Two public presentations and discussion of policies on a wide variety of topics were among the items on the agenda when the Wayne Community Schools' Board of Education met for lengthy meeting on Monday.
Board members first heard from Wayne America, Inc. Executive Director Luke Virgil on some the changes the organization has undergone in recent months, including new staff.
He thanked the board for the school's involvement with the organization and shared information on both the funding for the organization and some of the activities that they are involved with.
Also making a presentation at the meeting was Melinda Vraspir with Linepco, the school's Pepsi vendor. She said they have enjoyed working with the school and are looking to add new products to those they are providing to the school.
Discussion of board policies took up a considerable amount of time during the meeting.
These included an annual review of policies on anti-bullying, student fees, wellness, homeless students and parent/community involvement in schools.
First reading was held for policies regarding anti-discrimination, a procurement plan for school food authorities, internal controls, safe driving record standard of drivers, anti-discrimination, anti-harassment and anti-retaliation, drug use, admission requirements, part-time enrollment, notification of rights under FERPA, promotion and retention, association activities, equal opportunity, identification of gifted, foster care student transportation, electronic communication devices and cell phones and behavioral intervention and classroom management.
Superintendent Dr. Mark Lenihan shared information with the board on what the school does to comply with each of these policies.
Also on Monday's agenda was the second reading of handbooks for all levels in the district.
New this year is a separate handbook for the K-2 Early Learning Center that was previously part of the Elementary handbook.
All of these handbooks were approved with changes mandated by legislation being included.
Prices for school meals were also set for the coming year.
The price for an individual carton of milk will go from 40 cents per carton to 50 cents; the cost of breakfast at all levels will be $2; lunches will cost $3 for pre-K through sixth grade students and $3.10 for students in grades 7-12.
Additional discussion was held on the purchase of voluntary student accident and catastrophic insurance.
Dr. Lenihan shared information on the cost options for this coverage and what is available to the district through the Nebraska School Activities Association (NSAA). Following the board's request, he will get additional information before moving forward with one of the options.
Board members approved Payment Application No. 23 for $385,994.48 to Hausmann Construction for the building/remodel project.
Dr. Lenihan the district has an occupancy permit from the State Fire Marshall and the new building is "substantially complete." A number of punch list items are still waiting to be completed in the coming days.
A banking bid from State Nebraska Bank was approved. It will allow for a five-year agreement
"This was a good process and State Nebraska has been a good partner with the district," Dr. Lenihan said.
In what he described as "good news" Dr. Lenihan told the board that the district was awarded an Early Childhood Grant from the Nebraska Department of Education. This $150,000 for each of the next three years will allow for an expansion of the program and help fund the additional classroom.
Administrator reports included updates on growing number in the pre-school, moving going on in the current elementary school and Early Learning Center and the adding of an additional exploratory class for junior high students.
The Wayne Community Schools' Board of Education will next meet in regular session on Monday, April 14 at 5 p.m. in the junior-senior high school library.
