October 13, 2014 at 6:00 PM - Board of Education Regular Meeting

Discussion:  Notice of this meeting was posted at the Jeffrey Elementary School, Osceola Middle School/High School, Pinnacle Bank of Osceola, and the Osceola Post Office. A copy of the agenda items is tentative and may be changed by the Board if necessary.

Discussion:  President Schleif called the regular meeting to order at 6:05 PM and informed those in attendance that a current copy of the Open Meetings Act is posted in the meeting room, then directed the public to its location.

Discussion:  Also present were Superintendent Rinehart, Principal Johnson, Debra Berry, and Jim Knuth, Midwest Sound representative.

Discussion:  There were no members absent.

Discussion:  Midwest Sound representative, Jim Knuth, reviewed different sound systems required at the old gym auditorium for the best sound. Mrs. Jenni Erhart and the "Dancing With The Teachers" stars have fundraised toward supplementing the payment of this project. The price range is from $19,500.00 to $23,400.00, with close to $10,000 raised by the drama department. Mr. Knuth says the actual price is usually in the middle of the range. Any of the sound systems include training and tech support. Superintendent Rinehart indicated to the Board that if approved nothing would be done until this summer. Money from the depreciation or general fund could be used for the upgrade.

Discussion:  Elementary Principal Sarah Johnson gave her written and oral report about: the number of parents attending Parent-Teacher Conferences; the success of the Fall Book Fair; Red Ribbon Week is scheduled for October 27th through October 31st; and the splitting of the Kindergarten class. Thank you, Miss Runquist and volunteers, for another great book fair!

Discussion:  Middle/High School Principal Dale Maynard was not at the meeting and did not submit a written report.

Discussion:  Superintendent Steven Rinehart gave his written and oral report about: the upcoming November NASB Conference; scheduling a time for a negotiations committee meeting; the attendence of the NETA Conference in Kearney; the proposal of the sound system; and the successful beginnings of the embroidery class "Bulldog Stitches". Also, the federal program E-Rate is slated to gradually disappear for telephone and cell phones but will continue to fund computer technology so now is the time to upgrade our LAN system.

Discussion:  There were no board reports.

Discussion:  The splitting of the kindergarten will be a year by year decision based on student needs, thus the reason for hiring a teacher and their resignation at the same time.

Discussion:  Discussion took place about having the Jr. High Program at Cross County in conjunction with the High School program. For this year the Board indicated they would prefer to have it remain in Osceola.

Discussion:  Agenda action item 6.7 "consider, discuss and take all necessary action on proposed upgrade of Grasshopper mower" was tabled.

Discussion:  President Schleif talked about the possibility of cooping a cross country track program with area schools. Superintendent Rinehart indicated that only Shelby-Rising City Public Schools was not opposed to the idea, but not sure how much interest there really was. Mr. Rinehart will check again and gauge interest. Ite idea of polling Osceola Public Schools' students about their level of interest was expressed to see if having a program only as Osceola was viable. However, over much dicussion, it was decided to poll students at a later time after more information is gathered.

Discussion:  The Board and Superintendent Rinehart re-evaluated and re-prioritized the District's short-term and long-term goals. Board members were asked to develop new goals as well. One new goal is to facelift the old auditorium. At a minimum new paint, lighting, and some minor repairs and upgrades would be considered.

Discussion:  President Schleif repeated that a motion was made by Darin Sterup and seconded by Adam Peterson to enter into executive session at 8:36 PM until the finish of business to discuss negotiation strategies and the evaluation of job performance of the Superintendent, each necessary for the protection of the public interest or for the prevention of needless injury to the reputation of an individual in compliance with the law. The motion passed.

Discussion:  President Schleif indicated the next regular meeting would be November 10th, 2014 at 6:00PM in the Osceola MS/HS Media Center.