June Regular Board Minutes

Tuesday, June 11, 2024 7:30 PM

Elementary Media Center in Diller
315 Smith St
Diller, NE 68342

 1. Open Meeting

1.1. Roll Call

1.2. Recognize the Open Meetings Act information

1.3. Public Comment
Mrs. Abigail Kostal commented on Policy #6040 Prekindergarten Program.  The passage of LB 71 and the possible inclusion of 5 year-olds has created a great deal of confusion.  Mrs. Kostal advocated for the inclusion of 5 year-olds in the program if space is available.

1.4. Approve minutes of last meeting
Motion to approve minutes of last meeting Passed with a motion by Angie Clifford and a second by Adam Engelman.
Angie Clifford: Yea, Dusty Duis: Yea, Adam Engelman: Yea, Paul Kostal: Yea, Kasey Murphy: Yea, Stuart Vitosh: Yea
Yea: 6, Nay: 0
There was no discussion.

2. Instruction and Related Items

2.1. Principal Report
Principal Mezger reported on year end activities and planning for the fall of 2024.

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

2.3. Update Policy #6018 "Grades"
Motion to update Policy #6018 Passed with a motion by Adam Engelman and a second by Stuart Vitosh.
Angie Clifford: Yea, Dusty Duis: Yea, Adam Engelman: Yea, Paul Kostal: Yea, Kasey Murphy: Yea, Stuart Vitosh: Yea
Yea: 6, Nay: 0
 

Policy #6018 was updated to change music classes from 2.5 credits per semester, to 5 credits a semester to match other classes.  The change benefits the students, especially when transferring out to other districts.

2.4. Update Policy #6005 "Graduation Requirements"
Motion to update Policy #6005 Passed with a motion by Stuart Vitosh and a second by Kasey Murphy.
Angie Clifford: Yea, Dusty Duis: Yea, Adam Engelman: Yea, Paul Kostal: Yea, Kasey Murphy: Yea, Stuart Vitosh: Yea
Yea: 6, Nay: 0
Policy #6005 Graduation requirements was updated to reflect new requirements to include Personal Finance, Career Exploration and Computer Science.  

2.5. Approve annual policy updates as recommended by KSB School Law
Motion to pass annual required policy updates Passed with a motion by Adam Engelman and a second by Angie Clifford.
Angie Clifford: Yea, Dusty Duis: Yea, Adam Engelman: Yea, Paul Kostal: Yea, Kasey Murphy: Yea, Stuart Vitosh: Yea
Yea: 6, Nay: 0
As the annual policy updates were approved, the Board discussed policy #6040 Prekindergarten Program.  Even though LB 71 now makes it possible for a 5-year-old to attend Preschool, the possibility will be rare as there is no mandate to have 5 year-old Preschool.  The board's policy will reflect the following:

The Preschool Program is for one year, primarily for 4-year olds.
If there is space available for 5-year old, enrollment will be considered for those 5-olds that do not turn 6 by January 1 of their Preschool year.
There is no possibility of two years of attendance prior to Kindergarten.
Capacity will be limited to 15 children with an additional spot being reserved for a child that moves into the district with special needs.

For 2024-25, the program is at capacity with 4-year olds, and the program has been full in recent years with the exception of one year.

The recommendation from the school is for parents not to count on having a spot for a five year old, as the program is almost always at capacity with 4 year olds.

3. Personnel Items
Superintendent Meyerle noted that he had hired Christie Morgan for an open Sped para position.  She will spend time in both buildings.

4. Support Service

4.1. Technology Update

4.2. Facility Update
Both HS gym floors were refinished, the track is in the process of being resurfaced, and the elementary gym floor will be refinished the week of June 24.

School personnel and Board reps will meet with Wilkens Architects this month to review plans for a possible elementary entry renovation.  If a plan is accepted, it will be put out for bids this fall with the work to be done in the summer of 2025.  The renovation would satisfy weaknesses in school safety and security that have been noted in the annual safety audit.

Superintendent Meyerle had secured a $75,000 grant to help finance the project.  The project would move the office to the east entrance.  The east entrance would become the point of entry to the school where visitors would have an immediate face to face with school personnel.  He noted, should the project move forward, he plans to donate the old Eagle to the Diller museum when that area is renovated.

5. Superintendent Items

5.1. Superintendent Report
Superintendent Meyerle reported that he was pleased on the financial status of the district as we approach the end of the fiscal year and he was planning on being able to lower the school district's tax request.  He again reiterated, that the school does not control the valuation of property, the district can only control the tax request.

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 Dusty Duis.
Angie Clifford: Yea, Dusty Duis: Yea, Adam Engelman: Yea, Paul Kostal: Yea, Kasey Murphy: Yea, Stuart Vitosh: Yea
Yea: 6, Nay: 0

7. Board of Education Items

7.1. Committee Reports

7.2. Executive Session

8. Adjournment
Motion to adjourn Passed with a motion by Angie Clifford and a second by Dusty Duis.
Angie Clifford: Yea, Dusty Duis: Yea, Adam Engelman: Yea, Paul Kostal: Yea, Kasey Murphy: Yea, Stuart Vitosh: Yea
Yea: 6, Nay: 0
President Kostal adjourned the meeting at 8:25pm.  The next regular meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, July 10 at 7:00pm at the high school.  The meeting will be preceded by a hearing on student fees at 6:50pm and a hearing on parental involvement at 6:55pm.

 Bills: