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Meeting Agenda
1. Opening Procedures
1.A. Call to order
1.B. Roll Call
1.C. Pledge of Allegiance
2. Open meetings law
3. Public comment
4. Reports
4.A. Technology report
4.B. Elementary principal report
4.C. Secondary Principal Report
4.D. Transportation report
4.E. Superintendent report
4.F. Board and committee reports
4.F.1. Board information
4.F.2. Americanism committee
5. Consent Agenda
5.A. Verification of publication and notice
5.B. Approval of the minutes
5.C. Payment of the bills
5.D. Resignations:
Mr Loghry: We appreciate his return to DCS to manage the Music Department.  He has agreed to return as a substitute to support our new music teacher as determined between the two of them.  Thank you, Mr. Loghry!

Mrs. Wonderly:  She has been a full-time PE teacher for the past 3 years after performing her student teaching here.  She turned in her resignation for the next school year.  Thank you, Mrs. Wonderly!
6. Business Meeting
6.A. Financial Report
6.B. Approve Superintendent Contract for Alan Garey
6.C. Declare library books at Stratton Surplus - Donate them to public libraries in Stratton /or Benkelman.
6.D. Approve Special Education Contract with ESU 15.  

Estimated Services: $201,000
Program Supervision:  Estimated $22,110
6.E. Approve DCSEA as the official bargaining unit for educators.  
6.F. Discuss and consider:
In order to alleviate the shortage of special education teachers, districts may opt to use special education funds (which have a current 80% reimbursement rate) to paraprofessionals employed by the district to complete a Para to teacher program to become certified as a teacher.  This would require a signed commitment to remain in the district for at least four years.  
6.G. New Contracts:  
Mrs. Sandy O'Neil - Principal

 
6.H. Approve the contracts for the teachers
6.I. Change policy 4029: Salary Schedule for Certificated Employees.  

Currently the schedule allows movement vertically per year.  There is no limit on horizontal movement.  For budgeting purposes, it would be advantageous to limit horizontal movement to one step per year as well.  
6.J. Class of 2024 decorating graduation caps  
6.K. Discuss and consider:  Possible daycare considerations
6.L. NASB information
6.M. Legislation
6.N. Discuss and take possible action on Fuel bids.
7. Adjourn
Agenda Item Details Reload Your Meeting
Meeting: April 15, 2024 at 6:00 PM - Board of Education Regular Meeting
Subject:
1. Opening Procedures
Rationale:
 
Subject:
1.A. Call to order
Subject:
1.B. Roll Call
Subject:
1.C. Pledge of Allegiance
Subject:
2. Open meetings law
Rationale:
  1. The Board of Education reserves the right to enter into Closed/Executive Session for 1) the protection of public interest or 2) the prevention of needless injury to the reputation of an individual, and the individual has not requested a public meeting. When making a motion to enter into Closed/Executive Session, the member making such a request should be as specific as possible keeping the previously listed stipulation in consideration. 
  2. If the Board is in agreement, a motion maybe to enter into Closed/Executive Session to 1) discuss a personnel matter, or 2) for the prevention of needless injury to the reputation of the individual, or 3) to discuss litigation and for the protection of the public interest.
  3. Action concerning matters discussed in Closed/Executive Session will be acted upon in open session
Subject:
3. Public comment
Rationale:

Welcome to the Dundy County Stratton Public Schools Board of Education Meeting.  The Board welcomes citizens to attend board meetings to become acquainted with the programs and operations of the district.  Members of the public are also encouraged to share their ideas and opinions with the Board during the agenda item labeled “Public Items”.  Comments or questions from the audience at any other time during the meeting except for the agenda item “Public Items” will out of necessity be declared out of order.

The Nebraska Open Meetings Act prevents the board from speaking to a matter that is not on the agenda.  Please understand that the board may be unable to address your issue during the meeting.  It is not permissible for the board to comment on items not listed for the protection of the public’s right to know and participate in the discussion of items that do come before the board and stated appropriately in the meeting agenda.  

During this agenda item “Public Items” we ask that you abide by the following rules:

Public Comment Protocol and Procedures

  1. Anyone wishing to speak to the board on specific agenda items or on other topics relevant to board business must complete a Public Comment Request Card and submit it to the Board President prior to the opening of the meeting.   The public will only be recognized and their comments heard at Item “Public Items” on the board agenda.  The total time allotted for the public comment will not exceed thirty minutes and each member of the public will be allotted not more than five minutes to address the Board.  If a group wishes to speak, please designate one spokesperson for the group.

  2. Please state your name and the topic you are addressing before you begin.  

  3. Speakers are asked to direct their questions and comments to the chair.  A member of the Board of Education or the Superintendent may direct clarifying questions to the chair, but the board will not under any circumstance enter into a debate with any the member of the public.

  4. Speakers may offer objective criticism of district operations and programs, but the Board would encourage members of the public to address complaints concerning individual district personnel through the proper chain of command.  The chair may direct the member of the public to the appropriate means to address concerns brought before the Board; however, the board will not respond with action but will take comments under advisement and direct the comments to the appropriate staff member to address outside of the board meeting.

  5. Please remember that is a public meeting for the conduct of business of the Dundy County Stratton Public School District. Offensive language, personal attacks and hostile conduct will not be tolerated. You should further be advised that there is no legal protection for any comments that are made. 

  6. As stated in NEB. REV. STAT. § 79-570 Class I, II, III, IV, or VI school district; president; meetings; maintenance of order.  

    If any district meeting of a Class I, II, III, IV, or VI school district any person conducts himself or herself in a disorderly manner and persists in such conduct after notice by the president or person presiding, the president or person presiding may order such person to withdraw from the meeting and, if the person refuses, may order any person or persons to take such person into custody until the meeting is adjourned.

  7. As stated in NEB. REV. STAT. § 79-571 Class I, II, III, IV, or VI school district; meetings; disorderly conduct; penalty. 

Any person who refuses to withdraw from such meeting on being so ordered as provided in section 79-570 or who willfully disturbs such meeting shall be guilty of a Class V misdemeanor. 

