Minutes of the Banner County School District
Board of Education Meeting
Monday, January 13, 2025
Notice of the Monday, January 13, 2025, Board of Education Regular Meeting was posted at
Harrisburg U.S. Post Office, Banner Capital Bank, Banner County Courthouse, Banner County
School, at www.bcswildcats.org, and in the Western Nebraska Observer.
Call to Order
The regular January meeting of the Banner County School District Board of Education was called to
order at 7:04 PM in the School Cafeteria, 200 School Street, Harrisburg, Nebraska.
The Nebraska Open Meetings Act was posted on the wall.
Oath of Office and Code of Ethics
Superintendent Dr. Evelyn Browne administered the Oath of Office to newly elected board
member, John-Robert Faden and provided a copy of the Code of Ethics to the new Board Member.
Roll Call/Welcome
Present: Laura Baker, John-Robert Faden, Ronald Johnson, Jake Knaub, Douglas Olsen, and Ryan
Olsen.
Also present: Evelyn Browne, Superintendent/BOE Secretary and Troy Holmberg, Principal.
Pledge of Allegiance
President Ron Johnson invited members and guests to stand for the Pledge of Allegiance.
Approval of Agenda
Approve agenda for the January 13th, 2025 Banner County Regular Board of Education meeting.
Passed with a motion by Douglas Olsen and a second by Laura Baker.
Laura Baker: Yea, John-Robert Faden: Yea, Ronald Johnson: Yea, Jake Knaub: Yea, Douglas Olsen:
Yea, Ryan Olsen: Yea
Comments from the Audience
There was no public comment.
Presentations
Dr. Browne presented December Students of the Month
Awards and Recognitions
Commend the following students, staff, and patrons:
-Students of the Month: Charles Cooper, grade 1; Aili Cooper, grade 5; Sofiah Villagrana, grade 10.
-NSAA Academic All-State Awards: Football and Play Production - Isaac Olsen; Volleyball -
Leeigh McGowan
-Results from FFA District competition in Scottsbluff Wed. Jan. 8 th : Livestock Management Team
placed 1st and qualified for state contest in April!
Team members: Isaac Olsen, Micah Dittbenner, Logan Mason, Kambree Hottell, Abigayle Jones,
Wilbur Reichenberg
-Staff members would like to recognize Jim Milner for his positive attitude and friendliness as he
has stepped up to do so many jobs.
-Recognize Sue Talkington for helping and supporting our new food service manager, Alda
Schluterbusch, while she learns the ropes of managing the school lunch program!
Annual Reorganization of BOE
Election of Board Officers
-Nominate Douglas Olsen for board president. Passed with a motion by Ronald Johnson and a
second by Jake Knaub.
Douglas Olsen: Abstain (With Conflict), Laura Baker: Yea, John-Robert Faden: Yea, Ronald Johnson:
Yea, Jake Knaub: Yea, Ryan Olsen: Yea
-Nominate Ron Johnson for board vice-president. Passed with a motion by Ronald Johnson and a
second by Laura Baker.
Laura Baker: Yea, John-Robert Faden: Yea, Ronald Johnson: Yea, Jake Knaub: Yea, Douglas Olsen:
Yea, Ryan Olsen: Yea
-Nominate Jake Knaub for treasurer. Passed with a motion by Laura Baker and a second by Ronald
Johnson.
Laura Baker: Yea, John-Robert Faden: Yea, Ronald Johnson: Yea, Jake Knaub: Yea, Douglas Olsen:
Yea, Ryan Olsen: Yea
Appointment of Committee Members
Move to approve the appointment of the following BOE committee members: Transportation and
Grounds: Douglas Olsen (Chair), Jake Knaub, Ryan Olsen; Personnel and Negotiations: Douglas
Olsen (Chair), Ron Johnson, Laura Baker; American Civics, Curriculum, and Technology: Jake Knaub
(Chair), Ryan Olsen, and John-Robert Faden; Policy Review: Ron Johnson (Chair), Laura Baker, &
John-Robrt Faden. Passed with a motion by Jake Knaub and a second by Laura Baker.
