October 10, 2022 at 6:30 PM - Board of Education Regular Meeting

Discussion:  Notice of this meeting was posted at the Jeffrey Elementary School, Osceola Middle School/High School, Pinnacle Bank of Osceola, and the Osceola Post Office on October 6, 2022. This notice was also published in The Polk County News on the same date. A copy of the agenda items is tentative and may be changed by the Board if necessary.

Discussion:  President Jennifer Boruch called the meeting to order at 6:30 PM and informed those in attendance that a current copy of the Open Meetings Act is posted in the meeting room, then directed the public to its location.  

Discussion:  Also present were Superintendent Jason Lavaley, Principal Brett Webster and Debra Berry.  Principal Brent Breckner zoomed into the meeting.   Educational Service Unit #7's Professional Development Director Mrs. Marci Ostmeyer and Board Member Don Elison were also in attendance.  No patrons were present.

Discussion:  Board Member Jena Ockander arrived to the meeting at 6:31 PM.

Discussion:  ESU #7's Professional Development Director Marci Ostmeyer and Board Member Don Elison answered questions about the services and programs that ESU #7 offers schools.  Osceola Public Schools uses many of the services offered, which saved the district $37,532.00 during the 2021-2022 school year.  The services are developed around the individual school's needs.

Discussion:  Student Council President Creighton Sterup gave his written and oral report about: the educational aspect of the school is going good from the students' prospective; college classes through Central Community College are a unique learning opportunity; and fall sports are doing well.

Discussion:  Activities Director Evan Feezell was not at the meeting, but Superintendent Jason Lavaley read Mr. Feezell's report.  Fall activities were reviewed, which included coaches' comments about areas that need improvement.  Basic skills are a continuous focus.  The Polk County Slammers are going to State.  Congratulations, ladies!

Discussion:  Elementary Principal Brett Webster gave his written and oral report about: Fire Prevention Week is next week; Parent Teacher Conferences have been moved to October 19th and 20th; the Bulldog Buddies program has been a powerful influence on the Elementary students; the School Store has raised over $2,500.00 for the school through the purchasing of gift cards and donations; and the teacher group doing instructional rounds (which is learning from other teachers) has been rescheduled.

Discussion:  Middle/High School Principal Brent Breckner gave his written and oral report through Zoom.  His report was about working on systems of interventions using Flex time; a reduction of ineligible students; teachers are using ICU requests and referrals for struggling students; MAPS testing is almost completed; and the continuation of teacher evaluations.

 

 

 

 

Discussion:  Superintendent Jason Lavaley gave his written and oral report about: vape detectors have been installed and are working; NASB updates; the State Education Conference is November 16th through the 18th; the Polk County Slammers have qualified for the State Softball Tournament in Hastings; due to State Softball there will be no school on Wednesday, October 12th, Exeter-Milligan Public Schools and Friend Public Schools entered into a sports co-op staring next school year; the new Exeter-Milligan-Friend co-op will not be participating in the Crossroads Conference; and the review of the Superintendent's calendar.

Discussion:  President Jennifer Boruch reported that meetings between the FFA Alumni, Mrs. Rebekah Kraeger, the FFA executive team, and the schools' administration have taken place to talk about the future plans of the learning farm by the school.  Animal pens, electricity, and feed bunks were discussed.

Discussion:  Computer program issues have delayed the paying of the invoices, but should be completed by the end of the week.

Discussion:  Superintendent Jason Lavaley reviewed with the Board that Champion Kids would like to use the school facilities.  Champion Kids is an afterschool youth oriented group that focuses on team building and sports.

Discussion:  Superintendent Jason Lavaley and the Board discussed the process of evaluating the Superintendent.