September 11, 2024 at 6:00 PM - Board of Education Budget/Tax Asking Hearing and Regular Meeting
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1. Call to Order and Pledge of Allegiance
Discussion:
Vice President Burklund called the Budget and Tax Asking Hearing to order at 6:00 PM and the Pledge of Allegiance was said.
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2. Motion to Excuse Board Member's Absence
Discussion:
Motion by Lange, second by Benes to excuse the absence of Brad Breitkreutz. RCV 5-0. Motion carried.
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3. Open Meeting Law
Discussion:
The audience was reminded that Open Meeting Laws would be followed.
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4. Presentation of the 2024-2025 Budget and the 2024-2025 Tax Asking
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Discussion:
Superintendent Hanson reviewed the 2024-2025 budget. The budget and tax asking are designed to meet district needs while being attentive to the board's budget goals. The 2024-2025 budget would generate a tax asking of $9,669,027.00 which is a decrease of $74,496.00 and a reduced levy of $0.927226 (down from $0.990180).
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5. Receive Public Input
Discussion:
At this time the public was given the opportunity to ask questions but there weren't any.
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6. Adjournment - Close Budget and Tax Asking Hearing
Discussion:
Vice President Burklund closed the Budget/Tax Asking Hearing at 6:05 P.
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7. Call to Order Regular Meeting
Discussion:
Vice President Burklund called the Regular Meeting to order at 6:05 PM.
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8. District Mission Statement
The Raymond Central community is committed to providing a positive, challenging learning environment which prepares each individual to be a responsible citizen in an ever-changing society. |
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9. Consent Agenda
Discussion:
Motion by Heyen, second by Matulka to approve the consent agenda as presented including the regular meeting minutes of August 14, 2024; Public Workshop/Special Board Meeting minutes of August 28, 2024; August financial statement; monthly bills; and approval of substitute teachers Shaina Borer, Kim Turnwall, Laura Casne, and Shannon Chinn. RCV 5-0. Motion carried.
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9.1. Regular Minutes of August 14, 2024 and Budget Workshop/Special Meeting Minutes of August 28, 2024
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9.2. Financial Statement/Report
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9.3. Monthly Bills
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9.4. Policy Review
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9.5. Certificated staff hires/reassignment/resignations
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10. Correspondence/Recognition
Discussion:
Sarah Lange was recognized for being one of the top five finalists to receive the Lincoln Inspire Young Leader Award. The award celebration will be held September 18, 204.
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10.1. Presentation to the board by Monica Blank on Orton Gillingham (OG) which is our methodology for structured literacy
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Discussion:
Monica Blank and Shelly Hlavaty gave a presentation on Orton Gillingham (OG) which is our methodology for structured literacy. It combines direct, multi-sensory teaching strategies with systematic, sequential lessons focused on phonics.
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10.2. Presentation to the board by the Raymond Central Community Foundation regarding It's More Than A Field Project
Discussion:
Tony Kobza, Laura Tvrdy and Travis Hazard spoke to the Board about the Raymond Central Community Foundation regarding "It’s More Than A Field" project. The RC Community Foundation is a 501(c)3 organization which is supported by members of the Raymond Central communities. Their long-term vision is to have a facility that houses ALL outdoor athletic teams for the Jr-Sr High School. They have raised enough money to get started on the dirt work of phase I with the support of the Board.
