Leon Haith

The Board of Education meeting focused on various operational and facility matters. Key actions included the approval of a proposal from Kordica Communications for a communication audit and the acceptance of several donations from the Gridiron Club, Sid Dillon Chevrolet - Blair, and the Blair Community Schools Foundation for athletic programs and facility renovations. The Board approved service proposals and policy revisions recommended by the Policy/Curriculum Committee, as well as software licenses for the Spanish curriculum. Additionally, the Board handled personnel matters, including the approval of new certified staff and an administrative contract for the High School Assistant Principal, and accepted multiple resignations and retirements. Contracts were authorized for design and construction administration regarding renovations at Arbor Park Elementary and Gerald Otte Blair Middle School. The meeting also included reports from the Policy/Curriculum, Buildings, Grounds, and Transportation, and Finance committees, as well as a closed session for personnel evaluation.

The special meeting included a presentation by Marcia Herring of the Nebraska Association of School Boards (NASB) focusing on Board Leadership. Key discussion items involved reviewing and identifying preferred Board Norms, reviewing the first draft of the Board Handbook, and discussing the Strategic Plan Proposal. Furthermore, scenarios were considered to enhance the understanding of Board-Superintendent roles and responsibilities.

The special meeting of the Board of Education covered several items. Discussions included the approval of the absence of Board Member Courtney Tabor. Business transacted involved approving a request from the Blair Wrestling Club to utilize the high school gyms for their youth tournament scheduled for February 8, 2026. For discussion, a presentation was given by Marcia Herring of the Nebraska Association of School Boards (NASB) regarding Board Leadership.

The combined session included a Work Session where plans were presented by the architect and Director of District Operations regarding building projects at Arbor Park Elementary and Otte Middle School, focusing on enhancing building safety through secure vestibules. The Regular Meeting covered several items: a presentation on Unified Sports, acceptance of multiple donations including $1,195 from Cubby's Convenience Store, $10,000 from the Blair Community Schools Foundation for STREAM improvements at South Early Childhood Center, $4,760 from Blair Bear Backers for track uniforms, and a golf cart donation from Balls Out Motors. The Board also approved revisions to policy 103.03-Title IX, approved an amended contract agreement with Nannen Physical Therapy, and authorized expenditures for a network firewall replacement, a cloud-based food service product (Mosaic), and the purchase of a 2026 Chevrolet Truck Suburban. Furthermore, the Negotiated Agreement for the 2026-27 school year was approved, along with the hiring of a new English Teacher, Kelli Westphal, and the acceptance of one retirement and two resignations from certified staff.

The Special Meeting agenda included the approval of an absent Board Member, which was Courtney Tabor. The Board addressed business by approving a request from the Blair Wrestling Club to utilize the high school main and auxiliary gyms for their annual youth tournament scheduled for February 8, 2026. For discussion, Marcia Herring of the Nebraska Association of School Boards (NASB) presented information on Board Leadership.