Subject:
4. Reports
Subject:
4.A. Technology report
Subject:
4.B. Elementary principal report
Attachments:
Subject:
4.C. Secondary Principal Report
Attachments:
Subject:
4.D. Transportation report
Attachments:
Subject:
4.E. Superintendent report
Rationale:
We extended a contract to an excellent candidate for PE, but she took another offer.  We continue to advertise but have not found anyone thus far.  We are personally contacting anyone we feel may be interested, and have contacted the colleges for leads.  
Attachments:
Subject:
4.F. Board and committee reports
Subject:
4.F.1. Board information
Subject:
4.F.2. Americanism committee
Rationale:
The committee meeting was scheduled for Thursday April 4 at 3:30.  
Nick Ladenburger met with Mr. Schaub and Mr. Fiscus along with Mrs. Anderson and Mr. Lurz.  
Discussion was wide and varied.  Of note: Mr Schaub has used records of WWII local servicemen deaths to spark conversation and to discuss sacrifice and patriotism.  He teaches(all) Jr. Hi World and American History and High School Modern Problems, Civics, Modern History and Psychology.  He uses and is very satisfied with the current history texts and we purchased a Psychology text for this school year.  
Mr. Fiscus uses newsworthy events to lead discussion on significant topics related to constitutionality and how the constitution was designed to frame our government.  We had great discussion among the group!  He also will be taking Juniors to the courthouse for government day soon.  He also uses materials he has developed over time as well as pieces he pulls from the internet to help frame the discussion and meet the standards for age and grade.  
Subject:
5. Consent Agenda
Recommended Motion(s):
  1. Motion to approve the consent agenda as presented The consent agenda includes the verification of notice of the meeting by publication in the Benkelman Post & News Chronicle, a legal newspaper for Dundy County and to each member of the board, approval of the minutes from the March 11, 2024 meeting; approval of the bills in the amount of $516,177.19 for the general fund; $20,073.57 for the depreciation fund; $834.72 for the special building fund; $22,176.67 for the activities fund; $15,501.73 for the nutrition fund. Teacher Resignations: Gregg Loghry-returning to manage the music department for 2 years of service, Wonderly-3 years of service.
Action(s):
Motion Passed:
Motion to approve the consent agenda as presented The consent agenda includes the verification of notice of the meeting by publication in the Benkelman Post & News Chronicle, a legal newspaper for Dundy County and to each member of the board, approval of the minutes from the March 11, 2024 meeting; approval of the bills in the amount of $516,177.19 for the general fund; $20,073.57 for the depreciation fund; $834.72 for the special building fund; $22,176.67 for the activities fund; $15,501.73 for the nutrition fund. Teacher Resignations: Gregg Loghry-returning to manage the music department for 2 years of service, Wonderly-3 years of service. Passed with a motion by Steve Guernsey and a second by Jordan Stroup.
  • Stamm: Yea
  • Stroup: Yea
  • Fries: Yea
  • Guernsey: Yea
  • Henderson: Yea
  • Ladenburger: Yea
  • Lorens: Yea
  • Lutz: Yea
  • Noffsinger: Yea
Subject:
5.A. Verification of publication and notice
Rationale:
To verify that notice of the meeting was given by publication in the Benkelman Post, a legal newspaper for Dundy County Stratton and by written notice to each member of the board, the designated method of giving notice
Recommended Motion(s):
  1. Motion to verify the publication and notice of the meeting was properly given
Subject:
5.B. Approval of the minutes
Attachments:
Subject:
5.C. Payment of the bills
Recommended Motion(s):
  1. Motion to approve the bills as presented
Attachments:
Subject:
5.D. Resignations:
Mr Loghry: We appreciate his return to DCS to manage the Music Department.  He has agreed to return as a substitute to support our new music teacher as determined between the two of them.  Thank you, Mr. Loghry!

Mrs. Wonderly:  She has been a full-time PE teacher for the past 3 years after performing her student teaching here.  She turned in her resignation for the next school year.  Thank you, Mrs. Wonderly!
Subject:
6. Business Meeting
Recommended Motion(s):
  1. Motion to approve the financial report as presented
Subject:
6.A. Financial Report
Rationale:
Presentation of the financial status of the district, balances in various funds, recent/impending activity therein, anticipated expenses and planning for future considerations.
Attachments:
Action(s):
Motion Passed:
Motion to approve the financial report as presented Passed with a motion by Jordan Stroup and a second by Kent Lorens.
  • Stroup: Yea
  • Fries: Yea
  • Guernsey: Yea
  • Henderson: Yea
  • Ladenburger: Yea
  • Lorens: Yea
  • Lutz: Yea
  • Noffsinger: Yea
  • Stamm: Yea
Subject:
6.B. Approve Superintendent Contract for Alan Garey
Recommended Motion(s):
  1. Motion to approve the interim superintendent to Alan Garey as presented
Attachments:
Action(s):
Motion Passed:
Motion to approve the interim superintendent to Alan Garey as presented Passed with a motion by Kent Lorens and a second by Shad Stamm.
  • Fries: Yea
  • Guernsey: Yea
  • Henderson: Yea
  • Ladenburger: Yea
  • Lorens: Yea
  • Lutz: Yea
  • Noffsinger: Yea
  • Stamm: Yea
  • Stroup: Yea
Subject:
6.C. Declare library books at Stratton Surplus - Donate them to public libraries in Stratton /or Benkelman.
Recommended Motion(s):
  1. Motion to approve the Stratton library books as surplus and to donate them to the Benkelman and Stratton library
Action(s):
Motion Passed:
Motion to approve the Stratton library books as surplus and to donate them to the Benkelman and Stratton libraries Passed with a motion by Nick Ladenburger and a second by Shad Stamm.
  • Guernsey: Yea
  • Henderson: Yea
  • Ladenburger: Yea
  • Lorens: Yea
  • Lutz: Yea
  • Noffsinger: Yea
  • Stamm: Yea
  • Stroup: Yea
  • Fries: Yea
Subject:
6.D. Approve Special Education Contract with ESU 15.  

