students with their success in FFA, Speech, Golf and Track.  Some students will be assisting with a local blood drive in Odell April 10.

Discussion:  Principal Mezger reported on current enrollment numbers which are 253 in PK-12.  In 2017-18 the number was 258 in March.  He also noted that the ACT Test will be administered to all juniors on April 10.  He reported that the textbook schedule had been updated for both the elementary and the high school.
 

Discussion:  Eric Hackler addressed the Board about use of the fitness centers for personal training of individuals.  The Board will consider, but would have to update policy for the center to be used by anyone for profit, and also charge rent for the use.  Mr. Hackler also stated he would be very interested in working with students that would want the assistance.  This extra assistance would be similar to what some students do outside of school through the YMCA.

The Board recognizes how this service could benefit residents.  Superintendent Meyerle will research the possibility with legal counsel and insurance reps.

Discussion:  The Board updated Policy 3022 on Volunteers.  The last statement in the policy is the update and reads:

Volunteer Coaches will be assigned with the Head Coach making a request to the Activities Director and assigned with the approval of the Superintendent.  No person shall be approved as a volunteer coach if the volunteer has children playing on the respective sports team that the coach would volunteer for.

Discussion:  The Board recognizes the success and popularity of this program in other schools.  Local beef would be donated and served at school lunch.  Superintendent Meyerle will research the topic more and speak to the owners of the Diller Locker, and report back to the Board.

Discussion:  The Board reviewed the Extra Duty assignments for 2019-20

Discussion:  Superintendent Meyerle reported that an area of the parking lot at the elementary was recently paved.  It is an area enough large enough for 26 cars.  It will be a welcome improvement as the lot turns very muddy, and loads of rock over the years did not provide a long term solution.

He also noted that the gym progress is on schedule, and that the front area remodel will begin as soon as school is out for the summer.

Discussion:  The Board discussed leasing two micro buses.  With some routes getting smaller these buses that can carry a max of 14 passengers offer several positive options.  No CDL is required, which will make it easier to find some drivers in the future.  Also, in place of two small vehicles or a large bus, these small buses could make some activity trips.  Superintendent Meyerle noted he would trade at least one of our higher mileage large buses.

The Board will discuss again at the May meeting, and a rep will there from Blue Bird Buses to answer questions.

The Board was receptive in paying Southern a per student costs for softball and golf.  The Board is very appreciative of the opportunity for Diller-Odell students to participate in those sports.  They would ask that Diller-Odell be recognized as part of the team name with the NSAA. 

There was some discussion, per Superintendent Meyerle's request, on changing the age limit on attendance at school functions such as Homecoming or Prom to allow no persons out of high school to attend.  No changes will be made.  The allowable age for outside dates will remain at 20 years or younger.
 

Discussion:  The Board shared some of the information from the recent NRCSA conference.

Superintendent Meyerle, Principal Mezger and the Board congratulated Gary Stohs for being named the Outstnading Board member from the state of Nebraska at the recent NRCSA conference.  The award is a tribute to Gary's 22 years on the Board and the service to the school district.

Discussion:  President Stohs adjourned the meeting at 9:02pm.  The next regular meeting is scheduled for May 13.