February Regular Board Minutes
Board of Education Regular Meeting
Monday, February 13, 2023 7:00 PM
Elementary Media Center in Diller
315 Smith St
Diller, NE 68342
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Angie Clifford: |
Present |
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Dusty Duis: |
Absent |
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Adam Engelman: |
Present |
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Paul Kostal: |
Present |
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Kolin Kotas: |
Present |
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Kasey Murphy: |
Present |
1. Open Meeting
1.1. Roll Call
The absence of Dusty Duis was excused.
1.2. Recognize the Open Meetings Act information
1.3. Approve minutes of last meeting Motion to approve minutes Passed with a motion by Adam Engelman and a second by Angie Clifford.
Angie Clifford: Yea, Adam Engelman: Yea, Paul Kostal: Yea, Kolin Kotas: Yea, Kasey Murphy: Yea
Yea: 5, Nay: 0
There was no discussion.
2. Instruction and Related Items
2.1. NASB Report from Sharon Endorf Director of Member Management
Sharon Endorf (Director of Member Engagement), presented some material from the Nebraska Association of School Boards.
2.2. Principal Report
Principal Mezger reported on the beginning of the second semester. Congratulations to the Speech team for their Championship in the Pioneer Conference meet.
He also reported on the recent NDE 5 year visit. The external team paid the district numerous compliments. All staff are commended, especially Mrs. Amy Coufal and Mrs. Stacy Hennerberg for their work leading up to the visit. The Board was also commended for their vision for the school district. The visit was very positive and a great reflection on Diller-Odell Public Schools. The next visit will be in 2028.
2.3. Student Report
Preston Engelman presented a report on recent student activities and successes in basketball, speech, and FFA.
2.4. Approve 2023-2024 School Calendar Motion to approve the 2023-2024 school calendar Passed with a motion by Angie Clifford and a second by Kasey Murphy.
Angie Clifford: Yea, Adam Engelman: Yea, Paul Kostal: Yea, Kolin Kotas: Yea, Kasey Murphy: Yea
Yea: 5, Nay: 0
Next fall, the first inservice day is August 7 and school set to begin August 10. After the 2023-2024 school year, the NSAA calendar will fall back five days, meaning the first inservice day in 2024 would be August 12, and the first day of school would be August 15.
3. Personnel Items
3.1. Accept resignation of Karlee Haecker from teaching position effective at the end of the school yearMotion to approve the resignation of Karlee Haecker from teaching position effective at the end of the school year. Passed with a motion by Adam Engelman and a second by Kolin Kotas.
Angie Clifford: Yea, Adam Engelman: Yea, Paul Kostal: Yea, Kolin Kotas: Yea, Kasey Murphy: Yea
Yea: 5, Nay: 0
With the resignation of Ms. Haecker, Carly Vitosh will move to third grade for 2023-2024. The district is accepting applications for a Fourth Grade Teacher for the 2023-2024 school year.
3.2. Discuss Classified Staff Wages for 2023-2024
Superintendent Meyerle gave the Board his recommendations for classified wages for 2023-2024. The Board will review and take action at the March meeting.
4. Support Service
4.1. Technology Update
4.2. Facility Update
5. Superintendent Items
5.1. Superintendent Report
Superintendent Meyerle gave the Board a list of Extra Duty assignments for 2023-2024 for their review.
He also presented the Board with a list of proposed cuts in costs of approximately $200,000. The Board will review the list. The Board and the Administration would like to make some reductions and hopefully avoid going to the Joint Public Meeting as required by LB644. Attendance in the meeting is required if a school district exceeds their allowed increase in the local tax request.
Superintendent Meyerle noted that he thought it was important to reduce costs where possible. However, with the increased costs of students with special needs, staff salaries/benefits, and overall costs, it is possible that even with reductions in spending, the district would still need to attend the joint meeting. So much hinges on what State Aid will be, as well as what the "real growth" in valuation is for the school district. Those factors will be known in the coming months.
The Board is willing to make some reductions, but only to a point. Superintendent Meyerle is hoping that legislation will pass that would positively affect operations for the 2024-2025 school year. Such legislation would see more money provided from the state, which would allow the district to lower its local tax request. There is also legislation that would increase Special Education reimbursement from the state to 80%, which would be a vast improvement over the current 40%.
The Diller-Odell School District remains fortunate to have a General Fund Levy at .66 cents compared to what could be a $1.05.
6. Financial Items
6.1. Pay bills as presented Motion to approve bills as presented. Passed with a motion by Angie Clifford and a second by Adam Engelman.
Angie Clifford: Yea, Adam Engelman: Yea, Paul Kostal: Yea, Kolin Kotas: Yea, Kasey Murphy: Yea
Yea: 5, Nay: 0
7. Board of Education Items
7.1. Approve NASB membership Motion to approve membership is NASB Passed with a motion by Adam Engelman and a second by Kolin Kotas.
Angie Clifford: Yea, Adam Engelman: Yea, Paul Kostal: Yea, Kolin Kotas: Yea, Kasey Murphy: Yea
Yea: 5, Nay: 0
7.2. Committee Reports
Some Board members will attend the upcoming NRCSA Convention in Kearney.
7.3. Executive Session
8. Adjournment Motion to adjourn Passed with a motion by Adam Engelman and a second by Kasey Murphy.
Angie Clifford: Yea, Adam Engelman: Yea, Paul Kostal: Yea, Kolin Kotas: Yea, Kasey Murphy: Yea
Yea: 5, Nay: 0
President Kostal adjourned the meeting at 8:08pm. The next regular meeting is scheduled for March 13, 2023 at the high school in Odell.