Pass, ''no harm' policy explained by Orchard principal

Orchard principal Cathy Cooper told Orchard board members that graduation is still planned, when the original and advisory boards met recently.

She said graduation will “definitely” take place, but factors regarding timing will have to be worked out. Cooper is consulting with other administrators in the Unified district regarding graduation and other end-of-year award ceremonies.

“Safety is obviously the first priority,” she said. “We definitely want to recognize our seniors…We’re still planning for graduation…there are just so many things that we don’t know for sure. We’re trying to kind of communicate with other administrators…if we can communicate with everybody in our area or across the state I think that will be good because we’ll get more ideas and decide how to best handle some of these upcoming things for the end of the school year.”

The Orchard school boards held a joint meeting April 7, via Zoom electronic conference. President Candice Hoke said the electronic meeting was approved by the Nebraska School Board Association. She also announced public participation was suspended during the Zoom meeting.

Hoke complimented the local teachers for reaching out to give emotional support to students on social media and by phone.

“I’ve heard some really positive statements from teachers because students are reaching out to them. Also teachers are videotaping themselves and doing it via Facebook or Zoom something and teaching their lessons,” Cooper said. “My faculty has just stepped up like no other to step outside the box and accommodate our kids.”

A teacher parade was held the first Monday in April, with every faculty member participating. Cooper said, although it was meant for the kids, teachers were grateful to have an opportunity to wave to their students.

“Of course, they would all rather be here teaching them on a day-to-day basis,” she added. “All the messages that we are getting from the commissioner of education, the governor, everybody, that their social and emotional wellbeing right now is far more important than academics.”

The principal reported on “enrichment learning” program progress since classes were suspended due to COVID-19. She said packets are distributed every two weeks, with no requirement for returning work to the school, due to unknowns regarding the length of time coronavirus can live on paper. Learning material is also posted online. Chromebook devices were checked out to a dozen elementary students who didn’t have one at home.

In answer to a board question about grading student’s homework, Cooper said, “We’re not going to go there, and that’s coming from Mr. Martin.”

She cited internet access issues for some students and said Orchard school would continue with enrichment activities for continuity of learning.

“I can’t express enough how much we are asking of our students to continue to grow and learn so they’re in their grade level, that they’re ready to go. But that’s the decision that’s been made for Clearwater, Orchard and Verdigre right now.”

The administration is looking at a “pass, no harm” type of situation for students.

“If they pass the third quarter, then “no harm.” But if they did not pass, they have an opportunity to do activities that teachers are putting out to them so they can improve their grade so they can pass this semester,” Cooper said.

Eighty-six free lunches were handed out to students Monday. Hot lunches are provided Mondays and Wednesdays, when they are picked up, with cold lunches provided for the days between.

A recent asbestos inspection of the old building revealed the presence of the substance in art room ceiling tile. Board members heard mitigation may be done anytime, that the surface will be sealed after removal and will not affect safety or be unsightly during the next school year.

A $6,300 estimate was received from Environmental Services of Norfolk for removal of 242 square feet of asbestos-containing material in the old building. Copper said this is “literally” just an estimate. Actual cost is dependent on the actual square footage of asbestos-containing tile. There would also be an additional charge of between $350 and $750 for a post-removal “visual” and a state of Nebraska notification fee of $200. Cooper first indicated the estimate would be effective for just 30 days, but further inspection showed the estimate had a 90-day window.

“I would rather do it sooner than later,” said Kristi Schutt, “When there aren’t teachers in the building.

Cooper informed the board she expected estimates to be coming from Matt Klabenes and Prouty Construction, for demolition of the old building, in addition to one previously received from O’Neill Transportation & Equipment, who had indicated the necessity of moving the HVAC units. She said Prouty did not anticipate a need to move them.

Nate Schwager informed his peers the Village of Orchard may not be able to put together an offer on the school facility. However, he said a community group was being formed to look at options. He said the group would hold its first meeting during the upcoming weeks.

