Minutes of the Banner County School District
Board of Education Meeting
Monday, December 9, 2024
Notice of the Monday, December 9, 2024, Board of Education Regular Meeting was posted at
Banner County Court House, the Harrisburg Post Office, Banner Capital Bank,
www.bcswildcats.org, and in the Western Nebraska Observer.
Call to Order
The Regular Meeting of the Banner County School District Board of Education is called to order at
7:00 PM, in the school cafeteria.
The Nebraska Open Meetings Act was displayed in the cafeteria.
Roll Call/Welcome
Present: Laura Baker, Ronald Johnson, Jake Knaub, Douglas Olsen, and Ryan Olsen.
Also present: Evelyn Browne, Superintendent/BOE Secretary and Troy Holmberg, Principal.
Motion to excuse BOE member Megan Allen from the December 9th, 2024, regular meeting of the
Banner County BOE. Passed with a motion by Laura Baker and a second by Douglas Olsen.
Laura Baker: Yea, Ronald Johnson: Yea, Jake Knaub: Yea, Douglas Olsen: Yea, Ryan Olsen: Yea
Pledge of Allegiance
President Ron Johnson invited members and guests to stand for the Pledge of Allegiance.
Approval of Agenda
Approve agenda for the December 9th, 2024 Banner County Regular Board of Education meeting.
Passed with a motion by Douglas Olsen and a second by Laura Baker.
Laura Baker: Yea, Ronald Johnson: Yea, Jake Knaub: Yea, Douglas Olsen: Yea, Ryan Olsen: Yea
Comments from the Audience
There was no public comment.
Presentations
Students of the Month - Dr. Browne presented certificates to November Students of the
Month: Bexlie Groves, Grade 4, Klara Reece, Grade 4, Keira Bolander, Grade 12
Awards and Recognitions
Commend the following students, staff, and patrons:
Our Fall Activities and Athletics Teams earned the MAC Sportsmanship Award.
Abigayle Jones earned the Outstanding Performer Award at MAC One Act on Nov. 23 at Potter-
Dix.
One-act team earned 1st place at Districts in Leyton on Dec. 2. Abigayle Jones, Isaac Olsen, Keira
Bolander, and Makynna Boettcher received certificates for outstanding performer. Abby was also
awarded best actor.
Class D2-6 Outstanding Technical Crew: Karleigh Leslie, Logan Mason, Kesmera Palu, Shawnie
Mason, Lydia Wenger, Karlye Dittbenner
Our team will now travel to Norfolk for the State competition on Dec. 11.
-The Youth Lady Cats Volleyball team had a great season winning the majority of their games.
Their final game was on November 23.
4 th & 5 th grade team: Bekah Jones, Bexlie Groves, Bailie Gilbert, Lilly Martin, Ailie Cooper, Tacey
Cross, and Klara Reece; coached by Kinsey Groves and Abbie Cross.
3 rd grade team: Raelynn Felkins, Addyson Watts, Mesa Faden, Presley Grubbs, Addison Knaub,
Colbie Knaub, and Riata Peterson; coached by Ashley Knaub and Kaitlin Knaub.
1 st & 2 nd grade team: Breklyn Cross, Raelyn Peterson, Izaveaha Chairez, Emma Morris, Kinlee Olsen,
Harli Revelle, and Willow Turner; coached by Traci Revelle and Kindra Olsen.
Thanks to all the coaches for a great Lady Cats season!
-Mrs. Mical Cooper and all the students who performed in the annual Christmas Concert on Dec.
5th.
-The 6th-grade students who developed, marketed, and sold their original products at the
Entrepreneur Extravaganza: Eli Allen, Bailie Gilbert, Roger McGowan, Railin Mesteth, and Bronson
Smith
-Students of the Month: Bexlie Groves, Grade 4, Klara Reece, Grade 4, Keira Bolander, Grade 12
-Results from FFA district LDE contest on Nov. 20th at Chadron:
Creed Speaking - Shawnie Mason - 7 th blue, Jackson Onstott - 15 th red
Senior Public Speaking - Abigayle Jones - 8 th red, Isaac Olsen - 5 th blue
Reports
Superintendent
COMMUNITY
-Christmas Concert and Entrepreneur Extravaganza was very well attended.
-Breakfast with Santa was a lot of fun thanks to the Henderson’s, STUCO volunteers, and staff
members
Facilities & Transportation
- North teacherage work completed
Student Programs & Enrollment
-Current 2024-2025 Enrollment - 125 PK = 8; K-5= 57; 6-8= 23; 9-12=35; LL=1; VALTS=1
-Option IN - 37 Option Out - 20
-BCS Curriculum now available on the web-site
Personnel
-Stephanie Stricker resigned as HS Asst. Volleyball coach for 2025-2026 season.
-Ayden Adams resigned her elementary paraprofessional position. Ayden is pursuing a degree in
education.
-Patricia Holmberg hired as elementary paraprofessional.
-Full-time custodian position has been re-posted.
Principal
SOTM Nominees
Aili Cooper, Tacey Cross, Paycen West, Delilah Hughes, Dalton Gilbert, Jamison Martinez, Addison
Knaub, Klara Reece, Yovanni Rios Garcia, Tatum Revelle, Izaveaha Chairez, Willow Turner, Charles
Cooper, Breklyn Cross, Colt Felz, Bexlie Groves, Railin Mesteth, Madalinn May, Knox Hottell, Keira
Bolander
CIP (School Improvement)
Eleven participants attended math series selection day at ESU 13 on December 6 th . Various series
were ranked while additional materials are being ordered with the goal of making a decision in
January and presentation to the Board in February.
