February 12, 2024 at 7:15 PM - Board of Education Regular Monthly Meeting

Discussion:  President Lutkemeier opened the meeting at 7:10 pm, directly following the Parental Involvement Hearing.  The meeting notice was advertised in the December 28th publication of the Blue Hill Leader.  "The Open Meetings Act" poster was displayed in the meeting room.

Discussion:  N/A

Discussion:  In addition to the list presented, Mr. Bartels wanted to recognize the dedication and performance of the pep band students and their sponsor, Mrs. Young; as well as the Striv students and their sponsor, Mrs. Schmidt.  He stated he'd received several compliments from patrons.

Discussion:  Guests in attendance were Ashley Kral, Jennifer Karr, Deb Adams, Drew Harris, and Joe Haney.  Ashley Kral used the time for Public Comment.

Discussion:  Mr. Bauer reported that the Region 4 Superintendent meeting is Wednesday in Kearney.  Mr. Sluka and Mr. Jones will begin working on extra-duty assignments.  Board members were encouraged to contact them if there were any comments or concerns.  Mr. Bauer discussed the sustainability of the Silver Lake Holiday Classic.  He also reported that we will have an ESL kindergarten student starting this coming August.  This will require some time and resources.  Mr. Bauer updated board members on the legislative updates covered at the NASB workshop.  Reminder for board members that candidate filing started on January 5th.  The incumbent filing deadline is February 15th, with March 1st being the last day for non-incumbent filing.  Candidates must file in Adams County.

Discussion:  Mr. Drake reported that the Webster County Spelling Bee (January 24th) went well (Thanks to Krissy Simonton, Jimmy Brown and Kaitlyn Hemberger for their help.).   February 12th (No School / Teacher Inservice) went well with workshops and professional development.  Upcoming events include P/T Conferences set for February 21st (12:30 dismissal); Preschool RoundUp (February 26th); Lions Club Vision and Hearing Screenings (March 4th) along with Kindergarten Roundup set for the same day; Read Across America Week (March 4 - 7th), Author/Illustrator Bruce Arant Workshop with students K-6 (March 6th) and Green Eggs and Ham Breakfast (March 7th).  Mr. Drake reported he attended the APL workshop in Kearney on February 7th.  All mid-year testing has been completed.  Title 1 interview process has also been completed.  Recognition for the Webster County Spelling Bee Participants:  4th grade:  Korbinn Karr, Bria Swier; 5th grade:  Scarlett Brais, Cooper Crowe; and 6th grade:  Amielia Gomez and Olivia Whitten.  PreK-6 collected 586 items for local organizations on their 100 Days of School Toiletry Drive.  And K-6 students raised $6,756.59 for the American Heart Association's Heart Kids Challenge.  They had a record of 68 student participants.

Discussion:  Mr. Jones reported on Professional Development events:  APL Training (Feb 7th & 8th); Glowforge Training Day (Feb 12th); Teacher In-Service at ESU-9 (Feb 12th); and CTE Training at ESU-9 (March 14th).  JH/HS Academics events included the Local Science Fair (January 31st); Chad Cargill ACT Prep (February 5th); ASVAB Testing (February 6th); and the Regional Science Fair (hosted at Hastings College on March 5th).  Additionally, Driver's Education has started along with Lions Club Screenings and Health Checks.  The February fire drill was performed on February 14th.  JH/HS Sports / Activities:  TVC HS Basketball Tournament where Silver Lake Girls Basketball team came in 3rd.  (January 27th - February 3rd); FFA State Degree Recipients include:  Madison Karr, Sydney Bartels, Ashley Bonifas and Savanna Junek (February 7th); HS Quiz Bowl at ESU-9 (February 7th); Girls BB and Dance Senior Night (February 8th); JH Quiz Bowl at ESU-9 (February 8th); JH Math Counts (February 12th); HS Girls BB Districts hosted by Silver Lake (February 12th, 13th & 15th); Boys BB Senior Night (February 16th); State Dance (Jazz & Pom) (February 16th); National FFA Week (February 19th - 23rd); HS Boys BB Districts (February 19th, 20th and 22nd); FFA at CDE's (February 21st); TVC Speech (February 21st); HS Girls BB Sub-State (February 23rd); HS Boys BB Sub-State (February 24th); Start of Spring Sports (February 26th); State Girls Basketball (February 28th - March 2nd); State Boys Basketball (March 6th - 9th); FFA Banquet (March 11th); District Speech (March 12th); TVC Speech (March 13th); and JH State Math Counts (March 16th). Additionally, Football Schedules were released on February 7th and referees were contracted; updates on shot clocks and weight room were given.  Career and Technical Education:  CTE Update (update on Perkens Grant and Educational Pathways); Job Shadow Opportunity - Education (5 students) - (February 14th) and College Tours are set for March 28th and April 9th.

