BROKEN BOW—The Broken Bow School Board met until after 10 p.m. on Monday and discussed some hard hitting topics. In light of the tragic Florida school shooting, board member J.B. Atkins reported that he was approached by a group who is willing to help fund any measures the school would want to take in terms of additional security.
Superintendent Tom Bailey said the schools do everything they can, but are still limited. He said most school shootings occur within three to nine minutes. Doors are locked, cameras are in place, and staff will undergo an active shooter training in the near future.
Bailey also mentioned computer safeguards to alert teachers of questionable content. Bailey said the lack of mental health care facilities in the area makes things difficult. The board and administration said the overall goal is to keep everyone safe but the question remains how to do that without turning schools into armed fortresses.
“They’re [schools] not armed camps, they aren’t designed that way so we have to work with what we have and that’s our best defense is from our own students,” Bailey said.
Staff and students work together to have open relationships and communicate any possible problems.
In other business, the board reviewed the District Report Card which breaks down student demographics, district finances, and student academic performance for the 861 Broken Bow students. The board requested future report cards to include ACT scores and a breakdown of certified and non-certified staff.
At the recommendation of staff and based on a previous policy, the board approved to not accept option enrollment students if it increases class size to more than 22 students.
As per the science department presentation on January 15, chemistry was approved as a required course for graduation.
The Negotiated Agreement between the school board and Broken Bow Education Association (BBEA) was approved, with some changes made to the extra duty roster. There will be no increase to the base pay ($34,350). (Click here to read the February 5 story.)
Treasurer Atkins reported expenses and income for the last month and said the depreciation account is well funded
“We had income of $1.377 million which was a pretty good jump over the previous month, which was down a little bit. Expenditures were $881,000 so we’re still underneath the budgeted amount. So again, we’re in good shape there. Year to date, we’re still just a tick—about $200,000—under last year in expenses so that puts us on a good track to be where we need to be on the budget,” Atkins said.
Due to snow days, one day will be added to the end of this year. The 2018-2019 academic calendar was approved.
The board accepted resignation from Speech Pathologist Bonnie Hickman-Kamarad who is retiring after 37 years with the Broken Bow Schools.
Business Manager Heather Nichols has resigned and has also served as the school board secretary. The issue of which direction to take for finding a new secretary was tabled. The board also discussed a leave of absence request. Superintendent interviews will take place on March 5 and a work session was scheduled for March 12 at 7:30 p.m.
Tom Bailey acknowledged the Broken Bow Chamber of Commerce Excellence in Customer Service Award for an Individual: Jim Zlomke with the schools and thanked him for his work.
On behalf of the school board, Tom Osmond thanked the Russell family for the $124,000 donation to the BB schools, presentation on February 9.
