OSMOND — The 42R Board of Education began the Monday, Dec. 9, school board meeting with a presentation by FFA advisor Jessica Evans. Mrs. Evans gave an overview of the group, saying that since its inception in Osmond, it went from 18 students to 28 last year and 33 this year with the Osmond-Wausa co-op.
Evans said the group has 16 state degree recipients and nine American FFA degree recipients, and shared some of the other successes in dairy judging, land judging and grants received in the past few years.
Some of the grants received have gone toward the Osmond FFA’s chicken coop and various animal simulators. Board members asked questions about land judging and the simulators. They also asked how the co-op with Wausa is going — very well, she said.
Principal’s Report
Principal Kurt Polt reported that the K-g Christmas concert will be held on Dec. 17 at 6 p.m., with the 7-12 concert at 7:30 p.m.
Polt advised that the last day of school for the first semester will be Dec. 20, and report cards will be mailed home on Jan. 9. Christmas break begins Dec. 21, with faculty reporting back on Jan. 6 and students returning Jan. 7. The NSAA moratorium will run from Dec. 22 through Dec. 26.
Mr. Polt told the board that the school has received a donation from Michael Foods for $1,500, which will go toward the school library.
A copy of the 2025-26 school year calendar was distributed, which Polt said is just a first draft. He also said, re garding FFA, that the school will host the district FFA convention next year.
Principal Polt reported that he has received two paraeducator applications. He said he has also received several applications for K-6 principal, and that person might have other duties. The administrators will make a recommendation to the board.
Board member Tyler Gansebom asked what drove the decision for a full-time K-6 principal, to which Polt replied that “the need is there.” In answer to another question, the board was told that it doesn’t have any involvement with the interview process, and the administrators explained how that would work.
Superintendent’s Report
Superintendent Skip Bremer read through a number of board policies, SCHOOL BOARD HEARS UPDATE ON FFA PROGRAM
several of which had suggested changes.
Bremer reported that the Osmond and Wausa committees met Dec. 2 with NRCSA to go through the draft of the feasibility study. Among the discussion items were: making sure patrons know this isn’t just for “merger data” but for partnering opportunities between the two districts, with consolidation being one possible partnership — but not the only one; adding current K-12 by grade size to the report; St. Mary’s numbers — most come to Osmond Community School so wanted to change wording, as well as several other topics.
Bremer went over some enrollment projections with the board and described how he came up with the numbers. A public joint community presentation will be held Jan. 15 with the two boards, which will include a NRCSA presentation. The location and time has not yet been set.
Bremer gave a building and office remodel update, saying the school is still waiting to be scheduled for the security window for the entrance. Door installation and glass replacement in the vestibule will be completed during Christmas break. Boosters on the surveillance monitors have been installed and the flow of motion on the recordings is much better, he said. The freight door has been replaced. Bremer set up a meeting with the facilities and grounds committee (Larry Krohn and Mark Moes) to discuss next summer’s projects.
Mr. Bremer advised that he had met with Paige Kumm that day to decide on a suitable location for before or after school care, which could also be used during vacation days or no school days. It was decided to use the school library. There are two students so far, and she can go up to 14. It was suggested that it be done on a trial basis. The board will get an update at the next meeting. Bremer said there is a C4K meeting next month in Pierce to continue to discuss needs; he will have more information next month.
Bremer reported that the Unified Bowling team has concluded its season and finished second in the B4 District competition. He also reported that the Rule 10 compliance visit was set for Dec. 10 at 1:30 p.m.
The superintendent told board members that the NRCSA spring conference will be held March 19-21, and asked who would be attending.
Board Comments
President Mark Moes thanked Michaels Foods for the donation to the school library. He commented on the football and wrestling coops with Wausa, noting further efforts need to be made to recognize all of the student athletes.
Board member Tiffany Rice commented on elementary athletics sponsored by parents, which is different than school-sponsored athletics.
Board Member Larry Krohn mentioned, and the board discussed, some of the city sidewalks near school that are in need of attention.
Board Vacancy, Gym Floor Discussed
During discussion on action items, the board discussed the board vacancy which occurred when there was a failure to elect sufficient new board members as there were only two on the ballot. Prior to the election, no patron petitioned through Pierce County to have their name added to the election ballot, nor petitioned Pierce County to be a write-in candidate. When a vacancy happens, the school board must appoint someone to fill the va cant position. Current board member Michelle Reikofski’s term ends at the end of December, but she has agreed to be appointed at the January meeting.
The board discussed resurfacing of the gym floor next summer. There were two bids to consider: one by Court Floors, which the school has used in the past, and the other by Midwest Floor Specialists, which was cheaper, but which would not be done until 2026. The board decided to go with Court Floors, with the grounds committee to decide on placements of logos and lettering.
The board then discussed their annual superintendent’s evaluation with Superintendent Bremer.
