LCC Board votes to drop two Bd. spots

LAUREL — Laurel-Concord-Coleridge school board members met Feb. 9 and decided to reduce the size of its board of education from nine members to seven.

The size of the board of education will be effective at the beginning of the term of office for school board members elected at the next statewide general election. Since the number of board of education members will decrease by two members, the number of members to be elected at the next statewide general election and the following statewide general election are as follows: During the 2022 general statewide election, only the four candidates receiving the highest number of votes will serve four-year terms. During the 2024 general election, only the three candidates receiving the highest number of votes will serve four-year terms. During the 2026 general election, only the four candidates receiving the highest number of votes will serve four-year terms.

The number of members to be elected to four year terms are four in 2022, three in 2024 and four in 2026.

Superintendent Jeremy Christiansen’s contract was approved for a period of two contract years, which shall begin July 1, 2021, and end June 30, 2023. Christiansen will be paid $130,490.70 for 2021-2022.

Principal contracts approved included Paige Parsons for $80,060.72, Mark Leonard for $76,035 and Ken Swanson for $90,037.53.

Quiz bowl members attended the meeting and participated in a mock quiz bowl with board members. This month’s faculty/student Report featured the High School Quiz Bowl team, along with their sponsor, Ali Kvols. Students reported on their competition season. Christiansen said that student

Christiansen said that student attendance should be anticipated at board meetings. Christiansen reminded board members that LB399 requires students between eighth and 12th grades to attend or participate in a meeting of a public body, followed by the completion of a project or paper in which each student demonstrates or discusses the personal learning experience related to such attendance or participation. Board members should anticipate seeing high school students in attendance at regular Board meetings for the next few months.

Earlier this school year Christiansen said he made the decision to not fill an open paraprofessional position at the middle school based on needs at that time. Since then, there has been a change in student enrollment resulting in additional, immediate special education support services required. Christiansen said he has advertised for this position and received one application to date. A part-time library assistant posi

A part-time library assistant position has been posted as the current employee, Lisa Dohmen, has a college and second job schedule that no longer allows her to work the scheduled hours at the library. Two applicant candidates have been interviewed and references contacted.

A full-time library assistant position is open as Tahlia Reynolds, has provided notice of her intent to resign effective at the end of February. She is moving to Yankton, S.D. and has found other employment. Christiansen said he will post and advertise this position starting this week with a goal of finding a replacement by the end of the month.

Christiansen said the school continues to offer hiring bonuses for substitute bus drivers positions. The bonus ($250) would be payable upon the substitute driver’s successful completion of five substitute route assignments.

“We have officially brought on one additional substitute bus driver Nick Hans,’’ Christiansen said.

Applications for the student member of the school board position for the 2021-2022 school year are due on Feb. 26. The Committee on American Civics will meet to review applications and to conduct interviews in order to make a recommendation to the full board regarding selection of a high school student for this role. The board will consider and approve the new student member at the March board meeting. Second semester parent-teacher

Second semester parent-teacher conferences were Tuesday, Feb. 9.

“While I understand that the spring conference session generally has reduced attendance by families, I believe that there are options and strategies available to encourage greater interest and involvement,’’ Christiansen said. “We continue to seek and identify strategies to refine and improve the value of parent-teacher conferences, as well as parental engagement. I would like for board members to please share with the principals and me your experiences as a parent attending conferences, and also suggestions and recommendations that you may have.”

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