District 42R board discusses beginning of the school year

OSMOND — Members of the District 42R Board of Education met Monday, Aug. 10, in regular session with much of the usual back-to-school topics to discuss. School will begin on Thursday, Aug. 13.

Polt Gives Report

Principal Kurt Polt reported on the teacher in-service days which were being held Aug. 10-12 and advised that the first day of school on Thursday would dismiss at 1 p.m., with the second day of school utilizing the 2:08 Friday dismissal schedule.

Polt reported on the kindergarten round-up which was held that day. There were two boys and two girls in attendance; however, he is expecting one more girl and probably another girl to be taught remotely. The elementary open house was scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 11, as was Chromebook checkout.

Mr. Polt advised that a jamboree volleyball game is scheduled at Plainview on Thursday, Aug. 20, at 7 p.m. The game does not count as a scheduled game, and all proceeds go to support the Nebraska High School Hall of Fame. The season opener is a dual against Wynot on Thursday, Aug. 27.

The first football game is scheduled for Friday, Aug. 28, at Allen with kickoff at 7 p.m., and the homecoming game will be Sept. 25 against Laurel. The first cross country meet will be Aug. 27 at Hartington.

Mr. Polt told board members that the marching band competitions continue to be in jeopardy, as the Lions Club parade in Norfolk and the Harvest of Harmony parade in Grand Island have both been canceled; however, he hopes Osmond can participate in the Wayne State College parade and March to the Meridian parade.

Polt advised that, as usual, there will be no school on Labor Day, Sept. 7.

Mr. Polt discussed a number of changes for students because of COVID-19, including that masks are mandatory while in transition (on buses) and between classes. They are not required while in classrooms, but are highly suggested. As far as athletics, everyone will be required to wear a mask unless they are actually playing. Other information about requirements is on the school website under “NCDHD School Risk Level Guidance.”

Mr. Polt thanked the board for its patience and support throughout the process of both prom and graduation, as those were important events to the Class of 2020.

Superintendent’s Report

Superintendent Dave Hamm invited board members to visit the kitchen, which is close to completion, and thanked the staff members who have worked toward getting the buildings and grounds ready for school to start.

The board discussed whether or not to have a separate budget workshop and decided to include it as part of the budget hearing in September, along with special hearings. The date and time for the budget hearing is Sept. 14 at 7 p.m., with the regular meeting to follow at 8 p.m.

Hamm pointed out a transfer from the general fund to the athletic fund for $15,000. This is something that is done annually.

Hamm advised that this is the month the district pays its insurance premium for the year, and said he had negotiated an increase of coverage on the school. He explained that the coverage had been below what was needed, but is now adequate, and said to keep costs down, he increased the deductible.

Mr. Hamm reported on CARES Act and ESSER funds and advised that the district will receive $27,984 in total; however, $4,841 is designated for non-public. This will leave $23,143 for Osmond Community School, $17,927 of which is already expensed toward technology and connectivity, salaries for JumpStart, and cleaning and janitorial supplies.

Board Comments

Board President Michelle Reikofski gave a welcome back to school staff and students and thanked Jo Geneski, Scott Morrison and Jane Brummels for their years of service to the district. The three received gifts during the recent graduation ceremony.

Reikofski congratulated board members Tyler Gansebom and La-Donna Stanosheck for their Level 1 status with the Nebraska Association of School Boards, Larry Krohn for Level 2 status, and herself for Level 4 status.

In other business, the board:

— heard an update from the sharing committee.

— discussed further possibilities for the yellow building.

— discussed progress of the possible bus grant.

— approved the transfer of $110,000 to the depreciation fund.