Estimated Services: $201,000
Program Supervision:  Estimated $22,110
Recommended Motion(s):
  1. Approve the ESU 15 contract for Special Education services and supervision
Action(s):
Motion Passed:
Approve the ESU 15 contract for Special Education services and supervision Passed with a motion by Shad Stamm and a second by Steve Guernsey.
  • Henderson: Yea
  • Ladenburger: Yea
  • Lorens: Yea
  • Lutz: Yea
  • Noffsinger: Yea
  • Stamm: Yea
  • Stroup: Yea
  • Fries: Yea
  • Guernsey: Yea
Subject:
6.E. Approve DCSEA as the official bargaining unit for educators.  
Recommended Motion(s):
  1. Motion to approve DCSEA as the official bargaining unit for educators
Action(s):
Motion Passed:
Motion to approve DCSEA as the official bargaining unit for educators Passed with a motion by Steve Guernsey and a second by Jordan Stroup.
  • Ladenburger: Yea
  • Lorens: Yea
  • Lutz: Yea
  • Noffsinger: Yea
  • Stamm: Yea
  • Stroup: Yea
  • Fries: Yea
  • Guernsey: Yea
  • Henderson: Yea
Subject:
6.F. Discuss and consider:
In order to alleviate the shortage of special education teachers, districts may opt to use special education funds (which have a current 80% reimbursement rate) to paraprofessionals employed by the district to complete a Para to teacher program to become certified as a teacher.  This would require a signed commitment to remain in the district for at least four years.  
Action(s):
Motion Passed:
Motion to instruct administration to make available the Para to Teacher program to interested staff on a case by case for the board to approve Passed with a motion by Steve Guernsey and a second by Nick Ladenburger.
  • Lorens: Yea
  • Lutz: Yea
  • Noffsinger: Yea
  • Stamm: Yea
  • Stroup: Yea
  • Fries: Yea
  • Guernsey: Yea
  • Henderson: Yea
  • Ladenburger: Yea
Subject:
6.G. New Contracts:  
Mrs. Sandy O'Neil - Principal

 
Rationale:
She would like to request permission to teach a Dual Credit class in Accounting if it fits in the schedule and students have taken the necessary pre-requesites.
Recommended Motion(s):
  1. Motion to approve the secondary principal contract to Sandy O'Neil as presented
Action(s):
Motion Passed:
Motion to approve the secondary principal contract to Sandy O'Neil as presented Passed with a motion by Nick Ladenburger and a second by Jennifer Fries.
  • Lutz: Yea
  • Noffsinger: Yea
  • Stamm: Yea
  • Stroup: Yea
  • Fries: Yea
  • Guernsey: Yea
  • Henderson: Yea
  • Ladenburger: Yea
  • Lorens: Yea
Subject:
6.H. Approve the contracts for the teachers
Action(s):
Motion Passed:
Motion to accept teacher contracts for 2024-2025 school year Passed with a motion by Jennifer Fries and a second by Jordan Stroup.
  • Noffsinger: Yea
  • Stamm: Yea
  • Stroup: Yea
  • Fries: Yea
  • Guernsey: Yea
  • Henderson: Yea
  • Ladenburger: Yea
  • Lorens: Yea
  • Lutz: Yea
Subject:
6.I. Change policy 4029: Salary Schedule for Certificated Employees.  

