Covid spike prompts week of remote learning

ODESSA – Odessa School Superintendent Dan Read reported that the district had a spike in positive COVID cases over the past two weeks, with a total of 14 positive cases. The district therefore returned to remote learning for students in grades 6-12 from Wednesday, May 19, to a return date of Tuesday, May 25. The district continues to be in daily contact with the local health department and to monitor cases, illnesses and known exposures within the school system, he said.

Read reported a student count of 202.58 full-time equivalent students for the month, as the board of directors of Odessa School District #105 met in the library and via ZOOM on Wednesday, May 26, 2021 at 6 p.m., preceded by a workshop in the district office at 5:30 p.m., at which the board held discussions regarding the 2021-2022 budget and staffing. Present were board members Ed Deife, Janie Steward, Heather Valverde and Carmen Weishaar; Dan Read, Superintendent; Jamie Nelson, Principal; Staci Claassen, Assistant Business Manager; Justin Parr, Operations Supervisor and Bruce Todd, Athletic Director. Board member Chris Crossley was absent.

The board approved the consent agenda which included the minutes of the April 28, 2021 regular board meeting and the May 12, 2021 special board meeting; payroll warrants #613709-613727 and direct deposit warrants #900008311-900008373, for a total of $321,858.63; general fund A/P warrants #613728-613759, for $39,976.63; ASB Fund A/P warrants #613760-613771 for $4060.44.

Principal’s Report

Principal Nelson reported the track & field, golf and baseball seasons have ended. Basketball practice has begun and games will soon begin. FFA held a successful, sold-out plant sale, and the band took their annual trip to Silverwood.

The senior class will have several upcoming events including a senior walk/recognition hour and BBQ/senior video night. Graduation will be June 5 at the football field. The Senior trip to Silverwood is planned for June 13.

AD Report

Bruce Todd reported the baseball team finished first in the NE 1B League. Jett Nelson (MVP), Tim DeWulf, Collin Martin and Keith Strebeck all made the NE 1B All-League team. The golf team placed first at the league tournament. The track team had several members place at the District 7/9 meet including Pilot Weishaar second in the pole vault and sixth in the 100 meters, Anthony Elder seventh in the shot put, Hayden Schuh first in the 300m hurdles and second in the 100m hurdles, Ashlyn Neilsen first in the high jump, second in the triple jump and third in the 400 meters.

Basketball games will resume June 1 through June 16 following a Covid delay. The junior-high girls completed three games, but their last four games were cancelled due to the closure.

Todd reported the 2021-2022 football, volleyball and basketball schedules will be approved at the league AD meeting in June.

Facilities Report

Justin Parr reported transportation is finishing up the school year with a few basketball trips and the senior trip to Silverwood.

Parr also reported the contract with Control Solutions Northwest, Inc. is underway for the HVAC system control project, which will be completed in three stages this summer.

Financial Report

Read presented the ASB balance sheet for April. He further presented the Financial Activity reports for General Fund for April showing an unassigned fund balance of $886,243.05.

Policy/Procedure Approvals

Several policies and procedures were approved by the board:

Policy 3241 Student Discipline as recommended by Read.

Procedure 3241 Student Discipline as recommended by Read.

Form 3241F Student Discipline as recommended by Read.

Form 3241F2 Student Discipline as recommended by Read.

Policy 3510 Associated Student Bodies as recommended by Read.

Procedure 3510 Associated Student Bodies as recommended by Read.

Policy 3112 Social Emotional Climate as recommended by Read.

Procedure 3112 Social Emotional Climate as recommended by Read.

Resolution #4-2020-2021 Academic and Student Well-Being Plan as recommended by Read.

Policy/Procedure 3211 Gender-Inclusive Schools (1st and 2nd reading) as recommended by Read.

Athletic Director Bruce Todd presented Resolution #3-2020-2021 for board approval which allows the WIAA to control, supervise and regulate activities consistent with the rules and regulations of the WIAA. The board voted unanimously to approve.

Date of Next Regular Meeting

The next regular board meeting will be held Wednesday, June 23, 2021 at 6 p.m. in the high school library, with workshop scheduled at 5:30 p.m. in the district office before the regular meeting.