Odessa School Board Meeting

ODESSA – The Board of Directors of Odessa School District #105 met in the high school library and via ZOOM on Wednesday, June 23, 2021 at 6 p.m., preceded by a workshop in the district office at 5:30 p.m. for discussions regarding ESSER (Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief) funding, technology planning and staffing considerations. Present were board chair Ed Deife; board members Heather Valverde, Janie Steward and Chris Crossley; Dan Read, Superintendent; Jamie Nelson, Principal; Staci Claassen, Assistant Business Manager; Justin Parr, Operations Supervisor and Kim Todd. Board member Carmen Weishaar was absent.

The board approved the consent agenda, which included the minutes of the May 26, 2021 regular board meeting; payroll warrants #613772-613789 and direct deposit warrants #900008374-900008434 for $312,352.81; general fund A/P warrants #613790-613836 for $38,937.03; ASB fund A/P warrants #613837-613842 for $2,133.19 and a general fund comp tax wire transfer for $43.81. The board also approved the resignations of second-grade teacher Jill Larson and third-grade teacher Tim Larson, special education teacher Lanae Carper, high-school head boys basketball coach Dalles Deife and bus driver Jeanie Campbell (as of Dec. 31, 2021).

Last, the board approved Policy #3241 – Student Discipline (second reading), Policy #3510 – Associated Student Bodies (second reading) and Policy #3112 – Social Emotional Climate (second reading).

Superintendent’s report

Read reported another successful audit outcome after receiving the state audit report for the fiscal year of 9/19/2019 through 8/31/2020, thanking both Juli Weishaar and Staci Claassen for their diligence in handling all school district financial matters. It was reported that the district was in compliance with applicable laws, regulations, policies and safeguards of public resources.

Principal’s report

Nelson reported the end of the school year went well. Graduation proceeded smoothly and can be viewed online at NFHS. She thanked Justin Parr and Jeremy Nolden for facility setup and teardown, and Kimberly Ryan and Dan Read for organizing the ceremony. Seniors took a trip to Silverwood on June 13.

She also reported the school is currently working to fill three elementary positions.

Athletic director’s report

AD Bruce Todd was not present at the meeting, but Read reported that the high school football team is currently participating in a summer camp.

Legislative report

Read shared with the school board the 2021 Legislative Session Report including budget updates, policy bills and the new requirements for school districts.

Facilities report

Justin Parr reported that summer projects are underway. Trees are being trimmed and three vehicles are going in for safety recalls. CSN conducted the district’s annual fire alarm testing and will start the heating control system project this week. Bus driver interviews and training are also on the schedule this week.

Parr reported the transmission went out on the lawn mower, and he is looking for a replacement pending board approval.

Financial report

Read presented the ASB balance sheet for May, as well as the financial activity reports for the general fund for May showing an unassigned fund balance of $1,028,303.45.

New business

The board approved the following as recommended by Superintendent Read and/or Principal Nelson:

Principal Jamie Nelson’s contract for the 2021-2022 school year.

The donation of a camera system valued at $2,500 from the Odessa Booster Club.

The hiring of Kristen Sebesta as the third-grade teacher.

The hiring of Parker Valverde as technology assistant/para pro.

A Special Services Contract for Lanae Carper.

Technology purchases.

Lawn mower purchase.

High school football summer camp.

The next regular board meeting will be held Wednesday, July 28, 2021 at 6 p.m. in the high school library, with a workshop at 5:30 p.m. before the regular meeting.