Laura Baker: Yea, John-Robert Faden: Yea, Ronald Johnson: Yea, Jake Knaub: Yea, Douglas Olsen:
Yea, Ryan Olsen: Yea
Re-adopt Policies, Regulations, and Handbooks for Governance of the District
Motion to re-adopt all existing policies, regulations, and handbooks for the governance of the
district. Passed with a motion by Laura Baker and a second by Ronald Johnson.
Laura Baker: Yea, John-Robert Faden: Yea, Ronald Johnson: Yea, Jake Knaub: Yea, Douglas Olsen:
Yea, Ryan Olsen: Yea
Adopt Annual Board Calendar and Board Meeting Schedule for 2025
Adopt Annual Board Calendar and Board Meeting Schedule for 2025-2026. Passed with a motion
by Laura Baker and a second by Ronald Johnson.
Laura Baker: Yea, John-Robert Faden: Yea, Ronald Johnson: Yea, Jake Knaub: Yea, Douglas Olsen:
Yea, Ryan Olsen: Yea
Authorization to Sign Checks
Authorize Douglas Olsen (President), Ron Johnson (Vice-President), Jake Knaub (Treasurer), and
Evelyn Browne (Secretary) as signers for all accounts held at Banner Capital Bank. Authorize Troy
Holmberg and Wittni Boettcher as additional signers on General Fund 2, Activity, and Nutrition
accounts. Two signatures are required on all checks. Passed with a motion by Laura Baker and a
second by Jake Knaub.
Laura Baker: Yea, John-Robert Faden: Yea, Ronald Johnson: Yea, Jake Knaub: Yea, Douglas Olsen:
Yea, Ryan Olsen: Yea
Appoint the Non-discrimination Compliance Coordinator for 2025.
Appoint Dr. Evelyn Browne as the Non-discrimination Compliance Coordinator for 2025. Passed
with a motion by Laura Baker and a second by Ronald Johnson.
Laura Baker: Yea, John-Robert Faden: Yea, Ronald Johnson: Yea, Jake Knaub: Yea, Douglas Olsen:
Yea, Ryan Olsen: Yea
Appoint District Title IX Coordinator for 2025.
Appoint Troy Holmberg as the district Title IX Coordinator for 2025. Passed with a motion by
Ronald Johnson and a second by Laura Baker.
Laura Baker: Yea, John-Robert Faden: Yea, Ronald Johnson: Yea, Jake Knaub: Yea, Douglas Olsen:
Yea, Ryan Olsen: Yea
Reports
Superintendent
Community
-3 rd grade boys and girls basketball underway with community sponsors: Josh Loutzenhiser and
Kaitlin Knaub
Facilities & Transportation
- Submitted application for EPA Clean Bus rebate for one electric bus to replace Bus 11 (2001).
- Classroom climate surveys completed in December. Seven students and 23 staff members
responded. Results for ideal classroom temps: 65-68:4; 68-70:4; 68-72:9;70-74:11;74-78:2. Goal to
set classroom temps across the building to maximize energy savings.
Student Programs & Enrollment
- Current 2024-2025 Enrollment - 128 PK = 8; K-5= 58; 6-8= 24; 9-12=36; LL=1: VALTS=1
- Option IN - 37 Option Out - 20
- Perkins grant of $4,200 received towards an Ironworker, metal brake, and die sets (total cost
$5,144)
- Our student currently attending VALTS as a junior may meet graduation requirements by May
2025. According to our Policy 611.07, Graduation Requirements, requests for special consideration
will be decided by the school principal and superintendent of schools, who will communicate the
rationale and final decision to the board of education. Mr. Holmberg will remain in contact with
Tom Peacock at VALTS to determine the student’s eligibility to graduate in May 2025. If the
student completes all course requirements successfully, my recommendation would be to approve this request, as it is in the best interest of the student to pursue continuing education or career
goals.
