SPS remodeling nears completion; cooperative football going well

One full day of hard work with everyone present… That is what Supt. Whetzal projected it would take for contractors to finish the remodeling project at Superior Public Schools. That does not include some floor work which needs to be redone to meet specifications. Currently the floor work is scheduled for winter break.

Ferris Construction submitted a bill for $343,361.50 late Monday afternoon. They claimed the project is 96 percent complete. Primary areas left to address are water fountains near the main restrooms, aluminum storefront glass and glazing, architectural cabinets, window coverings, signage, a rolling counter door and additional HVAC work.

During the regular September meeting, held Monday evening in a classroom, there was considerable discontent expressed with slow progress on the project. Luke Meyer, a board member, said, “I was humbled when I read the fine detail on the contract and found the agreed upon finish date is Sept. 30. That is the contract the board signed,” he said.

The board agreed to pay Ferris Construction for the work that has been done, but to delay paying the architect.

Five of the six board members were present for the meeting: Peggy Meyer, Matt Bargen, Luke Meyers, Brad Biltoft and Krista Tatro were present. Matt Sullivan was absent.

The hour long meeting was called to order by Peggy Meyer, vice-president. Ashleigh Primus presented the student report.

Reports from Jocelyn Grube and Emma Fynbu about the kindergarten tower garden was skipped because of sickness.

August claims from the general fund of $737,557.26 were approved. They included a transfer of $30,000 to the school lunch program, early retirement and health insurance payment.

An opioid overdose prevention and response policy was unanimously approved. Stephanie Corman, athletic director, said, “The push for opioid response policies gained momentum with Fentanyl. A trace of fentanyl on a dollar bill can hit a person in two seconds.” The school plans to maintain an opioid antagonist (Narcan). The policy permits the school nurse, other trained school staff and other individual qualified by law to administer the drug to any person attending school or a school event displaying symptoms of an opioid overdose.

Jennifer Cady, secondary principal, was not present because of illness, but a printed report was reviewed. There are 31 sixth grade students, 29 seventh grade, 32 eighth grade, 25 freshmen, 37 sophomores, 29 juniors and 25 seniors enrolled. Thirty students are participating in marching band, 10 in one-act play, 13 in FBLA, 60 in FFA, 39 in student council and FCA is yet to be determined.

Sixth grade math will use standards reference grading this year. There are plans for seventh and eight grade math to use it next year.

The secondary building goal reads: “We will reinforce our team strength of supporting each other by improving communication and holding each other accountable by the end of the school year.”

A student lead cheering section at sporting events is being created. Goals of the group include focusing on supporting our team and keeping cheers and actions positive, creating a moniker for the student section and cleaning up their section after the game is done.

Jodi Fierstein, elementary principal, said, “We have had 13 days of student content, so I don’t have much to report.” She focused on upcoming routine testing which starts this week.

A fresh fruit and vegetable program has been implement this year for kindergarten through fifth grade. There is a daily fruit and vegetable snack planned and prepared by the kitchen. Four days each week a common fruit or vegetable is served. One day a less common fruit or vegetable is served. This week dragon fruit was served. Other less common offerings this month include starfruit, pomegranate sees and gooseberries. The program includes a child friendly video.

As part of his report, Supt. Whetzal asked Stephanie Corman, athletic director, to report on junior high football.

A cooperative program with Lawrence-Nelson is in place for this fall. Corman met with Brian Blevins, Lawrence-Nelson athletic director. Both schools had 10 students participating in junior football.

“That is one injury from not being able to play a game,” Corman said.

“Sixth grade students can play, but it is not ideal,” she said.

The schedule was built with a 50-50 split and is planned for the next three years based on student numbers. Half of the practices are in Superior and half of are at Lawrence-Nelson. Half of the home games are in Superior and half at Lawrence-Nelson.

“We raised $2,500 and purchased Nuckolls County Knights uniforms. Superior students wear Superior helmets and Lawrence-Nelson students wear Lawrence-Nelson helmets. Bret Thomas and Mike Sanders are coaching and Lawrence-Nelson sends a man to help. Brian Blevins and Decker Brown, Lawrence-Nelson coaches, are at all the games. So far they have played two games and won both. We are building comradery and the players are liking it.”

The first game the Nuckolls County Knights played Bruning-Davenport-Shickley and won 36 to 12. The second game they played Heartland-Giltner and won 42 to 14.

Supt. Whetzal asked the board to consider moving to a 10 point grading scale. For many years, a seven point grading scale had been used at the secondary level: 93-100 percent is an A, 86-92 percent is a B, etc. On a ten point scale an A grade is 90-100 percent, a B is 80-90 percent, etc.

Supt. Whetzal said, “The 10 point grading system has been the commonly accepted grading scale for quite awhile.” Teaching staff have suggested the 10 point scale would be easier to use. The seven point grading scale puts Superior students at a disadvantage when GPA is considered for scholarship when other students get an A for 90 percent and they must have 93 percent for an A.

The item was placed on the agenda for the special meeting to address the budget scheduled for Monday, Sept. 25. at 7:30 p.m.

Krista Tatro, board member, asked how the Yondr bags are working. (The board purchased Yondr pouches mid-year last school year for all students to secure electronic devices. Electronic devices like cell phone, smart watches and ear buds are to be in a students Yondr pouch during the school day.)

Supt. Whetzal reported he and Logan Christiancy, technology coordinator, had conducted a spot check Monday. “Most students are using their Yondr bags, but we did find a half dozen cell phones not in bags and I suspect we missed seeing that many more. Today those students received a warning. We need to be more diligent in enforcing the policy the board put in place. We will be doing that.”