The Broken Bow School Board met for its regular meeting Monday, August 18. Board members Jennifer Jackson and Amy Staples were absent from the meeting.
State funding discussed by school board
During board member comments, member Pam Holcomb discussed the August 9th Nebraska Association of School Boards (NASB) board of directors meeting she attended. Among the topics at that meeting, Holcomb noted that the Education Futures Fund is not being funded as anticipated. The fund began with a $1 billion investment in 2023, and was to be renewed at $250 million annually.
This funding falls short its intended needs, however. Holcomb indicated this has the potential to affect local school funding, such as reimbursement for special education, as well as foundation aid paid to schools at a rate of $1,500 per student annually. Board Member Tom Osmond noted that a lack of state aid may result in needing to increase local property tax levies to make up the difference.
Future Business Leaders report on national conference
Members of the Broken Bow Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) chapter were present, along with BBPS teacher and FBLA sponsor Angie Palmer, to report on their recent trip to Anaheim, CA for the FBLA National Leadership Conference. The students were able to attend seminars on new technologies such as AI, and engage in competition against students from the United States, US territories, and others from around the world.
Palmer thanked the board and community business sponsors for allowing the team to travel to the conference. Palmer stated it was an amazing experience for the students, noting that “competition was intense”, with many events involving several hundred students.
While no Broken Bow students placed this year, Palmer noted that Nebraska is generally highly ranked in these competitions overall. The FBLA students are looking forward to next year’s event in San Antonio, TX.
Correction to preschool fees and accolades
Preschool fees were discussed by the board, with a correction made for the 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 school years. Fees for preschool are increasing in 2025, but will remain the same at $160 per month through 2027.
BBPS Superintendent Darren Tobey told the board that 14 North Park and 3 Middle School teachers are attending a training workshop in Kearney on enhance writing instruction.
Tobey also praised school nurse Jory French for the recent training she provided to school staff on first aide procedures. Tobey noted having French conduct this course saved the school from having to bring in an outside instructor for the training.
Upcoming Meetings
The board tentatively set August 29 to conduct an NASB School Board retreat. This additional training will provide board members with information on their roles and priorities.
The board will meet on September 3 at 11:00 for a budget hearing, and hold its next regular board meeting on September 15 at 6:00 pm.
