What will the football program look like next school year at Superior High School? Several patrons attended the Superior Public Schools School Board meeting Monday evening to hear the discussion.
In public comment, Andrew Miller addressed the board. In summary he said, “It is my opinion that some of the biggest lessons cannot be learned in the classroom, like how to work well with others when stressed. How do we increase participation in extra curricular activities, not just sports but all activities? If this is not a board of education policy priority, it should be.”
Near the end of the meeting, Paul Heusinkvelt, athletic director and head football coach, shared results from a survey he had distributed to 18 high school athletes (13 responded) concerning football next fall.
The question administrators are being pressed to answer is “Will Superior field a varsity football next fall?”
It appears if they do, the team will be small and young. Early May is the deadline for students who do not plan to move out of district to submit the paper work to transfer to another school, an option it is rumored some may be considering if Superior does not field a varsity football team.
Supt. Kobza reported Superior cannot be part of a football cooperative program until the fall of 2024 because of the state’s athletic association rules. He encouraged waiting until late June to make a decision which could then be based on summer football camp participation. He stressed the decision should be based on what is best for students.
Generally the board of education would not be involved in the decision, but with both the high school principal and the school superintendent being replaced with new personnel, it appears the board of education will likely be involved.
Considerable discussion evolved around student safety, the size and strength advantages upper chessman. Also the communication gap between parents and coaches for fear comments may affect a student coach relationship.
Stephanie Corman, who has been hired to be the 2023-24 activities director, volunteered to distribute a survey to families of all high school boys with questions related to their intention to be involved. She said, “I can compile the results and get them to the coaches.” Parent identity would then be separated from the comments coaches receive.
Jennifer Utecht reported in the elementary reading program (LETRS.) With the new approach, average elementary student reading scores have increased 10 percentile.
Claims from the general fund in the amount of $608,478 were approved.
A contract with ESU 9 for $325,816 was also approved. Courtney Utecht will provide services to homebound student this coming school year, something previously provided by ESU 9.
Cindy Huff, a retired school superintendent, talked about superintendent search options offered by NRSCA. Candidate interviews are tentatively set for May 10 and 12 with the hope of interviewing four candidates for the superintendent position.
Contracts were extended to three new teachers: Kara Dauel - elementary; Abby Williams - elementary, and Cletus Corman - secondary.
Dauel and Williams are both young teachers, Corman is has taught business and computer courses since 1999, the last 17 years have been in Deshler.
Resignations from four teachers were accepted: Haley VanNatter, Laura Baird, Jessica Diehl and Rachel Loucks - effective at the end of the school year.
Substitute teaching pay rate was raised to $125 per day.
The board also approved recycling inventoried technology equipment deemed to be obsolete with Active Resource Company.
Bob Cook, secondary principal, reported on testing planned for the language arts, math and science. He also talked about a tornado drill and Music in our Schools.
Jodi Fiersten, elementary principal reviewed Week of the Young Child Activities. They included Music Monday with a guest musician from the community, Tasty Tuesday with each class preparing a recipe in their room, Work together Wednesday where student made forts using classroom desks and chairs and Artsy Thursday when students completed a directed drawing of their choice.
The fourth quarter elementary engagement activity with popsicles on the playground was Thursday, April 6.
The fourth quarter Family Fun Night is planned for today (Thursday, April 13) in Lincoln Park. Brodstone Healthcare will provide hamburgers, hot dogs and bottled water for the event. A free will donation will go to the elementary activities fund.
“We have been striving to do other things besides having elementary students sell things to generate money for the elementary activities fund,” Fierstien said.
Supt. Kobza reported on the front entrance building project. Ferris Construction found mud, three feet deep under the concrete removed at the front entrance. The soil structure was not suitable for new footing, thus it has been removed and replaced with clay and bentonite.
“The construction project is well ahead of schedule,” Kobza said.
At 10:12 p.m., board members entered into executive session to discuss personnel. The meeting adjourned at 11 p.m. It began at 8:30 p.m., so board members could attend the high school music program earlier in the evening.
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