NEBRASKA CITY – The Nebraska City School Board met in a work session following the defeat of the levy override in May. Meeting minutes, which are expected to be presented today for board approval, say board members discussed the school’s strategic plan, board goals and the election outcome.

Superintendent Mark Fritch said the levy override was “plan A” to address the school district’s financial situation. While another levy override election was mentioned in public information meetings prior to the election, the school board has not made a decision on that.

Fritch said the board reviewed its strategic plan passed a year ago and directed the superintendent to focus on resources for the short-term and long-term benefits of the district’s solvency.

Fritch said the school has recently had openings of five certified and five classified employees, who will not be replaced.

He said the school was already evaluating areas to reduce spending prior to the election. He said the school board had hoped reductions could be done gradually, but now programs, staffing and services are being evaluated for immediate cuts.

Fritch: “We are absorbing and replacing.”

The superintendent is also directed to cultivate a positive learning culture and enable staff and students to connect in a culture that embraces accountability and inspires excellence.

Nebraska State law requires government bodies to produce a record of meeting minutes. Nebraska Attorney General Peterson released open meeting act guidance in 2020 saying “every public body shall keep minutes showing the time, place, members present and absent and the substance of all matters discussed.”

The board’s minutes indicate a work session lasting from 5 to 7:55 p.m. The work session included team building activities.

The board is expected to consider the 2021-22 athletic budget at Monday’s meeting.

The $117,802 budget includes $12,600 for varsity wrestling, $9,000 for varsity football, $7,300 for boys and girls basketball, $5,100 for cross country and $4,700 for volleyball.

Lunchtime Solutions is presenting its contract for renewal including a 2.9 percent increase in meal fees.

The board will also consider bids for roof at the central office building. Bids range from $53,745 to $86,870.

The May enrollment report indicates 419 students in high school, 306 in middle school, 306 in Hayward and 365 in Northside. There were a total of 1,399 students, an increase of 18 over 2020. The sophomore class is the largest with 115 students and second grade is the fewest with 89.