Hello! My name is Abby Ware, and I am excited to be back at Diller-Odell Elementary School! I grew up in Beatrice and graduated from Beatrice High School before attending the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, where I studied Elementary Education. I completed my student teaching in first grade here at Diller-Odell.

I am currently pursuing my Master’s degree in Literacy. This will be my second year teaching after spending last year teaching 2nd grade at Beatrice Elementary. This summer, I will also be getting married to my fiancé, Brody, so next year I’ll be Mrs. Nelson!

Outside of school, I enjoy golfing, going on walks, exercising, and spending time at the lake. I am so excited to return to this wonderful community and get the next school year started!

Board of Education Regular Meeting

Tuesday, June 9, 2026 7:00 PM

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

 1. Open Meeting

1.1. Roll Call
The absence of Josh Carpenter was excused.

1.2. Recognize the Open Meetings Act information

1.3. Public comment
No public comment was received.

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, Angie Clifford: Yea, Adam Engelman: Yea, Kasey Murphy: Yea, Stuart Vitosh: Yea
Yea: 5, Nay: 0

2. Instruction and Related Items

2.1. Principals Report
Principal Hinrichs and Mezger reported on year end activities, assessment and the fall schedule.

2.2. Review Anti Bullying Policy #5054 and Multicultural Policy #6020
Policies #5054 and #6020 were reviewed.

2.3. Adopt change to public comment practices based upon recommendation of State Attorney General

Motion to adopt changes to public comment practices based upon the recommendation of the State Attorney General Passed with a motion by Stuart Vitosh and a second by Adam Engelman.
Alissa Andersen: Yea, Angie Clifford: Yea, Adam Engelman: Yea, Kasey Murphy: Yea, Stuart Vitosh: Yea
Yea: 5, Nay: 0
The Board made changes to the public comment policy that were recommended by the State Attorney General.  Beginning in July, patrons that are in attendance at Board meetings for Public comment, will need to sign in as an observer or a speaker.  Individual comments will be limited to 3 minutes maximum.  The total time allowed for all public comments will be 30 minutes of meeting time.  Patrons are reminded that the public comment portion of the Board meeting is not a question and answer session with the Board or administration.  Any answers sought should be directed to the necessary individual outside of the Board meeting.

3. Personnel Items

3.1. Approve teaching contract for Abby Ware for 2026-2027
Motion Passed with a motion by Alissa Andersen and a second by Kasey Murphy.
Alissa Andersen: Yea, Angie Clifford: Yea, Adam Engelman: Yea, Kasey Murphy: Yea, Stuart Vitosh: Yea
Yea: 5, Nay: 0
The Board welcomes Ms. Ware to the school district as the first grade teacher.

4. Support Service

4.1. Technology Update

4.2. Facility Update
The HS kitchen and cafeteria floors were resurfaced.  General maintenance of the buildings is scheduled for the summer.

5. Superintendent Items

5.1. Superintendent Report
Superintendent Meyerle noted the need to increase all breakfast and lunch prices by at least .25 cents for 2026-2027.  The Board will consider at the July meeting.

Superintendent noted that he will have the required policy updates ready for the July Board meeting.  The policies are updated per KSB School Law.

He also noted that in July the Board would have an action item to discuss, consider and take necessary action to adopt a resolution increasing the school district's base growth percentage, used to determine the school district's property tax request authority, by up to 7%.  This resolution is to protect budget growth for future boards and does not mean the actual property tax request will increase by 7%.

Superintendent Meyerle has no plans to increase the tax request by more than the allowable amount, which will be roughly $115,000 to cover staffing costs.  The district does not plan on needing to exceed the allowable tax request increase and would not plan on attending the "pink postcard" meeting. 

6. Financial Items

6.1. Pay bills as presented
Motion to approve bills as presented. Passed with a motion by Stuart Vitosh and a second by Adam Engelman.
 

Alissa Andersen: Yea, Angie Clifford: Yea, Adam Engelman: Yea, Kasey Murphy: Yea, Stuart Vitosh: Yea
Yea: 5, Nay: 0
There was no discussion.

7. Board of Education Items

7.1. Committee Reports
The Board discussed some future Superintendent contract items.

7.2. Executive Session

8. Adjournment
Motion to adjourn Passed with a motion by Alissa Andersen and a second by Kasey Murphy.
Alissa Andersen: Yea, Angie Clifford: Yea, Adam Engelman: Yea, Kasey Murphy: Yea, Stuart Vitosh: Yea
Yea: 5, Nay: 0
President Clifford adjourned the meeting at 8:02 pm. The next regular Board meeting is scheduled for July 13 at 7pm at the High School.  The meeting will be preceded by a Student Fee Hearing at 6:50pm and a Parental Involvement Hearing at 6:55pm.

