January 10, 2022 at 7:00 PM - Board of Education Regular Meeting

Discussion:  The January board meeting was called to order by President Steve Vyhnalek at 7:01 pm  with all members present.  President Vyhnalek confirmed the advance notice to the public of the meeting and agenda.  The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

Discussion:  Also present were Superintendent Daryl Schrunk, Principal Jake Wiese and Linda Woolsey.

Discussion:  Visitors present were Deanna Bird, Travis Fuller, Lisa Lautzenhiser, Frank & Poesche Matejka and Frankie Matejka, Mike & Amanda Nohavec, Neal Pavlish and Andrea Pavlish, Jason & Jessica Sherwood and Madison Sherwood, Matt & Chelsea Smith, Scott Tachovsky, Meaghan Stout and Deputy Baumman.  The policy for public comment was reviewed by President Vyhnalek.  

Public comment was heard from Lisa Lautzenhiser.  "I am a teacher at Dorchester public school. As I listened last Wednesday, I feel our administration received a bad Reputation.  As a Second grade teacher, I feel that I have a very fair administration that I trust. Five years ago my husband was very ill.  Mr. Schrunk did not know me well and when I asked him for a leave of absence on October 2 without question, he gave it to me and trusted my judgment. The short time he’s known me I have proven myself to be a good educator. When Mr. Wiese came in a year and 1/2 ago I remember him coming into my room for informal evaluations. The first few months I felt like he was in there weekly, if not twice a week. Please check Teach Point for the exact number. He was monitoring my teaching skills and seeing what I needed to work on and what would make me a better educator. I proved myself as someone that he could trust and knew that my teaching skills were where he wanted them to be. Throughout the last year and a half, I’ve had good conversations with him about my teaching and things that I could work on to get better. If he felt there were things I could work on we talked about it and I made changes. As an employee and an educator, I need to take the recommendations and move on. The first year he was here, I turned in lesson plans weekly but this year, being a tenured teacher, I have set weeks for my lesson plans have to be turned in twice each semester. The point I strongly want to make is as an employee, I need to listen to my superiors. I have the right to question, but not to be insubordinate. As far as an open door policy, I have the right to state my opinion, but I should expect that they may not agree with me, and that is ok. I have been in the teaching profession for 32 years, and that has not changed. My superintendent and my principal are who I go to for directions. Do I always agree with them? No, but I definitely respect them and trust their decision. Once I overstep those bounds, I am no longer the employee but someone who is not going to do the best for my students. Please don’t take one person‘s word for what is going on in our school, but be aware that there are others that have positive opinions of Dorchester Public, the administration, and our future."

Public comment from Mike Nohavec was heard.  "First off, this board was put in a difficult situation.  My understanding, the board's job is to hire and fire the superintendent, approve budgets, and to set policy for our school district.  The board is not involved with the operations of the school.  The operations of the school are led by the superintendent.  He is in charge and is the CEO.  All issues that come up in the operations side of the school fall on the shoulders of the superintendent.  At the hearing last Wednesday, with no fault of their own, this board was forced to get involved in the operations side of the school.  Regardless of the outcome, there would be backlash.  This board is elected by the voters to make decisions on their behalf.  For this reason, I support the decision made last Wednesday.  The events that led up to the hearing happened under the watch of the superintendent.  He is in charge; he is the CEO.  Moving forward, it is my hope our superintendent will figure out what happened and why.  I don't want to hear excuses...I want solutions.  I want the necessary steps taken so this doesn't happen again.  I understand you can never get to zero chance of situations like this happening again, but I want it as close to zero as possible.  I hope our superintendent understands the divisions that were created last Wednesday, among the board, the administration, teachers, students, parents, and our community.  I believe communication will be key for everyone involved, to move past this situation.  Finally, I am looking for leadership from our superintendent to bring back confidence and unity to everyone involved in our school as we start the healing process."

A letter was given to all board members and the superintendent by Amanda Nohavec.  She did not speak at this time.

Jason Sherwood commented he has three children who are students at Dorchester.  Both he and his wife feel student moral is the lowest it's ever been since last Wednesday.  Parents are also very disappointed.

After public comment was over, President Vyhnalek told everyone present they could talk with him or any other board member outside of the meeting.

Public comment closed at 7:14 pm. 

Discussion:  The agenda was changed to allow the Superintendent's Report after public comment.

Discussion:  Mr. Schrunk reviewed the duties of officers.  

Discussion:  Mr. Schrunk reviewed the December financial report.

Discussion:  Mr. Wiese reviewed the completion of the winter MAP and NSCAS testing for progress monitoring.  Dorchester participated in the NSCAS Growth Pilot.  Professional Development with staff was held on December 17th.  Blue River Cohort day was January 4th.  December 21st was the Elementary Excellence Rally.  The Secondary Excellence Rally will be held on January 14th.  Other upcoming events were reviewed.

Discussion:  Superintendent Daryl Schrunk presented information on the topics for the February 28th Board Retreat.  Updating plans for carpet replacement in the 4th and 5th grade rooms will be reviewed for the summer of 2022, along with vehicle replacement plans.  Erate bids will be taken for the internal ethernet cables in our facility.  Mr. Schrunk addressed the group with plans for moving forward after the hearing last week.  He ensured everyone at the meeting that our school will continue to "carry the banner" at Dorchester.  Meetings have been held with 6-12 grades today to assure students we understand the past several days have been difficult and all staff care for each of them.  The staff will be available to support students in any way possible.  NRCSA and NASB have been contacted for assistance with answering questions the board may have and can provide resources for them to use in working with patrons and administration.  Either organization could assist in facilitating a public forum.

Discussion:  Mr. Schrunk reviewed board policies #3011-Transportation, #3012-School Meal Policy, #3013-Emergency Closings, #3014-Use of School Property, #3015-School Activities, #3016-Use of Tobacco Products, #3017-Communicable Diseases, #3018-Access to School Premises, #3019-Disposal of School Property and #3020-Copyright Compliance.  No changes are necessary at this time.

Discussion:  Mr. Schrunk presented the 2021-2022 Annual Report information.  This report can be found on the Dorchester School website.

Discussion:  Discussion was held on the one-year contract with Central Nebraska Rehabilitation Services.

Discussion:  Mr. Schrunk presented information on the 2012 bus that needs a new engine and the details of how a 1996 International bus was purchased from the District of Seward.  A bid for a 2023 Thomas Saf-T-Liner C2 bus from Truck Center for $120,435.00 was reviewed.  This bus will be used for activities.  The 2017 and 2019 buses will be used for the regular daily bus routes.

Discussion:  None at this time.

Discussion:  The next scheduled board meeting is Monday, February 7th at 7:00 p.m. due to the Girls’ BB Subdistricts on Feb. 14.