The Broken Bow School Board met for a regular meeting on Monday, December 16, at the Broken Bow Library. All current and newly elected board members, including Colby Fisher, JD White, and Amy Staples, who retained her seat, were present.
Before the members proceeded with the agenda, the board president, Tom Osmond, personally thanked Mary Shaw and J.B. Atkins for their eight years of service on the Broken Bow School Board. School Superintendent Darren Tobey also thanked Shaw and Atkins and noted that the school has come a long way in seven years. He appreciated what Mary and J.B. had brought to the board and school district, along with the guidance they provided for him. Tobey said the board will miss their contributions.
Following the approval of the minutes from the previous meeting, Amy Staples provided the Treasurer’s and Claims report. Staples stated that income in November totaled 173,000, and expenses totaled 980,000. Staples noted that the monthly budget numbers are expected to be similar to previous budgets except in the revenue column, where the school is bringing in about 100,000 less because the school’s tax request is less. Following clarification on three expenditures, the board unanimously approved the reports.
Broken Bow High School Business Teacher Angie Palmer and several students attended the meeting as part of their FBLA “Connect to Business Ribbon Project.” Part of the project requires the FBLA students to attend a formal public meeting to learn how the process works. Ms. Palmer also underscored some of this year’s FBLA activities and accomplishments. Other Ribbon Projects contained business tours and reaching out to business leaders to learn about different aspects of their operations. This past November, some Broken Bow FBLA students were able to attend the 2024 National Fall Leadership Conference in Columbus, Ohio. The FBLA students have successfully participated in two business competitions, with another scheduled in February 2025 and then on to a state competition in April 2025.
During the agenda’s action and discussion items, the board approved a three-year contract with Superintendent Darren Tobey for $180,000 per year with a $1,150 transportation allowance per month and a $1,250 housing allowance per month. Board President Tom Osmond said that, during the superintendent evaluation, Tobey received 3.5 out of 4. Osmond said the assessment indicates a need to improve middle and high school testing scores, which will be a top priority.
Ms. Staples asked that the board clearly state that MAPS testing scores will not be tied to teacher or superintendent incentives or state aid. Osmond acknowledged that at one time, superintendent incentives based on testing existed. However, that is no longer the case, so MAP scores will no longer be tied to state funds or salaries.
The board also approved the financial audit and school policies.
The next work session is scheduled for January 6 at noon. Board officers will be elected at the next regular meeting, scheduled for January 20 at 6 p.m. Both meetings are open to the public and held at the Broken Bow Public Library.
