March 9, 2026 at 8:00 PM - Regular Meeting

Discussion:  Meeting Called to order at 8:01 p.m. All board members present. There were 5 guests of the public present.

Discussion:  Ace Hardware, 23.92; Agri-Best, 45.50; Amazon Capital Services, 2654.14; AT&T, 137.58; Auto Value, 54.99; Callaway Market, 299.11; Callaway True Value, 199.04; Coach Masters, 551.42; US Bank, 2,712.66; Country Partners Cooperative, 14,843.89; Cozad Services, 782.00; State of Nebraska, 317.87; Eggleston Oil Company, 153.75; ESU 10, 6690.16; ESU 16, 1775.60; Great Plains Comm, 476.74; Integrated Security Solutions, 400.00; KBRY FM, 100.00; KCNI-AM/KBBN-FM, 125.00; KDAgency, 300.00; MARC, 246.68; Miss Nebraska Scholarship Program, 250.00; NASB, 450.00; Nationwide, 100.00; Nebraska Glass Co, 129.85; NRCSA, 100.00; NEMFCA, 125.00; One Source the Background Check Company, 105.00; Petty Cash Fund, 156.00; Quill, 1584.43; Syndicate Publishing, 582.73; Team PT, 1538.41; USI, 263.11; Village of Callaway, 3672.10; Wenquist, 469.29; Yandas, 294.46; Bill Total: 42,710.43. Fixed Payroll: 106,108.86; Total Payroll: 339,343.06.

Discussion:  Braden Keeney is the first qualifier for the National FCCLA Competition for his video on how to make a T-Shirt. We hope many more will qualify at the state competition coming up at the end of the month.

Discussion:  No one in attendace wanted to address the board with public comment.

Discussion:  Mr. Birkel and Mrs. Jesseph shared the happenings of the last month with the board.  Attendance data was shared.  The principals also proposed our test incentives for the upcoming NSCAS and ACT tests.  

Discussion:  The April BOE meeting is scheduled for April 13, 2026 at 8:00 PM.

Discussion:  Mr. Furrow informed the board that the Garlick estate had a court date set for May 8th and there would be no updates on the purchase of the Garlick property until after that time.
 

Discussion:  Mr. Furrow updated the board on the number of families who had a lunch bill in excess of the $500 limit.

Discussion:  B & G will meet Wednesday, March 18th at 7:00 p.m.

Discussion:  The personnel committee will meet Thursday, April 2nd at 7:00 p.m.

Discussion:  Mr. Furrow informed the board that a fire marshal inspected the propane tank.

Discussion:  Mrs. Jesseph, Mrs. Jadyn Weber, Mrs. Jenn Hickenbottom, and the curriculum committee shared information about the new English language arts and preschool curriculum. The purchase of the curriculum is in the action items of tonight's meeting.

Discussion:  Mr. Furrow led discussion about the projects that have been proposed and that would be prioritized in the buildings and grounds meeting later in the month.  Board members gave feed back on factors to consider in deciding what projects to prioritize.  The projects in question include some class rotating, insulation in gym and shop, and work on south Needham properties.

Discussion:  From previous discussion about deciding which projects to focus on, this action item did not pass at this time for lack of a motion.  

Discussion:  These policies simply change purchasing amounts to match the new federal guidelines.

Discussion:  The board discussed some changes in the board/superintendent relations.  These changes will be sent to our school attorney and the policy committee will reconvene to finalize edits and bring the policy back to the board for approval.

Discussion:  The board approved a policy that restricts the performance of the national anthem or patriotic songs to individual students or student groups.  Adult performers can accompany a student performance.

Discussion:  The 2026-27 school calendar was approved.  Basic changes included beginning the school year one week later, changing the daily schedule to have Bear Down Time on Friday only, and adjusting how professional development would be scheduled during the school year.

Discussion:  The board approved the purchase of new curriculum materials for the 2026-27 school year.

Discussion:  The board approved the 7-12 principal contract of Heath Birkel for the 2026-27 school year.

Discussion:  The board approved the 2026-27 Elementary Principal Contract for Brittany Jesseph.

Discussion:  The board approved a 1,81% salary increase for Mr. Birkel for the 2026-27 school year.  This increase is based on the the combined certified staff increase for the upcoming school year.

Discussion:  The board approved a 1,81% salary increase for Mrs. Jesseph for the 2026-27 school year.  This increase is based on the the combined certified staff increase for the upcoming school year.

Discussion:  Meeting was adjourned at 10:36 PM.