January 12, 2015 at 6:00 PM - Board of Education Regular Meeting

Discussion:  This meeting was posted at the Jeffrey Elementary School, Osceola Middle School/High School, Pinnacle Bank of Osceola, and the Osceoal Post Office. A copy of the agenda items is tentative and may be changed by the Board if necessary.

Discussion:  President Schleif called the January 12, 2015 regular meeting to order at 6:04PM 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:  Osceola Public Schools thanks Mr. Adam Peterson for all of his selfless service for the patorns, students, administration, staff and faculty of the District.

Discussion:  Newly appointed board member, Michael Neujahr, could not be at the meeting due to a business meeting in Iowa.

Discussion:  Since Mike Neujahr was not installed at this meeting, there were no members to excuse.

Discussion:  To cease nominations for Vice President passed with a motion by Darin Sterup and a second by John Kropatsch. Kropatsch, Roberts, Schleif and Sterup voted yes. Boruch abstained. Neujahr was absent.

Discussion:  To cease nominations for Treasurer passed with a motion by Darin Sterup and a second by John Kropatsch. Boruch, Kropatsch, Schleif and Sterup voted yes. Roberts abstained. Neujahr was absent.

Discussion:  Motion passed: To cease nominations for Board President passed with a motion by John Kropatsch and a second by Jodie Roberts. Boruch, Kropatsch, Roberts and Schleif voted yes. Schleif abstained. Neujahr was absent.

Discussion:  Activities Director Jerry Caraway informed the Board and patrons about the discussion with High Plains Community Schools about the possibility of cooping sports. The fine arts are not being considered for cooping. Many patrons had questions including but not limited to facilities use; the students' reaction to the idea; the classification status; the cooping agreements in existence; scheduling of games; getting students to practices; and the possibility of new sports opportunities. Many patrons thought the middle school football coop with High Plains went well. Also that a coop will allow students to choose extra-curricular activities they are interested in rather than pressured to "fill" a team. Others felt that cooping middle school sports was fine but not high school sports. Also the students' travel time for practices and games were of concern. Loosing Osceola's identity as the Bulldogs was of importance to some. Superintendent Rinehart stated that nothing will happen until High Plains agree to the cooping and the Board has gathered more public input. Many patrons felt that time was of the essence in cooping sports with High Plains.

Discussion:  Elementary Principal Sarah Johnson gave her written and oral report about: "Girls on the Run" will begin mid-February; NWEA testing will be January 20th through February 6th; "Bank in the School" is open twice a month; and the painting of the elementary school bathrooms by Girl Scouts Sydney Roberts and Joey Boden. Thank you, Sydney and Joey, for all of your fundraising and hard work to complete this project. The bathrooms look great!

Discussion:  MS/HS Principal Dale Maynard gave his written and oral report about: the Holiday Basketball Tournament and Mason's Basketball Tournament went well; the OYAO Soup Supper was well attended; the clarity survey will be in late January or early February; writing assessment to be scheduled; and the Knights of Columbus free-throw contest will be held January 18th.

Discussion:  Superintendent Steven Rinehart gave his written and oral report about: the appointment of new board member Michael (Mike) Neujahr; Carolyn Kuhnel as a local substitute teacher; the resignations of Lisa Stowe and David Ienn; the negotiated agreement with OEA; the recognition of OEA as the bargaining agent for the 2016-2017 school year; review of TERIP and ERIP policies (early retirement); the proposed 2015-2016 school calendar; and recap of ALICAP safety review.

Discussion:  There were no Board reports.

Discussion:  Mr. Michael Neujahr could not be at the board meeting due to work related commitments.

Discussion:  Thank you, Lisa and David, for all of your hard work, dedication and loyalty to Osceola Public Schools. You will be missed.

Discussion:  Agenda action item 7.6 was tabled until clarification about the two types of early retirement programs can be obtained.

Discussion:  A committee was formed to negotiate with High Plains Community Schools about cooping sports if High Plains is interested. Once the committee has details, a public meeting will be scheduled for patron input.

Discussion:  Superintendent Rinehart addressed the Board about MS/HS Principal Maynard's contract. The Board will vote on Principal Maynard's contract during February's regular meeting.