MINUTES BOARD OF EDUCATION REPORT NOVEMBER 9, 2020
The regular meeting of the Board of Education was held on November 9th. This meeting was advertised in the November 4th edition of the Battle Creek Enterprise. President Jeremy Pochop called the meeting to order at 6:00 P.M. Members present were Tammy Bierman, Toby Thompson, Brent Bode, and Paul Kuchar. Lori Mink was absent. Also present were Superintendent Jake Luhr and Principal Jeff Heimes, Sean Lindgren, BCEA representative, and a visitor. The open meeting law was discussed and posted and will be followed at every Board meeting. To start the Board meeting, the Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
Toby Thompson made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda, which included the November general fund bills which totaled $87,769.00. Brent Bode seconded the motion. On roll call vote, the motion carried with five ayes.
Mr. Luhr advised the Board that the fiber upgrade between the elementary and secondary buildings was completed on Friday, October 2nd. The bill from Priority Communications for 9,910.00 has been submitted to ESU #8 for E-Rate reimbursement.
Mr. Luhr reviewed with the Board the NSAA winter guidelines which will probably be updated again following Governor Ricketts press conference on Monday, November 9th.
Mr. Luhr advised the Board that Bob Soukup of CWP Architecture firm walked through the elementary school on Friday, October 23rd. They should have some drawings ready for the Board to review at the December Board meeting.
Mr. Luhr presented to the Board three policy updates for policies 4025, 5008, and 8342 along with the explanation of the minor changes.
Paul Kuchar made a motion to approve Policy 4025, Professional Boundaries. LB 1080 requires that school districts have professional boundaries policy with several required elements. Toby Thompson seconded the motion. On roll call vote, the motion carried with five ayes.
Tammy Bierman made a motion to approve Policy 5008, Attendance Policy and Excessive Absenteeism. LB 751 modified the student attendance law to provide that mental health may be basis for student absences. Brent Bode seconded the motion. On roll call vote, the motion carried with five ayes.
Toby Thompson made a motion to approve Policy 8342, Designated Method of Giving Notice of Meetings. LB 148 significantly changes the method by which notice must be given for Board meetings. Effective November 13, 2020, all notices must be published in a newspaper. The notice may also be published on the newspaper’s website. Paul Kuchar seconded the motion. On roll call vote, the motion carried with five ayes.
Mr. Luhr went through the first reading of policies 4031 and 4270. Policy 4031, Injury Leave – LB 1186 provides for up to seven days of paid “injury leave” for an employee who is intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly injured while at work. Policy 4270, Staff Payments During Closure – This policy gives the administration the option of paying staff during a closure but does not require such payments. This policy needs to be in place in order to be reimbursed for certain expenses under certain federal grants.
Mr. Luhr presented to the Board the 2019-20 Annual Financial Report from the auditors. The Board will review and then it will be discussed at the December Board meeting. Tammy Bierman made a motion to retain Morrow, Davies, & Toelle for the 2020-21 school audit. Paul Kuchar seconded the motion. On roll call vote, the motion carried with five ayes.
Mr. Luhr advised the Board that Jackie Kruse, Food Service Director, applied for a national school lunch equipment grant. The school was awarded the grant for $22,345.75 for a new walk in freezer for the high school. The Board was appreciative for Jackie’s effort on getting the grant.
Mr. Luhr advised the Board that they have met twice with the BCEA negotiation team, and will meet again on Wednesday, November 11th.
Mr. Luhr reviewed with the Board the enrollment projections and the staffing needs for the future.
Comments were heard from the Board, Principals, and Superintendent.
With no further business, Board President Jeremy Pochop adjourned the meeting at 6:55 P.M.
Submitted by,
Jake Luhr, Secretary Board of Education