June 11, 2024 at 5:00 PM - Regular Board of Education Meeting

Discussion:  The Consent Agenda consists of approval of the agenda for this meeting, approval of the minutes from the May 2024 regular board meeting and approval of claims for the General Fund in the amount of $360,472.03, Payroll in the amount of $596,932.00 (including all NPERS & taxes), Lunch Fund in the amount of $9,211.38, and Special Building Fund in the amount of $487,463.00. Transfer of $250,000.00 from the General Fund to the Depreciation Fund.

Discussion:  Director of Student Services, Nick Krause
The three applications of 2024-2025 IDEA Consolidated, Flex Funding Application and the 2023-2024 IDEA MOE Eligibility Standard have been started. Currently waiting for the 2024-2025 IDEA Consolidated to open up. The District met Maintenance of Effort in two out of the four qualifying categories. Both areas that were met dealt with how we were spending state and local funding. The areas not met dealt with per capita and last year we met in all four areas. Through ESU this month, the Secondary MTSS team and Staff met. The focus was on decision-making rules and support for students and redesigned teams at the Jr/Senior High level. Next week, Krause will meet with the Director and Assistant Director of ESU for planning for the upcoming year. We will also be looking at community of practices to better fit us and match what we are doing in our District.
What does it mean if two of the four are not met, does that mean we get less funding? As long as we have met one out of the four for required expenditures, we have met District requirements.

Discussion:  Jr/Sr High Principal, Mr. Geise
Absent, report submitted.

Discussion:  Activites Director, Mr. Wills
Absent, report submitted.

Discussion:  Director of Curriculum, Assessment and Instruction, Lisa Bergmeyer
Curriculum course updates shared regarding Current Events and Study Skills classes. A new class will be added for the PE requirement, due to the willingness of Steckler requesting larger class sizes in order to engage. Course offerings were searched on NDE and we found Sports Officiating and History of Sports that will be put together. One goal is to bring awareness to officiating and even provide the opportunity to become an officiant in a selected sport. For instruction, meetings will continue this month to plan and an exciting extra layer of support we are adding is executive functioning. This will help with coursework, attendance, problem-solving, time management and goal-setting. The Elementary met to adjust school improvement teams and set new goals for the upcoming year, keeping us on track for AQuESTT approval. New staff has been contacted and all staff will get a welcome letter and a layout for the first week of school in mid-July. Next year will be centered around "Raising the Bar" to build off of professional development regarding strong instruction and transition into "Universal Design," which is all connected to our MTSS systems. No updates in assessment at this time and data is being reviewed.

Discussion:  Elementary Principal, Eric Dennis
Shared current class size for each grade level, including summer school numbers. Currently, we are working on class placements and supply orders, while members of the leadership team and teachers from various teams (Reading, Math, SEL) gathered to look at goals. The Reading team is to meet with Plattview and Plattsmouth to support each other and look at the new material. The Early Childhood Endowment Grant has been submitted to the NDE for approval and a candidate for the Director position has been interviewed.

Discussion:  Superintendent Report, Mr. Apple
Deconstruction of the ceiling is continuing with mechanical and electricians moving in wiring and ductwork for the High School. Cranes have set the rooftop units and things are moving along. Windows should be going in next week at the Elementary and the manufacturer will be here to check on some issues. Regarding construction, DLR will host a meeting with Teachers and Staff to discuss needs. A building construction committee will be formed to discuss items as the process progresses. I do a walk through of the buildings a couple of times a day to check on things and ask questions. Budget documents will be able to be accessed from the State soon to start that process. Board members were invited to do a walk through. Page volunteered Cyber Patriot students to help with cabling and Welch liked the idea of providing learning opportunities.

Discussion:  Jay Spearman with Piper Sandler went over the bond issuance and benefits of issuing the bond today, while considering tax impacts and interest rates over time. Predictions and realistic timelines have been set to complete the project in a timely and cost-effective manner. 

Discussion:  Apple stated, "This year this Policy needs to be updated to follow Federal Law."

Discussion:  Apple stated, "The definition of a weapon will need to be updated in the Policy to match and follow Federal Law."

Discussion:  Motion Tabled

Discussion:  Apple stated, "This policy applies to the hearings/hearing process."

Discussion:  Apple stated, "This Policy is regarding our Classified Staff.The first item to update is regarding investment benefits and this will be raised from $30 to $100 monthly. The next item is to raise the clothing allowance from $200 to $250 per year. This will hopefully help with hiring and retention. There is a time constraint and the Policy will be reworded and brought back to the Board for approval. Welch states to Mr. Apple, "One of things that you do that I am grateful for, is paying attention to our non-certified staff. The work to make this place appealing is appreciated and once they are here they enjoy it, our great school and people."

Discussion:  Welch states, "Students/Families may prefer to come to the School for Driver's Education. This is a great program and the course may allow for a significant benefit for insurance purposes." Apple stated, "Students will be able to use this service in Weeping Water, while the High School is under construction." Page to look up benefits with testing being done through the school. Kelley inquired about the age requirement and Bergmeyer had communication with ESU#3, confirming that 14-year-old drivers would be allowed at this time.

Discussion:  July 9th, 2024 next Board of Education Meeting
Welch states, "Thank you all for communicating and creating unity within this District to help everyone understand the reason why." Apple states, "Thanks to Welch for putting her heart and soul into this bond issuance."