JUNIOR HIGH FOOTBALL equipment checkout will be during 8th Period this Friday, August 14 (hopefully any athlete that needs to ride the bus will have all their equipment by the end of the day).  A letter will be given to the athletes as well on this day to update parents, specifically, about Junior High Football.  

Practice will officially begin on Monday, August 17, immediately after school.  Remember, all athletes will have to have their required physical completed before they can participate in any school sport.  

Thanks, Coach John Mohr 

One Last “Back to School”

As I enter my 37 th and last year in our school system, I do so with a lot of reflection on my time at school
and my lifetime. It seems when you are younger a year lasts forever. For those of us that are getting up
in years, those years seem to go by faster. People keep telling me that I am old. My response to many
of those that I taught or coached is………………that my age is not making them any younger either.
The list of events in my time here is lengthy, but some things that have happened that most people can
relate to since I started working here: Tom Osborne won his first National Championship, followed by
two more. Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls won their first NBA title, followed by five more. The
Denver Broncos got off the Minnesota Viking and Buffalo Bills dark Super Bowl list and have won three
Super Bowls. The Chicago Cubs won their first World Series since 1908.
I am one of the few remaining staff members from Diller Community Schools. It is satisfying to have
made a career of it here. I have seen a lot in 37 years. I remember going to my first Administrator Days
in Kearney in 1999 wondering who all these old people were. Now I go, and wonder who all these
young people are.
I am proud of the accomplishments we have made in my time here. There were days when having a
new gym, a track, and fitness centers that the community can utilize were a fantasy. Thanks to a lot of
work by board members and myself, we were able to make those improvements a reality. I always note
that small schools and communities can invest in themselves or become irrelevant. No one is coming to
save you.
Before I was involved in school administration, I worked for some doozies over the years. I never held
back in telling them what I thought, yet I survived. I always told myself that I wanted to become a
Principal and a Superintendent, to change things for the better, and have a school with a climate and
culture that reflected myself.
My dad passed away in January, I wish he could have lived to see me finish my career here. Staying here
for a whole career and fulfilling roles as a teacher, coach, AD, Principal, and Superintendent at the same
school makes me a dinosaur. There are just a handful of us in the state that have moved up through the
ranks while staying at the same school for an entire career. There were always opportunities to leave.
However, moving a family, selling a house, and buying a new house is not something our family wanted
to pursue. We liked it where we were.
I think I will be passing on being the oldest parent in the school system to someone else. I taught or
coached many of the parents of Carly’s classmates. Yes, I am old. Being old has advantages though.
One, you are confident in who you are. Two, you don’t care what people think. Three, you only have
fewer friends, so you know who you can trust. As a person ages, the list of the people closest to you
that pass away only grows. A person really does not come home with new friends later in life. A person
truly has fewer friends. Fewer people you can truly trust.
As much as I have enjoyed my career, it does not compare to what I feel for being able to raise our
family here. Steph and the kids have made a lot of sacrifices with my job over the years. Birthdays,
special family occasions, anniversaries all took a back seat at times to responsibilities at school. I am proud of how our kids have grown. Hopefully we have helped them along. They say a father is the one
person who quietly roots for their kids to outgrow him - to go further, do better, and live bigger than he
ever could. I am thankful for my parents and all they did for me. They truly gave my brothers and I a
better chance to be successful.
Holbrook, NE was our family home. My great-grandparents homesteaded the home place in 1879 when
they immigrated here from Europe. The home place has a lot of history. It was home to my great-
grandparents, my grandparents, and my parents.
I always felt bad for my parents. My mom lost her house twice. Once due to a flood in Cambridge, NE,
when she was young and they sat on their roof until they were picked up by a boat. Years later, when I
was two, our family home was struck by lightning and burnt down. My parents lost everything, yet
when they spoke of the losses they never felt sorry for themselves, they always remarked how they
were thankful no one was hurt, and they worked harder.
Things have changed a lot in my life. I reflect back with a great deal of appreciation. We didn’t have
much growing up and times were pretty simple, yet we had what we needed. We all wore clothes
passed on to us. If we had a tear in our jeans, it was sewn or covered with a patch. My brothers and I
were spaced apart enough in years that we all used the same letter jacket for school. The letter came
off, and a new one that was earned went on.
Some other memories I have reflected on that will be familiar to those of my age:
We learned how to be patient much more than people today. We looked forward to the Christmas JC
Penny and Sears catalogs where you could find anything you could ever want. There was no next day
delivery. You ordered through the mail, and in 4-6 weeks, what you ordered would arrive.
We played outside every day, no matter what the temperature was. We jumped off things, ramped off
things, played games where the only goal was to throw a ball and whomever caught it ran while
everyone else tackled them.
When the electricity was out, no one freaked out. We got out flash lights and lit candles. We played
board games or read. My Dad served on the Twin Valley Rural Electric Board for 60 years. He always
told the story about when electricity was being brought to the rural areas, that many people initially
declined as it would cost them $2 a month. Imagine that.
Phones had long cords and when I was young, there were party lines. You had to wait until your
neighbor was done with the phone before you could make a call, and they could pick up and listen to
your conversations. Before cell phones, email, and internet the chances of you dealing with work at
home was slimmer. It was easier to enjoy your time at home.
There was one TV in the house, not one in every room. Many times, the family watched the same show
on one of the 3 available channels. It may seem we were worse for it, but I don’t think so.
It was a big deal to eat out. Bigger yet to go to McCook or Kearney. It was a treat at summer baseball
games when the local Lion’s Club sold ice cold pop out of the back of a pick-up for .10 cents a can. That
was it for concessions, and we never thought a thing of not having food options.
I remember my mom making clothes at her sewing machine while listening to 8 track tapes. Mom saved Green Stamps to get extra things for the family. It was a big deal to get something extra for
the house.
One summer I rode to work with my classmate Tim in his car that didn’t have doors. My mom told me
to make sure and wear my seatbelt. I later told her that Tim’s car didn’t have accessories like seat belts.
Life was more innocent. Most trucks at school had a gun on a gun rack in the back. No one ever
thought of one of the guns ending up in the school. We all would have thought, why would anybody
bring a gun into the school? Columbine in 1999 changed all that. School shootings have been a plague
ever since, and no one is sure how to end it. Schools are always playing defense and reacting to social
issues the best we can.
Looking to the future here, our school is in good hands. Mr. Mezger will do an excellent job. Facilities
and finances are sound with no major projects on the horizon. The best thing for our local tax payers is
for us to maintain our school. If our school would go away, people would pay more in taxes to watch
the kids go elsewhere to school. That would be stupid.
I will retire at the end of the school year believing that the best teachers are the ones that like the kids,
that don’t act like the kids. Good educators build relationships with kids. I loved the nicknames that
would stick. Some of my favorites that I can mention: Commissioner, Cork, Bruise, Mutt, Smooth, Sly,
Blade, Penny, Red, Diet Red, Bruise, Benes, Backyard, Melhouse, Louie, Spits, CD, Super Bowl, Butter,
Mad, and Dwight.
Looking forward to a great year to finish a career with a lot of great memories. Thanks to those that
have supported me and my family. I am not totally sure what the future will hold, but am anxious for
something new.
M. Meyerle

