The East Butler Public School Board met in regular session on Wednesday, December 13, 2023.

December 13, 2023 Agenda

In order to enhance the school district's communication with the community, this new section in the East Butler "Board Brief" will provide factual information for all constituents.

FICTION

• East Butler school's test scores are not improving even with the large investment of district funds.

FACT

• The recent Nebraska Student Centered Assessment System (NSCAS), were released on November 22, 2023.
• The results show that Nebraska schools statewide showed growth on the NSCAS test.
• East Butler showed large improvement in the areas of Reading, Math, and Science. The table below highlights the growth that was achieved.
• In addition to the NSCAS test, East Butler scored well on the ACT:
• East Butler Proficiency Scores: English Language Arts 61%, Math 67%, Science 67%).
• State proficiency scores: ELA 46%, Math 42%, and Science 49%
• Comparing East Butler's ACT scores to the state average. East Butler's proficiency scores are 15-25% higher than the state average. That is excellent!

Superintendent Eldridge was approached by a Brainard resident who lives across the street from the school (423 Madison Street) about whether the school would be interested in purchasing their house. Currently, the school owns the house at 211 S Madison Street and the lot directly to the south. Since the school owns that property, the school was approached about this home.

The board discussed what the school would utilize the house for, if they were to choose to purchase the property. The school board advised Superintendent Eldridge to make contact with the owner to arrange a time, where the Superintendent and the school's maintenance department can walk through the house.

East Butler Public School just completed the first phase of the strategic planning process. This strategic plan was created in 2017. It is now time for the school to undergo phase II of this process - facilitated by the Nebraska Association of School Boards (NASB), and involving a variety of stakeholders within the East Butler Community.

The East Butler community will be invited to upcoming community meetings, that will be designed to gather input from the community, so that it may assist the school in developing a new strategic plan that will guide the school district for the next five years.

The administrative team shared results of the NWEA assessment and the state assessment with the school board. Overall, the district showed growth on the state assessment. As referenced in the above table.

Superintendent Eldridge presented the proposed 2024-2025 school calendar to the East Butler school board. This calendar was created as a result of the calendar committee's work. The calendar committee is comprised of teachers, support staff, and administration.

2024-2025 School Calendar

MOTION PASSED: 6-0

The East Butler Public School District is a part of Educational Service Unit #7 (ESU 7). ESU 7 is currently in the process of creating a program that will be able to serve students from ESU 7 school districts that may display negative behaviors that impact their learning. This program will be designed for students that are non-verbal that also display behaviors.

ESU 7 has requested school's to approve this program, to demonstrate commitment from the ESU 7 schools that this program is necessary. There is no financial commitment from the school that is required. School's will only be required to pay tuition costs, if they send a student to the program.

MOTION PASSED: 6-0

The school board is considering utilizing Bank of the Valley as a potential depositor for school district funds. The purpose behind this is the potential of generating more interest at Bank of the Valley by having district funds there. The school board will decided whether to move any funds into this new account at their January board meeting.

The board moved to approve Bank of the Valley as a potential depositor for school district funds.

MOTION PASSED: 6-0

Superintendent Eldridge, shared with the board two proposals for the purchase of a used school bus. This bus would be purchased to replace bus 2014 A, which has currently experienced many mechanical issues. The board discussed at length the options presented, including the purchase of a new bus.

The school board tabled this item until the January meeting, so that Superintendent Eldridge can get new quotes for a brand new school bus.

MOTION PASSED: 6-0

The East Butler Public School district has developed a facility plan that also included roof restoration and replacement. During the summer of 2023, the district restored the roof on the north part of the school in Brainard. For summer 2024, the district will undergo a complete roof replacement on the older portion of the building in Brainard.

The district received four bids as a result of the advertisement process.

The board approved to accept the bid from McKinnis Roofing for the amount for $205,000.

MOTION PASSED: 6-0

At the December board meeting, the East Butler school board conducts an evaluation of the school superintendent. This is the typical practice for school district's across the state. The School board went into executive session for the purpose of evaluating the Superintendent.

Following the executive session, the board shared that they believe that Superintendent Eldridge does an excellent job, and they appreciate his continued efforts in getting the district on a firm financial path. The board also shared that any adjustment to compensation will take place at the same time that the remainder of the Administrative team's compensation is considered.