Photo Courtesy of USD 379
Topics discussed during the USD 379 regular Board meeting on June 9th included: recognition of State Athletes, end of year reports, Project Lead, roof replacement, and more.
The Board reviewed a request for a Grant writing opportunity for new FFA jackets, an approval of Site Council Members for the next school year, Drug and Alcohol Committee members, a Contract for speech services, and more, all passing as presented.
Superintendent Nelson presented his monthly report to the Board. The report went over budget timelines through the summer months. The report stated that Health Insurance will remain with the same companies, with little change. Board members interested in attending the 2025 KASB Convention can apply for a scholarship to cover the costs.
TLEC Director Anita Breen presented the monthly TLEC report. Many schools under TLEC are in need of paraeducators for the upcoming school year, including Lincoln Elementary and Garfield Elementary in USD 379, according to the report. The report showed that PCG, a consulting group that handles Medicaid claims for TLEC, found an error when they were working on the fiscal year 2023 Cost Settlement. This resulted in an overpayment of over $121,000 to the districts under TLEC. The state is requiring the overpayment to be paid back. A breakdown of the overpayment in each district was attached. Breen stated they are hoping to get a Q and A sheet on this issue to share with the Board soon.
Director of Curriculum & Instruction Jaclyn Pfizenmaier provided a monthly report. She stated that there was an error in last month’s report related to Project Lead. Unless accepted for a waiver, Project Lead will have a flat monthly fee of $30, regardless of how many days a child attends. The new language was voted on and passed. The report showed that chronic absenteeism at USD 379 dropped from 11% in 2023-24 to 7% in 2024-25. USD 379 will hold its district kickoff for the next school year on August 12th at the high school. The report gave a breakdown of Wakefield’s After-School Program budget. With the current budget restraints, the Board may need to look at available funding and future ideas for the After-School Programs.
Principals presented their end of the year reports to the Board. Reports included attendance reports, academic growth, Site Council reports, year in review achievements, and more.
Motion carried on several 2025-2026 yearly items, including: Property insurance renewals, Capital Outlay planning, Workers Compensation renewal, high school shop roof replacement, classified employee handbooks, along with school staff handbooks, and Ratification of the Negotiated Agreement.
The Capital Outlay report gave a breakdown of the 2025-26 budget for maintenance and other items, with a focus on priority items. Discussion will continue on a possible Bond issue.
The meeting ended with the approval of employment and resignations for USD 379 and TLEC. Board minutes can always be found on the USD 379 website.