Griffin volleyball apparel is here!  Click on the link for all your Griffin volleyball apparel.  All orders are due by August 20, 2026.

https://statelinepromotions.com/collections/griffin-apparel

Diller-Odell Public Schools Bus Routes 2026-27

If you have questions about bus routes, please contact the office at 402-766-4210 and we will put you in touch with the driver.  All of the buses converge at the elementary school in the morning and the afternoon.  If you are new to our district, below is a brief description of where our buses run.

Marlene Wolken (big bus)-North and South of Diller and to the Northwest (Harbine) part of the district.

George Rempel (big bus)-South of Diller, along Highway 8 and the southwest (Steele City) part of the district.

Kristie Sutton (micro bus)-The central part of the district, and east of Odell

Brian Vitosh/Terry Arnold (big bus)- The central part of the district north of Diller (Ellis) and Odell, and the northeast part of the district.  This bus shuttles junior/senior high kids between the school sites.

Bill Behrends (big bus)- East of Odell on Highway 8, and the southeast part of the district (Barneston).

Christie Morgan (micro bus)- South of Odell, along Highway 8, and south of Diller on Highway 103.

Board of Education Student Fee Hearing

Monday, July 13, 2026 6:50 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. Accept public comment on proposed Student Fees for 2026-2027
No comment was received.

2. Adjournment
Motion to adjourn Passed with a motion by Kasey Murphy 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
President Clifford adjourned the hearing at 6:55pm

Board of Education Parental Involvement Hearing

Monday, July 13, 2026 6:55 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. Accept public comment on Parental Involvement Policy for 2026-2027
No comment was received.

2. Adjournment
Motion to adjourn 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
President Clifford adjourned the hearing at 7:00pm.

Board of Education Regular Meeting

Monday, July 13, 2026 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
No 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, 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
Principals Hinrichs and Mezger reported on state reporting, summer workshops, the review of the schools' Wellness Policy, and the upcoming school year.

The Board and Superintendent Meyerle congratulates Mr. Mezger on completing his Specialist program that will allow him to become Superintendent of schools on July 1, 2027.  Completing the degree is a professional achievement that takes much time and financial commitment by the individual.