Discussion:  Drew Harris, Deb Adams and Joe Haney, representing ESU-9, shared information regarding program services offered by Educational Service Unit #9 out of Hastings, NE.  Drew Harris is serving his 5th year as Chief Administrator.  He explained how ESU-9 supports local schools through technology, professional development, school board video training and grant support.  Deb Adams is on the board of directors for ESU-9.  She represents Region 1, which covers Silver Lake, Kenesaw and Red Cloud.  Joe Haney is ESU-9's Special Education coordinator.

Discussion:  Shaun Fisher, an insurance agent with the Jones Group (and also school board treasurer), explained that EMC insurance is terminating contracts with agencies, including the Jones Group.  Another company offers coverage with a $75,000 deductible per building as well as a 17% premium increase.  Another option would be to go with NASB's AliCAP insurance pool.  The current quote is $58,401.  $24,470 would be due on April 1 for coverage through 8/31/24.  The new term would begin from 9/1/2024 to 8/31/25.

Discussion:  Our anticipated preschool student numbers for next year are above the number we are comfortable operating under.  Our options are as follows:  Hire an additional pre-school teacher for the 24-25 school year, which could potentially only be a need for one year, or not offer all day pre-school and run two sections of half-day pre-school.  Board members discussed the pros and cons of each option, reaching the consensus of hiring another preschool teacher.  

Discussion:  The village has communicated that they are willing to spend around $7,500-$8,000 on the project.  Mr. Bauer can reach out to the summer ball program and see if they would be willing to invest in the project as well.  The total bid was $15,950.  Silver Lake would need to pay to supply the power for the controller and booster pump, which would be an additional cost.  The motion was tabled until a conversation between a member of the summer ball program, a town board member and school administration can be held.  

Discussion:  Due to a resignation, we have a Title position opening.  We interviewed and offered the job to Christopher A. Watt.  He has accepted.

Discussion:  The board must annually hold a public hearing on its Parental Involvement Policy and an annual evaluation of the Title 1 Parental Involvement policy.  After the hearings, the Board must either adopt the revised policy or reaffirm it as written.

Discussion:  Our Special Education Procedures need to be updated to meet the current legislative changes.  Our practices followed this, but we have not approved the updated procedures on form 6000. 

Discussion:  Updates to procedures for our 504 and ADA.  Current law and legislation is met in the procedures. 


 

Discussion:  There were three versions sent out to staff.  This was the one with the most votes by a majority. 

Discussion:  2004 (Pre-DEF) with 74,000 miles on a CAT C7 Engine. It is in really good shape. It is a BlueBird Vision. 
The dealer is asking $19,000.  It is located in Broken Arrow, OK.  Also discussed was installing 2 sets of thermals in the 2019 white coach bus to help with traveling in extreme cold temperatures.

Discussion:  The next regular board meeting will be Tuesday, March 12th, 7 pm at Bladen.  Buildings and Grounds committee to meet at 8 am, Tuesday, February 20th in Roseland.