Schwager asked if the old building would be razed regardless of a potential purchase by the village.

“Is it more attractive for someone else (to purchase) if the old part is gone? Does it make it more attractive and more sellable without the three stories there?” asked board member Teri Hergert. “If everybody agrees that’s the case, we probably do need to go ahead with the demolition of it.”

Schutt, DeAnna Clifton and Hoke agreed.

“My hope is the village finds a way and we can do everything we can to help them get it and they won’t have to worry about finding a second use,” Schwager said.

“I added these figures up you gave us earlier, its over $957,000,” Hergert said. “Would now be a good time to earmark, say $400,000? … Even if we don’t use the $400,000, all of it, the balance is going to go to the Summerland district anyway. That still leaves over a half a million to go to Summerland right away.”

After extensive discussion on possible verbiage, a motion was made by Schutt to set aside $400,000 to “restructure” the Orchard facility. The restructure may include asbestos removal and demolition of the old building and leveling the site.

Schwager was still reluctant.

“Honestly, I don’t think I’m ready to vote on this tonight,” he said. “I have no problem with it being on the May agenda. I would just like to have that first committee meeting with the village committee.”

Terra Williby opined the demo and asbestos removal would need to be done, “so hopefully somebody else will buy it.”

“What if nobody does though?” Schwager asked. “How do you justify spending $400,000 to do this and we still have a vacant building setting there?”

Demolition would be a year down the road.

“We would know if it’s going to happen or not,” Schutt said. “You’re not going to to just leave the building sit there to just rot, because we don’t want it to be like an Inman or Page school. Otherwise, we’ll be tearing the whole thing down, possibily.”

Hergert seconded Schutt’s motion which remained on the table, pushing a roll call vote.

The motion passed on a five-one vote, Schwager voting no.

Cooper reported on staffing for the 2020-2021 term, indicating the process is “very fluid right now.” Things are changing, it seems like, constantly. She said the Summerland administrative staff was meeting weekly to make decisions on what will be best for students for next year. The meetings will be via Zoom going forward.

Although the contract return date had passed, some extensions were granted, including a second extension for one Orchard teacher.

Advisory board members also approved the monthly treasurer’s report after hearing balances of the various accounts, including the CAB Account - $529,979.50; Building Fund, $355,980.65; Hot Lunch Fund, $39,379.19; and the Orchard Misc. Activity Account, $41,777.93; along with several Unified and Summerland accounts.

Bills approved included Ag & Industrial Equipment, heater rental, $1,400, to be reimbursed by insurance company; Corner Hardware, heater purchase, $188.96; CDS Inspections & Beyond, asbestos inspection, $760; and reimbursement to the Unified district for legal fees related to the HVAC issues, $192.50, also expected to be covered by insurance.

Schutt questioned Cooper regarding using the balance in the wrestling mat fund to purchase exercise equipment for the Orchard facility as discussed at the March meeting.

Cooper said she did not recall the discussion and had not looking into the matter. She said the funds could be earmarked for the wrestling room at the new school.

“ I meant for here,” Shutt said. “That was basically money raised by Orchard people for that and I think people would like to see at least that money left here and used in our facility here.”

Cooper said she would discuss the matter with Jeff Shabram.

Cooper reported the new compressors for the HVAC units had arrived, but installation had been delayed until later in April due to COVID-19 issues that had been deemed more pressing. She said technicians will estimate the cost to move the units when they are on site.

Plans for summer maintenance projects include plumbing repairs on the west side of the building, cleaning and polishing floors. Board members suggested the green stripes in the gym and hallways be repainted Bobcat blue.

Three bids were received for mowing the Orchard grounds. The Tabbert family from Orchard bid $210 per mowing, while two bids came in at $185 per mowing, from Craig Heckert of Neligh and Darin and Kari Wickersham of Orchard. Wickersham’s bid included additional mowing of just the football field if needed, for $125 per time. The Wickersham bid was approved.

The final meeting of the Orchard boards is set for 5:30 p.m. May 4.