Board Approves Contract for New Vocal Instructor & Discusses Playground Renovation
The Heartland School Board met for its regular meeting on Monday, January 12, at 7 p.m., with all members present and administrators. An election of officers was held, and Tyler Newton remained as President, Ryan Goertzen as Vice President, and Lacey Gloystein as the new secretary, replacing Tammy Ott.
Justin Ott from Henderson State Bank presented information about a new in-school savings program. He said it would encourage elementary students to save money in a non-interest-bearing account set up by the school.
“There are over 90 schools in Nebraska using this type of program, and its popularity is growing fast. Even though the savings can’t earn interest, Henderson State Bank will match up to $5 on any student savings deposit. We will also promote some prizes and incentives for students to participate,” said Ott.
He said they have also been in contact with the Heartland FBLA, which will help facilitate the program at school. Ott said they have a few details to work out yet, but hope to have it up and running by February. “It’s a great way to give the high school student some business experience running the bank and giving an opportunity to kids who might not have saved otherwise,” said Ott. When students finish 6th grade, they will receive their savings back, according to Ott.
“I am really excited about this program and have seen similar in-school savings plans elsewhere,” said Ryan Goertzen.
The board spent considerable time discussing proposed plans to renovate the elementary playground. Superintendent Klein explained that one of the primary issues in the renovation is correcting the playground drainage, which is challenging but important to the site’s longevity.
The board discussed all the proposed options and their recommendations for moving forward. Click this link to view the preliminary concept plans, equipment, and the three options proposed by Clark & Enersen.
“I’d like to see room for a full basketball court. Since there isn’t a decent full basketball court in town, this is really needed. I know even high schoolers like to play basketball out there,” said Gloystein.
Mierau, who was on the playground committee, said they were looking at more “robust equipment” that would be long-lasting, accommodate different ages, and not take up too much space. The board considered Superintendent Klein’s idea to remove the red playground equipment at the north end and turn it into a green space for kids to play ball sports.
The high cost of the renovation was discussed, and whether they wanted to proceed with investing a ballpark $400,000 in the project. The board agreed to move forward with pursuing the project and more planning.
Klein gave a building/construction report and went over the items on the punch list that have been checked off. Over the break, the damaged elementary playground equipment was removed, the lobby carpet issue was repaired, and sprinklers were raised in the voag shop. He reported that there still is a leak issue in the north gym, and it’s being investigated. The board requested a final walk-through with the contractors.
The board approved a contract to hire Kelsey Linaberry as the new vocal instructor, effective August 1st. She has been the vocal instructor at Sutton since 2012.
The board set tentative dates in March for their annual board retreat, and their next regular meeting is Monday, February 9. The meeting adjourned at 8:39 p.m.
