Board of Education Regular Meeting

Monday, November 10, 2025 7:00 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
Public comment was received from Kaylie Snyder noting her support of Mr. Mezger being promoted to the Superintendent position.  Public comment was received from Gary Rupprecht, BJ Stein, Shannon Stein, Kayla Schnuelle, Ron Schroeder, Deena Day, Allen Roelfs, Shelly Smith, Jesse Dorn, and Kolin Scheele encouraging the Board to not promote from within the district, but to seek applications from the outside. The comments supported an open process as the way to search for a better candidate vs. Superintendent Meyerle's recommendation of promoting someone from within that has been in the school district nine years building relationships with staff and students, and that the Board already knows and trusts.
 

1.4. Approve minutes of last meeting
Motion to approve minutes of last meeting Passed with a motion by Adam Engelman 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.

2. Instruction and Related Items

2.1. Student Report
No student report was available.

2.2. Principals Report
Principals Mezger and Hinrichs provided a report that included information on the completion of the first quarter, Honor Roll, the NDE Security Assessment, and enrollment trends.

2.3. Recognize the DOEA as the exclusive bargaining unit for certified staff for 2026-2027
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 the Board needed to recognize the DOEA to continue to be the exclusive bargaining unit for certified staff.

3. Personnel Items
Superintendent Meyerle reported that Phyllis Leseberg intends to retire at the end of the current school year from her position as assistant cook.  There will be open classified positions in the kitchen and a para position for 2026-2027 as Cathy Bures and Cindy Stohs will also retire.  Superintendent Meyerle thanks the ladies for their service and dedication to the school district.

3.1. Discuss, consider, and take any necessary action on the transition and hiring process of Diller-Odell Public Schools Superintendent
Discussion was held on the process of selecting the next Superintendent.  The Board appreciates the comments and feedback from community members.  President Angie Clifford stated that the past two School Board Presidents, Paul Kostal and Gary Stohs, both have had conversations with her stating their support of Mr. Mezger being promoted to the position of Superintendent.  The Board will consider the pros and cons of a promotion from within vs. opening the process up to applications.

No action was taken.

4. Support Service

4.1. Technology Update
A report was provided on Digital Citizenship and Hudl.

4.2. Facility Update
Superintendent Meyerle noted that some landscaping was being done around the elementary entrance remodel.  The move into the new area will take place this week.  Facility work at this point is minimal with the exception of a pump needing replaced on the boiler at the elementary.

5. Superintendent Items

5.1. Superintendent Report
Superintendent Meyerle had given the Board information to the Board on teacher negotiations.  The Board will send an offer to the DOEA for their consideration.

The 2024-2025 Annual Report will be available next month.

Superintendent Meyerle had emailed the Board 2025 tax levies of 35 surrounding school districts.  The levies ranged from 0.4500 to 1.1716.  Diller-Odell's tax levy was the sixth lowest of the 35 schools at 0.5612.  Our school district is in a very fortunate place financially.

5.2. Discuss Annual Safety Audit
The Board was pleased with the safety audit from Mr. Bruce Lang.

6. Financial Items

6.1. Pay bills as presented
Motion to approve bills as presented. Passed with a motion by Alissa Andersen and a second by Josh Carpenter.
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. Committee Reports
Superintendent Meyerle provided the Board 2026 committee assignments for their review.  Members of the Board will be attending the upcoming NASB Conference.  The conference provides opportunities for the Board to consult legal counsel, NDE reps, and insurance reps as well as numerous vendors.

7.2. Annual Superintendent Evaluation
The Superintendent evaluation will be in December as the Board needed some additional time to complete.

7.3. Executive Session

8. Adjournment
Motion to adjourn Passed with a motion by Adam Engelman 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
President Clifford adjourned the meeting at 8:00pm.  The next regular meeting will be held on Monday, December 8 at 7:00pm at the elementary school in Diller.

Bills:

    The end of the volleyball season is never easy. In Griffin Volleyball, we are not just a team—we are a family. It’s important to remember that it’s not about the wins and losses; it’s about the growth, grit, and life skills these young ladies develop along the way.

    Although our record finished at 12–16, this season was a true testament to the character and growth of our very young team. Despite facing challenges with experience and injuries, our players consistently demonstrated resilience, adaptability, and a commitment to each other. They embraced new roles, learned to adjust on the fly, and never backed down, regardless of the opponent or score.

    This team showed tremendous heart and determination in every match, often finding ways to compete in difficult situations and push through adversity. Looking ahead, we recognize that we will need to continue working hard and building on this year’s experience, using the lessons learned to grow stronger and continue the development of our program.

Coach Dresen

2025-2026 Basketball Apparel is here.  Click on the link to get yours now.  Once there, click on either shirt to continue the ordering process.  Orders are due by Monday, November 24, 2025.  There is also a link to a printable order form.

Online Order: https://statelinepromotions.com/collections/dohs-basketball

Printable Order: /vimages/shared/vnews/stories/690cb6c720699/Sharp Scan_20251106_100742.pdf

GNN is back for the 2025-2026 year.  Quarter 1 is over, and here is a recap of events in Griffin Nation.  You will get recaps of the fall sports seasons, FFA, Homecoming, and much more.  Also, enjoy the Spider Doughnut Challenge.  Here is the YouTube link for episode 1.

https://youtu.be/lOUb6ozeS8Y

Addison is our October Student of the Month.  Addison shows outstanding effort, a positive attitude, and a commitment to doing her best every day. She consistently leads by example, treats others with kindness, and demonstrates responsibility in and out of the classroom. We’re so proud of Addison and the wonderful example she has set for others!  Congratulations Addison! 

A Veterans Day Program will be held on Tuesday, Nov 11, 2025, in the North Gym at the high school at 1:30 PM.  This program will feature Mark Schoenrock.  We would like to invite all community members and veterans of Diller-Odell Schools to attend.  

The Diller-Odell STEM Club will be hosting a trivia night on Saturday, Dec. 13th, at the Opera House in Diller.  Diller will begin at 6:00 PM, with trivia to begin at 7 PM.  If you would like to be a round sponsor, dinner sponsor, or enter a team, please contact Devin Garcia (dgarcia @dillerodell.org) or Justin Larsen (jularsen@dillerodell.org). This event is to help raise money for the STEM Club trip to Washington, DC, this coming May 2026.  

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.