Bills:

Net June Salaries

$10,704.01

$461,503.27

The 1st and 2nd grade classes spent some time this past Thursday at the park in Diller helping pick up branches from the recent storms. The students were able to pick up enough branches for two trailer loads and then enjoyed some time playing at the park. Great job, students!

Congratulations to Cathy and Phyllis on your retirement!  Mr. Meyerle notes that Cathy and Phyllis have served the school district well, doing the hardest job in the district.  Thank you!  We wish you both the best!

Dear High School Parent/Guardians of Diller-Odell Athletes,


The off-season is upon us, and the staff at Diller-Odell cannot wait to build for success in the 2026-27 season. We are sending out this letter for several reasons. Firstly, we cannot stress enough how important participation in off-season conditioning is to the success of our programs. We must continually strive to improve throughout the summer, fall, winter, and spring. With that being said, attitude, effort, and commitment to getting better are valued in our programs above everything, including athletic ability.

1. There will be three weight training sessions offered each day. The training sessions will be divided as follows: High School Boys 6 AM- 7 AM, High School Girls 7 AM – 8 AM, and an Open/Junior High Session 8 AM – 9 AM. 

2. Each training session, athletes will participate in speed, agility, and jump training that will be followed by an off-season training program. The program works closely in accordance with our in-season training that takes place during the Diller-Odell school year.

3. There are 10 weeks/50 days in our summer weight training schedule. Each student is encouraged to participate in a training session 4 days a week or 40 days total over the summer. Minimum attendance for each athlete is 75% (30 days) of training. Athletes who do not make the required 75% may be required to make up sessions prior to the start of their specific season. 

4. There will also be an Open Gym session for Boys Basketball (Monday), Volleyball (Tuesday), Girls Basketball (Wednesday) & Football (Thursday)  that athletes are encouraged to attend each week. These sessions are paramount to the success and development of our athletic programs.

There will also be weekly communication between coaches and parents/guardians. The thought behind this is so you know the expectations each week in the weight room, your child’s attendance, and schedule changes of training, open gyms or camps. For weekly updates, please email Coach Schluter at  cschluter@dillerodell.org if he does not already have your information. 

We have also included an off-season workout schedule with this letter so that there is no confusion as to when and where our workouts will fall. We look forward to pressing on and improving the quality of our programs.

“Always a great day to be a Griffin.”

Thank you,

Diller-Odell Coaches

Dear Junior High Parent/Guardians of Diller-Odell Athletes,

The off-season is upon us, and the staff at Diller-Odell cannot wait to build for success in the 2026-27 season. We are sending out this letter for several reasons. Firstly, we cannot stress enough how important participation in off-season conditioning is to the success of our programs. We must continually strive to improve throughout the summer, fall, winter, and spring. With that being said, attitude, effort, and commitment to getting better are valued in our programs above everything, including athletic ability.

1. There will be an Open/Junior High Session in both Diller and Odell from 8 AM – 9 AM. 

2. Each training session, athletes will participate in speed, agility, and jump training that will be followed by an off-season training program. The junior high will focus their movements around bodyweight, dumbbells, kettlebells, and bands in order to prepare their bodies for the rigor of high school programming.

3. There will also be an Open Gym session for Boys Basketball (Monday), Volleyball (Tuesday) & Girls Basketball (Wednesday), and Football (Thursday), and students are encouraged to attend each week. These sessions are paramount to the success and development of our athletic programs.

There will also be weekly communication between coaches and parents/guardians. The thought behind this is that you know the expectations each week in the weight room, your child’s attendance, and schedule changes of training, open gyms, or camps. For weekly updates, email Coach Schluter @ cschluter@dillerodell.org if he does not already have your information.  

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to send me an email.

Thank You,

Diller-Odell Coaches

Ibri is our May Student of the Month!  Ibri has continued to demonstrate The Griffin Way Every Day throughout the school year.  She is respectful toward both peers and teachers and helps create a classroom where people feel welcome.  Ibri is kind, accepting of others, and lends a helping hand to anyone in need.  She actively participates in class discussions and activities.  Ibri is someone her teachers can count on to be a leader, as she is responsible and accountable.  Congratulations Ibri!   

Nebraska Summer EBT grocery benefits are available to eligible families. See the flyer for more details.  If you think you may qualify, scan the QR code on the flyer and follow the simple registration procedures.  *Note:  If you qualified for meal benefits this past school year, you automatically qualify for these extra summer benefits and your information is already on file.  

The third-grade class of 2035 published their book “Mix it Up! Traditional Recipes” through Student Treasures. They are excited to share not only their experiences with the writing process, but also the amazing recipes that are dear to their families.