O-W School Board approves Crisis Response Plan

By Cindy Cardinal
Posted 12/25/24

The O-W School Board held their final meeting of the year on Monday, December 16. The Consent Agenda, including minutes, payment of bills, union recertification results, and administrative intention …

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O-W School Board approves Crisis Response Plan

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The O-W School Board held their final meeting of the year on Monday, December 16. The Consent Agenda, including minutes, payment of bills, union recertification results, and administrative intention letters was approved. For the union recertification, 39 of 41 eligible voting members voted to keep the union. There were no votes opposed. Principals Johnson and VanArk and Director of Special Education and Pupil Services Kristi Ruggles all said they plan to return next year. Board member Dean Schmelzer noted that when there is a voice vote a specific person can’t be listed in the minutes as a no vote.
Under new business, Stuart from CliftonLarsonAllen (CLA) was on hand to discuss the school district’s audit. He explained the purpose of the audit and said that it accurately reflects the financial position of the district as of June 30, 2024. He said the year ended with approximately $989,000 in fund balance. District policy says they should have 15 percent of their budget in fund balance. Based on their current budget, that would be just over $1 million, so he recommended that they try to build up their fund balance to meet the policy. He spoke about some of the various funds and where information on them is located in the audit report. A single audit is required because of grant funds, but Stuart felt this wouldn’t be needed going forward as the federal government has changed the requirement to $1 million in grant funds before the single audit would be required. Under deficiencies and recommendations, he said that financial duties for the district would ideally be more segregated and they made note of that, but they also understand the inability of smaller entities to afford that. He also noted that the district contracts with CLA for the audit because no one at the school has the expertise to complete the audit. Under the testing they did for ESSER funds, they found that there was not an adequate review and approval of the required report, but the report was filed as required.
The state champion football team was recognized by the board. Coach Terry Laube said he was proud of their accomplishment this year. He added that some things, you can’t place a value on. Team Captain Mason Gay thanked the community for their support. The players were asked to introduce themselves. Laube said that two players, Mason Gay and Dominic Sherwood, were chosen for all-state honors. He also recognized his coaching staff as a big reason the team was put in a position to be successful.
The updated Crisis Response Plan was approved. Copies will be given to emergency responders after the school district receives their digital maps. There were discussions with staff on what to do, but the plan can’t cover every scenario, so teachers will have to make some decisions in the event of a crisis. There will be a folder in every classroom with information that should be grabbed in the event the building is evacuated. The plan covers everything from a health emergency to threats to weather emergencies to fires and gas leaks to death of a student or staff member. It talks about lockdown and evacuation procedures. The plan covers as much as possible what should be done and who is responsible and gives their contact information.
The recent non-emergency lockdown drill was reviewed. An active shooter drill was conducted on December 9 with staff being given advance notification. Teachers also spoke to students ahead of time to identify safe zones in their classroom. It was found that some students didn’t get quiet right away. All doors were locked, although one was found to not be latched. Overall, it was felt the drill was a success, but there are still things to work on. Board member Todd Nelson asked about the reaction of the kids. The response was that the kids are getting used to it. Elementary Principal Julie VanArk said that with some of the youngest kids, the teachers pretend they are playing hide and seek so the principal can’t find them.
The cost of getting an outside entity like WASB or CESA 10 to help with strategic planning was checked into. The cost would be $11,000-$12,000 for CESA. The board felt they could maybe try to do it on their own. They also felt that they need to make the community feel engaged in the process. It might also be an opportunity to discuss doing a recurring referendum next time around. District Administrator Randy Bergman suggested not having a quorum of the board on the committee, but the entire board was involved last time. Each board member should come up with some names of community members to be involved in the process. Last time everyone who was interested was allowed to participate. Board members were given information on what a strategic plan is and how to create one. It will be put on the next agenda for further discussion.
Under Administrator Reports, Elementary Principal Julie VanArk reported that the gym was packed for the elementary concert. The Angel Tree was a success again this year. They will be having their end of month assembly on December 20. She also spoke a little bit about the early childhood program and said they are getting more referrals of 3 and 4 year olds.
Middle/High School Principal Nate Johnson spoke about the awards received by the One-Act Play. He said that the PLC team is continuing to work on modifying assessments and assignments. Two students attended Educators Rising. The FBLA put on an entrepreneur workshop with local business owners. The high school student council has some special activities planned for the last day of school before Christmas Break. The next incentive trip being planned for those with privilege cards is a trip to Bruce Mound in February.
District Administrator Randy Bergman said that some work needs to be done in the boys restroom by the gym. Some pipes have broken away. He thinks they can get by with fewer urinals. He has gotten one estimate so far and is planning to get a couple more. The work can’t be done until summer anyway. The concrete pad in the lobby area is sinking and someone tripped and fell. They are looking at options for repair. The Safety Grant that was received is wrapping up. The digital mapping of the building is done and they should have the maps soon. A Risk Survey will be happening in the spring in grades 6-12. Parents can opt out, but participating helps the district when writing grants. Bergman also wrote a grant to get 10 new microscopes for the science room.
For future agenda items, backpacks were asked about in regard to hallway safety. Students are carrying their backpacks rather than leave them in their lockers. Principal Johnson said it started during COVID and students do it because they are carrying their computers in the backpack. The One-Act Play will be recognized at a future meeting. Board member Nelson asked about the Forward Center being used. Board member Robyn Renderman asked about students being able to use the Fitness Center after school.
There was a closed session that lasted about 45 minutes to discuss the Pupil Service position. Nothing was announced when the board came back into open session.