Two resignations accepted by Osmond school board

OSMOND — The District 42R School Board had a record-breaking short meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 11. There was no patron input, and little new business, which included accepting a teaching contract for a new staff member.

A teaching contract has been approved for Kim Miller, who will replace Eli Neitzel as the business education instructor. Neitzel handed in his resignation as his family will be relocating to the Omaha-Lincoln area. Also retiring is Jane Brummels, who has served the district for 13 years.

Principal’s Report

Principal Kurt Polt shared a thank you from the wrestling program for new wrestling mats, which has been used for a total of five meets this year.

Polt reported that Osmond was scheduled to host Wausa’s band for a Battle of the Bands on Feb. 14. That was also parent’s night before the varsity basketball games. On Feb. 15, Osmond hosted the Wausa speech invitational.

Polt advised that work had begun on the 2020-21 class offerings schedule, and the 2020-21 proposed school calendar was included in board members’ packets. Spring break this year is scheduled for March 6 and 13.

Polt and four staff members worked at ESU 8 on science curriculum alignment in January, he said, and explained the materials and other information regarding sciences.

The conference senior high quiz bowl team of Zach Alderson, Josh Gansebom, Diandra Polt and Connor von Rentzell brought home the runner-up medals at the conference competition, Polt related, adding that ESU 8 competitions will be held March 3 and 4.

Speech night has been scheduled for March 16.

Osmond was represented by 10 students at conference honor band, eight of whom received first and second-chair assignments. OHS also had eight students selected to Class D All-state band on March 28. Of the eight, five were selected to the symphonic band and three to the wind ensemble.

Superintendent Report

Superintendent Dave Hamm thanked the two resigning staff members for their service to Osmond Community school and wished them well in their future endeavors.

Hamm reported that Keaton Timmerman was the local winner of the Pierce County Government Day essay contest, which Landon Stelling second and Mary Kahny, third. Keaton’s essay was also selected as the county winner.

The superintendent gave a report on the kitchen remodel — including a bid on the serving line, and the old floor tile which will need to be tested for asbestos before moving forward.

Board Reports

In the president’s report, Michelle Reikofski, reminded members of the activity center committee meeting the next day. In discussing some of the questions raised, Board member LaDonna Stanosheck mentioned regulations that are in place that account for some of the cost of the proposed building.

Reikofski commented on the sharing committee’s discussions with the Wausa school regarding activities that will be shared with that school. The committee plans to meet with the Wausa school each year in June to continue discussions.

Stanosheck asked for clarification of the difference between open meetings and committee meetings. Hamm said the difference is the need to have a quorum. He also explained that committees are entrusting individuals to do the research and then make recommendations to the board.

In other business, the board:

— approved the negotiated agreement with the Osmond Education Association for the 2020-21 and 2021-22 school years as presented.

— approved the school calendar for the 2020-21 school year.

— approved the teaching contract with Kim Miller to serve as business education instructor for the 202-21 school year.

2020-21 Calendar

Aug. 10-12 — Teacher Inservice

Aug. 13 — First day of school; 1 p.m. dismissal

Sep. 7 — Labor Day; no school

Sep. 16 — Teacher in-service, 1 p.m. dismissal

Oct. 16 — End of first quarter

Oct. 19 — Parent-teacher conferences, 12:30-8 p.m.; no school

Oct. 20 — Begin second quarter