School board fields questions about racism, sex education
OSMOND — The Monday, June 14, meeting of the District 42R school board was preceded by a short tour of the yellow building so board members could see and discuss what is happening and what will be done once work begins on the structure. Later, during the meeting, board members discussed floor coatings for the building. Rather than luxury vinyl tile, the board agreed that a Polyaspartic floor coating, which will cost $3,800 more but would last longer, should be used in several of the rooms, including the wrestling room.
Questions Answered
Cleo Pfanstiel was a visitor at the meeting. She had questions about racism and sex education and the bills that are currently being discussed by the Nebraska Legislature, and asked if these things have been talked about by the board.
Superintendent Dave Hamm assured Mrs. Pfanstiel that these things have been discussed. To answer the question about who may participate in girls’ or boys’ sports, the NSAA makes that decision and the district has to follow it, he said.
Discussing her question about racism, Hamm said it is called “critical race theory,” and the district has to teach both sides and have a discussion.
As far as what will be taught in sex education, Mr. Hamm explained that there are proposed standards and the state was taking public input. Since sex education is not a core subject, the local board has the right whether or not to accept the state’s decisions. He also assured her that the board has discussed these issues.
Board President Mark Moes thanked Mrs. Pfanstiel for attending the meeting and voicing her concerns.
Board Member Larry Krohn said that, as a board they have never come out with an opinion, and wondered if that is something they should do. Hamm said that, whatever the state comes out with, the board has to make a decision; however, they have to be careful about coming out as pro or con if it has to do with something that becomes law, so they will have to see what happens.
Principal Gives Report
Principal Kurt Polt advised that report cards have been sent out and graduation went smoothly, and stated that the 2020-21 school year turned out to be a positive one; they dealt with bumps, but it ended up positive. he thanked the board and Hamm for their leadership during the pandemic.
Mr. Polt pointed out the copy of the district’s Emergency Operations Plan (EOP), which is available for anyone to review. The plan is designed to deal with any hazards the district comes across. It’s objective is to get districts thinking of how to handle catastrophes. The plan must be approved by the board before sending to the state to be put on file, so it has been placed on the July agenda.
The principal noted that administrative assistant Robin Wagner has been helping Jessica Johnson get prepared for next year when she takes over the position.
Polt advised that two students — Riley Wagner and Kaden Polt — attended the annual Masonic Shrine Bowl festivities in Kearney.
Board Member LaDonna Stanosheck asked if he had found out anything about the projector in the gym. It was discovered in using it during graduation that it hangs down fairly low. Mr. Polt said the options were to get a higher mount or a telescoping mount, or get a cage. He has requested quotes but doesn’t have anything yet.
Report by Superintendent
Superintendent Hamm discussed the lunch prices for next year. He advised that he had spoken to Beth Hasse from NDE Nutrition Services and confirmed that students will be eligible for free lunch this coming school year after he applies for the new program.
Board President Moes spoke to the board about providing free lunches for staff members for one year, in appreciation. Hamm added that he had always been an advocate for providing free lunches for substitutes, and added that money in the lunch account is not a problem. Some of his and the school secretary’s salary will be coded to school lunch to “spend down” the balance, which is not supposed to be over a certain amount.
With all of that being said, Hamm noted, he opined that lunch prices should remain the same for the next year, and the board agreed.
Superintendent Hamm advised that he has completed the application for ESSER III funds, and the district is eligible for $239,475, which will come in two blocks: two-thirds initially and one-third later, and can only be received as reimbursement. Hamm shared his thoughts on how to use the funds, which included using them for the new curriculum that had previously been coded to ESSER II.
Hamm reported on the number of students who qualified for summer school, which is about half as many students as last year; this had to do with the COVID-19 pandemic last year putting more students behind.
Board Comments, Other Items
President Moes read a thank you from retired third grade teacher Keri Schultze. The board shared their appreciation for her years of service to the district.
Moes asked Principal Polt if the state track team, the medalists and especially the state champion relay team could be recognized at the beginning of the school year, since school was out at the time and nothing was done after the state meet. Polt advised that, what he has done at a former school was hold a potluck right after the event at the city hall. Moes stated, “Let’s see what we can do to recognize them.”
Stanosheck asked about getting Mrs. Schultze as a substitute teacher, and the Superintendent advised that the new third grade teacher won’t be here at the beginning of the year, so yes, he has spoken with Mrs. Schultze.
Board members discussed new wages for classified staff. There were two proposals: a 3.5% increase for each employee, or a flat $1 per hour increase across the board. After some discussion, the board approved an increase of $1 per hour across the board for classified staff, effective Aug. 1, 2021. Hamm commented, “These employees represent the biggest ‘bang for the buck’ in the school system. I personally feel that whatever way we can show them that they are valued, will go a long way in retaining them. Thanks!”
Sharing with Wausa Discussed
Moes advised that he has spoken with Mike Kumm of the Wausa Public School (WPS) Board about sharing opportunities. WPS has plans set for two, six and 12 years for academic and extracurricular activities and we should get on board with that, Moes said. They would like District 42R to be more clear with them.
Hamm noted that, hypothetically, the district could make a plan for six years, but some of the board members or administrators might not be here then. Polt also gave examples of the difficulties of planning activities that far in advance.
Moes said that the board should come up with three dates for WPS to choose from, for the two districts to meet and discuss their plans. The board decided on the dates of June 28, July 6 and July 12, and will meet with the WPS board on the date that is chosen.
In other business, the board: — heard that Walt and Michelle Aschoff will again host a foreign exchange student this year, a sophomore from Spain.
— heard a report on the Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) meeting with the leader from ESU 1 last week, which went well.
— heard that touch less paper towel dispensers have been installed, at no cost, by Eakes, which supplies the district’s paper towels.
— received and read through a copy of the Extra Duty Assignments for next year.
— congratulated ag education instructor Jessica Evans for being awarded the Outstanding Young Member by the Nebraska Agricultural Educators Association.
— heard that there are no new policies, just revisions, which will be on the agenda in July.
— heard that the new bus is in Grand Island and is almost ready to be delivered.
— heard Stanosheck ask about getting a new bell system; Mr. Polt will get quotes.
— heard a report on the Nebraska Association of School Boards by Board Member Michelle Reikofski.
— approved the bid from Aschoff Construction for the purchase and installation of a new steel building in the amount of $89,713.
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