November 11, 2024 At the conclusion of the Americanism Hearing - Board of Education Regular Meeting

Discussion:  Mrs. DeStefano read the following out loud:

I, Samantha DeStefano, do solemnly swear that I will support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of Nebraska, against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely and without mental reservation or for purpose of evasion; and that I will faithfully and impartially perform the duties of the office of Maxwell Public School Board Member, according to law, and to the best of my ability.

And I do further swear that I do not advocate, nor am I a member of any political party or organization that advocates the overthrow of the government of the United States or of this state by force or violence; and that during such time as I am in this position I will not advocate nor become a member of any political party or organization that advocates the overthrow of the government of the United States or of this state by force or violence. So help me God.

Discussion:  Mr. McMurtry talked about the NASB State Convention and plans for those board members planning to attend.  He stated that November 27th is a half day of school leading into Thanksgiving break.  Board members were given an invite to the staff holiday party.  The next board meeting will be December 9th

Discussion:  Hannah Pagel and Lauren Meed presented to the board on behalf of the student council.  They offered a food drive with points designated for specific items donated.  A goal of 10,000 total points was set.  The students were asking for a half day of school on December 20th if they achieve their goal.

Discussion:  Mrs. Lucas was requesting that the board allow for Maxwell to put in to host a district speech event.  Mrs. Lucas stated that no schools in the vicinity would be able to put in for it this year.  That would require that the speech team travel to a location upwards of 3.5 hours away requiring them to leave at 4 in the morning the day of competition.  This would require that the school calendar be adjusted to an off day of school on the day of competition.  Possible days for competition are March 17th or 21st.

Discussion:  Mrs. Nancy presented the financials as attached.  Some large items were noted such as Activate Learning which is science curriculum for the high school.  It was noted that 27% of the overall budget has been expended through the first three months of the fiscal year.  Items being watched are payroll in the lunch account.  This will need to be addressed

Discussion:  Mr. Feeney presented on behalf of administration.  The following items were discussed:
 

Elementary:

• On Oct. 29 we had our 1st CKLA Cohort meeting with 2 & 3 grade teachers and principals from Wallace, Maxwell, and Perkins County.  

• On November 11th, we will travel to Maywood for an Elementary Quiz Bowl with our 5 & 6 Grade HAL kids.

• On Nov. 18th, we will have our 2nd CKLA Cohort meeting in Wallace. 

• On Nov. 18th, we will also have Parent’s Night, Making Turkeys.  

• Thanksgiving Break begins with a noon dismissal on Nov. 27th, 28th, and 29th. 

• December brings Winter NSCAS Growth Testing and MAPs Growth Testing for K-6. 

 

High School:

• We have just wrapped up our fall testing schedule. The 7th and 8th grade took the Fall NSCAS growth tests, 9th and 10th grade took the Pre-ACT, and the 11th graders took the ACT. We are excited to get our scores back and for the opportunity to compare them to our scores in the spring when we take these assessments again. The goal is for teachers to use the data from these tests to help guide their instruction throughout the year. 

• Along the same lines, Mrs. Seamann presented to the 7-12 staff on November 6th about how she tracks and uses data in the classroom. 

• The high school has started the journey of Independent Professional Development Plans. The goal of this idea is to make our professional development time more effective and meaningful for each teacher. It is my plan that when professional development is individualized, teachers are more likely to find the content relevant to their needs, which will then lead to them being better teachers.  

 

AD:

• Cross Country season ended with a State Qualifier. Illa Gosnell finished the season 38th in Class D Girls Cross Country! She set a new PR of 21:45. 

• Football Season ended in the first round of playoffs, against Sandhills/Thedford. 

• Volleyball Season ended in the first round of subdistricts. 

• FFA Nationals was a successful trip. Cole and Levi Huffman made it to the top 15 in talent

• Quizbowl had their first competition of the year on November 4th, in Maywood. 

• Play Production has entered their competition season. They compete at RPAC and Cozad this week. The home performance will be held on November 25th with a free will donation spaghetti dinner beginning at 6:00 and the performance beginning at 6:45. 

• Winter sports practice begins on Monday, November 18. 

HQEE - Professional Development and LL - Math:

• Professional Development

  • CKLA Cohort for 2nd and 3rd Grade Teachers 

  • Inclusive Education with Elementary Sped, Title, and Admin.

Discussion:  Mr. McMurtry presented on behalf of buildings and grounds.  The following items were discussed:
 

• Mr. McMurtry will talk about this further. The purchase of a trailer for one act. In my opinion, renting a trailer for the first two productions was a big help and made things smoother in loading and unloading. Also with the cast being smaller this season it eliminates the need for a CDL/Bus driver with the  trailer. Will provide off season storage as well.

• Emergency lighting is need of being looked at. We have 4 total backup units with a total of 36 batteries. 2 of them are in need of service and all the batteries need to be replaced due to age. Mr McMurtry will discuss this further as well. 

• Fall sports season is over so sprinklers have been blown out ready for winter and the mowers, field painter etc have had fuel conditioner added and ready for winter as well.

• Had to put rear brakes on the route van this month.

• One Act and JH wrestling is up and running. 

• Building is always busy with youth sports and that's a great thing. Scheduling the doors opening and closing is a daily task though. Checking with the door control system to see if there is an easier way to unlock the doors and keep them open on the weekends. 

• Started doing door maintenance a couple weeks ago. Includes every door in the building making sure they are lubed, adjusted and closed securely. This will take a few weeks to finish.

•  Need to get the senior banners and also a tv for the concession stand up before the first basketball game of the season. 

Discussion:  Mr. McMurtry presented on the following items:
 

• Annual Report

  • Was going to do it this month.  Our numbers for last year’s testing are embargoed until typically the day before Thanksgiving break.  I would like to provide those in the report as well so pushing that off until the December meeting

• Nebraska Frameworks

  • We are officially switched over to Nebraska Frameworks

  • Currently working to transition our goals over to SMART goals to align with what Frameworks requires

    • Goals are centered around achievement, attendance, and academic success

  • In January, I will meet with Todd Wolverton to pick a date for our accreditation visit next spring and to line up a lead who will put together a team for the visit

• Emergency lighting

  • See handout

• Activity driver pay

  • See handout

• Mentoring program with Maxwell Baptist

• Graduation Caps

• Gym naming

  • Constituent called with concerns about naming the gym after Coach Gilson instead of Coach Pierce

• Superintendent Evaluation

  • Do we want to do this in January?

    • Meet prior to meeting and then discuss results at the meeting

Discussion:  Mr. McMurtry presented on the financial audit performed by Neidhardt CPA.  Mr. McMurtry stated that the district has done a tremendous job over the last 5 years positioning themselves well.  No major findings occurred.  There were several items pointed out in the managerial letter that can and will be addressed going forward.

Discussion:  The board went into executive session.  The board exited executive session at 9:06 p.m.