Currently the schedule allows movement vertically per year.  There is no limit on horizontal movement.  For budgeting purposes, it would be advantageous to limit horizontal movement to one step per year as well.  
Attachments:
Action(s):
Motion Failed:
Motion to approve the 1st reading of policy 4029 as presented Failed with a motion by Nick Ladenburger and a second by Kent Lorens.
  • Stamm: Yea
  • Stroup: Nay
  • Fries: Yea
  • Guernsey: Nay
  • Henderson: Nay
  • Ladenburger: Yea
  • Lorens: Yea
  • Lutz: Nay
  • Noffsinger: Nay
Subject:
6.J. Class of 2024 decorating graduation caps  
Recommended Motion(s):
  1. Motion to approve the Class of 2024 to decorate graduation caps
Attachments:
Action(s):
Motion Passed:
Motion to approve the Class of 2024 to decorate graduation caps Passed with a motion by Shad Stamm and a second by Steve Guernsey.
  • Stroup: Yea
  • Fries: Yea
  • Guernsey: Yea
  • Henderson: Yea
  • Ladenburger: Yea
  • Lorens: Yea
  • Lutz: Yea
  • Noffsinger: Yea
  • Stamm: Yea
Subject:
6.K. Discuss and consider:  Possible daycare considerations
Rationale:
Our current daycare for staff at the elementary has two issues.
1.  We have outgrown the square footage requirement for daycare with the current staff.  Wonderfully, we have an abundance of babies under the age of 18 months.  Unfortunately, with this blessing also comes the difficulty of size and staff requirements.  
2. Because we operate in the school, they are considering it a Rule 11 daycare.  This requires that we follow all of the space and staffing requirements as a Licensed daycare, but comes with the added requirement of a full-time certified teacher.  We have been able to continue through the end of this year with a substitute, however this will not be allowed next year.  

A couple possible solutions...Purchase a house and "lease" it to the community foundation.  Sell it once the community daycare is running.

Purchase a trailer house and move it to a lot.  When the community project is up and running, sell the trailer.

Lease a portable classroom.  A two-room unit is $17,500 per month.  They do not sell them according to the superintendent in Atwood.
 
Action(s):
Motion Passed:
Motion to continue the daycare in the elementary building for the 2024-2025 school year Passed with a motion by Jennifer Fries and a second by Ted Henderson.
  • Noffsinger: Yea
  • Stamm: Yea
  • Stroup: Yea
  • Fries: Yea
  • Guernsey: Yea
  • Henderson: Yea
  • Ladenburger: Yea
  • Lorens: Yea
  • Lutz: Yea
Subject:
6.L. NASB information
Attachments:
Subject:
6.M. Legislation
Subject:
6.N. Discuss and take possible action on Fuel bids.
Rationale:
Farmer's Coop Grain and Supply.  Prices are delivered and through pump.  
Gasoline:  $3.30; Diesel:  $3.65

Frenchman Valley: Prices are delivered/with tax (tax exempt would reduce price)
Gasoline:  $3.45;  Diesel: $3.92
 
Recommended Motion(s):
  1. Motion to accept the fuel bid
Action(s):
Motion 1 Passed:
Motion to accept the fuel bid from Farmer's Coop Grain and Supply Passed with a motion by Shad Stamm and a second by Jennifer Fries.
  • Fries: Yea
  • Guernsey: Yea
  • Henderson: Yea
  • Ladenburger: Yea
  • Lorens: Yea
  • Lutz: Yea
  • Noffsinger: Yea
  • Stamm: Yea
  • Stroup: Yea
Motion 2 Passed:
Motion to adjourn at 8:47 Passed with a motion by Kent Lorens and a second by Jennifer Fries.
  • Guernsey: Yea
  • Henderson: Yea
  • Ladenburger: Yea
  • Lorens: Yea
  • Lutz: Yea
  • Noffsinger: Yea
  • Stamm: Yea
  • Stroup: Yea
  • Fries: Yea
Subject:
7. Adjourn

Every Day

Every Child

A Success

 

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