February 10, 2025 at 7:30 PM - Regular Meeting

Discussion:  President T. Tegeler called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.  Members present were Broberg, Johnsen, Negus, Schutt, R. Tegeler and T. Tegeler.

Discussion:  President T. Tegeler stated that notice of the meeting was published in the February 5, 2025 issues of The Tilden Citizen/Meadow Grove News and the Antelope County News.

Discussion:  President T. Tegeler referred to the open meetings law and welcomed visitors. Christina Hagemann asked the board to consider an early dismissal on February 18, 2025 so students and staff could attend the girls state wrestling tournament.  Al Smidt commented about the billboard sign, stating the money used for it would be put to better use on a sign for the new sports complex.

Discussion:  This item was not needed as all six board members were in attendance.

Discussion:  President T. Tegeler asked if there were any questions about the minutes of the January 13, 2025 meeting.  There were none.  The minutes stand approved.
 

Discussion:  President T. Tegeler asked if there were any questions about the January, 2025 financial report.  There were none.  The report stands approved.  

Discussion:  Mr. Hahne explained that the track and field license agreement has the same terms as last year's agreement. 

Discussion:  Discussion was held regarding advertising rights on the sports complex scoreboard.  Questions were asked about other businesses who might be interested in advertising and would the contract generate enough revenue to pay for the scoreboard. 

Discussion:  Mr. Hahne explained that the certificate of deposit in the depreciation fund is coming up for renewal.  He asked the board about reinvesting this money into a different term c.d. that pays a higher interest rate.

Discussion:  Discussion was held about investing bond fund money into a higher rate certificate of deposit for a seven month term.  

Discussion:  Mr. Hahne explained the advantages of paying membership dues to NASB; the main advantage is the insurance coverage provided through NASB Alicap.

Discussion:  A lengthy discussion was held regarding possible changes to the 25-26 school calendar.  Board members spoke about adding a day off for girls' state wrestling, where snow days could be made up, starting and finishing later and the affect that unplanned time off has on teacher contracts.

Discussion:  Mr. Hahne received a second quote for the billboard along Highway 275.  First Impressions Signs and Graphics would use aluminum sign panels over the existing billboard.  Love Signs would replace the existing wood panels.  Discussion included what to do with the billboard if the board decided to pursue a sign for the sports complex.  A decision was tabled to give the board more time to review options.

Discussion:  Mr. Black spoke about the visit from Pierce teachers to observe the CKLA program in use.  Teachers from Elgin will come soon to observe also.  Staff has worked with ESU staff on fidelity checks and parent teacher conferences are February 12th.  Mrs. Novicki stated that secondary staff has worked with ESU staff on high quality instruction. The February calendar is busy with activities.  She mentioned that the girls' basketball team won the conference tournament, 5 girls qualified for state wrestling and 8 students have received their state FFA degrees.

Discussion:  Mr. Hahne told the board they should use their school, not personal, email addresses when messaging district patrons. 

Discussion:  Mr. Hahne will be attending the NRCSA spring conference as well as a couple board members.

Discussion:  There are two bills in hearing to keep an eye on. One brings back the tax credit when donating to private schools and the other would increase foundation aid to schools based on per pupil amount.  Funding for this bill would be available by taking away the 2% contribution the state makes to the Nebraska Public Employees Retirement System.

Discussion:  Mr. Hahne provided official results of the special bond election.  Votes in favor were 381 and against were 365 with 49.73% of voters casting ballots.

Discussion:  A meeting was held recently with Tim Ripp, Jay Zwingman and Adam Rutjens.  They continue to fine tune procedures for the sports complex.  Jay Spearman will attend the March meeting to provide the resolution to sell the bonds for the sports complex.  Riley Hunter will attend to provide information to the board about using the bank or Nebraska Liquid Asset Fund to invest the sports complex bond funds.

Discussion:  There being no further business, President T. Tegeler adjourned the meeting at 8:58 p.m.