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11. Public Forum
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12. Reports
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12.1. Administrative Reports
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Discussion:
Submitted by Troy Lurz, Jr-Sr High School Principal
First Weeks: The first weeks of school have been enlightening. There are some great things happening at RCHS. The actions of both students and staff demonstrate an early dedication to the educational process. The students get to class on time and the teachers can offer them a great learning experience because of this. Together we truly can move mountains. It has been great to get to know both the students and staff. It was even more enjoyable to observe how they interacted with each other. This family works well together. Students know their role(s) in this building and the Raymond Central staff is ready to help them achieve and have goals realized. Our work continues to be about kids; first, last, and always. This is one of our operating principles when we meet as a staff. I still feel we are off to a very solid start. Professional Development: Staff have been encouraged to use the new pieces being shared from the Instructional model. They have also been encouraged to post learning objectives/targets/intentions in their classrooms to provide an education focus. Staff meetings have been conducted using a flipped concept where information is provided for staff to pursue prior to the meeting and then clarified or reinforced during the meeting itself. This maximizes our time together. The ELA teachers are meeting together to work on curriculum and assessments September 11. The intent is to align priorities and further define the educational journey we are providing for our students. Achievement Scores and Testing: MAP testing will begin the week of September 9. Several grade levels will be offering MAP tests as early as Tuesday, September 10. The staff has been very flexible in preparing to accommodate the assessments. I am appreciative of the staff with experience using MAP in that they can help facilitate the process for others. They have been a great resource for others as we get the process started. We are working on setting goals with the students and using these as targets of improvement as we take the assessments. We will gather excellent data and should be able to understand where our students are performing so we can adjust our instruction accordingly. Counseling/ACT/Senior Experience/Scholarships (Tasha): Class meetings have started. Seniors are working on applications and registering for Apply to College Day on September 25th. EducationQuest will be present to share updated FAFSA information. Our first college/career/military fair will be that afternoon. We are always looking for local businesses to join us. Please encourage anyone interested, to contact Ms. Osten! Juniors will attend the SCC Beatrice EPP fair on Sept 17th. They will be able to tour the Beatrice campus and have lunch in the cafeteria. Naviance lessons have started which include career surveys and exploration. Friday Celebration: We began celebrating our family members several weeks ago. We have been trying various ways to introduce excitement and school spirit back into the operations of our school. We began the practice of playing the National Anthem in the commons on Friday mornings. This is giving us the opportunity to meet with our students and staff and potentially recognize them for things we have deemed worthy. Students are beginning to nominate staff members and each other now. So far, we have profiled 16 students so far. 7 of them were last Friday. This thing is taking off! Awards and Recognition (Staff Member of Merit): Courtney Polak (staff nominated), Andrea Hicks (staff and student nominated), Mike Henderson (staff nominated), Shawn Semler (staff nominated), Adison Kenning (student/staff nominated), and Rebecca Parks (student nominated) have been the staff we have celebrated so far. Jared Shanahan, Ron States, and Jeff Elstun were all celebrated on September 6 for all their work to keep our campus safe and sane. Evaluation Update: We are conducting classroom walk-through observations presently. The administrative team collaborated to design a workable document that we can collect data regarding walk-through observations. To this point, the high school has been using a reflective process and email to communicate information to staff. We then follow up directly with staff members and have critical conversations about what is happening in and sometimes out of the classrooms. Staffing: Nothing to report other than we have great people working on behalf of our students. FFA: Helping with multiple projects and are currently working with other CTSOs to get help with the Veteran’s Day Program. See the activities report for any additional information. FBLA: The FBLA year is off to a great start! The national theme this year is "Dare to Dream...Dare to Lead". Our August meeting was on August 20th and we had 35 students attending. We are hoping to add to this as the year goes on. The FBLA Officers will attend the Fall Leadership Conference at Midland University on September 