The South O’Brien School Board met Monday July 26 for a regular meeting. Aaron Giese, newly appointed Business Manager took the secretary’s role, easing into accepting those duties. The board members present just reached quorum.
The financial reports were accepted. Giese noted that costs for open enrollment out and Special Education are high. Superintendent Wade Riley noted that 3-year-old preschool will begin classes after Labor Day. The room dedicated for the 3-year-olds is nearing ready, including the plumbing needed to meet restroom requirements.
Riley also noted that the Emergency Management Plan has been updated with Jared Johnson, Director and Ryan Harper, Paullina Fire Chief. Riley went on to explain that staff training is part of the implementation plans. State Funding for safety measures is being used to implement safety measures. Included is bringing a professional firm to assist with procedures for safety.
The downsized board held more discussions about the Wednesday practices. Riley reported that he and newly re-appointed athletic director Heath Reichle and offered a few ideas for how to fill the time between dismissal and the beginning of practice, 2:00 – 3:30pm. Riley is absolute that teacher/coaches must attend the professional development session and not be excused for athletic practice. He has mentioned more than once the main districts mission is to educate children and the extra curricular are in addition to academics. That includes for teachers. Junior High football presented an easy answer. Varsity Coach Mark Fuhrman, who is not obligated to professional development will take the junior high players for some minimal development and their practice can begin with their coach at 3:30. The time with varsity is not practice, but more skill building, mobility and other technical learning.
Volleyball gets 15-30 kids each year from the junior high. There is no ready answer for them. Two other activities were presented as options for junior high students not involved in athletics but keeping a connection with the school were offered. Hiring a “speed and agility” coach from outside to work with any student want it. This is to include time in the weight room under guidance in part to learn proper technique. This is open to all South O’Brien students. The proposed stipend for this position is $2000-$2500. Brining in paras is also a necessary decision during this time. Turning the time into a “PAWS” like opportunity for every student is highly considered. For a short time, additional PAWS costs can be covered by ESSER (COVID) funds.
Board member Sue McCauley voiced her concern for increasing the coach’s pay 20% for one additional day plus the agility coach and the PAWS attendant. She also asked if the school conduct any kind of attendance tracking of non-athlete students, which Riley indicated was not necessary.
Riley also noted that the Pastor at Zion Church had expressed interest at the beginning of the Wednesday practice proposal to hold catechism during that time.
Permission to advertise for the agility position was declined by the board. There is no clarity in responsibility or a firm cost associated with the position.