Special Board of Education Meeting
Tuesday, November 21, 2017 7:00 PM in Odell
506 Perry
Odell, NE 68415
Dean Engelman: Present
Paul Kostal: Present
Toni Landenberger: Present
Chad Lottman: Present
Jill Scheele: Present
Gary Stohs: Present
- Open Meeting
- 1.1. Roll Call
- 1.2. Recognize the Open Meetings Act information
- 1.3. Welcome by President Stohs
President Stohs welcomed everyone and thanked them for their attendance.
1.4. Introduction by Superintendent Meyerle
Superintendent Meyerle gave an introduction on the new gym/addition proposal. He noted the need, possible location, the results from the survey on the subject, possible
cost, possible size, timeline, student safety concerns and enrollment numbers.
Superintendent Meyerle noted that to believe such a project will never be undertaken, is not realistic in maintaining a competitive school district. He believes it is more
fiscally responsible to complete the project sooner than later.
Information was provided comparing the district levy and valuations to other school districts. The Diller-Odell School District is fortunate to have a sizeable amount of
centrally assessed property as well as a wind farm in the school district. Both contribute to the district levy being lower than most neighboring school districts.
Superintendent Meyerle noted that the school had lowered it's overall tax request in 2016-17 and 2017-18. He added that there are no plans to consolidate or merge, With
the tax levy being lower than neighboring districts, a merger would only potentially increase the levy.
The school has been addressing facility issues using the special building fund and plan on improving and using the existing buildings for the next 25-30 years. There is no plan to close any buildings or build a school on a new site.
He noted that we want to attract people to live and work in our school district, as well as attract students to attend whether it be by residence or optioning in to the school district. He believes that Diller-Odell students deserve as nice of facilities as neighboring schools. While he understands that the primary function of the school is to educate students, a gym does function as part of the general education program, and serves the school district in a number of ways.
- 1. 5. Presentation by CTS Group
Members of the CTS group presented some concept designs of what a new gym/addition may look like. CTS is a group that hopes to be selected in a design/build plan should the project move forward.
1.6. Consider, discuss, receive comment on, and take any action necessary regarding building a new gym.
Public comment was received from the following: Matt Duis, Chris Clifford, Joann Scheele, John Knabe, Mackenzie Vitosh, Addison Heidemann, John Novotny, Jarrod Heidemann, Kyle Stohs, Laurie Vitosh and Kandice Jurgens.
The Board appreciated the public comment and will continue to consider the project.
- Adjournment
Motion to adjourn Passed with a motion by Chad Lottman and a second by Paul Kostal. Dean Engelman: Yea, Paul Kostal: Yea, Toni Landenberger: Yea, Chad Lottman:
Yea, Jill Scheele: Yea, Gary Stohs: Yea
Yea: 6, Nay: 0
President Stohs adjourned the meeting at 8:30pm. The next regular meeting is December 11, 2017, at the elementary school in Diller.