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Key Decisions and Updates from Blair School Board Meeting on July 10, 2023

On Monday, July 10, 2023, the Blair School Board conducted a significant meeting addressing various topics related to the local education system. The meeting encompassed discussions on student fees, handbook approvals, facility upgrades, financial matters, and policy revisions. This article provides a comprehensive analysis of the meeting, highlighting important details and potential implications for the Blair community.

  1. Student Fees: A major focus of the meeting was student fees, particularly regarding school supplies, athletic gear, and extracurricular activities. While many fees remained unchanged, several modifications were approved. Notable adjustments include:
  • Introduction of a fee of up to $200 for the new building construction course, which will cover OSHA requirements and cold weather gear.
  • Grade 6-8 Chromebook fee of $50, while parents also have the option to purchase a Chromebook for $220.
  • Physical education attire fees of $15 for shorts and $15 for shirts for grades K-5.
  • Various fees for different clubs, instruments, band uniforms, and attire for different activities.
  1. Handbooks Approval: The board approved both the student and staff handbooks for the upcoming academic year. These handbooks serve as essential guides, outlining policies, expectations, and procedures for students and staff members.
  2. Facility Upgrades: The meeting addressed several facility improvement projects within the district. Proposed upgrades included:
  • Adding concrete under the GaGa ball pit and rubber surfacing under playground equipment, costing approximately $44,000.
  • Installing carpeting in North and South schools, with the high school to follow shortly before the start of the school year.
  1. Financial Matters: Due to recent legislation, the Blair school system is set to receive an increase in state aid, significantly impacting the budget. The state aid is expected to rise from $493,000 to $3.7 million. Additionally:
  • The special education budget will increase by $1.2 million.
  • Public meetings and a special meeting on August 24th will be held to discuss and finalize the budget.
  1. Introduction of New Programs: The meeting introduced plans for a girls’ wrestling team, a six to eight-week program running from October to December. This initiative received approval, and the team will require two coaches, uniforms, and associated expenses.
  2. Policy Revisions: Various policies were revised to comply with recent legislative changes, ensuring adherence to state regulations. Highlights include:
  • Policies related to extracurricular activity discipline were amended in accordance with LB 705.
  • Financial literacy courses will become a graduation requirement, starting from the 2023-2024 school year.
  • Reporting of dyslexic students will be mandated under LB 298.
  • LB 77 prohibits firearms on school grounds, with limited exceptions.

The Blair School Board meeting on July 10, 2023, addressed critical matters related to student fees, handbook approvals, facility upgrades, financial matters, and policy revisions. The approved decisions and discussions during the meeting will have a substantial impact on the upcoming academic year and the overall educational landscape in Blair, Nebraska.

Special thanks to Aimee Cothran. For corrections or additions, email blairtoday@mail.com.

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2 COMMENTS

  1. And what about how bad the outside of the properties look from weeds around the buildings in the fence line. It looks treble. But keep giving the higher up more money.

    • Bonnie,

      Thank you for expressing your concerns about the appearance of school properties and the allocation of funds. While the article focused on the decisions made during the school board meeting, it is important to address the issue you raised. Maintaining the exterior of school properties is essential for creating a positive learning environment. It would be beneficial to raise these concerns with the appropriate channels, such as the school administration or facilities department, to work towards improving the overall condition of the school properties. Your active participation in these discussions can contribute to creating a better school environment.

      BlairToday Editor

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