June 9, 2025 at 6:00 PM - Board of Education Regular Meeting

Discussion: 

Attendance Taken at at 6:02 PM Agenda Item: Roll Call

Regular Board Scott Barger Amanda Buhr Brad Hays Jesse Juenemann Mike Langan Charlie McPherson

Regular Board [None]

Discussion:  There were no public comments.

Discussion: 

Facilities Committee Meeting 6-4-2025
 

Meeting Notes

1. In late May we met with W Design, Sampson Construction, and Northland to discuss the project changes and reductions in overall cost to build. During this meeting, we agreed upon a final version and estimated cost. 

   1. The New Plan

      1. The new plan eliminates renovations to the current high school auditorium and band, choir and drama classrooms

      2. Reduces the size of the new auditorium by approximately 200 seats. 

      3. The centrally located library was removed, with a smaller library now planned within the new Junior High by modifying study hall classroom space. 

      4. See floor plan

   2. The new cost

      1. These changes lowered the original $43.5 million proposal by $2.7 million. However, increased construction costs over the past year have offset some of the savings, resulting in a new bond amount of $42 million. 

2. We have identified 3 key marketing focus points and 1 marketing explanation that should help focus the voters on the most important parts of the project

   1. 3 key focus points

      1. Structural instability

         1. The existing Junior High building has been evaluated and found to have a limited remaining lifespan and significant structural concerns down to its foundation. 

         2. The current building was not designed to meet today’s educational demands or modern safety standards. 

         3. Remodeling would be a temporary and less cost-effective solution compared to new construction. The proposed design replaces our deteriorating structure with a long-term facility built on the existing school campus.

      2. Occupational and career training

         1. Integration of high school classroom space dedicated to occupational and technical training. 

         2. Support hands-on learning in trades that are critical now and in the future. 

         3. Students will have access to modern, adaptable facilities for wood shop, welding, small engine repair, construction, agriculture, and more. 

         4. Commitment to preparing students for success in both postsecondary education and direct-to-workforce pathways by providing students learning spaces that incorporate the latest technologies utilized in the field.

      3. Safety improvements for students, staff and parents

         1. Connect the current High School with the Junior High, allowing students to move between classes without going outside. 

         2. Eliminate unlocked doors during passing periods and ensures all visitors must check in with school staff throughout the entire day.

         3. Addition of clearly marked drop-off and pick-up lanes 

         4. Addition of dedicated bus cutaways to improve traffic flow and student safety before and after school. 

   2. Defense of the new auditorium

      1. The new auditorium is needed because the old auditorium is no longer suitable for student needs.

         1. The existing auditorium has worn-out seating, flooring and curtains.

         2. The lighting and sound systems are failing.

         3. The stage is in disrepair and is too small for today’s performances:

            1. We cannot use our current stage to host choir or band concerts because it is too small.. 

            2. We cannot use our auditorium to host One Act competitions due to the size of stage and rules governing the loading and unloading of sets. 

            3. The current stage does not meet current safety standards. 

         4. The new auditorium would be used for all types of student performances, classes, and events, while also being available to serve the needs of the broader community.

3. Summer Bond Information Sharing Events 

   1. June 28 from 3:00-5:30 Cruisin’ on the Bricks

   2. July 23-27 from 5:00-8:00 Red Willow County Fair

   3. Tours will take place on four different days of the week over a four-week period:

      1. Thursday, July 10 - 12:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.

      2. Wednesday, July 16 - 12:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.

      3. Monday, July 21 - 12:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.

      4. Tuesday, July 29 - 12:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.

4. Sampson Payment from Special Building Fund

5. SH gym hallway/commons area

6. Central kitchen storage

7. Weiland field West fence

8. Central Playground re-asphalt -BB hoops

9. Remodel 1 elementary classroom (new cabinets/ carpet/Paint)

10. Repaint 10 classrooms central

11. Regular scheduled painting and carpet cleaning

12. Surplus auction

Discussion: 

Finance Committee Meeting 6-3-3035

 

Meeting notes

1. In late May we met with W Design, Sampson Construction, and Northland to discuss the project changes and reductions in overall cost to build. During this meeting, we agreed upon a final version and estimated cost. 

   1. The New Plan

      1. The new plan eliminates renovations to the current high school auditorium and band, choir and drama classrooms

      2. Reduces the size of the new auditorium by approximately 200 seats. 

      3. The centrally located library was removed, with a smaller library now planned within the new Junior High by modifying study hall classroom space. 

      4. See floor plan

   2. The new cost

      1. These changes lowered the original $43.5 million proposal by $2.7 million. However, increased construction costs over the past year have offset some of the savings, resulting in a new bond amount of $42 million. 

