January 9, 2023 at 6:30 PM - Monthly Meeting

Discussion:  Mrs. McKinney talked with the board about one of the activities she does with the Business Essentials class.  Discussing what the stock market is, the Dow, etc. She then quizzes the students to gather their thoughts on what kind of companies there were at the start of the market. This transpires into a conversation on a more global scale and helps students recognize the advancements over a hundred years.

Discussion:  Mr. Schurman talked about the switch for the freshmen from Intro to Ag over to Intro to FACS.  He shared the progress his students have made on the hand rails for the visitor side bleachers and the upcoming project of Rhinolining Suburban #3.  Due to conflicts, he is not able to take students to the Denver Stock Show this year. Mr. Schurman is incorporating a Serv-Safe certificate into his Food Science class this semester.  This will allow students to earn more per hour when employed in the food service industry. Materials have been ordered and the greenhouse is preparing for a busy spring, along with some broiler chickens to be hatched and raised. The ag shop and FFA are very busy. 

Discussion:  Mr. Gebhard reported that vehicles are doing well other than an occasional battery or flat tire.  Bus 19 is still in Holdrege waiting for parts. 

Discussion:  Mr. Tharman and Mr. Hopkins have discussed possible technology purchases for the upcoming year.  Continued annual purchase of laptops, possibly new iPads (depending on ESSER 3), and servers are some of the items being looked at. 

Discussion:  Mr. Tharman discussed the annual process of filing for Erate funds.  Category one enables a rebate on internet access and Category two allows purchases of devices to deliver the internet to the students and staff.  Category two funds can be spent over a five-year period.  New access points across the district was the focus for those funds this year.  The paperwork has been filed and the school should find out in early spring if the project is accepted. 

Discussion:  The meeting returned to open session at 7:25 PM. No action taken.

Discussion:  January is School Board Recognition month.  Amber presented the board members with certificates and had prepared a meal (two soups, vegetable tray, cinnamon rolls, and fruit tray). Mr. Tharman thanked the board for all that they do for our students and staff.

Discussion:  Mr. Tharman went over the upcoming events: Jan. 13th - Smoky Hill ESC & NCKSEC meetings / Forensics practice / Jan. 19th - Annual Chili Cook off in the FACS kitchen 1:00 PM / Jan. 25th - School Board Walk - Around / Jan. 26th - Blood Drive / Jan. 26, 27 & Feb. 4 - Boardmanship and New Members Training opportunity / Last week of Jan. and first of Feb. - League BB tournament / Jan. 30th - KDOT meeting in the Almena Community Bldg. from 4 - 6 PM.  State Glass had measured the NE GS exit door.  The Federal reimbursement mileage rate increased three cents (65.3) and Kansas decided to remain where they are (58.5). League Scholarship testing results upstairs across from the district office.  Congratulations to all participants and those that finished in the top ten of the league.   
 

Discussion:  Mr. Gebhard said Abel Tree Service had done work at the Long Island school.  There is a plan to replant trees where the dead ones were.  Phillips County Community Foundation has donated some money and they will find a health-related cause to use it.  Thank you to Tom Brester who took on the responsibility of putting the flag up each morning in Long Island.  Thank you to Mrs. McKinney and her 8th hour class for tending to the GS students one day a month while the GS teachers have a PLC (Professional Learning Committee).  Mr. Gebhard, Kenzi Sheley, and Becky Delimont are trying out a "Share Table" concept at GS breakfast. Thank you to those parents that have donated a large amount of snacks this year. 

Discussion:  The board thanked Amber for the supper tonight and the great snacks throughout the year.