25. They will listen to a keynote speaker and attend seasons led by the Nebraska State Officers. The officer team has been working hard to organize the Fall Craft Fair and Car Show. This event will be held on October 26 at the High School. We still have spots available for the craft fair. Students are also encouraged to sign up for a booth. We have just started taking registration for the car show. The link to register is listed on the Facebook Event Page. https://www.facebook.com/share/UAi1q3Ko5rzQ9L4V/ Upcoming Events: September 3 - Stock Market Game Registration Opens September 3 - Concessions September 23 - FBLA Meeting September 21 - 7th Grade VB Tourney September 25 - Summer Starter Ends September 26 - Shaping Success Starts September 25 - Fall Leadership Conference Click this link to view the Raymond Central FBLA Newsletter: https://secure.smore.com/n/fkg8e School Song: The students and staff have been working on renditions of the school song to potentially update the lyrics and modernize the fight song. We hope to help use this process as we recharge our school spirit. Tell Our Story! Photos, Fistbumps, and Family is the topic of my Mustang Newsletter this month. The key point here is connectedness. We are being intentional in sharing the things we do as a school and the hope is that we continue to demonstrate that we are all in this together. There is a feeling of togetherness being felt in the halls and classrooms of RCHS. We all need to continue to tell our story how we want it to be told. Our version is the only version that matters because we are creating the narrative. #MustangMentality, #RC_Nation, #Family Submitted by Tony Kobza, Asst Jr-Sr High School Principal/Athletic Director FacilitiesBasketball hoops and motors were replaced and a new touchscreen has been installed to raise and lower hoops. Shot clocks were also installed and will be ready to go for basketball season.Stage and wall mats have been replaced and look great! Water couplings have been installed and we are able to water the practice area in the hopes that grass will be established and ready to use in the Spring. The heavy rain has caused some havoc on the area and adjustments have been made to help alleviate that in the future. AthleticsCross Country, Football, Softball and Volleyball are in full swing. Schedules and results are included in the Mustang Minutes link each week. Upcoming events:9/20 - Pre Week Pep Rally (Announce Mr. and Ms. Mustang Candidates) 9/23 - Bonfire at 8pm 9/27 - Game Day Pep Rally (Announce Royalty Candidates after the game Friday) 9/28 - Homecoming Dance and Coronation Senior Nights: 9/24 Softball 10/8 Volleyball 10/24 Football TBD Cross Country Pink Out Games: 10/1 Softball 10/3 Cross Country 10/3 Volleyball 10/11 Football ActivitiesFBLA: The FBLA year is off to a great start! The national theme this year is "Dare to Dream...Dare to Lead". Our August meeting was on August 20 and we had 35 students attending. We are hoping to add to this as the year goes on. The FBLA Officers will attend the Fall Leadership Conference at Midland University on September 25. They will listen to a keynote speaker and attend seasons led by the Nebraska State Officers.The officer team has been working hard to organize the Fall Craft Fair and Car Show. This event will be held on October 26 at the High School. We still have spots available for the craft fair. Students are also encouraged to sign up for a booth. We have just started taking registration for the car show. The link to register is listed on the Facebook Event Page. https://www.facebook.com/share/UAi1q3Ko5rzQ9L4V/ Quiz Bowl: The group continues to grow in size! Quiz Bowl will be competing at a number of tournaments this fall in Seward, Ralston, Central City and more. We are also hosting a tournament on November 16! One Act: The Fall of Lafontaine Manor, auditioned this week and the cast list was released on September 6. We began rehearsals this week and will be working hard with a stellar group of students! In October we have the chance to see two professional productions: To Kill a Mockingbird with Crane River Theater Company and Back to the Future at the Lied Center. Art Club: We had over 30 students sign up for Art Club at our initial meeting in August where we introduced our newly elected officers for the year: Kinsley Seuferer-President, Aliviah Ceja-Vice President, Kayla Behn-Secretary, and Alyssa Monnier-Social Media Manager. We discussed our upcoming meetings and requirements/expectations for the club along with the dates for our yearly art competitions. Students are working on creating work for the Scholastic Art Competition coming up in December and prepping for Inktober designs in October. Our next club meeting is after school on September 18 where we will go over possible t-shirt designs for the upcoming school year. Art Club is open to any students in grades 9-12, they do not have to be taking an art class to join. FFA: So far this year we have had a successful first FFA meeting of the year; had 13 FFA members show at the State Fair; had 12 first year FFA members attend Greenhand day at CCC in Columbus; 7 current FFA members helped to put on the Parliamentary Procedure workshop that day. Upcoming events include: preparing to compete in District Land Judging on October 2nd; planning an exciting and educational trip to the National FFA convention-we have 14 students that will be attending plus one alumni, Aleyna Cuttlers, that will be receiving their American Degree; and preparing to compete in District Livestock Judging on October 13. Submitted by Breanne Poston, Asst Jr-Sr High School Principal/Preschool Director "Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning. But for children, play is serious learning. Play is really the work of childhood." - Mr. Fred Rogers Raymond Central Preschool is exactly four weeks in and full of meaningful play and learning in every way! Our program has grown with major transitions including our new PK 4 teacher, Ariel Broekemeier and returning educator, Megan Kemnitz as the PK 3 teacher. We also have phenomenal paraprofessional staff with Nikki Haas, Robin Wright, Cindra Jensen, and Kristy Sears. Cindra and Kristy were recognized during last Friday’s student and staff celebration rally at the JH/HS. Mrs. Ariel deemed them ‘Masters of the Preschool Universe’ and you may have seen their photo posted on one of the RC social media platforms. The preschool also has amazing outside resources with our ESU2 partnership, which provides valuable support to staff and students. Additionally, we currently have four high school students volunteering time in preschool and hoping to grow that opportunity as their time and presence is greatly appreciated. As we specifically consider what it means to be a preschooler at Raymond Central, skills focus on daily routines, following classroom expectations, social development, and a lot of quality ‘get to know you time’ to foster authentic relationships between students and staff. Preschoolers are also beginning to learn basic sign language as it’s incorporated into their days. The Pk 4 space has recognizable signs posted around the classroom and also recently sent home a signing language reference sheet for families. Preschool students are not the only ones learning this year. Our teachers and paraprofessional staff attended their first PEP or Preschool Essential Partnerships meeting at ESU 2 and will continue to meet monthly throughout the school year. This supports NDE’s Rule 11 professional development requirements for Early Childhood Education Programs. Ahead, we are looking forward to our first field trip adventure next month. All preschool classes will visit Martin’s Hillside Orchard at the beginning of October and our staff could not be more excited! Stay tuned for adorable pics and RCP updates! Submitted by Elementary Principals Steve Rose and Deb Kruse Grade-Alike Meetings: Our teachers met for their first meeting during the days of 8.27-8.29 to discuss and plan together in their grade-alike groups. Teachers looked at data, planned instruction and worked on their pacing guides for English Language Arts. Teachers aligned the Nebraska state standards to formative and summative assessments. These meetings were extremely productive and teachers will meet again this month to continue the work. Mustang Reading Challenge: One of our district-wide goals is to increase reading proficiency for all of our students. We are starting a new reading program designed to encourage students to read outside of the classroom. Students will be recognized for their hard work. Thanks to Mrs. Roussan and Kim Hudson who helped to get this started. Bookmarks Program Flyer Patriots Day Observance: Students and Staff observed Patriots Day on 9.11.24. The students gathered at the flagpole during the morning opening and the 5th Graders read a script explaining the meaning and purpose of the day and a moment of silence was observed. FastBridge / OG Screeners: Teachers have completed the first round of reading screeners at the elementary schools. The data will be processed and shared with staff to start determining individual student and entire program needs. We use this data to help inform our decisions about what foundations and skills our students will need to be successful in the classroom. Fall PTO Fundraiser: Every fall the PTO runs a fundraiser that helps to raise money for the support that the organization gives the teachers and students at our elementary schools throughout the year. The fundraiser kicked off last week and will finish this week. We cannot say enough about the work that our PTO does to provide resources and opportunities for our students, teachers and staff. Upcoming Dates: NSCAS Testing 9.9-9.27 Patriots Day 9.11 Submitted by Amanda Coufal, Special Education Coordinator Assistive Technology Cadre: Last school year, Caitlin Roussan (school psychologist) participated in an assistive technology cadre through the Nebraska Department of Education. This cadre was a year-long class that met once a month for three hours. The class was designed for teachers, special educators, and other specialists who work with students who have assistive technology needs. At the end of the cadre, Caitlin had to create a project that would benefit Raymond Central. Caitlin chose to create an outline for our district to determine if a student needs assistive technology and to what degree. This Fall, she has begun utilizing this outline for our