The Broken Bow Board of Education held its regular meeting on the evening of March 17th at the Broken Bow Library. All board members were present except Tim Chancellor. The board excused his absence.
The board promptly approved verification of publication and notification, minutes of the previous meeting, and the Treasurer’s report before hearing Superintendent Darren Tobey talk about the school district’s recent accolades. Tobey congratulated nine Broken Bow High School Students who competed in the Health Occupation, Students of America, or HOSA State tournament. Because of their success in the Nebraska competition, they will attend the national tournament in Nashville, Tennessee, in June. Mr. Tobey also mentioned students’ accomplishments in the Custer County Spelling Bee, Southwest Conference Speech Meet, State Cheer, and the Bow Invitational Quiz Bowl. Finally, Tobey congratulated Broken Bow Sr. Cal Wells on becoming a State Wrestling Champion.
Kassi Henderson of Broken Bow spoke during a time set aside for public comment about Girls Junior High wresting. Ms. Henderson thanked the board members for approving the start of girls’ high school wrestling this year and asked the board if there was anything she and others could do to help get girls junior high wrestling started next year. Henderson’s fourteen-year-old daughter Dacie participated in the new program this year, and she is hoping Shelby, her second daughter, who is twelve, could be a part of a Jr. High team that could help build wrestlers for the high school team. Superintendent Tobey said work is underway to evaluate possibly starting girl’s junior high wrestling next year. Assistant Principal/Activities Director Jeff Ellis will be on the agenda for the April meeting to discuss the issue further.
School Board President Tom Osmond announced the need for new committees to determine duties and develop a proper chain of command. Superintendent Tobey will share high school Principal duties with Jeff Ellis and Carlie Wells next year rather than fill the position. Osmond appointed himself, Amy Staples, and Tim Chancellor to determine Tobey’s role with the extra duties. Osmond said that because Mr. Tobey will be acting in part as principal and as full-time superintendent, the new committee will address any submitted complaints about the principal’s actions. Osmond appointed JD White, Pam Holcomb, and Colby Fisher for that purpose.
Seven policy reviews were approved, and the negotiations policy was tabled for further attention to detail.
The board accepted the resignations submitted by School Psychologist McKayla Bacon and Educator Martha Berguist and approved contracts for Shannon Ryan and Nikki Kleeb. Ms. Ryan will teach Spanish, and Ms. Kleeb will teach 6th and 7th-grade math.
The board approved the purchase of new Chromebooks and Pro-books for $79,410.70 and a 2025 Chevy Suburban 4WD LS for $61,955.00. Both purchases are part of the school’s long-term replacement plans.
The school board will meet for a work session on April 7th at noon and meet for a regular meeting on April 21st at 6:00 pm. Both board meetings will be held at the Broken Bow Library and are open to the public.