Personnel
- Substitute teachers needed
- Full or Part time custodian needed
Principal
Student of the Month Nominees
Aili Cooper Camden Knaub Kesmera Palu
Kai Hageman Izzy Chairez Railin Mesteth
Saryah Mason Jaxson Loutzenhiser Braedyn Bojorquez
Tacey Cross Charles Cooper Isaac Olsen
Henry Groves Breklyn Cross Luke Olsen
Trace Olsen Colt Felz Knox Hottell
Trenton Knaub Paycen West Sofiah Villagrana
Boone Dittbenner Raelynn Felkins Shawnie Mason
Yovanni Rios Garcia
Honor Roll
A/B Honor Roll: Bradeyn Bojorquez, Tack Cross, Kassie Loutzenhiser, Madalinn May, Tate
Olsen, George Teeple, Jackson Onstott, Sofiah Villagrana, Micah Dittbenner, Logan Mason, Brianne
Woodral, Keira Bolander, Karleigh Leslie
A Honor Roll: Knox Hottell, Kambrie Loutzenhiser, Luke Olsen, Shawnie Mason, Leeigh
McGowan, Isaac Olsen
Math Selection Process
The committee has narrowed down choices and will present final decision at the February Board
Meeting. The finalists are Math & You, Into Math, and Math Expressions.
On a related note, we had four elementary teachers attend a math teaching workshop at ESU 13
on January 8th (Katie Armstrong, Megan Sinks, Olivia Terrones, Priscilla Stauffer).
Winter Testing
Students in grades K-8 will be completing winter growth testing during January.
K-2: MAP Math and English, DIBELS (K-5 reading)
3-8: NSCAS Math and English, MAP Science
In the spring, the summative NSCAS testing for Math, English, and Science is done. Those results
are used to determine AQuESTT status.
Teaching as a Profession Course
Students in Mrs. Boettcher’s Teaching as a Profession course will be placed in various, primarily
elementary, classrooms this semester. The goals are to recognize different learning and teaching
styles.
Coming Up
Jan 15 NSAA District VI Meeting - 49 proposals up for vote
Jan 20,21,23,25 MAC Basketball - BC hosts games in Bridgeport on 23, 25
Jan 27 MAC Choral Clinic
Jan 30 Spelling Bee
Winter Sports Pictures
Board of Education
The Winter Retreat was set for Feb 7, 2025 at 8:00am in the Library. Members should submit
agenda items to Dr. Browne and complete the on-line self-assessment prior to the retreat.
Committee Reports
Transportation and Grounds: No report. Discussion on improvements to Old Gym added to the
Winter Retreat agenda.
American Civics, Curriculum, and Technology: No report.
Policy Review: No report. Two policies presented for review – 202.01 Code of Ethics and 202.02
Conflict of Interest
Personnel and Negotiations: No report.
Consent Agenda
Motion to approve the consent agenda. Passed with a motion by Laura Baker and a second by
Ronald Johnson.
John-Robert Faden: Abstain (With Conflict), Laura Baker: Yea, Ronald Johnson: Yea, Jake Knaub:
Yea, Douglas Olsen: Yea, Ryan Olsen: Yea
-Approve the Minutes of the December 9th, 2024 regular meeting and the December 18th, 2024
Work Session.
-Approve the payment of bills and salaries totaling $347,676.19 for the January 13th, 2025 regular
meeting
-Approve mileage reimbursement rate at $.70 effective January 1, 2025
-Approve obsolete equipment
Approve sale of vehicles to public
Approve the sale of a 1975 International tractor & front end loader "as is" for $2,500 or best offer
and a 2001 Freightliner, 41-passenger bus "as is" for $2,000 or best offer. Passed with a motion by
Ryan Olsen and a second by Laura Baker.
