Teacher negotiations complete for 20-21 term

Orchard school board members took no official action, other than consent agenda items when they met in the high school business room Wednesday, Feb. 4.

Orchard principal Cathy Cooper told board members negotiations with the teachers’ association had been completed, with the 2020-2021 base salary for Summerland teachers set at $35,000. Currently Unified teacher base is $34,700 and Ewing’s is $35,000.

Cooper said it would basically be a raise for everybody.

“The base went up or the salary schedule percentages increased,” she said. “One item that was of a big concern to the faculty was their sick and personal days and those will carry over, versus being bought out.”

Faculty members can carry over up to 50 sick days and five personal days, according to Cooper, along with a sick pay donation provision and insurance benefits.

Cooper also reported on potential teaching assignment changes. Citing the resignation of Ewing science teacher, krista holliday, she said more resignations may be coming.

“A lot of things are in the works. It does appear that we are going to have maybe some possible resignations across the district. By across the district, I now mean the future Summerland district,” Cooper said. “It does appear that there may be some people looking for jobs because there is the opportunity now. They might choose to go now if they have an opportunity, versus waiting to see what happens after the consolidation.”

She said a former Clearwater teacher and coach had been re-hired, most likely as a math teacher at Clearwater, and two Clearwater teachers who are currently co-teaching math and science may be utilized to fill the Ewing position.

“We will try to fill that void in Ewing for science… and that could mean (Jeff) Shabram teaching classes, whether it’s (distance learning) or traveling a little bit, or it could be Mary Leisy or Laurel Miller doing something. A lot of that is probably going to be going on, depending on who leaves or stays” she said. “I don’t think there’s any talk about moving any students or anything like that, but having to move teachers to make it work for next year.”

Members heard a report regarding a recent Norfolk workshop attended by staff. Session presenters included Lisa Cook, Hannah Marsh and Katie Stepp, along with Unified principals Chuck Kucera and Cooper, who led a secondary principals’ roundtable discussion.

Cooper also told them, as part of the school’s multi-tiered system of support, she and title teacher Kristin Johnston will travel to Elkhorn Valley to talk with staff and 12 teachers from Boyd County planned to spend a day observing Orchard’s reading curriculum, “Wonders.”

Advisory board president Kristi Schutt asked about plans for Bobcat band uniforms.

“We have bought basketball uniforms, volleyball uniforms, football uniforms,” she said. “What about band uniforms?”

Cooper said Orchard band director Emily Heithoff had inspected the Cyclone uniforms and contacted the supplier. The plan is to update existing uniforms by replacing patches and adding new “overlays.” A new banner will be ordered. She said, currently Orchard is the only site to have a “true marching band.”

When Schutt questioned the condition of the uniforms, Cooper said,” She went through them and we have some that don’t get used. We’re pretty sure we’ve got enough to accommodate our new band…I like her plan because already next year we can have Summerland Bobcats marching band uniforms.”

Discussion ensued regarding 20-21 participation in Nebraska School Activities Association band and music events. Cooper said the only event that would be impacted is district music contest. The remainder of the music activities, including Christmas programs and concerts are not regulated by NSAA and can continue as in the past.

During the treasurer’s report, board members reviewed various bank accounts and funds. They heard $2,846 remained in an OC Cyclone athletic account, that had been kept intact until all football bills had been paid. Activity director Jim Schutt confirmed the balance will be transferred to the Bobcat account after purchase of a volleyball net for Orchard.

High school golf signup is underway, with 15 athletes signing on so far. The Bobcat team will be coached by Bill Tabbert and Scott Leisy, according to Cooper. Any extra coaching staff will be on a volunteer basis.

“Budget is a huge concern for sure for next year just because we are going to be operating three buildings under the new Summerland district,” she said.

Kris Tabbert addressed the board regarding junior high golf. She volunteered to help coach the young golfers, saying she was willing to become “sanctioned,” if necessary.

“I think it’s that important,” she said, indicating eight Orchard students were “very very interested.”

After discussion regarding NSAA regulations for coaching, Schutt said junior high athletics don’t fall under NSAA regulations

Kris Tabbert offered to attend Clearwater and Ewing board meetings to promote the program. Orchard board members gave unofficial approval to the program and that students be required to choose track or golf.

Cooper and board member Nate Schwager presented information about demolition of the older Orchard building. Cooper said she had received a $215,000 estimate from O’Neill Transportation and had contacted Matt Klabenes, who wanted results of asbestos testing before offering an estimate. He also indicated, if the planned demolition was a year or more in the future, costs could change due to landfill costs.

Schwager said no asbestos testing has been done and he had been told by an inspector, “Any bid you get at this point without knowing if there is asbestos or not you might as well throw it out.”

“I do think we need to proceed with at least getting an asbestos inspection,” he said.

Future use of the newer Orchard facility was also a topic of discussion.

Cooper said superintendent Dale Martin had contacted Benny Taylor of Neligh about appraising the facility. Taylor’s estimate for appraising just the Orchard site was between $5,000 and $7,000, with a $15,000 estimate to appraise all three locations. Cooper said no appraisal is necessary if the building is sold at public auction, but if sold by a bid process, it is.

When questioned about the possibility of leasing the facility, Cooper said Martin did not have any additional information.

Concern was voiced about potential liability for the Summerland district should the building be leased.

“There are a lot of ‘legalities,’ for want of a better word,” Cooper said. “We have to really make sure we know what we are doing, going into that.”

Tammy Cheatum also addressed the board about the future of the facility. She handed out a summary of a recent community meeting hosted by the Orchard Economic Development Association.

The next Orchard board meeting will be Tuesday, March 3, at 5:15 p.m.