January 11, 2022 at 7:05 PM - Board of Education Regular Meeting

Discussion:  President Lutkemeier called the meeting to order at 7:05 pm.  The meeting was advertised in the January 6th publication of the Blue Hill Leader.  "The Open Meetings Act" poster was displayed in the meeting room.  

Discussion:  President Lutkemeier invited Superintendent Bauer to serve as chairman for this portion of the meeting.

Discussion:  Mr. Bauer opened the floor for nominations for the Office of School Board President.  Dennis Timm nominated Leon Lutkemeier.  Todd Bartels nominated Daren Niemeyer.  No further nominations were made.  An anonymous written vote was held with Leon Lutkemeier elected as President by a vote of 5 to 4.

Discussion:  Dennis Timm nominated Daren Niemeyer for School Board Vice President.  No subsequent nominations were made.  Motion was made and carried to close the nominations.  Daren Niemeyer will serve as the School Board Vice President for the 2022 term.

Discussion:  Leon Lutkemeier nominated Allen Ehrman for School Board Secretary.  No subsequent nominations were made.  Motion was made and carried to close the nominations.  Allen Ehrman will serve as School Board Secretary for the 2022 term.

Discussion:  Daren Niemeyer nominated Shaun Fisher for School Board Treasurer.  No subsequent nominations were made.  Motion was made and carried to close the nominations.  Shaun Fisher will serve as School Board Treasurer for the 2022 term.

Discussion:  N/A

Discussion:  N/A

Discussion:  Guests in attendance were Eric Parr, Ashley Peters, Amie Ehrman, Jennifer Karr, Krissy Simonton, Jennifer tenBensel, and Jolene Heuertz.  Ashley Peters gave her name and address for the record and addressed board members regarding possible student bullying and cell phone usage in the classrooms.  Board members listened with no comment.

Discussion:  Board members reviewed policies 5018 and 5057 at the hearing held prior to the meeting.  No changes were made and the policies were re-affirmed.

Discussion:  Board members reviewed policy 5001 which covers attendance and excessive absenteeism.  This policy is reviewed annually.  No changes were made and the policy was re-affirmed.

Discussion:  Board members reviewed policy 5054 on student bullying.  This policy is reviewed annually.  Board members re-affirmed the policy with no changes.  

Discussion:  Board members discussed who should be included on the Americanism / Textbook / Parent Involvement committee.  Members on the committee include Todd Bartels, Shaun Fisher, Brian Karr and Daren Niemeyer.  A committee meeting will probably be held in March.  President Lutkemeier invited board members to let him know if they wanted changes on any of the other committees.

Discussion:  ESSER III requires that the school have an in depth and detailed return to school plan in place.  It also requires that we take into account stakeholder input for the return to school plan.  Attached is our plan.  Our plan needs to be reviewed every 6 months.  This is our 6 month review.

Discussion:  Jolene Heuertz has completed her Policy 4149 Application for the Silver Lake Public Schools Early Retirement Incentive Program.
Attached is her letter of resignation.  

Discussion:  19 Students completed 3 credit hour courses in a variety of classes (Public Speaking, Intro to Info Tech, English Comp.)  $321 per course * 19 = $6,099.

Discussion:  Mr. Bauer reminded board members (Alan B., Brian K., Dennis T., and Leon L.) about the upcoming filing deadline for the 2022 Election year which is Feb 15th for incumbents.  He also spoke about a new revenue plan for tax relief that Columbus Public Schools came up with and senators will be taking a close look at on Jan 25th in Lincoln.  He asked if any board members would be interested in going to Lincoln that day.  Mr. Bauer asked board members to consider a host location (Bladen or Roseland) for next year's volleyball home games as he will be adding this to next month's action items.  The next meeting for the Americanism Committee hearing was originally scheduled prior to the February evening board meeting.  It has been tentatively set for the March board meeting date.  The convection oven is out of order at the elementary kitchen.  It will cost around $20,000 to replace.

Discussion:  Mr. Arntt reported that the Elementary Christmas Program was held on Thursday, December 16th and went very well.  2nd quarter report cards were sent home on January 4th.  There will be no school on January 31, 2022.  The Webster County Spelling Bee is set for Wednesday, January 19th at Blue Hill, 1:00 pm.  The Elementary Quiz Bowl will compete in the ESU-9 tournament in Hastings on February 1st.  Fourth grade students will be participating in the NAEP (National Assessment of Educational Progress) testing on February 3rd.  Mr. Conroy and Silver Lake Elementary will be doing Hoops for Heart during the month of February.  Mid Year testing for Acadience and NSCAS tests were completed in December.  Mr. Arntt reported on scores between fall and mid-year.  All classes showed good improvement.  The elementary gym roof has been patched.  

Discussion:  Mr. Drake reported that an 11th grade boy moved out of the district.  JH Boys BB has 14 boys participating.  Completed events include the 27th annual Silver Lake Holiday Classic, JH Quiz Bowl tournament and report cards were sent home.  Upcoming events include:  ASVAB testing for Juniors; 7th & 8th graders will be taking the NSCAS pilot assessment; The Webster County Spelling Bee is set for January 19th in Blue Hill; TVC Basketball will be from January 31st through February 5th and the SL HS Quiz Bowl is lined up for January 27th.  Interviews for our open positions have begun.  It should be completed this week.  The lighting project was completed over the break.  Ceilings and exterior doors need some work.  Mr. Drake would like to make taking a personal finance class a graduation requirement.  Washington trip - Washington, DC requires proof of vaccinations for indoor activities.  The Washington group needs to make a decision to commit by February 16th.  

Discussion:  None at this time.

Discussion:  The next regular meeting of the Board of Education is set for 7:00 am, Tues., Feb 15th in Bladen.