students. Most recently, she was able to determine the barriers a student was having with speech-to-text on Google Docs. She worked with Jaxn Kobza and Breanna Mayfield to unlock a few different chrome extensions. These extensions were able to help the student with word prediction rather than simple speech-to-text. She also helped secure a loan of an electronic reader pen. This pen allows the student to highlight what they are reading and it reads it back to them in real time through their headphones. Teacher feedback has been positive and this student is able to be more independent with his reading class. Caitlin is hoping to continue to use the knowledge she gained in the assistive technology cadre to help support our students here at Raymond Central. Adapted PE: We currently have five students who participate in a self-contained adapted PE class taught by Taylor Vasa. Adapted PE is a specially designed, separate class setting that is used for students with disabilities who are not able to participate fully and/or successfully in the general education setting. Adapted PE provides adaptations and modifications to physical education in order to make activities as appropriate for students with verified disabilities as it is for students without disabilities. Equipment was purchased to allow our students to participate and learn valuable skills while attending PE class. The five students look forward to this time and really enjoy the new activities that they are learning. Some of the items that were purchased are:
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12.2. Student Board Member
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Discussion:
Submitted by Ellerie White, Student Body President
Hello everyone my name is Ellerie White. I am your Student Body President and I'd like to give you some insight into what all the after-school clubs and school activities are doing. Our Art Club which is run by Taylor Craig meets once a month. Their upcoming meeting is September 28th. The meetings consist of fun art projects and crafts. During this time you get to know your peers and grow your art skills. Next is our Spanish Club which is run by Josh Karel. Their next meeting is September 16th. Spanish Club is an innovative way to learn more about other cultures than our own. We get to try foods from different cultures and watch movies as well. Our FBLA club is run by Keely Schafer. Their next meeting is on September 23rd where our students are learning how to be business leaders through leadership experiences. FFA is run by Kathryn Donahue. They recently went to Green Hand Day which was a convention for first-year FFA members. They learned all about what FFA truly is. Our Speech team run by Carolyn Enevoldsen just had their first practice this last Wednesday. Right now everybody's working hard to create their pieces to prepare themselves for the upcoming season. Our One Act is led by Emma Jorgenson and Shannon Chinn. This year it will be a series called The Fall of the Lafontaine Manner. I highly encourage you to come and see it. I think we will have a great year. Our Dance Team led by Aiden Moerer is working really hard every Monday, Wednesday and Friday morning to prepare routines for the halftime shows at every home football game. Our Cheer team led by Calli Dennison practices every Tuesday and Thursday morning, practicing new and legal stunts to show off at football games along with the addition of showing our school spirit at home volleyball games this year. Another awesome club that just started was our gaming club. This club is led by a student named Leo Hain who is accompanied by the help of Carolyn Enevoldsen. The first meeting was September 10th. They will be playing many different games including Dungeons and Dragons. Last but certainly not least is our Student Council. At the moment we are working hard to plan our homecoming which is September 28th along with the pep rallies that week. The theme for the Dance is a night in New York City. Not only are our clubs/activities important but so are all of our sports teams. I encourage you all to make your way to at least one sporting event and cheer on your Raymond Central Mustangs. As you all know, activity calendars can be found online. I hope to see you all there. Thank you for your time and support towards RC. |
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12.3. Superintendent's Report
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Discussion:
Enrollment Data - At the end of August our overall student enrollment was 725 students with 50 of those being PK students. We currently have 5 more students optioning out as compared to optioning in (104 vs. 99).
I have been able to get in and visit every classroom. We will finalize our district wide data collecting tool at our Admin Meeting. Our fall test data will be available soon - we will then set district and building academic growth goals with action plans. I have scheduled another listening session for 5:30 before the football game on October 11. |
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12.3.1. Classified Staff hires/reassignment/resignations
Discussion:
Melanie Jordan has been hired as Jr-Sr High Cook and Brandi Lile as a Valparaiso Para.
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12.3.2. NASB Monthly Update
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12.3.3. NRCSA Monthly Report
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12.3.4. Update on Superintendent Goals
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12.3.5. Safety Report
Discussion:
The Safety Committee will hold its first meeting of the year on September 26.
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12.3.6. Facilities Report
Discussion:
From Jared:
The fire panel has been ordered and will be installed as soon as it comes in. The window coverings have been ordered and will be installed as soon as they come in. The sprinklers are in on the practice softball/ baseball areas. |
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12.3.7. Important Upcoming Dates:
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Board Retreat - September 30 at 6:00 PM
NASB Membership Meeting - September 25 in Fremont - We will leave at 3:30 PM Americanism Committee Meeting - October 16 before the BOE Meeting State Education Conference - November 20-22 in Omaha |
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12.4. Board Committee Reports
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12.4.1. Curriculum & American Civics Committee (Burklund-chair, Lange, Matulka)
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12.4.2. Facilities & Transportation Committee (Matulka-chair, Burklund, Lange)
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12.4.3. Finance Committee (Breitkreutz-chair, Burklund, Heyen)
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12.4.4. Negotiations Committee (Lange-chair, Benes, Heyen)
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12.4.5. Policy Committee (Benes-chair, Breitkreutz, Heyen)
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13. Old Business
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14. New Business
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14.1. Discuss, Consider and Take Necessary Action to Approve the 2024-25 budget.
Discussion:
Motion by Lange, second by Benes to approve the 2024-2025 budget as follows: General Fund: $13,145,088.00; Depreciation Fund: $2,735,233.50; Employee Benefit Fund: $340,380.00; Activities Fund: $995,876.00; School Nutrition Fund: $600,000.00; Bond Fund: $1,370,800.00; Special Building Fund: $3,925,115.00; QCPUF Fund: $4,053.00; and Student Fee Fund: $41,653.00 for a Total Budget of Disbursements: $23,158,198.50. RCV 5-0. Motion carried.
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14.2. Discuss, Consider and Take Necessary Action to Set System-Wide 2024-25 Property Tax Request for General Fund, Building Fund, and High School Bond Fund.
Discussion:
Motion by Lange, second by Benes to approve the tax resolution to set system-wide 2024-2025 property tax request at $9,669,027.00 with fund requests of: General Fund: $8,130,724.00; Bond Fund: $326,182.00; and Special Building Fund: $1,212,121.00. RCV 5-0. Motion carried.
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14.3. Discuss, Consider, and Take Necessary Action to Approve the Lease with the RC Community Foundation.
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Discussion:
Motion by Matulka, second by Lange to approve a Lease Agreement with the RC Community Foundation. RCV 5-0. Motion carried.
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14.4. Discuss, Consider and Take Necessary Action to approve RCEA as Exclusive Bargaining Agent for Non-Supervisory Certificated Staff for the 2026-2027 Contract Year
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Discussion:
Motion by Lange, second by Burklund to recognize the Raymond Central Education Association as exclusive bargaining agent for the district’s non-supervisory certificated staff for the 2026-2027 contract year. RCV 5-0. Motion carried.
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14.5. Discuss, Consider, and Take Necessary Action to Make the Following Transfers From the General Fund.
$500,000 to the Depreciation Fund $100,000 to the Employee Benefit $100,000 to the Hot Lunch Fund
Discussion:
Motion by Heyen, second by Matulka to transfer money from the General Fund as follows: $500,000 to the Depreciation Fund; $100,000 to the Employee Benefit Fund; and $100,000 to the Hot Lunch Fund. RCV 5-0. Motion carried.
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15. Next Regular Board Meeting
Discussion:
The next regular Board of Education Meeting will be held Wednesday, October 16, 2024.
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16. Adjournment
Discussion:
Motion by Lange, second by Benes to adjourn the meeting at 7:07 PM. RCV 5-0. Motion carried.
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