October Newsletter

💀 Why didn’t the skeleton go to the Halloween party?
– Because he had no-body to go with!

⚰️ How can you tell if a vampire has a cold?
– Because of the coffin!

🎃 Find more goofy Halloween jokes here

I believe I talk every year about how tough a month October is for our students. October is the time when the new school year loses some of its luster, students are now into that dreaded word "routine". August and September are months when classes are beginning and they feel new, and fresh you have a few new students, practices are starting, everything feels new. October is when the fall activity seasons come to an end, the weather starts to turn to colder temperatures, and the days get shorter. Some of our students leave home when it's dark outside and get home when it's dark outside. The world it seems moves from an outside existence to an inside existence.

For all the reasons I just listed, this is when students start to become more undisciplined. When I say undisciplined, I don't necessarily mean that they are causing trouble. Undisciplined in terms of turning homework in on time, turning in quality homework, being tardy for school, staying home from school, being tardy for class, etc. We hear more complaining about assignments, about homework, about tests, about research. Traditionally, if your grade is going to go down it's going to happen during this month. They've been in school without much of a break for as long as they will be all year. I do want to say that this year up to this point has been the best year we've had in terms of kids being eligible, and students being on the down's list. That happens because you as parents continue to push your child to be the best they can be. We can keep kids after school, we can keep kids from participating, however, we can only do so much. You as parents are why this year has gone so well academically up to this point. Thank you for your support.

With Thanksgiving not too far away, this is the time of year when we start thinking about some of our families that have had tough years. For those of you that don't know, our school has a food pantry that we use to serve underprivileged families in our school district. The BF Foundation was started 4 years ago and is entering year 5. This non-profit organization has helped over 50 families during that time. This would include close to 100 children over the 4-year period. We provided a turkey and canned goods for 14 families last Thanksgiving. I'm positive we will have more this year. We provided Christmas gifts for close to 20 children last year. I have no doubt we will have more this year. I want to appeal to your generosity and kindness to help these families. It hurts a person's heart to see these little ones walking around knowing that the holidays will be a struggle. If you are able to donate, know that you are changing a kid’s life. Thank you for your generosity!

September 10th, 2025

President Gavin McClintock called the regular meeting to order at 8:05 P.M., following the Tax Request Hearing. Board members present were Trent McConnell, Jill Pelster, Gavin McClintock, Josh Friesen, Heather Strawder, and Seth Hasenauer. Also in attendance were Superintendent Joel Ferguson and Principal Bob Braithwait.

A motion was made by Seth Hasenauer and seconded by Trent McConnell, that the Wallace Board of Education approve the minutes of the Regular Board meeting of August 13, 2025, the Special Board meeting minutes of August 29, 2025, the Financial Reports, and the General Funds claims in the amount of $349,042.73, which includes a total Petty Cash Transfer of $831.37. Trent McConnell-yes, Jill Pelster-yes, Seth Hasenauer-yes, Gavin McClintock-yes, Josh Friesen-yes, and Heather Strawder-yes. Motion carried 6-0.

A reminder was made by President Gavin McClintock of the Open Meetings Law posted on the boardroom wall. Notice of the Board meeting was advertised in the North Platte Telegraph, and posted on the school house door, at First State Bank, and Wallace Hotel.

Non-Board Reports:

A. AD Report – Read by Mr. Braithwait

Old Business:

New Business:

A motion was made by Trent McConnell, seconded by Gavin McClintock, that the Wallace Board of Education approve the purchase of a new 2026 Blue Bird route bus as discussed. After discussion, a roll call vote was held. Jill Pelster-yes, Trent McConnell-yes, Gavin McClintock-yes, Josh Friesen-yes, Heather Strawder-yes, and Seth Hasenauer-yes. Motion carried 6-0.

A motion was made by Jill Pelster, seconded by Seth Hasenauer, that the Wallace Board of Education approve the proposed 2025-26 school district budget for all funds as presented. Josh Friesen-yes, Seth Hasenauer-yes, Trent McConnell-yes, Gavin McClintock-yes, Heather Strawder-yes, and Jill Pelster-yes. Motion carried 6-0.

Jill Pelster made a motion, seconded by Seth Hasenauer, that the Wallace Board of Education approve the Property Tax Request Resolution as presented for the 2025-26 school year as presented. Gavin McClintock-yes, Jill Pelster-yes, Josh Friesen-yes, Seth Hasenauer-yes, Heather Strawder-yes, and Trent McConnell-yes. Motion carried 6-0.

Heather Strawder made a motion, seconded by Josh Friesen, that the Wallace Board of Education approve the update to policy #3132-Internal Controls, as discussed. After discussion, a roll call vote was held. Heather Strawder-yes, Seth Hasenauer-yes, Josh Friesen-yes, Jill Pelster-yes, Gavin McClintock-yes, Trent McConnell-yes. Motion carried 6-0.

A motion was made by Josh Friesen, seconded by Heather Strawder, that the Wallace Board of Education follow the RFQ process for selecting an Energy Services Company (ESCO), and authorize the superintendent to advertise and request qualifications of Energy Services Companies. After discussion, a roll call vote was held. Seth Hasenauer-yes, Jill Pelster-yes, Trent McConnell-yes, Heather Strawder-yes, and Josh Friesen-yes. Motion carried 6-0.

Reports:

Reports were provided by Principal Bob Braithwait and Superintendent Joel Ferguson.

