November 10, 2022 at 7:00 PM - Board of Education Regular Monthly Meeting

Discussion:  President Lutkemeier called the meeting to order at 7 pm.  The meeting was advertised in the October 27th publication of the Blue Hill Leader.  "The Open Meetings Act" poster was displayed in the meeting room.

Discussion:  N/A

Discussion:  See attached document.

Discussion:  Guests included Jennifer Karr, Caitlin Crowe, Eric Parr, Jolene Heuertz, Chris Sluka, Joan Fisher, Jacob and Kyla Lovejoy.  No comment was offered at that time.

Discussion:  Mr. Bauer reported that a power surge had damaged the high school security cameras and server.  They would be looking at replacing and adding more cameras, as well as the server.  The Continuous Improvement Process requires that a Perception Survey for students and parents be sent out.  The Negotiations team met and things are going well.  Mr. Lutkemeier felt they were on the verge of an agreement.  Mrs. Trausch, our HS shop teacher, has been working with the DNC machine and has come up with a fundraising idea.  Mr. Bauer displayed about 3 Nebraska-themed craft projects with wood and laser cut steel, as well as a nativity scene.  The consensus of the board was to go ahead with the project.  Mr. Bauer thanked Mr. Lutkemeier for attending the Legislative meeting in Hastings.  Mr. Bauer also asked that the NASB State Conference attendees meet with him after the board meeting tonight.  He shared that the final re-calculated State Aid figure for Silver Lake came in at $31,855.

Discussion:  Mr. Drake reported that the Kindergarten had visited the Pumpkin Patch on October 13th.  The Roseland Fire Department was at the Elementary for Fire Prevention Week on Oct. 14th.  Red Ribbon Week was held from October 24 - 28th.  The Pancakes, PJ's and Parents event was held on October 27th and was very well attended.  FBLA Pumpkin Judging was done October 28th and the 4-H after-school program was held November 7th.  Upcoming events include the Veteran's Day program at the high school on Nov 11th; 12:30 dismissal for Teacher In-service (School Improvement and School Safety) is set for Nov 14th; Elementary Quiz Bowl will be at 1:00 pm in Bladen on Nov 15th.  Progress Reports will go home on Nov 18th.  One School One Book matinee will be at 4:00 pm on Nov 19th.  The elementary will visit the high school for the play matinee on Nov 22nd.  Thanksgiving break will be November 23, 24 and 25th and the Elementary Music Concert is set for December 15th at 7:00 pm.  Mr. Drake also reported that he attended the school safety and security summit on October 18th and 19th.  Lastly, he shared that the elementary purchased hydroponic grow towers with a $2,000 grant.

Discussion:  Mr. Arntt gave an update on the school-based business enterprise through the Silver Lake FFA Chapter, the Small Town Kettle Company.  The enterprise was created by 3 high school students: Samantha Bonifas, Kassi Jones and Ashley Bonifas.  The business was created through LAUNCH!, a program provided by the Engler Entrepreneurship Program at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.  Engler teaches college students how to start their own business through a semester program.  LAUNCH! strives to promote entrepreneurial skills through a high school-based enterprise.  Throughout the program, the students have learned how to brainstorm business ideas that would work best in their communities.  They selected the kettle corn business idea.  The students received $1,300 to start their business from their first quick pitch, a 5-minute pitch to a panel of judges.  The students purchased their kettle with the funding.  Their opening day will be at the FFA Chapter's 2nd Annual Small-Town Craft Show at the Brader Country Barn.  They hope to further their business beyond events by selling at ball games and creating fundraising events for other organizations.  Nov 3rd, Striv Co. asked Mrs. Schmidt, Mrs. Sinsel and students; McKenna Pankoke, Emma Schmidt, Taylor Hanson, Katy Soucek, Ashley Bonifas and Savanna Junek to film the 9, 11 & 1:00 pm volleyball games at the state tournament.  It went very well!  Nov 9th, the Lions Club performed hearing and vision checks at both schools.  Nov 11th, the Veterans Program is set for 11 am at the high school.  Mrs. Curlo and Samantha Bonifas will be interviewed by Channel 4 News.  On Nov 12th the FFA will be at PLC in Kearney.  Nov 14th is a 12:30 pm dismissal.  All Teachers Inservice will be at the high school from 1 - 4 pm, working on SIP and Safety.  On Nov 15th the TVC One Act play is at Harvard.  Nov 17th, the TVC JH Quiz Bowl will be hosted by Silver Lake.  On Nov 19th, the FFA Craft Show will be at Brader's Barn, starting at 9 am.  Nov 22nd, the One Act Play matinee is set for 2:50 pm at the high school with the Dinner Theatre later that evening.  Thanksgiving Break will be Nov. 23, 24 and 25th.  On Nov 29th, District One Act Play will be at McCool Junction.  December 3rd, the Staff Dinner at the Legion in Campbell starts at 5:00 pm.  Administratively:  MAPS & NSCAS testing is done and the results were shared.  Mr. Arntt also attended the NE School Safety Summit in Kearney on Oct. 18th & 19th.  Mr. Arntt attended an NDE zoom meeting on Oct 21st.  He will be attending a PowerSchool webinar on Nov 15th and there is a Lock Down drill at the high school on Nov 17th.  Law enforcement will participate.  Mr. Arntt explained that due to a shortage of substitutes at the high school, there are many times that teachers are asked to fill in during their plan period.  He would like the Board to consider compensating the teachers who are giving up their plan periods in order to cover for an absent teacher.  He said in the past month, they covered 26 absences for a total of 71 periods that were covered in-house.  He suggested $16 / period.  Also, the Washington / student trip group came up with a new fundraising idea of a Donkey Basketball Tourney.

Discussion:  Policy 4149 states that the Board shall determine at the November regular Board of Education Meeting, if a window of opportunity for 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:  Duane Arntt, Trish Hinrichs, Susan Karr, Sheila Rupprecht and Chris Sluka.

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. 

Approval of Superintendent Contract and setting salary would be done at the December Board of Education meeting if deemed necessary.

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.  Mr. Bauer reported on a couple of findings.  Discussion and Approval of the audit will be completed at the December board of education meeting.  

Mr. Bauer will get the paper copies out to the board members as soon as he receives them.

Discussion:  Mrs. Heldt's resignation created an opening for a 7-12 Math teacher at the Roseland location.  We have interviewed all the applicants and offered the position to Paul Bade.

Discussion:  It has been requested by several junior high students that we allow dual sport participation at the junior high level.  This would create an opportunity for student athletes to participate in football and volleyball practice during the school day and cross country after school for practice.  They would be allowed to compete in both activities.  

I think with our numbers being where they are, this is an excellent idea, and I commend our students for following the proper chain to get this as an item before the Board of Education.  

Discussion:  Mr. Bauer has done some research on some daycare situations around that he is aware of and shared information with the BOE.   He acknowledged the need for more local daycare.  He also discussed the legalities, regulations and financial aspects of a school run daycare vs a community-based daycare.  Mr. Bauer reported on the pros and cons of staffing, enrollment limits, grant opportunities and possible effects on established daycare businesses.  He followed up with some examples of school run daycare and schools leasing space to community groups.  

Discussion:  N/A

Discussion:  The next regular Board of Education meeting is set for 7 pm on Wednesday, Dec. 14th, at the Elementary School in Bladen.