BROKEN BOW—The school board of Broken Bow Public Schools met for a work session on Monday evening. Director of Operations Joe Shea presented his comprehensive operations plan. He said major projects will be introduced over a couple years but would like to focus on some cosmetic issues for the activities building, install egress windows at the preschool, and add steel doors and frames to the middle school. Joe Shea told KCNI/KBBN that approximately 130 cameras are spread throughout the schools and are transitioning to digital.
Each school board member was assigned homework on Monday evening, to review and inspect some American History textbooks that is.
The board has been in communication with Darren Tobey, who was hired last week as next year’s superintendent (Click here to view the March 6 story). Mr. Tobey has 30 days available to spend in Broken Bow to work with the board and ease the transition with current Superintendent Tom Bailey. Board members said Tobey would like to be part of the strategic plan, staffing issues, and major expenses regarding next year’s budget.
Bailey reported that contracts have been extended to administration and the board needs to review and discuss raises. The administration did not receive raises last year. The board agreed to review comparison studies with other schools. In 2016-2017, Kim Jonas reported that out of a 20-school study, the administration cost per student was on average $881. The cost for Broken Bow administration per pupil that year was $685. Comparisons will be reviewed and the item was put on the board meeting agenda for next week.
Penny Myers has volunteered to act as secretary of the school board, in addition to her duties as a paraeducator. The board will vote next week.
Pam Holcomb reviewed with the board and administration the Threat Assessment and Response Policy (Policy #3039). The policy discussion involved the steps taken to address a threat and who acts as part of the “crisis team.” The policy currently outlines four steps including 1) Obligation to Report threatening Statements or Behaviors, 2) Threat Assessment Investigation and Response, 3) Communication with the Public about Reported Threats, and 4) Coordination with the Crisis Team After Resolution of Threat.
The work session adjourned at 8:17 p.m. The Broken Bow School Board will meet on Monday, March 19.