2. We have identified 3 key marketing focus points and 1 marketing explanation that should help focus the voters on the most important parts of the project

   1. 3 key focus points

      1. Structural instability

         1. The existing Junior High building has been evaluated and found to have a limited remaining lifespan and significant structural concerns down to its foundation. 

         2. The current building was not designed to meet today’s educational demands or modern safety standards. 

         3. Remodeling would be a temporary and less cost-effective solution compared to new construction. The proposed design replaces our deteriorating structure with a long-term facility built on the existing school campus.

      2. Occupational and career training

         1. Integration of high school classroom space dedicated to occupational and technical training. 

         2. Support hands-on learning in trades that are critical now and in the future. 

         3. Students will have access to modern, adaptable facilities for wood shop, welding, small engine repair, construction, agriculture, and more. 

         4. Commitment to preparing students for success in both postsecondary education and direct-to-workforce pathways by providing students learning spaces that incorporate the latest technologies utilized in the field.

      3. Safety improvements for students, staff and parents

         1. Connect the current High School with the Junior High, allowing students to move between classes without going outside. 

         2. Eliminate unlocked doors during passing periods and ensures all visitors must check in with school staff throughout the entire day.

         3. Addition of clearly marked drop-off and pick-up lanes 

         4. Addition of dedicated bus cutaways to improve traffic flow and student safety before and after school. 

   2. Defense of the new auditorium

      1. The new auditorium is needed because the old auditorium is no longer suitable for student needs.

         1. The existing auditorium has worn-out seating, flooring and curtains.

         2. The lighting and sound systems are failing.

         3. The stage is in disrepair and is too small for today’s performances:

            1. We cannot use our current stage to host choir or band concerts because it is too small.. 

            2. We cannot use our auditorium to host One Act competitions due to the size of stage and rules governing the loading and unloading of sets. 

            3. The current stage does not meet current safety standards. 

         4. The new auditorium would be used for all types of student performances, classes, and events, while also being available to serve the needs of the broader community.

3. Summer Bond Information Sharing Events 

   1. June 28 from 3:00-5:30 Cruisin’ on the Bricks

   2. July 23-27 from 5:00-8:00 Red Willow County Fair

   3. Tours will take place on four different days of the week over a four-week period:

      1. Thursday, July 10 - 12:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.

      2. Wednesday, July 16 - 12:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.

      3. Monday, July 21 - 12:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.

      4. Tuesday, July 29 - 12:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.

4. Sampson Payment from Special Building Fund

5. General fund Financials

   1. Subs pay

6. Activity account

   1. Deficit

7. Lunch account

   1. Prices increase.10C

8. Special Building 

   1. Sampsons bill

Discussion:  Mr. Langan reported that Mr. Norgaard presented on American civics currently taught in the district. The committee feels very good about our results.

Discussion: 

Monthly Business Manager Board of Education Report

May 2025 for June 2025 Board Meeting

 

Monthly Lunch #’s =   8,658 meals served

 

Financial #’s = After 75% of fiscal year = General Fund YTD Revenue is 95% YTD Expense is 76%

All Funds YTD Revenue is 92%, YTD Expenses is 75%

 

Facilities - Updates

SH gym hallway/commons area

Central kitchen storage

Weiland field West fence

Central Playground re-asphalt -BB hoops

Remodel 1 elementary classroom (new cabinets/ carpet/Paint)

Repaint 10 classrooms central

Regular scheduled painting and carpet cleaning

Surplus auction

 

Upcoming Projects

 

 

 

Bond Project

June 9th =call the bonds

June 10th-August 10th = Provide information to the public, Tours

July 21 = Ballots are sent in the mail

July 23 = Ballots arrive to mailboxes

Aug 7 = Last day to mail ballots

Aug 12th = Last day for ballots to be dropped off.

 

 

Federal/state Reports filed in May:

Discussion:  There wer no resignations.

Discussion:  Jesse Juenemann thanked the administration for all their work on the bond. He encouraged everyone to study the project and stated that it will never be cheaper.
Charlie McPherson commented on how great the  summer learning program is.   He also praised the FFA for their strategic planning session.
Amanda Buhr gives big congratulations to the state tennis team and Coach Wiemers for his honor. She also believes that summer school is great and appreciates the program.
Scott Barger wants to thank the administrative team for all they have done and continue to do.  He also appreciates all the work the maintenance dept has already done this summer.
Mike Langan thanked w design, Smapsons, Northland for all the work with administration on the bond project.
Brad Hays  congratulated coach timers and the tennis team.  He also praised the maintenance department.  
Jeff Gross thanked all the summer school staff for their time and efforts.
Grant Norgaard thanked McCook on the move committee for volunteering their time to help support the passage of the bond. He also thanked MNB for their continued support with the Bison debit cards.  

Discussion:  The meeting adjourned @ 6:55pm.