The Broken Bow School Board held a quick meeting on Monday, April 18 that included approving teachers’ contracts.
Regarding action items, the board approved the contracts for new 6-12 Principal Dan Helberg and two teachers. BBPS Superintendent Darren Tobey told the board the school has hired for all positions with the exception of the special education position that has been sought after the last couple of years. He also noted the new counselor is being utilized by the school and said he is busy as soon as he arrives.
The board approved using the Anderson Endowment Fund to pay for the hotel package for the 14 HOSA students who recently attended the state competition. To use the fund, the school board approves sending the bill to the Custer County Foundation, who then decides if the bill meets the criteria to pay for the trip. In the past, the endowment has been used to pay for other activity bills such as wrestling, cheerleading, and FBLA. The cost for the hotel package was $3,960.
Also approved during the meeting were the teacher negotiations which included a $300 base pay increase, classified wage raises, and the $111,765 technology order which includes teachers’ computers and Chrome books.
Following the meeting, Board President Tom Osmond spoke to KCNI/KBBN to clarify a vote that took place at the work session meeting on April 4. Osmond stated the board can vote at any public meeting that has been advertised, but noted 99% of the time votes will take place during the regular meeting. He remarked in this case the Board was up against a deadline regarding contract negotiations and, at the advice of a lawyer, decided to take a vote on two contract resignations. The board voted to accept the resignation of the Director of Teaching and Learning, Trent Benjamin, and a high school teacher.
The next Broken Bow School Board work session meeting will be held on May 2 beginning at 10 AM. The work session will start with a closed session before progressing into regular business. The next regular meeting will be on May 16 at 7:30 PM.