Laura Baker: Yea, John-Robert Faden: Yea, Ronald Johnson: Yea, Jake Knaub: Yea, Douglas Olsen:
Yea, Ryan Olsen: Yea
Next Meeting
Work Session: January 28th, 2025 at 1:00 PM in the Superintendent's Office
Special Meeting: February 3rd, 2025 at 10:00 AM in the School Library
Winter Retreat: February 7th, 2025 at 8:00 AM in the School Library.
Regular Meeting: February 10th, 2025, 7:00 PM
Meeting Adjourned
Adjourn the meeting at 8:32 PM. Passed with a motion by Jake Knaub and a second by Ronald
Johnson.
Laura Baker: Yea, John-Robert Faden: Yea, Ronald Johnson: Yea, Jake Knaub: Yea, Douglas Olsen:
Yea, Ryan Olsen: Yea
Banner County School Schedule of Bills/Claims
MOTOR FUELS DIVISION $737.00; AFLAC $756.12; AFLAC $912.88; FEDERAL TAXES $39,897.47;
MG TRUST COMPANY $8,514.70; NE DEPT OF REVENUE $5,395.57; NPERS $36,221.64; VSP
INSURANCE CO $630.06; 4IMPRINT, INC. $890.30; BANNER COUNTY SHERIFF OFFICE $1,208.49;
EVELYN BROWNE $10.75; CENTURY LINK $223.55; CONNECTING POINT $513.18; MICAL
COOPER $47.03; CROSSROADS MUSIC $93.39; DAS STATE ACCTG $292.87; EASTWEST BOOKS
$56.97; ESU #13 $13,713.50; ESU #5 $9,399.00; FLOYD HEIN $205.02; FRANK PARTS $654.75;
GRAINGER $72.20; GREATAMERICA LEASING CORP $276.00; HAPPY NUMBERS, INC $200.00;
HARRISBURG WATER SYSTEM $521.22; HIGH WEST ENERGY, INC. $2,772.95; HOLIDAY INN
EXPRESS $139.95; TROY HOLMBERG $1,177.75; J.W. PEPPER & SON INC. $54.59; JOHNSON
HARDWARE COMPANY $305.60; KIMBALL PUBLIC SCHOOLS $3,050.00; KSB SCHOOL LAW PC
LLO $476.00; LOOKOUT BOOKS $208.82; MENARDS $165.02; NASB $3,600.00; NE SAFETY
CENTER $125.00; NEBRASKA SAFETY & FIRE EQUIP $401.00; NEBRASKA/CENTRAL EQUIPMENT
$510.81; NKC TIRE/MCWHORTER'S TIRE $1,073.40; PACK RAT DISPOSAL $380.00; MARIE
PARKER $120.60; PDQ.COM $1,338.75; PEETZ FARMERS COOP $15,417.49; SCOTTS BLUFF
COUNTY ELECTION OFFICE $100.00; SOAR PEDIATRIC THERAPY LLC $2,418.97; SPARQDATA
SOLUTIONS $4,000.00; STERLING COMPUTERS CORPORATION $2,455.96; LEONDA TALKINGTON
$60.00; USI $207.68; VERIZON WIRELESS $161.16; W.P.C.I. $62.00; WELLS FARGO CARD
SERVICES $80.54; WELLS FARGO CARD SERVICES $767.93; WESTCO $3,734.96; WESTERN
NEBRASKA OBSERVER $253.84; WIZNERD DEVELOPMENT GROUP LLC $325.00; 125 CLEARING
ACCOUNT $810.00; BANNER COUNTY SCHOOL $815.00; BANNER COUNTY SCHOOL BLDG FUND
$1,200.00; BLUE CROSS & BLUE SHIELD NE $51,884.24; COLONIAL LIFE $183.93; COLONIAL LIFE
$177.34; HORACE MANN INSURANCE COMPANY $217.78; LEGALSHIELD $57.80; PRINCIPAL LIFE
INSURANCE COMPANY $854.02; PAYROLL $131,102.70
