OSMOND — The District 42R board of education met Monday, Jan. 17, postponed from a week earlier because of Winter Storm Finn.
The board met prior to the regular meeting to conduct the second of two required evaluations for the new superintendent, Steven Bremer. Board President Mark Moes stated in the open meeting that the evaluation was pretty positive.
Election of officers was held, with all reelected to their positions as follows: President, Mark Moes; vice president, Larry Krohn; secretarytreasurer, Tyler Gansebom. Margaret Ryan was re-appointed as board recorder. In addition, the Osmond Republican was designated as the of- ficial news agency; KSB Legal Firm as school attorney;AMGL as the auditor; Steven Bremer as the State and Federal Programs Director, and Security Bank as school depository.
Board policies 3011-3020 were discussed with Superintendent Bremer explaining each. All were approved except Policy 3012, which has to do with hot lunch accounts that have not been paid, and the wording of what may or shall be done.
The board then discussed the interest rates on various accounts the district has, which includes CDs, money market accounts and checking account, and possibly redoing CDs and putting more money in them, and the protection and best options for the district’s money.
Principal’s Report
Principal Kurt Polt reported that report cards for the second quarter and first semester have been mailed out, and said that academic celebrations were given to both the students and faculty members.
A senior financial aid meeting scheduled for Jan. 9 and postponed because of the snow day, was moved to Jan. 22. A teacher in-service was held that day, Jan. 15.
Upcoming events include conference wrestling on Jan. 18 at Tri-County; conference Honor Band at Wayne State College on Jan. 20 with a concert at 4:30 p.m.; first semester honor roll treats Jan. 24, and conference basketball tournament beginning on Jan. 27.
Polt reported on the PBIS (positive behavioral interventions and supports) system refresher that was held on the first day back from Christmas vaca tion, thanks to Amanda Koehler. He said the kids are starting something new — having a word of the month. January’s word in “respect.” Kids who do something during the day that shows respect will have their name put on a paper paw (for “paw”sitive) and at the end of the month there will be a celebration students who are named on a paw will be recognized.
Polt advised that he and FFA advisor Jessica Evans will go to Wausa to speak with them about the FFA
SCHOOL BOARD REORGANIZES
program. Also, he has a draft of next year’s school calendar, which just needs to be approved.
Mr. Polt spoke to the board about shot clocks possibly being approved by the NSAA for Class C and D, and the cost associated with them if the school would have to have one installed. Shot clocks give the team in possession a specific amount of time to attempt a try for a field goal.
The principal then went over the numbers of students possible for basketball for the next few years and projected participants, and advised that it is in the district’s best interest to pursue co-oping. The Randolph school board was meeting Monday and planned to vote on whether to continue the co-op with Osmond. He said he won’t talk to the Wausa board about basketball until he hears from Randolph.
Superintendent’s Report
Superintendent Bremer shared some of the highlights of the school year so far, of the students’ accomplishments. He also commented on a link added to the school’s website, www.osmondtigers.org, called “School Recognitions Through the Years.”
Bremer reported that the district received a check from the local Sons of the American Legion for $250 for the Student Assist Fund. He also reported on the goals for the district that were discussed at the board retreat.
The district’s copiers will be replaced in February, and the ice machine has been ordered. Both items were discussed at the December meeting as needing to be replaced.
The gym floor needs to be redone this summer, and he asked about the logo. His suggestion was to keep the Tiger logo, as the school and the students are still Tigers, to which the board members agreed.
Mr. Bremer reminded the board that Moes, Krohn and Reikofski are up for reelection this year; filing periods are Jan. 5-Feb. 15 for incumbents and Jan. 5-March 1 for nonincumbants.
Other Discussion
Board member Tiffany Rice asked if there would be announcements or what will happen if a person can’t be picked up because of the snow. Mr. Bremer told board members that if anyone asks why there’s school when their road is still blocked, parents can call the school and just say that they can’t get out or they don’t feel comfortable with their student driving on the road.
President Moes stated that, as board members, they all need to take time and attend games and other events to attain knowledge of what’s going on with the co-op. He said it’s important for them to realize what they have to do as board members, and that patrons are paying attention to what they are doing.
Moes asked if anyone knew where the district is at as far as the FFA plot. Bremer said he had spoke with Dr. Dave Johnson, who talked about it continuing. Mr. Polt said that Ms. Evans is looking at getting some equipment so that the students can do more of the work.
Moes gave a list of committee appointments for 2024, which were briefly discussed.
Board Member Tyler Gansebom reported that the city did not get the revitalization grant they applied for, but they and the school district will move forward with plans for the new city sign. The bid from Love Signs was increased, with the board voting to not exceed $30,500. Gansebom also advised that City Council Member Doug Schmit had talked to people at West-Hodson where the current sign is, and it will be relocated.
The Feb. 12 school board meeting was discussed and, because that is the night for the girls’ subdistrict basketball tournament, a time change for the board meeting will be considered.
The board then went into closed session for teacher negotiations.
