December 7, 2020 at 5:00 PM - Board of Education Regular Meeting

Discussion:  All board members were present. Donnie Pike Jr was excused to leave during the meeting due to an ambulance call, returned shortly after.

Discussion:  Board members were questions outstanding amounts that were showing up on the bank reconcilation report. The board decided to hold out on approval until further clarification was given.

Discussion:  The elementary has started their Winter MAPS Testing.
As of November 3, 2020 there were 31 K-5 virtual learners, as of December 7, 2020 there are only 3 virtual learners.
Attendance has been ranging between 93-96%, L. Redowl has been working with the school to contact parents.
Incentives - They are going to be having a November attendance pizza party for students with 90% or higher attedance for the month on Friday December 11, 2020. Out of the 125 elemntary students, 81 students will be participating.
They are also doing a reading incentive with the students. PRIDE, it is similar to what Pizza Hut did with the Book It program. They have been working with Mr. LaPlante and Mr. LaPointe from Tribal Enterprise to set this up. The students are asked to read 15 minutes every night and have the parents sign off on the calander. There were 6 students who received the certificate for November.

Discussion:  Secondary students are also doing the MAPS Testing and will finish up next week. They are feeling pretty encouraged so far with over 70% of the students showing growth.
There is talk about doing Wednesday School where the students will be dismissed at 2:06 pm but will need to stay until the regular release time if they are missing assignments or failing classes. It is important for the school to have student supports in place. This does follow Rule 10 in regards to seat time. Right now we have hours to spare but want to stay on top of the amount left. There are also days already built into the school calendar to help make up time if needed due to snow days. Board suggested to possibly start the classes earlier to allow time after school for the students to stay with their teachers.

Discussion:  Participation in athletics is high right now. For sporting events the attendance is limited to outside people. Only allowing two per household and employees. The school also asks that households spread out and try to maintain safe social distancing. Players were given tickets to give out to parents/guardians. The school is working on going virtual for the games, possibly might be able to do a Facebook live. No visiting fans allowed at this time.
There is currently only one active case on the reservation.
In regards to wrestling, there is currently no one participating at this time. They are looking at doing a youth wrestling program later this winter, possibly January, February, or March. It would be a volunteer coaching from Mr. Baker and Mr. Chambers.

Discussion:  The three and four years attendance is at 33 students, all are here except one who is virtual right now but plans to come back January 11th.
The preschool are working on getting their winter assessments done before the Christmas break. They are also working on utilizing the Step Up to Quality program throughout the facility. 
The daycare currently has 14 children
 

Discussion:  The number one priority is getting the financials back in order. Discussion about how a part time interim supterintendent does meet Rule 10, wondering if the potential candidates would be interested in full time position. Two candidates were discussed. Dr. Mann from Grand Island, a professor at UNL, is a retired superintendent but still very much active within the school community. Dr. Winchester from Chadron, is not interested due to health concerns. Board decided to table until later on making a decision.

Discussion:  Nebraska Department of Education said the major focus needs to be the business office and getting it back on track. Matt Fischer and Carl Dietz from First Financial suggested a retired Business Office Manager from Sioux Falls that would be willing to come in and set up the systems and get them on the track. She said it would possibly take up to a month. Board suggested to include in the contract based on the findings in the audit and also up to the amount of $12,000.

Discussion:  The decision was made to move the holiday break to students getting out on December 22nd at 1:45 and coming back on January 11th. This would give a full two weeks after Christmas gatherings in hopes of continuing to keep everyone safe and healthy. Staff has been encouraged to limit exposure after the 26th to help keep the possibility of increased risk at a low.

Discussion:  It has been suggested to stay with the current color tier plan, masks are still being required throughout the school. Lunches are still being served in their classrooms. The question has rose on when do they close the school It was discussed that this would take place if there was a tremendous amount of spread in the school. The school and community remember to keep doing what they are doing to stay safe and healthy during this pandemic.

Discussion:  Nebraska Department of Education was here and their main concerns are still the business office, the middle school is on their radar, and high school attendance. The middle school is showing growth and are on the right track. The December report will be coming soon.

Discussion:  K. Flyinghawk resignation effective 1/5/2021, resignation letter was read by Board President. It was motioned by Stacy Johnson and seconded by Donnie Pike Jr to accept her resignation. Motion passed with 6 yes, 0 nays.
New Teacher Contract of B. Schmeckpeper. She has a FCS endorsement, pay will be the same as current contract, along with the insurance. She will step out of the Business Office and into the classroom when school resumes January 11th. It was motioned by Lizzie Swalley and seconded by Lindarae Starlin to approve B. Schmeckpeper new teacher contract. Motion passed with 6 yes, zero nays.

Discussion:  It was motioned by Lizzie Swalley and seconded by Stacy Johnson to remove Justin Hayes as a signer on all Santee Community Schools accounts. Motion passed with 6 yes, 0 nays
It was motioned by Donnie Pike Jr and seconded by Dewayne Wabasha to have the authorized signers for Santee accounts be Dewayne Wabasha, Lizzie Swalley, Linda Rae Starlin, Donnie Pike Jr, Stacy Johnson, Steve Moose, Dawn Hefner, and Brooke Schmeckpeper. Motioned passed with 6 yes, 0 nays.

Discussion:  Mr. Baker suggested to wait until January to discuss any negotiations. He looked at surrounding schools and they are waiting as well.