BOARD OF EDUCATION REGULAR MEETING MONDAY, OCTOBER 14, 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. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. 2. Roll Call Also present were Superintendent Curt Cogswell, Principal Jake Wiese, and Jen Feeken. 3. Receive Visitors and Announce Open Forum for Public Comment Matt Bolton and Matt Smith were present. 4. Request for Change of Agenda Discussion item 8.3 was moved to the end of the meeting. 5. Approval of the Minutes of the Last Meetings Motion to approve the reading of the last meeting minutes passed with a motion by Shelly Lehr and a second by Kelli Schweitzer. 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 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 7. Reports 7.1. Principal's Report Mr. Wiese reported that Dorchester hosted a Patriots' Day Program, had our first Longhorn Line-Up, the homecoming bonfire and pep rally, and Grandparent's Day. Parent Teacher Conferences went well with about 80% of parents attending. The end of the quarter is October 18th. There will be no school on November 1st, so teachers can have professional development. Grades 4-8 will attend the UNL Sportsmanship Summit on November 4th. 7.2. Superintendent's Report Dr. Cogswell reported that Mrs. Ridpath presented for Open Sky and did an amazing job. The annual financial audit was conducted on October 7th and will be finalized soon. 8. Discussion Items 8.1. Early Retirement Incentive Program - Policy #4099 Mr. Cogswell visited with eligible staff members, and none are wanting early retirement at this time. 8.2. Policy Review Mr. Cogswell reviewed the following board policies, #6015 Summer School, #6016 Homebound Instruction, #6017 Homework, #6018 Grades, and #6020 Multicultural Education. 8.3. Planning 8.4. November 1st Staff Development There will be no school for PK-12 on November 1st so staff can participate in profession development. 9. Action Items 9.1. Recognize the Dorchester Education Association as the Exclusive Bargaining Agent for 2026-2027 school year. Motion to recognize the Dorchester Education Association as the exclusive bargaining agent for the 2026-2027 school year 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 10. Board Committee Report(s) No committee reports at this time. 10.1. Negotiations Committee The negotiation committee needs to meet before November 1st. 11. Closed Session (as necessary per statute) Closed session not needed at this time. 12. Establish Future Board of Education Meeting Date(s) and Time(s) The next scheduled board meeting is Monday, November 11th at 7:00 pm 13. Adjourn Motion to adjourn at 9:33 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 — October 23, 2024 ZNEZ
