BOARD OF EDUCATION REGULAR MEETING MONDAY, APRIL 8, 2024 8:00 PM PUBLIC SCHOOL LIBRARY 506 W. 9TH STREET DORCHESTER, NE 68343-0007 Notice of the time and place of the Dorchester Board of Education meeting was published in a newspaper of general circulation within the district. Newspapers of general circulation in the district include, but are not necessarily limited to, the Crete News, the Lincoln Journal Star, or the Omaha World-Herald. Notice is also posted in at least three prominent places within the school district which may include the following: Dorchester Public Schools, Farmers Coop, First State Bank, and the Village Office. Individual board members received in advance the meeting agenda and meeting materials. Pursuant to Section 84-1412 of the Nebraska Statutes, the public is hereby informed that a current copy of the Nebraska Open Meetings Act is posted in the Board meeting boardroom. Matthew Hansen: Present Mike Hatfield: Present Shelly Lehr: Present Carol Schnell: Present Kelli Schweitzer: Present Steve Vyhnalek: Present 1. Call to Order and Announce Open Meetings Act Verification The regular board meeting was called to order by President Steve Vyhnalek at 8:00 pm with all board members present. He confirmed the advanced notice of the meeting date and agenda. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all. 2. Roll Call School personnel present are Superintendent Curt Cogswell, Principal Jake Wiese, and Jen Feeken 3. Receive Visitors and Announce Open Forum for Public Comment Matt Smith was present. 4. Request for Change of Agenda No request for a change of agenda. 5. Approval of the Minutes of the Last Meeting Motion to approve the reading of the last meeting minutes passed with a motion by Kelli Schweitzer and a second by Matthew Hansen. Matthew Hansen: Yea, Mike Hatfield: Yea, Shelly Lehr: Yea, Carol Schnell: Yea, Kelli Schweitzer: Yea, Steve Vyhnalek: Yea 6. Financial Report Motion to approve the financial report passed with a motion by Matthew Hansen and a second by Mike Hatfield. Matthew Hansen: Yea, Mike Hatfield: Yea, Shelly Lehr: Yea, Carol Schnell: Yea, Kelli Schweitzer: Yea, Steve Vyhnalek: Yea 7. Reports 7.1. Principal's Report Mr. Wiese reported that professional development has included training on Hope Science and on Dating Violence (Hope Crisis Center). The School Nutrition Audit was on March 14. The Elementary Excellence Rally was held on March 15. The school participated in the Statewide Tornado Drill. 7.2. Superintendent's Report Mr. Cogswell reported that last month students performed the musical "Into the Woods". We had six students that made it into the CRC Honor Choir/Band. Karma Ridpath was awarded the NRCSA Elementary Teacher of the Year. 8. Discussion Items 8.1. April Policy Review Board policies 6010, 6011, 6012, 6013, and 6014 were reviewed. Policy 6010 Special Education Identification, Evaluation, and Verification was reviewed. This policy is our all-encompassing special education policy that addresses a child's right to a free, appropriate public education. Policy 6011 Fire Instruction and Prevention states that the school district will provide instruction in fire danger and fire prevention. Policy 6012 Flag Display and Patriotic Presentations states that we will display the American Flag on the school grounds and recite the Pledge of Allegiance at the beginning of each day. Policy 6013 Controversial Issues addresses teaching controversial issues. Policy 6014 School Attendance on Activity Days states that a student must attend half their scheduled classes during the day to participate in student activities. 8.2. Legislative Bill Review Mr. Cogswell discussed some the of current bills being looked at in the legislature including the Sports and Space bill and LB388 Property Tax Relief. 8.3. Junior High Sports Mr. Cogswell shared that because of the number of girls in junior high next year, our sixth-grade girls would be able to participate in junior high athletics next year. 8.4. Student Services Mr. Cogswell shared ideas on ways to coordinate student services next year. 9. Action Items 9.1. Classified Pay for 2024-2025 Motion to approve the classified staff pay for the 2024-2025 school year passed with a motion by Mike Hatfield and a second by Shelly Lehr. Matthew Hansen: Yea, Mike Hatfield: Yea, Shelly Lehr: Yea, Carol Schnell: Yea, Kelli Schweitzer: Yea, Steve Vyhnalek: Abstain 9.2. Accept Resignation Motion to accept the resignation of Mr. Steve Jirsa Passed with a motion by Carol Schnell and a second by Matthew Hansen. Matthew Hansen: Yea, Mike Hatfield: Yea, Shelly Lehr: Yea, Carol Schnell: Yea, Kelli Schweitzer: Yea, Steve Vyhnalek: Yea 9.3. Consider approving contract Motion to approve the contract of Olivia McBeth to fill our music teaching position opening for the 2024-2025 school year Passed with a motion by Matthew Hansen and a second by Carol Schnell. Matthew Hansen: Yea, Mike Hatfield: Yea, Shelly Lehr: Yea, Carol Schnell: Yea, Kelli Schweitzer: Yea, Steve Vyhnalek: Yea 10. Board Committee Report No board committee reports/ 11. Closed Session (as necessary per statute) Closed Session not needed. 12. Establish Future Board of Education Meeting Date and Time The next scheduled board meeting is Monday, May 13th at 8:00 pm. 13. Adjourn Motion to adjourn at 9:26 pm passed with a motion by Carol Schnell and a second by Matthew Hansen. Matthew Hansen: Yea, Mike Hatfield: Yea, Shelly Lehr: Yea, Carol Schnell: Yea, Kelli Schweitzer: Yea, Steve Vyhnalek: Yea Mike Hatfield, Secretary of the Board of Education CR — April 24, 2024 ZNEZ
