By Clara Osten,
clara@wayneherald.com
Members of the Wayne Community Board of Education spent of portion of Monday's meeting debating how much time a School Resource Officer should spend in the schools in the coming year.
Earlier, the city and the school district had put together an Interlocal agreement which would have the school paying to have a police officer in the buildings for 15 hours per week. During the past school year, the officer was in the buildings for 10 hours per week.
However, following discussion, the board voted to increase that number to 21 hours.
Board member Lynn Junck brought forth the request, asking the board "where are our priorities? We have found money to pay for other things. How are we going to explain to a parent that we didn't do everything we could to protect students?"
Board member Dr. Jeryl Nelson asked what the officer would do differently if they were hired for 21 hours, rather than 15 hours. It was noted the officer would likely spend more time in the elementary building.
Superintendent Dr. Mark Lenihan explained how the position would be paid for in future.
Board members approved a payment of $2,483,231.40 to Hausmann Construction for the construction/remodel project.
Information was shared on the status of the project and what work needs to be completed before the beginning of the 2024-2025 school year.
School officials were planning to meet with the construction firm this week to talk about the timeline for completion of specific areas.
Rain has caused some delay in work on the Early Learning Center; however, crews have been able to shift to working at the high school during this time.
In old business, the board approved on second reading the 2024-2025 policy updates, the second reading of the 2024-2025 Certificated Staff Handbook and the second reading of the 2024-2025 K-6 Student Handbook.
Board members approved Creative Sites, LLC as the vendor for the Early Learning Center playground equipment.
The firm will now produce a design for the playground and work with the school to come up with a final plan. Installation will take place next spring.
Dr. Lenihan told the board the district will look to grants to help fund the project and the Wayne Community Schools Foundation has pledged at least $50,000 for the project. In addition, money in the contingency fund for the building project could be used.
During Administration reports, Dr. Lenihan told the board the district would be raising prices to attend activities.
Admission for adults would go to $7 and for students the cost would be $5.
In addition, season passes may be purchased for $70 for adults and $10 for students. Senior citizens are admitted to activities free of charge.
Board members authorized the $850 annual fee for membership in the Nebraska Rural Community Schools Association (NRCSA) membership.
Dr. Lenihan said "this is a really good association for us (Wayne)."
Budget information provided by Dr. Lenihan included graphs to show where the district is as the end of the fiscal year approaches. He said that with valuation up 11% last year, the district dropped the tax levy in regard to property taxes. He said the district was able to increase the cash reserves to nearly three months' worth of expenses.
The Wayne Community Schools' Board of Education will next meet in regular session on Monday, Aug. 12 at 7 p.m. This is a time change from the regular schedule, as the district will host a K-12 Open House from 5 to 7 p.m. prior to the start of the 2024-2025 school year.
