School board approves agreement with teachers

BROKEN BOW - The Broken Bow Board of Education approved a new negotiated agreement with the Broken Bow Education Association at Monday evening’s meeting. The agreement raises the base pay of teachers from $35,700 to $36,400. This is the amount that a beginning teacher would start at, as well as the base pay from which other teacher salaries are calculated.

During public comments, Amy Woodward asked for clarification on the status of mask wearing at Broken Bow schools. Superintendent Darren Toby explained, per Loup Basin Public Health District, that if a student is wearing a mask and is exposed to COVID-19, the student doesn’t have to quarantine. If the student is not wearing a mask, a 10-day quarantine is required. Tobey and board members agreed that this is the best way to help students stay in school and not miss important events. “I’d hate for them to miss graduation day because they are in quarantine,” Tobey said.

Tobey said that no one at BBPS has tested positive for the last two weeks. There have been students as well as faculty members who have tested positive over the course of the past several months.

Tobey reported nine students qualified for State Speech competition. “I’ve been here three years and this is the best we’ve ever done,” Tobey said. The Broken Bow team came in third at District speech meet.

The board accepted the resignation of Danielle Thompson, the Life Skills teacher, effective at the end of the school year. The Board approved the contract for Kristin Benjamin as Middle School/ High School Technology Assistant. At the March 1 work session, Tobey said Trent Benjamin, Kristin’s husband, had been hired as Director of Teaching and Learning, an administrative position. Trent Benjamin will begin his postion July 1.

Board president Tom Osmond presented the financial report stating, “We are on track for the budget.”

Tobey encouraged board members to check out the construction of the new preschool at North Park Elementary saying the new construction is now enclosed.

It was reported that the

first public meeting on the facilities went well. Committees have been meeting to explore what is needed for Broken Bow facilities and programs.

The next facilities meeting is scheduled for April 14 at 6 p.m. in the High School media center, though that date is subject to change. The meeting is open to the public.

Present at the school board meeting were board members Osmond, Pam Holcomb, Tim Chancellor, Mary Shaw and Amy Staples. Absent and excused was JB Atkins. Also present were Superintendent Tobey and secretary Kay Einsphar.

The board is scheduled to meet in a work session Tuesday, April 6 at noon. The next regular meeting is scheduled for April 19 at 5:30 p.m.

The public is welcome to attend both meetings.