April 13, 2026 at 8:00 PM - Regular Meeting

Discussion:  The meeting was called to order at 8:02 PM. There were 14 guest of the public present.

Discussion:  Amazon Capital Services, 730.16; AT&T, 133.72; Callahan-Smith Electric, 2071.84; Callaway District Hospital, 190.00; Callaway Market, 374.36; Callaway True Value, 418.03; Cash-Wa Distributing, 186.99; Charron Lawn Care, 2676.00; US Bank, 671.81; Country Partners Cooperative, 4806.78; State of Nebraska, 635.74; Eakes Office, 2079.97; Egan Supply, 991.23; Eggleston Oil Company, 161.39; ESU 10, 6593.64; Gator Road Repair, 10,038.45; Great Plains Comm, 476.74; Grocery Kart, 84.69; JW Pepper, 157.79; KBRY FM, 100.00; C Kuncl, 152.25; Lincoln Marriott Cornhusker, 149.00; S McAbee, 133.40; Melham Medical Center, 103.00; Mid-Plains Community College, 250.00; NASB, 120.00; Nebraska Council on Economic Education, 24.00; Nippon Sanso Matheson, 441.93; Power Solutions, 545.94; Quill, 1453.34; Staples, 1016.41; Syndicate Publishing, 383.70; Teaching Strategies, 11,915.00; Team PT, 1824.00; Village of Callaway, 2604.91; Wenquist, 288.93; Bill Total: 54,985.14. Fixed Payroll: 107,089.09; Total Payroll: 348,011.98.

Discussion:  Of special note, we had one state champion at State Speech, Chenney Dishman, and 10 students have qualified to compete at the national FCCLA competition in Washington D.C. this summer.

Discussion:  Mrs. Maddie Dockweiler approached the board to discuss the possibility of having a school-sponsored daycare in Callaway. 

Discussion:  Mr. Birkel shared the student activities from the last month.  He also shared photos of classroom activities from last month.  Mr. Birkel also informed the board of upcoming activities as the school year winds down.

Discussion:  The May board of education meeting is set for May 11, 2026 at 8 PM.

Discussion:  The summer budget workshop is set for July 21, 2026 at 7:30 PM. Mr. Furrow shared that the date of the workshop might have to move up depending on legislative decisions from the current session.  

Discussion:  Mr. Furrow discussed the commendations and recommendations from our recent external review.  The review team was very complimentary of our data trends and the strength of our teaching staff.  Some recommendations to consider were changing our committee structure and getting more involvement from the board and stakeholders in the committees. It was also recommended that we consider developing our own instructional model and teacher assessment tool. The team stated that it was obvious that our stakeholders, staff, and students are all very proud of the school and to keep doing great things for kids.

Discussion:  Mrs. Tiana Lisby shared some board framework considerations that were discussed at the NAEP conference.  After discussion, the board preferred the way our meetings are currently structured and didn't want to make any changes to the format of the meetings.  The two main factors considered in the meeting were the transparency of the school board's business with the public and the need for engaging conversations about school business topics.

Discussion:  No update on the Garlick property at this time.  Mr. Furrow continues to communicate with the title company about the pending land purchase.

Discussion:  No lunch bill updates at this time. There is the potential of legal action against up to 5 families to settle outstanding lunch bills.

Discussion:  Mr. Furrow and Mrs. Lisby shared the needs for our upcoming policy manual transition from NASB to the Perry Law Firm policy management. There are many advantages to updating policies in the Sparq system. Mr. Furrow also shared proposed changes to the policy on board ethics that were discussed in the policy committee meeting before tonight's regular board meeting.

Discussion:  Mr. Furrow shared with the board the decision to prioritize the first phase of transitioning classrooms and the demolition of the 103 S Needham property as this summer's facility projects.

Discussion:  Mr. Furrow shared the 3-year asbestos report with the board. Mrs. Liana Hrupek noted the need for some abatement or coverage of potential asbestos exposure areas in the report. The inspector was very appreciative of the recent efforts to address concerns.

Discussion:  Mr. Furrow and Mr. Birkel discussed the evacuation and reunification drill practiced by the staff earlier in the day. Mr. Birkel expressed how much we appreciated the efforts of local law enforcement and rescue crews assisting in the exercise. Mr. TR Anderson also expressed appreciation for the school being proactive in regard to school safety.

Discussion:  The board discussed upcoming graduation ceremony plans.  

Discussion:  Mr. Jim Phelps charged the board with setting some very realistic and tangible goals for the 26–27 school year.  Examples were shared in the board meeting, and it was decided that in the May board meeting there would be a vote to approve at least 3 goals that all board members could agree on to be a catalyst for overall school improvement.

Discussion:  Meeting adjourned at 9:44 PM.