The Broken Bow School Board met in regular session Monday evening, November 17, in the BBPS District Conference Room.
In discussing the Treasurer’s Report and Claims, a handful of items not covered under the Bond Fund for the building project are still being paid, including approximately $20,000 for Flooring in the Activities Building, $28,000 for the Welding Shop, and $40,000 for asbestos control. Superintendent Darren Tobey noted that as these expenses begin to no longer be necessary, spending will begin to come closer to normal for monthly expenses.
Conferences Discussed in District Accolades
In District Accolades, Tobey indicated several groups had been on educational trips and conferences. Broken Bow’s Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) chapter had traveled to UNL and UNK to examine facets of health education and physical therapy. The Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) group attended its National Fall Leadership Conference in Phoenix, AZ. Nine members of the FFA squad attended its annual conference in Indianapolis, IN.
FFA Advisor Caleb tenBensel was on hand and noted Broken Bow Alum Lucas Bell had been awarded the American FFA Degree, and that the group toured a variety of sites, including Iowa State University during their trip.
Fall Sports Awards are also beginning to be announced. Broken Bow members of the All District Football team were recognized. Tobey indicated Volleyball awards will be available soon.
Board and Admin Comments Address Upcoming Activities and Construction Progress
School Board President Tom Osmond noted in Board Comments that several members of the School Board will soon be attending the State Education Conference in Omaha. Several sessions are available for school board members and other education professionals November 19 – 21.
In Administrative Comments, Tobey indicated that work on new locker rooms near the school gym had been completed, with students moved in last week. Remaining classrooms are on track for completion over the Christmas break.
Tobey also hosted a public session today to allow Broken Bow citizens without students in the school system to see how the school operates. Tobey referred to the session as “Golden Connections”. While only 5 people were in attendance at today’s session, this was viewed as a good start, with Tobey hoping for more in future meetings.
Board Approves 2024 – 2025 Audit
With no changes made from the draft Financial Audit presented at the November 3 Working Meeting, the Board approved the audit with no discussion at the regular session.
At the Working Session earlier in the month, Jeff Oeltjen of Broken Bow accountants Dana F. Cole & Company stated that, even with the issues surrounding the fraud addressed earlier in the year, the schools financial audit was clean with an “unqualified opinion”.
The Audit Report is available to the public on the Nebraska Auditor’s Website.
Early Graduation Policies Trigger Discussion
Some confusion around the various policies regarding early graduation requirements caused the most discussion of the evening. Policy 5066 governing Early Graduation was updated to add a provision allowing for early graduates to participate in commencement ceremonies.
There was question however whether Policy 6006 on Commencement was consistently worded in a way that would allow those that meet requirements for graduation early to attend the commencement ceremony.
Tobey explained that Policy 6006 primarily deals with students in the senior class who have not met graduation requirements participating in the ceremony with their peers. Policy 5066 deals with students graduating before their senior year (i.e., as a Junior).
In other cases, some students may opt to obtain their diploma early; such students would not be able to attend commencement (or other school activities such as prom) as they would no longer be considered students. However, some students may meet the requirements to graduate early, such as in the middle of their senior year, but not take their diploma, and still be able to walk with the rest of their class at the commencement ceremony. The Board will consider clarifying or adding policy to more clearly address this situation. In the meantime, parents and students with questions are encouraged to contact BBPS administration for clarification.
With no further business, the Broken Bow School Board adjourned at 6:32 PM. The next meeting of the School Board will be December 1 for a working meeting at 11:00, with a regular meeting Monday December 15 at 6:00 PM.
