On Wednesday, Oct. 1, a few members traveled to Fremont for the FBLA Fall Leadership Conference.  It was held at Midland College and was well attended by various schools in the area.  Approximately 900 students were in attendance to listen and seek new ideas from speakers and State Officers.  While there, they received some valuable information on improving leadership skills, as well as socializing with students from different schools.  

As fall sports come to a close, I would remind everyone that attends our athletic events to be on their best behavior.  I realize sporting events can become hotly contested, but fans need to be respectful of athletes that are competing.  Unfortunately, we have been confronted with several instances of fans being disrespectful toward members of opposing teams.

Diller-Odell Public Schools does not condone any behavior that is disrespectful to our opponents.  When we host games, the opponents are our guests.  They should be treated with courtesy and respect as you would treat someone in your home.  When we are the visiting team, we expect our athletes to be respectful of the home team and their facilities.

At the end of the day, these games are being played among high school aged children between 14 and 18 years of age.  No one should feel that it is acceptable to yell at the kids.  I would guess everyone would not want someone yelling at their own child.

We can’t control what comes out of the mouth of hundreds of people.  We would hope that any comments made are not comments that a person would regret saying later.  In the age we live in, any moment that someone may take it too far, will probably end up in the virtual world forever.

Please strive to be positive role models and don’t create a situation for yourself that may be one that you are not proud of as time moves on.

Failure to follow rules of decorum, may lead to your removal and possible banning from athletic contests.

If you have questions, please contact me.

M. Meyerle, Supt.

This year's annual Diller-Odell FBLA/Yearbook Fundraiser is here! 32 members have catalogs and are collecting orders.  You can order through any student, click on the link, or scan the QR code in the images.  So many great Christmas gift ideas!! Sale runs through October 28th, so don't wait!!  

Link:  https://tinyurl.com/atahj2r8

Board of Education Regular Meeting

Tuesday, October 14, 2025 8:00 PM

High School Media Center in Odell
506 Perry Street
Odell, NE 68415

1. Open Meeting

1.1. Roll Call

1.2. Recognize the Open Meetings Act information

1.3. Public Comment
Ron Schroeder, Shannon Stein and Kayla Schnuelle were in attendance to make public comment.  All three commented how they hoped the Board would open up a search for a new Superintendent when Mr. Meyerle retires in 2027.  They feel that would be the process to find the best candidate.

Superintendent Meyerle had noted publicly that he feels Mr. Mezger should be promoted to that position as that would be the best way to continue the climate and the culture of the district, as Mr. Mezger has been with Diller-Odell Public School for nine years.  However, Mr. Meyerle realizes it is not his decision to make.

1.4. Approve minutes of last meeting
Motion to approve minutes of last meeting Passed with a motion by Angie Clifford and a second by Stuart Vitosh.
Alissa Andersen: Yea, Josh Carpenter: Yea, Angie Clifford: Yea, Adam Engelman: Yea, Kasey Murphy: Yea, Stuart Vitosh: Yea
Yea: 6, Nay: 0
There was no discussion.

2. Instruction and Related Items

2.1. Principals Report
Principal Hinrichs provided a report to the Board on recent happenings that included: the MTSS Conference, an NDE compliance visit, Homecoming week, the annual safety audit, MAP data, NSCAS Data, PTC, and continual school improvement.  Principal Mezger was not in attendance as he was attending the Pioneer Conference Volleyball Tournament as part of his Pioneer Conference Commissioner duties.

2.2. Review 2026-2027 School Calendar
An early edition of the 2026-2027 school calendar was reviewed.  Superintendent Meyerle recommends adding two days to the first semester in the fall of 2026, which then would mean the school year would end two days earlier in May.  The Board will adopt a school calendar in February.

3. Personnel Items
Superintendent Meyerle reported that Cindy Stohs plans to retire at the end of the school year from her para/bus driving position.  Cathy Bures intends to retire from her position as cook as well at the end of the year.  The school will be seeking applicants to fill those positions.  The Board thanks Mrs. Stohs and Mrs. Bures for their years of dedication and service.

4. Support Service

4.1. Technology Update

4.2. Facility Update
Superintendent Meyerle gave an update on the elementary remodel.  The wait for closure to the project has been frustrating and he hopes that everything will be completed in the next week.

5. Superintendent Items

5.1. Superintendent Report
Superintendent Meyerle reported that the annual financial audit had taken place and went very well. 

He also noted that the school had an NDE random compliance audit October 14.  Dr. Jean-Baptiste from NDE visited the school today.  The audit went very well, as a lot of preparation was done prior to two Zoom calls with Dr. Jean-Baptiste in August and early October.  Superintendent Meyerle commended Mr. Mezger, Mr. Hinrichs, Mrs. Becker and Mrs. Weyer with their help in preparing all of the evidence for the required checklist requested for the compliance review.  Superintendent Meyerle will pass on an email to the Board from Dr. Jean-Baptiste when he receives it.

6. Financial Items

6.1. Pay bills as presented
Motion on to approve bills as presented. Passed with a motion by Josh Carpenter and a second by Alissa Andersen.
Alissa Andersen: Yea, Josh Carpenter: Yea, Angie Clifford: Yea, Adam Engelman: Yea, Kasey Murphy: Yea, Stuart Vitosh: Yea
Yea: 6, Nay: 0
There was no discussion.

7. Board of Education Items

7.1. Approve Policy #6035A
Motion Passed with a motion by Stuart Vitosh and a second by Adam Engelman.
Alissa Andersen: Yea, Josh Carpenter: Yea, Angie Clifford: Yea, Adam Engelman: Yea, Kasey Murphy: Yea, Stuart Vitosh: Yea
Yea: 6, Nay: 0
Superintendent Meyerle noted adopting this policy was at the request of NDE during the compliance review.  The school does not allow 6th graders to participate in JH sports, but NDE wanted the school to have a policy stipulating that.

7.2. Committee Reports

7.3. Executive Session

8. Adjournment
Motion to adjourn Passed with a motion by Kasey Murphy and a second by Alissa Andersen.
Alissa Andersen: Yea, Josh Carpenter: Yea, Angie Clifford: Yea, Adam Engelman: Yea, Kasey Murphy: Yea, Stuart Vitosh: Yea
Yea: 6, Nay: 0
President Clifford adjourned the meeting at 8:39pm.  The next regular meeting is scheduled for November 10, at the high school.

Bills:

On October 8th, the Diller Fire Department partnered with the Sutton Fire Department to teach our students about fire prevention and safety. They brought fire trucks and a special trailer that simulated a real-life fire scenario, giving students hands-on experience in how to respond safely. We are very grateful to both departments for taking the time to share their expertise and provide such a valuable learning experience for our students.

On Monday, October 6th, ten 7th and 8th graders traveled to Fairbury to the fairgrounds to participate in the Jefferson County Spelling Bee.  Schools from Jefferson County brought participants, hoping that 1 of them would win this year.  There were 46 spellers.  Diller-Odell had 2 spellers make the top 15, with one of them earning a 6th-place finish.  Congratulations to all of the spellers this year (Devin, Hannah, Lexie, Lane, Layni, Catie, Logan, Bria, and Eli.  As special congratulations to Lucy, who placed 6th in the event.  Great job, everyone!!  

Deagan is our September Student of the Month!  Deagan consistently models the Griffin Way, Every Day by being respectful, accepting, and engaged.  He is always willing to lend a helping hand, whether supporting his classmates or assisting his teacher.  His strong work ethic and determination to do his best shine in and out of the classroom.  Deagan is a positive role model that younger students and his classmates can look up to.  Congratulations Deagan!