CIP/MTSS team attended the MTSS workshop at ESU 13 on December 2 nd . The focus of the
workshop was Tier 1 processes that assist all learners.
AQuESTT Ratings (Accountability for a Quality Education System, Today and Tomorrow)
Elementary - Great Middle - Good High School- Great
Overall District Rating - Good
The high school initial rating was Good with a bump due to improvement over the last three years.
Activities- Participation levels in GBB- 9, BBB- 7, WR- 1
Upcoming Events
11 th One-Act team competes at state
12 th PreK-5 students caroling at Heritage Estates
19 th AR parties in the elementary
20 th Last Day of semester, dismissal @ 1:00
Board of Education
The holiday staff dinner will be on December 12 th at 6:00pm.
Committee Reports
Transportation and Grounds: No report.
American Civics, Curriculum, and Technology: No report.
Policy Review: No report.
Personnel and Negotiations: BCEA/BOE settled 2-year contract, which is on the agenda for
approval.
Consent Agenda
Motion to approve the consent agenda. Passed with a motion by Douglas Olsen and a second by
Laura Baker.
Laura Baker: Yea, Ronald Johnson: Yea, Jake Knaub: Yea, Douglas Olsen: Yea, Ryan Olsen: Yea
-Approve the Minutes of the November 11th, 2024 regular meeting.
-Approve the payment of bills and salaries totaling $336,125.71 for the December 9th, 2024,
regular meeting.
-Approve transfers to the General Fund: $20,000 from the Depreciation Fund; $20,000 from the
Employee Benefit Fund; $10,000 from the Activities Fund
-Approve transfer of Depreciation Fund CDs #7399 & #7400 and Employee Benefit CDs #7397 &
#7480 totaling $146,475.13 to the General Fund
-Approve transfer of Depreciation Fund CD #40998 for $79,065.89 to the Special Building Fund
Approve the forfeiture of the 2025 football season.
Approve the forfeiture of the 2025 football season with the intention of having a JV schedule.
Passed with a motion by Ryan Olsen and a second by Jake Knaub.
Laura Baker: Yea, Ronald Johnson: Yea, Jake Knaub: Yea, Douglas Olsen: Yea, Ryan Olsen: Yea
Approve an Agreement with NASB to Conduct the Superintendent Search
Approve an Agreement with NASB to Conduct the Superintendent Search at a cost of $6,000 plus
the cost of advertising, travel, and expenses. Passed with a motion by Douglas Olsen and a second
by Ryan Olsen.
Laura Baker: Yea, Ronald Johnson: Yea, Jake Knaub: Yea, Douglas Olsen: Yea, Ryan Olsen: Yea
Approve Negotiated Agreement for 2025-2026 and 2026-2027
Approve the Negotiated Agreement for 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 with the Banner County
Education Association as presented. Passed with a motion by Laura Baker and a second by Douglas
Olsen.
Laura Baker: Yea, Ronald Johnson: Yea, Jake Knaub: Yea, Douglas Olsen: Yea, Ryan Olsen: Yea
Next Meeting
Work Session: December 18, 2024 at 1:00pm
Regular Meeting: January 13th, 2025, 7:00 PM
Meeting Adjourned
Adjourn the meeting at 7:53 PM. Passed with a motion by Jake Knaub and a second by Laura
Baker.
Laura Baker: Yea, Ronald Johnson: Yea, Jake Knaub: Yea, Douglas Olsen: Yea, Ryan Olsen: Yea
Banner County School Schedule of Bills/Claims
BLICK ART MATERIALS $58.57; WITTNI BOETTCHER $36.85; CAPITAL ONE TRADE CREDIT
$4,876.74; CDW GOVERNMENT $131.22; CONNECTING POINT $724.74; DAS STATE ACCTG
$292.87; ESU #13 $12,508.04; FRANK PARTS $686.21; GRAINGER $1,280.68; GREATAMERICA
LEASING CORP $250.00; HARRISBURG WATER SYSTEM $539.9; HD SUPPLY $139.41; HIGH WEST
ENERGY, INC. $2,438.17; HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS & SUITES $119.00; HOME DEPOT CREDIT
SERVICES $277.54; SONJA LIND $448.90; MARIE PARKER $160.80; MENARDS $848.92;
MIDAMERICA BOOKS $284.45; NKC TIRE/MCWHORTER'S TIRE $976.78; PACK RAT $380.00;
RAUNER & ASSOCIATES $12,844.29; REGIONAL WEST HEALTH SERVICES $13.00; SNELL
SERVICES, INC $215.00; SOAR PEDIATRIC THERAPY LLC $1,173.07; STAPLES ADVANTAGE
$382.90; VERIZON WIRELESS $161.13; WELLS FARGO CARD SERVICES $92.55; WELLS FARGO
CARD SERVICES $207.25; WELLS FARGO CARD SERVICES $1,026.28; WESTCO $3,788.47;
WESTERN NEBRASKA OBSERVER $355.48; WIZNERD DEVELOPMENT GROUP LLC $520.00;
FEDERAL TAX PAYMENT $41,329.22; MG TRUST COMPANY $8,514.08; NE DEPARTMENT OF
REVENUE $5,892.46; NPERS $37,148.88; VSP $668.65; 125 CLEARING ACCOUNT $810.00; AFLAC
$842.09; AFLAC $943.82; BANNER COUNTY SCHOOL $815.00; BLDG FUND $1,200.00; BCBS NE
$53,668.96; COLONIAL LIFE $183.93; COLONIAL LIFE $177.34; HORACE MANN $217.78;
LEGALSHIELD $57.80; PRINCIPAL $854.02; PAYROLL $134,562.45
