June 9, 2021 at 7:00 PM - Board of Education Regular Meeting

Discussion:  President Lutkemeier called the meeting to order at 7 pm.  The meeting was advertised in the June 3rd, 2021 publication of the Blue Hill Leader.  "The Open Meetings Act" poster was displayed in the meeting room.

Discussion:  N/A

Discussion:  Guest in attendance was Eric Parr.  There were no comments at this time.

Discussion:  We are required to review our bullying policy yearly.  

Discussion:  The rationale for this action item is the board shall adopt a policy regarding appropriate relationships between a student and a school employee or a student teacher or intern on or before June 30th. 

Discussion:  The first reading of the updates to this policy was done at the May board meeting.  A vote is needed on the changes.  

Discussion:  On or before July 1st each public school district shall have a policy stating how the district will seek to involve parents in the schools and what parents' rights shall be relating to access to schools, testing information, and curriculum matters.  We previously adopted this policy, this is just a reaffirmation of the current policy. 

Discussion:  Michelle Sorensen will not be returning next school year.  We will advertise and hire as soon as possible. 

Discussion:  Mr. Drake went through minimal updates recommended for the staff handbook.  

Discussion:  Mr. Drake listed and discussed the updates recommended for the student handbook.  Included in the updates were changes to the policies on detention, student appearance, water bottles, dating, social media, semester tests, and bonus days.  The new update on bonus days are intended to cut down on truancy and encourage better attendance and grades.  If students meet the criteria, they would be rewarded with 2 days off at the end of each semester.

Discussion:  Mr. Bauer presented information on Executive Session guidelines, Perry Law Firm workshop at ESU9 on Aug. 18th or 25th beginning at 6 pm, Board retreat, and ESSER III information.  Board members decided on Wed., Aug 4th from 6 - 10 pm for the board retreat.  Location still to be decided between the Alley Rose or Cunningham's on the Lake in Kearney.  Possible presenter to be John Spatz with NASB.  

Discussion:  Mr. Arntt reported that the Elementary Spring Concert held on May 18th went well.  The Elementary Honors Program and Fun / Field Day on Friday, May 14th also went well.  Thank you to Brant Karr for handing out 6th grade promotion certificates.  Jump Start will be held July 26th through August 6th from 8:30 to 11:30 am.  Bussing to be provided.  Preschool summer school will also run from July 26th through August 6th from 9 to 11 am.  The Bladen Town Meeting was held at the elementary on Saturday, June 5th.  The Webster County Fair 4-H clothing judging, fashion show and music contest will be held at the elementary on July 19th.  Mr. Arntt also reported on the noted improvement of the Acadience Reading Scores from September to May 2021.  See attached report.

Discussion:  Mr. Drake presented his report, having already reviewed the handbook updates earlier in the meeting.
Class schedule is attached.  He noted that there have been 16 course offerings added over the past 6 years.  He stated there are 4 students completing their work through summer school.  Report cards have been mailed out.  Tristan Kasson and Morgan Dinkler were recognized for events at State Track.  Summer cleaning is underway.  Windows are in, trim is being completed.  2 classrooms will be getting new carpet using the carpet from the elementary building project.  Board members stated an interest in having a Back to School supper when asked.  It was noted the supper is usually coordinated with the August board meeting.  Questions regarding any schedule changes due to the NSAA Basketball State Tournament (March 7 - 12th, 2022) will be addressed at the next board meeting.

Discussion:  The next regular board of education meeting is set for Wednesday, July 14th, 7 pm at the high school.