November 13, 2023 at 7:00 PM - Board of Education Regular Meeting

Rationale:  Information concerning the Open Meeting Law, Chapter 84, Article 14 of Nebraska State Statutes, is posted in the meeting room at a location accessible to members of the public and attached to the online agenda. 

Mrs. Kari Loseke, Board President, will call the Board of Education Regular meeting to order.

Rationale: 

The Board Secretary will conduct roll call attendance. 

Rationale:  Mrs. Erin Field, Otte Middle School Assistant Principal & Activities Director, along with middle school girls wrestlers will lead the Board in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Mrs. Field and the wrestlers will give a brief report about their first season. 

Rationale: 

• October 9 2023 Board of Education Regular Meeting Minutes

Rationale: 

• General Fund
• Building Fund and Savings & Depreciation

Rationale: 

• Activity Fund
• General Fund

Rationale:  The District received a $1,000 donation from Blair Community Schools Foundation via Joe Unstad Memorial.  The donation is to support the purchase of new middle school girls' basketball uniforms.  

Rationale:  The Blair Dance Center, under the direction of Jill Sailors, is requesting the use of the Blair High School Auditorium from May 28-June 2, 2024 for their annual dance recital.  June 2, 2024 is a Sunday and requires Board approval.  A fee does accompany this facility request.  

Rationale:  Mr. Siecke received a request from the Blair Wrestling Club for the use of the high school main gym, auxiliary gym, wrestling room and concession stand/atrium for their annual youth tournament.  The tournament is scheduled for Sunday, December 3rd, 2023 from 8:00am - 4:00pm.  Mr. Siecke supports this request as the Blair Wrestling Club is an incredibly valuable partner for our athletic department and donates a large amount of funds to our wrestling programs each season.  This tournament is a major benefit to the community and our teams. 

Rationale:  A letter has been received from Emily Schultz, Blair High School Cheer Coach, and Tyler Siecke, Activities Director, requesting permission for the BHS Competition Cheer Squad to attend three (3) upcoming cheerleading competitions. Since these competitions are scheduled for a Sunday, it requires Board approval. 

1. Sunday, December 10, 2023 - Elkhorn South Cheer Showcase. 
2. Sunday, January 14, 2024 - Hearland Championships in Lincon, NE. 
3. Sunday, January 28, 2024 - Jam the Gym held at Millard West High School.  

Rationale:  Mr. Siecke received a request from the Blair Volleyball Club (BVC) for the use of the high school Auxiliary Gym on Sunday evenings from 6:00-8:00pm from December 10th, 2023 through February 25th, 2024 (excluding the holiday break).  In order to promote the Blair Community Schools belief in students participating in multiple activities, the BVC has selected this time frame to not interfere with other groups and their established times.  Mr. Siecke supports this request as it will directly benefit Blair students as the group is comprised of middle school students that are interested in continuing to play volleyball.  

Rationale:  This is the portion of the meeting when members of the public may address the board about matters of public concern.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHO WISH TO SPEAK:

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The Policy Committee met on Monday, November 6, 2023.  Meeting minutes are attached.

State Statute 79-550
Policy 201.02-Board Membership - Elections and Appointments
603.03-Curriculum Guides and Standards
604.01-Basic Instruction Program
604.03-Special Education
604.04-Multicultural Education
610.02-District Assessment Plan
608.02-Media and Technology Services - NEW 
508.09-Guidance and Counseling 
402.18-Staff Development and Professional Learning Community (PLC) - NEW 
300.01-Principles and Objectives of Administration
1002.01-Annual Report and School Improvement 

Rationale: 

The Buildings, Grounds, and Transportation Committee met on Tuesday October 24, 2023.  Meeting minutes are attached.

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The Finance Committee met on Tuesday, November 7, 2023.  Meeting minutes are attached.

Rationale:  Kelli Westphal, Blair High School English Teacher, Yearbook and Newspaper Advisor, has submitted her letter of resignation upon the conclusion of the 2023-24 school year. 

Rationale:  Monthly Board Reports

• Director of Student Services
• Blair High School
• Otte Middle School
• Arbor Park Intermediate
• K-2 Primary Schools

Rationale:  The Board of Education is authorized by state statute to hold closed sessions.  Closed sessions may be held when clearly necessary for the protection of the public interest or for the prevention of needless injury to the reputation of an individual.  Reasons that meet this standard include but are not limited to:  (a) strategy sessions with respect to collective bargaining, real estate matters, pending litigation, or litigation which is imminent as evidenced by communication of a claim or threat of litigation to or by the public body; (b) discussion regarding deployment of security personnel or devices; (c) investigative proceedings regarding allegations of criminal misconduct; (d) evaluation of the job performance of a person when necessary to prevent needless injury to the reputation of a person and if such person has not requested a public meeting; and (e) legal advice.