A relatively short meeting of the Wayne Community Schools' Board of Education included the second reading of a number of policies and the approval of an interlocal agreement with the City of Wayne for a School Resource Officer.
Superintendent Dr. Mark Lenihan told the board that there were no changes to the majority of these policies since they were presented at the last meeting.
These policies deal with anti-discrimination; a procurement plan: school food authorities; internal controls; safe driving record standard for drivers; anti-harassment and anti-retaliation; drug use; admission requirements; part-time enrollment; promotion and retention; notification of rights under FERPA; association activities; equal opportunity; foster care student transportation; electronic communication devices and cell phones and behavioral intervention and classroom management.
The interlocal agreement with the City of Wayne will provide for a school resource officer to be at the school for 21 hours per week during the time school is in session. The agreement was earlier approved by the Wayne City Council at a rate of $48.52 per hour.
A payment to Hausman Construction in the amount of $607,501.41 was approved.
Superintendent Dr. Mark Lenihan updated the board on several items remaining on the punch list. These include the re-pouring of some of the panels of concrete in the parking lot and work on the interior doors at the Early Learning Center.
At the present time there is $217,500 remaining to be paid to Hausman Construction and that amount will be paid after those items are completed.
Board members approved on second reading the 2025-2026 Certificated Staff Handbook after discussing the need to include information on a fire escape route in the handbook.
This information was deleted as each room in each of the buildings has signage indicating the fire escape route.
The Non-Certificated Staff Handbook also received second reading approval with no changes.
Discussion was again held on the purchase of voluntary student accident and catastrophic insurance for students in the district.
Superintendent Lenihan updated the board on information he had received since the last meeting and talked about what the policy covers.
He said the insurance would "kick in after coverage by the Nebraska School Activities Association (NSAA) and would cover groups such as cheer team and band."
The coverage will go into effect Aug. 1.
In other action, the board approved a transfer of $100,000 from the General Fund to the Lunch Fund.
This action was necessary to be able to pay the bills associated with the start of the school year. The district will not receive reimbursement for some of the lunch program costs until November.
Board member approved an audit engagement letter with Dana F. Cole & Company , LLP for the district's annual audit. The firm has been with the district for several year and will begin gathering the needed information for the report which needs to be submitted by early November.
The rate of pay for substitute teachers was raised from $155 to $160 per day on a unanimous vote.
The Wayne Community Schools Board of Education will next meet in regular session on Monday, Aug. 11 in the junior-senior high school library.
