November 11, 2021 at 7:00 PM - Board of Education Regular Meeting

Discussion:  President Lutkemeier called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm.  The meeting was advertised in the October 21st publication of the Blue Hill Leader.  "The Open Meetings Act" poster was displayed in the meeting room.

Discussion:  Guests in attendance were Jolene Heuertz, Jennifer tenBensel, and Jennifer Karr.  No comment was offered.

Discussion:  We needed another one on one Para Educator to work with a student in Bladen.   In addition to the Para duties, Isaac Dunn will also be helping with boys basketball as an assistant coach.

Discussion:  Board members discussed the pros and cons of employees using days from their sick leave banks if they contracted Covid.  A general consensus was reached to implement the first option of having employees use their sick leave.

Discussion: 

According to Silver Lake Policy 4057 the superintendent is to have an annual evaluation done the month prior to the month in which the board is to notify the superintendent of its intention to consider the non-renewal or amendment of the contract. According to the contract this intention is to be given by January 15th. Evaluations were handed out at the October board meeting with the board wishing to check the Superintendent Evaluation off the to-do list at tonight's November Board of Education meeting.   President Lutkemeier thanked board members for getting their evaluations back to him.  He reported that Mr. Bauer met expectations and recommended renewal of his contract.

Discussion:  The annual audit has been completed.  The AFR was uploaded and all documentation was submitted prior to the due date.  Please see attached the annual audit.  Discussion and Approval of the audit will be completed at the December board of education meeting.  Audit booklets were handed out at the board meeting.

Discussion:  KSB School Law has released some new recommended policy updates.  Board members will vote on these at the December board meeting.  This is the first reading.  Affected policies include Public Participation at Board Meetings, Extra Duty and Extended Contract Assignments for Certificated Staff, Multicultural Education, Teaching Controversial Issues, and Curriculum Development.

Discussion:  Our Policy 4149 states that the Board shall determine at the November regular Board of Education Meeting, if a window of opportunity of early retirement will be offered to eligible certificated employees for the following school year.  Within 10 days after the November board meeting the Superintendent shall inform all certificated teachers of the School Board's decision to provide a window of opportunity for early retirement.  

Certificated employees will have 45 days to inform the superintendent in writing of their intentions on the option for Early Retirement.  

The following staff members are eligible to receive the early retirement incentive:  Keith Crowe, Jolene Heuertz, Trish Hinrichs, Sheila Rupprecht, Susan Karr, and Chris Sluka.

Discussion:  Mr. Bauer presented a bid from Rutt's Heating and A/C, Inc. for HVAC upgrades to the elementary.  He will be advertising the job for additional estimates.  The negotiations team met directly before tonight's meeting.  Audits were handed out and will be discussed at December's next regular board meeting.  Mr. Bauer reported that he will be attending the TVC Administrator meeting on November 16th.

Discussion:  Mr. Arntt reported that teachers attended ESU 9's TLC conference at Adams Central, Monday, Oct. 18th.  Red Ribbon week was October 25th - 28th.  All went smoothly.  The Parents, Pancakes and PJs event was on Thursday, October 28th.  Over 225 were served.  Progress reports will be sent home on November 15th.  4-H after school was held in the elementary commons from 4:00 to 5:00 on Tuesday, Oct. 26th.  Elementary attended and participated in the Veteran's program at the high school today.  There will be no school November 24, 25, & 26th for the Thanksgiving holiday.  The elementary will attend the HS Play matinee on Tuesday, November 23rd.  The Elementary Music Concert is set for December 16th at 7:00 pm.  Administrative note:  Isaac Dunn was interviewed for our last 1 on 1 Para position.

Discussion:  Mr. Drake presented the high school MAP testing summary.  Job shadowing packets will be sent home with seniors early next week.  Completed Events include Fall Sports, County Government Day, Kneeknocker Woods outing (53 students attended), FBLA Blood Drive, Veterans Day Program and Karen Haase's presentation on Digital Citizenship.  Upcoming Events include Nov 12th:  FFA w/Temple Grandin, Red Cloud Career Fair; Nov 13th:  FFA Pathways to Careers event; Nov 15th:  Winter Sports Practice begin; Nov 16th:  TVC One-Act in Harvard; Nov 18th:  TVC Jr. High Quiz Bowl @ SL; Nov 20th:  FFA Craft Fair at Brader Barn; Nov 23rd:  Dinner Theatre / Matinee; Nov 29th:  HSBB Jamboree at Friend; Nov 30th District One-Act at Central Valley; Dec 1st:  FFA Livestock Judging in Kearney; Dec 2nd:  Opening of Winter Sports Season; Dec 4th:  Staff Meal; Dec 9th:  HS Concert @ 7 pm.  Mr. Drake also recognized Kaitlyn Hemberger, Cheryl Klein, Mr. Bauer, and several others who stepped in to help with the lunch and breakfast program the previous 2 weeks.

Discussion:  The next regular Board of Education meeting is set for December 15th, at 7:00 pm at the Elementary in Bladen.