November Board of Education Meeting Review
The USD #399 Board of Education met at its regular meeting Monday, November 12th at 7:00 in the IDL room. After adding two items to the agenda, it was approved as was the Consent Agenda after Cindy Beisner gave the treasurer’s report. I gave the BOE notes on my Superintendent’s Report which included an update on Bill Murphy, longtime bus driver who underwent open heart surgery two weeks ago and continues to progress at getting better. I also reported on the 9th Annual Veterans Day Salute, the completion of the installation of the new HVAC system in the Vo-Ag building, and the ongoing work on the new HVAC system in the main building at the elementary. We have had several glitches with the system and continue to work out the bugs. I also reported on a new program we would like to consider doing a pilot on during the 2nd semester at both schools called ‘Student In Good Standing.” The program is in use at several area schools and our committee on accreditation is looking at giving the program a try to help meet one of our goals. I will send out more information to parents and we will discuss the program with our students after the December BOE meeting if they give us permission to proceed.
Mr. Ostmeyer reported on activities going on in our district. Our NHS Scholar Bowl Team has won two tournaments in a row, the first one at Lincoln and the second one at Sylvan-Lucas. He also reported we had 14 boys out for high school basketball which started November 12th. Our junior high girls’ team won all three games in the Wildcat Classic to capture the championship while the boys’ team continues to show progress and won their final game in the tournament after three very close games, one of which we lost in double over-time by two points. He also discussed the upcoming high school basketball season since we do not have enough girls to field a team this year. The teams on our schedule have agreed to play a JV and Varsity Boys’ game on the scheduled evenings instead of a girls and boys game. We are still working on the starting times and will get those out to the public as soon as they are completed.
Mrs. Mettlen reported on a workshop her and Felisha Bland attended last Friday on Dyslexia. She said it was a very informative meeting and her and Felisha brought back some ideas to use with our students who struggle with reading.
Under old Business, the Saw Mill Agreement was approved between the district and Chris Brockleman.
Under New Business, Mary Anderson, State Accountant went over the audit she completed for the 2017-2018 school year. Her only concern was the amount we currently have in our Capital Outlay account, which she would like to see us build back up. I reminded the BOE the reason it was lower than usual was because we paid for the new building housing the kindergarten and pre-school to stop leasing a portable building for close to $20,000 a year. I told them I would watch the expenditures very closely so we can get it built back up. We are not in any danger at the present time, but she would like to see it have more in it as a cushion.
The BOE also added a ½ work day to the approved calendar on May 17th. The teachers were a half-day short on a work day as agreed upon in the Negotiated Agreement.
Under Personnel, the BOE approved supplemental contracts for Ty Southers, head JH basketball coach, Mason Runft, asst. JH basketball coach, Julie Bray-7th & 8th grade sponsor, and Andrea Chambray as the senior sponsor. They also accepted the resignation of Troy Ostmeyer as 7th & 8th Grade Sponsor.
The BOE approved the Negotiated Agreement with the Natoma Teachers Association.
The meeting adjourned around 8:55 PM
