Two teachers submit resignations

Perkins County School board approved the resignation of two teachers at their May 13 meeting. 

With the elimination of the Family and Consumer Science program, teacher Cathy Ochsner submitted her resignation after 19 years at PCS. Stay tuned to the Tribune for a feature on Ochsner’s career.

Second-grade teacher Les Reinke said in his resignation letter that he has accepted a position teaching second grade in the Grand Island School District to be closer to family. 

He said his time in the district has been the most rewarding of his entire professional career and he will forever treasure the opportunity he’s had to impact students’ lives and be part of such a progressive and positive school district. 

While a second-grade teacher has yet to be hired, the board approved the contract of Kristin Borman. She will teach sixth grade English in place of Erica Turner, who is filling the librarian position vacated by Lynda Forney. 

Reports

Elementary Principal Nicole Long’s report stated the school hosted the Region V Leadership Day for fifth-grade students on May 3. Ten PC students were among 115 from 13 schools. Josh Erickson from team Concepts led the students through activities while speaking about leadership skills. 

Long said several teachers are attending professional development opportunities this summer, and 16 students are registered for summer school June 3-28. 

Activities Director Jeremy Struckman said extra duty assignments for 2019-20 are now completed. 

Next school year, PC will host high school SPVA volleyball, cross country and track, and will be putting in to host district track. 

Curriculum Director Deanne Bishop is working with teachers to take inventory of textbooks that are no longer used or needed and working with vendors to sell them. 

She has been working on giving the new teachers access to their curriculum to ease their transitions. 

Approved

• Lunch prices for the 2019-2020 school year increased as follows: elementary, $3; junior/senior high school, $3.50; staff/adult, $4. 

• After months of discussion and review and numerous problems with the current system, the board voted to accept a bid of a new phone system from Great Plains Communications at $21,781.28.

• Pay increases were approved for non-classified staff.