Monday, June 13, 2022 Central Standard Time - Board of Education Regular Meeting

Discussion:  The regular June meeting of the Sumner-Eddyville-Miller School District Board of Education will be held on Monday, June 13, 2022, at 8:00 P.M., in the School Library, 205 East 2nd Avenue, Sumner, NE 68878

Discussion:  Notice of the meeting was posted on June 10, 2022  in the Villages of Sumner, Eddyville and Miller and posted to the SEM Mustang school web site and  over the school reach notification system for the board meeting to be held on June 13, 2022 at 8:00p.m. Availability of the agenda was communicated in the published notice. All proceedings hereafter as shown were taken while the convened meeting was open to the attendance of the public. This meeting was conducted in accordance with the Open Meetings Act, Chapter 84, Article 14 posted in the School Library.  President Chris Reiter opened the board meeting at 8:00pm

Discussion:  Bruce Eberle spoke about the school helping with housing in the town of Sumner.  There is a grant through Dawson County.  There is $813,000 in a pool of money.  It is a 1:1 match of $25,000 to build a house. 

Kellie Harrison spoke about her concerns about the wrestling coach position for next year.  Mr. Reiter asked her if she has spoken with Mr. Finkey, and she had not done that.  Mr. Reiter asked her to 
 

Discussion:  Mr. Schmidt addressed the board and let them know that he has completed the reports, student schedules, and provided a data sheet.  Mrs. Anderson asked if Mr. Schmidt could explain why there are some testing areas that did not show growth.  Mr. Schmidt replied that it could be a motivation issue, since students in grades 3-8 take the state tests and then MAP testing within a few weeks of each other.  That would be 6 or 7 tests that take an hour plus each.  Mr. Schmidt did speak about the changes in testing for the upcoming school year. 

Mr. Schmidt informed the board that he had been in contact with Mr. Torpin, and will try and make the transition as smooth as possible for students and staff. 

Discussion:  Mr. Finkey shared that the Student Council will be replaced with Student Government.
The newly developed organization will meet monthly (minimum) with Principal Torpin to provide the student perspective of the school, and the components that will make up the district.
Mr. Torpin will include an update for the board in each of his monthly reports between September and May.  If Mr. Torpin needs help with this, Mr. Finkey will assist him. 

Mrs. Anderson asked about Mrs. Bowie coaching speech instead of Mrs. Trampe.  Mr. Finkey stated that Mrs. Trampe had asked to not do speech next year, and that Mrs. Bowie asked to coach that team.

Mrs. Anderson asked Mr. Finkey if he could explain how the Co-Head Coaching would be paid for volleyball.  The salaries of the head and assistant would be combined and split evenly.

She also asked if there were concerns about coaches coaching multiple seasons, and if the athletes and coaches needed a break from each other.  Mr. Finkey said that no one has stated anything to him about that concern, and asked Mr. Schmidt if he has heard that concern and Mr. Schmidt stated that he had not.

Mrs. Anderson asked Mr. Finkey to explain to the public why Mr. Padrnos is not coaching wrestling.  Mr. Finkey stated that if Mr. Padrnos would like to open his file to the public, that he would address the concerns, but at this time that is confidential.  Mr. Finkey did state that at no time was Mr. Padrnos told that he would not have the opportunity to coach in the future. 

Discussion:  Mr. Finkey stated that the Policy Committee met prior to the meeting to discuss board policy.  Mr. Finkey also stated that he is concerned that there may be violations of board policies that have taken place.  Mr. Hothem, Mr. Triplett, and Mrs. Hrasky are on the Policy committee. 

Mr. Triplett also stated on behalf of the Building and Grounds committee, that there are trees that have been ordered to replace the dead trees on the North side of the football field. 

Mr. Reiter addressed the Committee on American Civics may need to meet soon. 

Discussion:  Mr. Finkey spoke about professional development opportunities for school board members. 

Discussion:  Mr. Finkey discussed that in NASB standards, and through the board's self assessment, the board had expressed interest in improving accountability and student achievement.  Mr. Finkey addressed many options that board members could learn about. 

Discussion:  Mr. Reiter handed out three documents.  One involved text messages from board members and concerns.   There was a statement made, "My sources have informed me", and Mr. Reiter addressed his concerns and what processes that should be followed.  There was a document from the school board attorney with directions that should be followed. 

Mr. Reiter stated that Roberts Rules of Order are not the law, and that adding an agenda item at the start of a meeting is not allowed legally. 

Mrs. Anderson stated that she decided not to attend a meeting with the Board President, and Secretary to address concerns, because they were going to berate her.  She also stated that she did not believe that it would be productive.  

Mrs. Anderson also stated that she sent the email, prior to reading the Open Meetings Act, and after she read it, learned that she was incorrect on her previous statements.

Mr. Reiter stated that the Board has had many training sessions and that he is concerned that there are actions that are not correct.  He stated that the Roberts Rules of Order or followed as closely as possible.

Mr. Triplett and Mrs. Hrasky brought up concerns with following Roberts Rules of Order, and that things should be documented to be consistent. 

Mr. Hothem addressed the board and said that the Board President is allowed to change the process for setting the agenda, or calling for motions and votes, and that if the board does not approve of the current process, the board needs to inform Mr. Reiter the concerns. 

Mr. Reiter stated that if the board is concerned with the job, that he is willing to step down if the board feels that is what is best.

Mr. Hothem stated that the text messages and/or emails need to be brought to Mr. Finkey instead of other board members.