OSMOND — The District 42R Board of Education met Monday, March 9, beginning with a public meeting on Americanism. Social studies instructor Dale Krause gave a report on what students are learning. He stated there are eight dates throughout the year that revolve around America and patriotism, including Constitution Day and Presidents Day.
For Veterans Day, students wrote Voice of Democracy essays on “How are you showing patriotism and support for our country?” Addison Miller was the winner and read her essay at the program.
Recently students took part in the Americanism essay contest, and the winners will be announced at the American Legion Auxiliary meeting next week.
Mr. Krause said he loves doing this, and thanked the board for carving out time for him to share what the students have been doing.
Air Conditioning Report
Superintendent Skip Bremer introduced Matt Johnson of Johnson Plumbing and Heating in Norfolk, who had met with Bremer and maintenance supervisor Dwight Kahny regarding getting air conditioning in parts of the building. The south part of the building has window air conditioners, and the hallways and lunchroom don’t have any air conditioning.
Johnson explained the various options, some of which included rooftop units. He explained that if the district decides to do the hallways, it does the rooms at the same time.
Bremer stated he wanted the board to hear all the options. Then when it comes time, the committee members can come in and give the board some direction. It was pointed out that the project could be QCPUF funded.
In later committee reports, the board heard that the lunch room is the worst area as far as needing air conditioning. It was noted that if QCPUF funds are used, the cost could be spread out rather than paying for it in one year. The committee members stated that it doesn’t have a recommendation right now, but there are three options: Do part, do all, or do none of it. And if it is done, it wouldn’t all be done at once.
K-6 Principal Report
Principal Paige Parsons reported that seven fifth and sixth grade stu dents attended honor choir hosted at Hartington Holy Trinity. The students included Hailey Gutz, Peyton Mauro, Henley Marks, Kiley Friedrich, Spencer Koehler, Axyl Rice and Jameson Koehler. Elementary music instructor Vanessa Steinkraus said that it was a great event and all the Osmond students did well.
Parsons reported on the first Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) meeting held on Feb. 12. There were seven parents and three teachers present, and they are currently working on bylaws and opening a bank account. She made a recommendation that parental volunteering eligibility be a part of the PTO bylaws, and parents who want to volunteer must be a member of PTO and submit to a background check.
Ms. Parsons noted that Kaitlyn Anderson had returned from maternity leave on Feb. 23, the K-6 students participated in the FFA Ag Olympics on Feb. 27, and the MTSS leadership team met March 3.
The principal reported that, per the Nebraska Department of Education (NDE), all districts must adopt and use Dibels 8 as their benchmark screening tool. She recommended adopting and training on the tool over the summer.
Also per NDE, all districts must train staff members who instruct students 4 years old to third grade on the Science of Reading, and all staff must have behavior intervention training during the 2026-27 school year.
Upcoming events she reported on included no school on March 13, third quarter celebration and Read Across America Day on March 20, and StuCo Hiland Dairy presentation on March 24.
7-12 Principal Report
Principal Kurt Polt reported that March 12 is the end of the third quarter, and report cards will be sent home on March 20. The Easter break begins with a 2:06 p.m. dismissal on Thursday, April 2, with school resuming Tuesday, April 7.
All graduation diplomas, caps, gowns and stoles have arrived, and diplomas will be signed at the April board meeting.
Upcoming testing dates he reported on include: ACT test for juniors, March 25; Pre ACT for sophomores, April 15; NSCAS testing beginning March 23.
Polt noted that March 17 is the date for the Lewis & Clark All-conference basketball selections; the Class D All-state band will be held at UNK on March 21, with Osmond represented by 11 students, and state speech will be held at Kearney High School on March 28.
The principal reported that the state FFAconvention will be held in Lincoln March 25-27, and 21 Osmond FFA members qualified to attend. He also reported that members of the junior class have signed up for Cornhusker Boys’ and Girls’ State in Lincoln, sponsored by the American Legion and Auxiliary, respectively.
The eighth grade class will take their career day field trip to Northeast on April 8.
The third quarter honor breakfast is scheduled for April 15; this is for seniors who made honor roll and their parents.
Mr. Polt distributed the 2026-27 school calendar, which had a number of changes, he said. Homecoming (Continued on Page 4, No. 1) SCHOOL BOARD DISCUSSES LISTENING SESSIONS 2026 has been scheduled for the week of Sept. 14-19, with coronation on Friday and the dance on Saturday. Also, next year, all the participating schools in the “O” Club junior high basketball tournament agreed to continue the tournament as a “B” team tournament.
Principal Polt said the process or organizing the class offerings for the 2026-27 school year has begun. Once completed, the process of registering students for next school year can begin.
Polt noted that there are multiple concerts and art shows coming up on the calendar — too many to mention.
Superintendent Report
Superintendent Bremer quickly went over the policies for this month, which included 2001-2004 and 20072011. They are all pertaining to the board of education: its role, organization, open meetings act, public participation, etc.
Bremer noted the students are still doing the Wednesday banking, and the tellers will go to Wayne for Teller Days.
Bremer said the ad hoc committee working on the district’s purposevision- objectives met March 3 to discuss offering listening sessions to community groups and getting a survey out to the community. He submitted an article (printed elsewhere on this page) which will also be on the school website and social media. An online survey is planned to be going live on March 16. A school listening session has been set for Thursday, March 26, at 6:30 p.m.
Mr. Bremer reported that when the new engine was being installed on the mower, it was found that the PTO clutch was “on its last leg,” so that was replaced also. With extra labor and the clutch, the final price was $4,382.06.
Bremer said he is working with a couple companies to get bids on re-keying the school, and it will be a key card lock system.
The superintendent noted that the Extra Pay Scale has been updated and reviewed by Board President Mark Moes, and certified staff negotiations were completed. Classified payscale rates have been reviewed and prepared for next year.
Bremer reported that the annual ALICAP inspection took place on March 2. There were a few suggestions for improvements but nothing required, he said. He added that no school he has ever been in has done as much preventive maintenance as Osmond.
Committee Report
Board President Moes asked if board members needed a retreat. It was decided to possibly wait until April, after the surveys have been returned.
Bremer reported that the co-op committees and administrators of Plainview and Osmond had a meeting March 5. Board Member Tyler Gansebom noted that the last meeting of the committees was last October, so they thought it was time to meet again to discuss where they are each at.
The committee members, which include Moes, Gansebom and Michelle Reikofski, and administrators talked about doing everything together to show commitment, but also said they would like to do some activities here. It was noted that Plainview is still working on their bond issues.
The committee talked about volleyball and cross country for next year for scheduling with a June 1 deadline. There would be 45-48 kids in volleyball. Plainview was said to be discussing the matter at their March meeting as well. It will probably be on the April agenda to decide.
It was reiterated that the committees are talking about co-ops, not consolidation.
The board then discussed the four outside doors that need to be replaced. They are the ones on the northeast and northwest corners of the building, and the southeast and southwest corners. The replacement doors will have the added security glass.
The estimate on the project is $72,812. Bremer recommended using funds from the depreciation fund. The board approved a motion to replace the four double outside doors at a cost of $72,812 by Glass Edge.
