Bobcats will join new activities conference in 2025-26

A conference realignment, of sorts, will include Summerland Bobcat activities. The decision to join a yet-to-be-named new conference, including seven other area school districts, was approved during the Summerland board of education's Jan. 17 regular meeting.

In addition to Summerland, current Niobrara Valley Conference Schools Elkhorn Valley, Neligh-Oakdale and West Holt will join Lewis and Clark Conference schools Hartington-Newcastle, Laurel-Concord-Coleridge and Plainview. Lutheran High Northeast will also join. They currently do not have a conference affiliation.

"Conference activities will begin in the 2025-2026 school year," Summerland superintendent Kyle Finke said.

Principal and activities director Zach Rosenboom said the new conference will allow more opportunities for students in all activities.

Per NVC bylaws, Summerland will need to give a one-year notice that they will be exiting from the conference.

The next step for the new venture will include developing bylaws and determining a name.

In other business, the board:

• Took the oath of of office and reelected officers for 2024. Steven Thiele will serve as president; Nate Schwager, vice president; Austin Twibell, secretary; and Jeremy Wagner, treasurer.

• Accepted the resignations of Mike Tabbert, bus driver, effective Jan. 31 and Christine Thoendel, cook, beginning Feb. 2.

• Voted to purchase a 2023 Ford van, for $65,800, from Moody Motors in Niobrara, based on a recommendation from the Transportation Committee. The van is new, with approximately 500 miles. The van will be purchased with ESSER III funds.

"No district funds will be needed for purchase," Finke said.