OSMOND — The District 42R Board of Education met Monday, July 14. One item up for discussion was options for a high school co-op of several sports with Plainview. A co-op of junior high sports has already been approved with Plainview, with one more year of high school football and high school boys’wrestling continuing to be co-oped with Wausa.
Board President Mark Moes read a statement from the board, which read: “I want to take a moment to address some of the public discussion and clarify the situation regarding the recent dissolution of the Osmond-Wausa co-op.
“First and foremost, we have valued our partnership with Wausa in the past and this coming year and appreciate the opportunities it provided for our students and student-athletes to grow, compete and represent their communities together. We thank Wausa Public Schools for their past collaboration and the positive experiences many students and families have had as part of this cooperative.
“While we were hopeful to continue co-oping in certain sports moving forward, Wausa presented us with a proposal that focused solely on a full district consolidation 6-plus years down the road, without any options to continue or expand the co-op. As a result, we had to consider what is in the best immediate and long-term interest of Osmond students.
“Our district has expressed a critical and ongoing need — particularly in the area of basketball — and we approached Wausa multiple times in hopes of continuing our current co-ops and expanding our co-op. Unfortunately, those requests were declined. We were given the option to look elsewhere if that better served our needs, and after careful consideration, we have chosen to do so.
“Our top priority is to work with a district that demonstrates respect, communicates openly, and is committed to working together as equals. We remain committed to doing what’s best for our students and community, and we look forward to exploring new partnerships that reflect those values.
“Thank you to our community for your continued support and good luck to all coaches and student-athletes in the upcoming year.”
The board had a lengthy discussion on the possibility of co-oping several sports with Plainview. The main items discussed were boys’ and girls’ high school bowling, and girls’high school wrestling. Both sports, if co-oped with Plainview, would begin with the 202526 school year.
Board Member Tyler Gansebom said that in committee meetings, it was pointed out that, with high school bowling, the student-athletes would not be able to participate in other winter sports; however, they would be able to participate in Unified Bowling.
Board Member Michelle Reikofski opined that, if the board votes to co-op bowling, it should also vote to co-op girls’ wrestling — they should not just pick one and not the other.
Board members discussed when to vote on these two items and if there should be a joint community meeting to see Plainview’s views on the subject. Superintendent Skip Bremer pointed out that the Plainview administration had approached Osmond about the two sports, so it is pretty clear that they are welcoming a co-op for bowling and girls’ wrestling.
It was decided that the two sports will be put to a vote on the August agenda with each as a separate action item.
The board also discussed co-oping high school football which, if approved, would not start until the 202627 school term. It was decided that there should be a community meeting to discuss the topic, and the Plainview administrators will be consulted to see if they want to have a joint meeting.
Brief Reports Shared
Athletic Director Brian Guenther did not have a full report, but shared a sports schedule with the board.
Principal Kurt Polt reported that there are five new students registered for the 2025-26 school year, with no students moving out of the district as of yet. He also reported on Homecoming plans, scheduled for Sept. 25. The plan is to have the dance after a Thursday volleyball game, so it won’t interfere with any football games. A DJ has been booked.
Polt also shared the schedule of dates leading up to the beginning of the school year: Aug. 5, registration and schedule changes; Aug. 11, fall sports practice begins; Aug. 12, elementary open house, Chromebook parents meeting for seventh grade and Chromebook checkout for grades 8-12; Aug. 14, first day of school. The principal also gave a brief report on coach availability.
New elementary Principal Paige Parsons reported that she had started this month, doing some trainings with the MTSS program, and said she will be a certified trainer for this district.
Superintendent’s Report
Superintendent Bremer went over the policies to review for the month, most with required revisions, which included the one on student cell phones, which was discussed last month. One new policy is 6044, Participation and Assignment of Athletic Teams. It states that males shall not participate on teams designated for females, and females may only participate on male teams when there is no female team offered or available. All policies are listed on the school website.
Mr. Bremer gave a report on the summer room remodels which have been taking place, and also noted that the district had received its 2025-26 accreditation from the state board of education.
Bremer advised that Administrator Days will be held July 23-25 in Kearney, and he, Ms. Parsons and Mr. Polt will be attending, and the board retreat will be held on Wednesday, July 30, with the budget being a big part of the conversation. Mr. Bremer reported that the 2025 area membership meeting will be held Wednesday, Aug. 27, in Norfolk, and he plans to register everyone by the board’s next meeting on Aug. 11.
The principal reported on the Sparq technology, which the district will have a three-year contract with for $1,750 per year, and which it will be able to use for four years of negotiations with teachers.
Mr. Bremer gave a report on the district’s transportation needs. The vans that carry more than nine passengers will not be permitted to transport students next school year. Bremer said they will repurpose the two they currently use, but need to replace them with vehicles that will follow the new federal codes.
He spoke with transportation director Dwight Kahny, and the two recommend purchasing two transit vans. The conversation at first included buying a Suburban, but that vehicle was deemed unnecessary. In later action, the board voted to take all necessary action on the need for two appropriate transit vans that will meet state requirements to replace vehicles being phased out of service.
Bremer reported that a joint Plainview and Osmond committee met July 7 and heard updates from the athletic directors on junior high progress for the upcoming school year. There are 38 girls out for volleyball and 23-25 boys for football. Mr. Guenther handed out junior high sports schedules to board members.
Other Items Discussed
Board Member Tiffany Rice asked, with the early childhood education program that Paige Kumm will have on school grounds, what the rules are for who will be able to ride the bus - specifically the younger ones.
Bremer said that anyone can ride the bus, but with the younger ones, they will have to be potty trained.
Gansebom reported that the city/ school sign has been built and is at Love Signs. They are just waiting on approval from the state. The location has been marked out across the highway from State Street.
In other business, the board approved a resolutions to increase the district’s base growth percentage by up to an addition 7% or other maximum amount as permitted by law.