2.2. Review and reaffirm Student Fee Policy #5045 for 2026-2027
Motion to reaffirm policy #5045 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 where Student Fee money was used for the students.

2.3. Review and reaffirm Parental Involvement Policies #5018 and #5057 for 2026-2027
Motion to reaffirm policies #5018 and #5057 Passed with a motion by Adam Engelman and a second by Kasey Murphy.
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.

2.4. Set athletic admission prices for 2026-2027
Motion to match athletic admission prices to that of the Pioneer Conference. 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
New athletic admission prices will be $7 for adults and $5 for students.  Local patrons are encouraged to purchase season passes.  Anyone age 60 or older that lives in the school district may obtain a free season pass from either school office.  Any member of former or current military service will be admitted free of charge.

2.5. Set breakfast and lunch prices for 2026-2027
Motion to set school breakfast and lunch prices Passed with a motion by Kasey Murphy 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
New breakfast and lunch prices will be increased to the following:  
PK-6 Breakfast $2.00
7-12 Breakfast $2.50
Adult Breakfast $3.50
PK-6 Lunch $3.25
7-12 Lunch $3.75
Adult Lunch $5.25

2.6. Approve interlocal agreements with ESU 5 for Alternative Education, technology, elementary science, ESU academy, and mental health support.
Motion to approve interlocal agreements with ESU 5. Passed with a motion by Adam Engelman 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
The Board appreciates the relationship with ESU 5 for their services.

2.7. Approve required policy updates from KSB School Law
Motion to pass required policy updates from KSB School Law. 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
For the past month, the Board has reviewed the required policy from KSB School Law.

2.8. Discuss, consider, and take all necessary action to adopt resolution, increasing the school district's base growth percentage to determine the school district tax request authority by up to seven percent (7%).
Motion to pass resolution to increase the school district's base growth percentage by 7%. 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
The resolution is an effort to maintain budget flexibility and to ensure the ability to secure adequate funding in the current or future school years so that the school district is in a position to meet its obligations to its students.  The growth of the base growth percentage does not mean that the tax request would grow by that amount.  It does increase space in the budget for spending.  Such funding could come in from state or local sources in the form of grants.

Superintendent Meyerle also cautioned that if the state legislature would ever pass a law dramatically increasing the base pay of teachers statewide, that there would need to be room in the budget for such an increase.

2.9. Renew baseball coop with BPS
Motion to approve baseball coop with Beatrice HS Passed with a motion by Alissa Andersen and a second by Kasey Murphy.
Alissa Andersen: Yea, Josh Carpenter: Yea, Angie Clifford: Yea, Adam Engelman: Yea, Kasey Murphy: Yea, Stuart Vitosh: Yea
Yea: 6, Nay: 0
The Board appreciates the opportunity for our student to play baseball with BPS.

2.10. Approve milk bid from Hiland Dairy
Motion to accept the bid as a member of the Southeast Milk Cooperative from Hiland Dairy 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
The bid from Hiland was the only bid received.

3. Personnel Items

4. Support Service

4.1. Technology Update

4.2. Facility Update
Summer projects are winding down.  A special thanks to summer staff for all of their work preparing the building and grounds for the upcoming school year.

5. Superintendent Items

5.1. Superintendent Report
Superintendent Meyerle will be working on the budget the next month.  Valuations are not due until August 20, so he does not know what the levy will be until then.  He does not plan on attending the Joint Public meeting and having the pink postcards go out.  Such attendance is only required if a school goes above their "allowed"  request.  He expects that the tax request will go up about $115,000, as it did last year.  Staff salary and benefits alone will increase by about $175,000, so there will be some adjustments in line items in the budget.

6. Financial Items

6.1. Pay bills as presented
Motion to approve bills as presented. Passed with a motion by Kasey Murphy 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.

7. Board of Education Items

7.1. Committee Reports
The Board discussed some committee work and some possible changes.

7.2. Approve membership in NRCSA
Motion to approve NRCSA membership 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
The Board appreciates the relationship with NRCSA and wishes Jack Moles the best in retirement.

7.3. Executive Session

8. Adjournment
President Clifford adjourned the meeting at 7:55pm.  The next regular meeting is scheduled for August 10 at 6pm at the HS.  The Board will hold a Special meeting on Americanism and Budget planning at the elementary on Monday, August 24 at 7pm.

Bills:

2026/2027 Elementary Class Supply List PDF Link

Golf for the Griffins is Saturday, August 1st at Hidden Acres Golf Course.  Get your teams together now!  Click on the link for team sign-up.

Team Sign-Up