Adding an additional educational program, creating an additional position for the technology help desk and the possibility of adding teaching positions within the district were all discussed during Monday's regular meeting of the Wayne Community Schools' Board of Education.
Board members approved on first reading an Agenda Item Management (AIM) document for creating a Level III program within the district. It involves a specific category of special needs students and will allow the district to have more oversight in the education of these students and could ultimately result in reduced costs.
Special Education Director Misty Beair told board members that with the opening of the Early Learning Center and moving the youngest students out of the Elementary Building, there is room for this program. She said there are currently students who would qualify for it and explained the district's responsibility for these students.
Board members had several questions regarding how the program would work and funding. Additional information will be gathered from schools in the area that have this type of program and the item will be brought back to the board for next month's meeting.
Board members also received information on the need to have an additional person for the position of technology help desk.
Superintendent Dr. Mark Lenihan told the board that "there was a lot of work getting technology to the Early Learning Center and managing three buildings is a challenge." He also said that at one time in the district's history, there was additional staff in the technology department.
This item will also be brought back for second reading at the board's next meeting.
Board members received information on areas within the district where there is a need for additional teachers.
These include Art, Math, English/Social Studies and an additional teacher for the second grade.
Board members asked Dr. Lenihan to bring back more information on what these teaching positions would look like and budget numbers on how they would impact the district.
During the communications from the public portion of the meeting, the board listened to a presentation from Wayne High speech coaches Dwaine Spieker, Grace Longe and Sarah Otjenbruns.
Spieker told the board that the speech team has "had a remarkable run since 2021" and highlighted some of the successes of the team, including a number of district and state champions.
He also talked about some of the challenges facing in the team, including the fact that with the number of students involved and the "props" that needed to be transported, the team does not fit on one bus.
Additionally, costs for meals served during the Wayne High/Wayne State Classic have risen considerably in recent years. Money raised during the school's junior high speech meet generally offset some of this cost, but there have not been as many students involved.
The availability of coaches is also a challenge to the program, as is the fact that many of the students involved have other commitments.
Special recognition was given at Monday's meeting to Bookkeeper Diane Peters, who is retiring after 43 years of service to the district.
Dr. Lenihan and the board thanked her for her many years of service and wished her well in retirement.
In other action, the board approved payment application no. 29, in the amount of $8,000 to Hausmann Construction for the building/remodel project. This represents the final payment on the project.
Approval was given for the renewal of a cybersecurity insurance policy for $8,500. The cost of this insurance is $500 more than last year and is provided to the district through Northeast Nebraska Insurance Agency, Inc.
During committee reports, the list of items on the Facility/Safety/Finance Committee report included the fact that the district's new vans have been delivered and are seeing considerable use; discussion on the district's investments will be held in the near future; work that needs to be done on both the gym floor and bleachers at the high school and creating a master plan for bleachers and other improvements at the Kern Track.
Dr. Lenihan also shared information on insurance rates for the coming school year, the district's annual financial report and told the board that the district will be hosting a District Speech meet on March 16 for three different districts. This will mean there will be no school for students that day.
The Wayne Community Schools' Board of Education will next meet in regular session on Monday, Jan. 12 at 5 p.m. in the junior-senior high school library.
