OSMOND — The District 42R Board of Education had an early meeting on Monday, Oct. 21, because of conference volleyball that evening. The board met at 1 p.m. in the multipurpose room.
The meeting began with a Zoom meeting with Jessi Hedlund, who gave a presentation on the Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) program.
Osmond Principal Kurt Polt introduced Ms. Hedlund, whom he had met at a recent Administrators Days.
JAG is a national program that solves challenges that students face. Its specialists teach elective classes for credit in high schools. They pro- vide life skills, job skills, hands-on experience, and a year of follow-up to support the transition from graduation to employment, military service, and/ or post-secondary education.
Polt said there could be some merit to joining this program with Joe Ort meier retiring — Superintendent Skip Bremer read Ortmeier’s resignation letter during the meeting. Ortmeier, among other classes, was the instructor for Career and Technical Education (CTE).
An instructor from JAG would be employed by that program and would be paid by JAG for the first two years.
Polt said he is not saying this is what the district should do, but with Ortmeier retiring, the school is in a “crunch,” and this could be an option.
The board did not make a decision, but agreed the next step is to advertise for Mr. Ortmeier’s position.
Principal’s Report
Principal Polt reported that the 11th grade class completed the ASVAB test on Oct. 10, and The 10th grade class attended the Northeast Nebraska Career Day at Wayne State College on Oct. 16.
Polt noted that district cross country was held in Pender on Thursday, Oct. 17; unfortunately, no one on the Os- mond team qualified. He also reported that first round football playoffs will be held Oct. 24, but Wausa-Osmond did not qualify.
Fall break is scheduled for Friday, Oct. 25. Volleyball subdistricts will be held Oct. 28 and 29, Polt said. The honors breakfast for the first quarter will also be held Oct. 29.
Polt advised that the Lewis & Clark Vocal Music Clinic/Concert will be held Nov. 4 in Randolph, and added that Erin Wagner was chosen for the NMEA All-State Choir for the third year in a row.
The next in-service is scheduled for Nov. 13; the watching of state man dated trainings will continue, he added.
Polt also reported that one student from Osmond and three from Wausa will attend the national FFA convention.
Superintendent’s Report
Superintendent Bremer began his report by praising the marching band, which had a hugely successful year, he said.
Bremer gave a brief report on the co-op with Wausa, saying that all items for the feasibility study have been submitted to Nebraska Rural Community Schools Association (NRCSA). He said the football season went well; the schools worked well together.
The superintendent said the building remodel is getting closer. The secretary has moved into the new front office; they are just waiting for the window for the entrance, and door installation for the vestibule.
Bremer advised that registration and hotel reservations have been made for SCHOOL BOARD RECEIVES LETTER OF RESIGNATION the NASB State Education Conference, and he will be going down early for the preconference.
Bremer reported that the Rule 10 safety visit was held Sept. 19; Craig Frerichs had many positive comments on the school’s facilities and procedures. Bremer said the district is scheduled to have its Rule 10 compliance visit this year as well.
The district’s annual audit was also conducted, Bremer said. One of the items he was told to do was to move the $500,000 loan back into the depreciation fund, so that has been done. Bremer shared that he has been reviewing as many data points with the Nebraska Department of Education on PowerSchool as possible.
Mr. Bremer then asked the board about having a board retreat in No- vember to discuss staffing. The date of Monday, Nov. 25, was chosen.
Other business
Board Member Tyler Gansebom reported on the community sign, saying that the committee is moving forward with getting it placed on the south side of Highway 20.
The board heard a letter read from Joe Ortmeier, officially notifying the district of his resignation and thanking the board, staff and administration. The board noted Ortmeier has had 41 years of coaching and teaching, all at Osmond Community School. All had good things to say about him, with board member Michelle Reikofski saying “He’s a class act.”
In action items, the board approved a motion to renew the HVAC service agreement with Trace for a three-year contract.
