School Board considers new plans for facility

The Thayer Central Community Schools Board of Education meeting on Aug. 12 began with a special meeting. The special meeting focused on facility and personnel discussions. A representative from W Designs came in and spoke with members of the school board about possible floor plans. The board hoped to refine the plans presented and the budget for the plans.

The regular meeting continued after the special meeting. Emily Seifert spoke with board members about the TeamMates program. Seifert took over the job as program coordinator last spring and attended training this summer. The program matches students with mentors. Most of the time, mentors will meet with their matches sometime during the school day. Matches can be made for students in the third grade and older. Seifert’s goal this year is to do more special events with the program

With school beginning on Thursday, Aug. 15, many preparations are being made to get ready for the new school year. Tom Kiburz, principal of the high school, told board members about what has been done to prepare in the Junior/Senior High. He said that 11 new students will be in the school this year, but the district has also lost seven students. The fall pep rally will be held Friday, Aug. 16, and the first softball game will be Aug. 22. There will be a safety assembly for students on Aug. 29.

Kurk Wiedel, principal of the elementary school, also updated school board members on new things going on at the school. The Elementary Sneak Peek took place Aug. 13, and the Jump Start program was completed two weeks ago.

Both principals spoke about NeSA test scores. The school has received them but will not be able to release them to parents and students until a later date.

Superintendent Drew Harris updated the board on current school events. Census numbers have been compiled and the results show that 461 students age 5-18 are in the school district. All staff returned to the school  Aug. 13. Every year, the board must review the bullying prevention policy. Despite a few minor wording changes, the bullying prevention policy will remain the same. Harris also presented a 2013-2014 budget preview to the board members.

In other business, the board members approved the student handbooks including changes to a bully policy in the elementary school handbook. They also moved to accept two new staff contracts. The group also decided to approve a budget authority increase. The next board meeting will be held Sept. 11.