A presentation on the Multi-tiered System of Support (MTSS) model being implemented at Wayne Community Schools and the hiring of several new teachers for the district were among the items on the agenda when the Wayne Community Schools' Board of Education met March 13.
Dr. Casey Hurner, with the Nebraska MTSS, shared information on the program and what has taken place in recent years.
"This is a multi-tiered system involving social, emotional and behaviors learning that is aimed at doing what's best for your kids," Dr. Hurner said.
She said those involved began by looking at the district's strategic plan's priorities and worked to create a plan using system-wide data, strategic planning and professional planning and implementation.
"This involves lots of people working together and is a continuous process. The initial implementation takes two to four years and then we work for continuous improvement," Dr. Hurner said.
The goal is to ensure "each and every student has access to learning experiences that enhance their educational outcomes."
The Nebraska MTSS works through the Department of Education to promote whole child support, early intervention for students who need additional support, an integrated system involving all educators, support for every learner and a positive culture and climate.
Board members also took action to create two new teaching positions in the district.
Because of large numbers in the second grade class, board members agreed to adding an additional classroom teacher. This teacher will move with the students as they move through the school.
This will mean there will be four sections of the class, allowing for smaller class sizes and the ability to better serve those with high needs.
Later in the meeting, Paige Kinnaman was hired to fill an elementary teaching position for the district.
In addition, an additional English teacher for junior high schools was added.
School administrators shared information on class sizes and noted that larger classes currently at the elementary school will be moving to junior high in coming years.
McKenna Nelson was hired to fill this new position.
Following the board's acceptance of the resignation of Traci Krusemark as junior high English/Math teacher, the board approved the hiring of Michaela Fehringer to fill the Math position.
Board members also accepted the resignation of Lindsey Knutson, 7-12 school counselor. This will be effective at the end of this school year.
In old business, board members approved on second reading the 2023-2024 Early Learning Center Handbook and the elimination of Policy 6241, which dealt with the Purpose of Homework. This policy was similar to another policy and not necessary.
Board members approved two bids for work to be done this summer.
The first of this was for $15,890 from Sebade Construction. This is concrete work to be done on several entryways at the school.
The second was for $8,218.76 from Jason Sears Flooring for the carpeting of two rooms at the high school.
Board members spent a portion of Monday's meeting discussing option enrollment numbers for the various grade levels.
Dr. Lenihan shared enrollment numbers for each grade and the number of option enrollment students the district could accept. It was noted that these numbers are higher at the high school level as students in these grades have the opportunity to enroll elective classes, reducing the number of students in individual classes at any one time.
During administration reports, Superintendent Dr. Mark Lenihan told the board that teacher renewal contracts went out this week and teachers have 15 days to return them. He said the board may wish to consider changing the time frame for this as there are not a lot of applicants for open positions.
The summer schedule for the elementary school was discussed. This includes work on the HVAC system, fire alarm system and re-surfacing of the gym floor.
Because of this work, youth from Rainbow World Childcare will be using the commons area of the high school this summer rather than the elementary school.
Having the youth at the school allows them to be closer to the Community Activity Center and Wayne Public Library for a number of summer activities.
Summer school will take place at the elementary school and Camp Invention will be held at the junior-senior high school.
Also during administrator reports, board members learned of a recent vaping assembly, the upcoming ACT testing for juniors, the number of students enrolled at the Early Learning Center, the number of students who attended Kindergarten Round-Up and the status of spring sports.
The Wayne Community Schools' Board of Education will next meet in regular session on Monday, April 10 at 5 p.m.
