Superior Schools getting new phone, alert system

Monday evening, the Superior Board of Education accepted a bid from 20/20 Technologies LLC for $17,802 for a new Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP) phone system. The new VOIP system will upgrade the schools current telecommunications infrastructure. The bid includes full installation, training an on-site system administrator, 70 desk phones, softphone integration for remote staff, voicemail, call forwarding and conferencing features for a total of 80 users. They system will provide mobile application to allow staff to make and receive calls, access voicemail, and utilize other communication features both on-site and off-site. Staff will be able to call off site using the school district’s existing phone number.

It comes with a service plan to provide ongoing technical support and maintenance and has security protocols to protect sensitive communication data.

In addition, it will enhance safety. For example, if a teacher should have an issue in the classroom, a button can be pushed which notifies the principal’s office and a recording of classroom activities can be heard in the principal’s office. There is a panic button which calls the Nuckolls County Sheriff. For example, if an angry parent threatens the superintendent, the button could be pushed and a recording of the conversation heard at the sheriff’s office.

In other business, October claims from the general fund in the amount for $657,568.92 were approved. In addition, $50,000 was transferred to the food service fund.

The resignation of Lisa Jameson was accepted, effective at the end of the 2004-25 school year. Jameson has taught science in Superior for the past seven years. She plans to retire.

The board also agreed to purchase a used 2019 Dodge handicap modified minivan for $31,900. Currently the district transports two students daily to Hastings. The minivan is expected to use less gasoline.

Supt. Whetzal reported a student in the bridge program will have met the district’s graduation requirement by midyear and wishes to graduate early. There seemed to be a consensus to grant the request. However, board policy will be reviewed concerning the required procedure.

The disposal of surplus property was approved. Some of the items include the following: 3-point hay rake, drag harrow, 3-point aerator, 3-point liquid sprayer, table saw, Vertimax; hydraulic up, gravity down, old grain trailer, wood sides; drill press, 4-drawer filing cabinets, warmer, fuel container with filter and pump, 2 Peavey Speaker and 2 Peavey Amps and a two wheel trailer.

Administrative reports were presented by Jodi Fierstein, elementary principal, Audrey Parks - assistant secondary principal and John Whetzal, superintendent.

Fierstein reported that grade reports were sent home Oct. 24. University of Lincoln extension personnel presented a plant life cycle session about the life cycle of a pumpkin to the PALLS students.

Kindergarten students trick-or treated at Kingswood Court and PALLS students went to Brodstone Healthcare. The Good Samaritan Center - Superior, has invited students to once again visit the facility, something which was regularly done before COVID.

Thus other grades are planning community involvement activities both at Good Samaritan and other living centers in town.

The second quarter family engagement activity was held Nov. 5. Parents or special adults were invited to join their child for a donut between 7:50 and 8:20 a.m. to observe the morning circle activity in each class. PALLS families were invited from 3-3:30 p.m. the same day.

Kindergarten through fifth grade students performed under the direction of Teresa Chrisensen at the school’s Veterans Day program. Kindergarten students colored pictures for decoration at the program.

Parks reported on the college and career fair for ninth through 12th grade students. Red Cloud, Lawrence-Nelson and Sandy Creek have indicated they would like to bring students to the event again next year.

The one act play public performance is scheduled for Friday, Nov. 22, 7 p.m. in the high school gymnasium.

Kesley Blevins, Spanish instructor, had her students participate in a Day of Dead celebration the day after Halloween. She had a table in the hallway with decorations and pictures of student’s beloved ones who have died. Students were able to celebrate their life and experience an event from Hispanic culture.

Tuesday, Nov. 5, seventh grade students participated in an Inventure Day hosted by the Nuckolls County UNL extension office. They worked on inventing a product and presenting their invention. The group that won included a Superior student: Wyatt Stevens.

Cindy Mellott and John Whetzal transported interested junior and senior students to Central Community College for a transitions day which provided students information about different opportunities they can partake in after high school.

Supt. Whetzal reminded the board that his contract automatically renews for one year seven days after the December board meeting unless the board terminates his contract at the December board meeting.