President Gavin McClintock adjourned the meeting at 9:56 P.M. The next regular Board meeting is scheduled for Monday, October 13th, 2025 at 8:00 P.M. The meeting will be open to the public and a current agenda is available during normal business hours at the office of the Superintendent.

Activity Fund Reimb(Credit Cards reim)3,250.61, Aflac Ins (supplemental)1,049.80, All Star Auto Glass(windshield)1,831.90, Amazon(supplies)87.21, Ameritas Life Ins. (vision ins) 600.63, Apple Inc(tech)3,042.00, BlueCross BlueShield (ins)52,169.60, Consolidated Tel(phone bill)240.21, Eakes(sup)113.89, Erin M McCartney(garnish)500.00, ESU #16(sniden)23,000, ESU Coordinating Council(subscrip)787.50, Dayspring Bank (Aflac FSA)185.00, Dayspring Bank(payroll taxes)42,808.46, ESU 11(software)1,500.00, ESU 10(software)5,637.96, First National Bank of Omaha(meal)33.00, Floyd’s Truck Center(repairs/DOT)1,483.92, Grant Tribune(ads)171.36, HAL Leonard (music sup)299.00, Hi-Line(fuel/repairs)1,564.82, HMH Education(sup)1,047.50, HSA Contributions 42,098.16, Hometown leasing(copier lease)578.53, Kelvin L.P. (ag dep)109.50, Mac’s Superfoods(fcs/inservice)1,196.41, Matrix Trust403b)6970.32, Midwest Elec(electric bill)2,670.98, Motion Picture Lic(renewal)248.17, NASB(membership)65.00, NE Dept of Rev(payroll taxes)5,928.81, Ne Central Equip(bus repairs)165.00, NE Child Support Payments(garnishment)393.00, NE School Masters(membership)40.00, One Source(bckgrnd)5.00, Perkins Co. Health Dist(bus phys)150.00, Petty Cash(postage/inservice/fees)831.37, Presto X(pest control)283.88, Quill(sup)77.22, Really Great Reading(sup)233.40, Retirement Systems of NE(retirement)28,328.99, Schoolmate(planners)365.00, Snell Services(repairs)3,29143, Standard Ins(LTD) 1,198.77, Striv(video)1,651.00, Sun Auto Tire & Service(bus)4,130.45, Sutherland Farm & Auto(36.62), Telegraph(ads)99.81, Village of Wallace(water/trash/sewer) 1,079.87, Wage Works(admin fee)68.00, Waldinger Corp(repairs)966.93, Willow Creek(staff)176.00, Yanda’s music(repairs)130.48.

Respectfully Submitted,

Heather Strawder

Board Secretary

SEPTEMBER 10, 2025

The Budget Hearing was called to order by President Gavin McClintock at 8:00 P.M. Board members present were Seth Hasenauer, Josh Friesen, Trent McConnell, Heather Strawder, Gavin McClintock, and Jill Pelster. Also in attendance were Superintendent Joel Ferguson and Principal Bob Braithwait.

Notice of the Budget Hearing was advertised in the North Platte Telegraph, and posted on the school house door, at First State Bank, and Wallace Hotel.

A reminder was made by President Gavin McClintock of the Public Open Meeting Law and Rules posed on the Board room wall.

Superintendent Joel Ferguson presented the proposed 2025-2026 budget. President Gavin McClintock opened public comments. President Gavin McClintock adjourned the meeting at 8:03 P.M.

SEPTEMBER 10, 2025

President Gavin McClintock called the Tax Request Hearing to order at 8:03 P.M., following the Budget Hearing. Board members present were Seth Hasenauer, Josh Friesen, Trent McConnell, Heather Strawder, Gavin McClintock, and Jill Pelster. Also in attendance were Superintendent Joel Ferguson and Principal Bob Braithwait.

Notice of the Tax Request Hearing was advertised in the North Platte Telegraph, and posted on the school house door, at First State Bank, and Wallace Hotel.

A reminder was made by President Gavin McClintock of the Public Open Meeting Law and Rules posed on the Board room wall.

Superintendent Joel Ferguson presented the tax requests for the 2025-2026 budget. President Gavin McClintock opened public comments. President Gavin McClintock adjourned the meeting at 8:05 P.M.

Hello friends of FFA!

Congratulations to our district and state range competitors! Districts took place in Hayes Center. At districts, in the junior division: Allyson Kemp placed 3rd, Lydia Friesen placed 6th, Regan Martin placed 11th, Bradley Hanson placed 13th, and Riggin Ketteler placed 17th. A team of Allyson, Lydia, Regan, and Bradley got second overall. We took 2 teams to state range judging which was at Keya Paha County. The second team consisted of Riggin Ketteler, Tobin Pelster, Mollie McConnell, and Gracie Sundquist. Allyson got a green ribbon and placed 27th at state.

Our chapter went to Husker Harvest days in Grand Island, on September 11th. We received our Koi, Catfish, Goldfish, and Tilapia that we purchased with our KNIFA grant money. Wallace FFA won first place float at Fall Festival. It was rewarding to see our float committee’s hard work pay off. Congrats to our September MOM, Colby Holm!

Coming up: October 8 CDE’s, Livestock judging, Agronomy, and Farm Business Management. We are excited to see how our livestock judging and agronomy teams compete!

Our members will start 4 seasons fundraising on October 14.

Part of our officer team will be attending National FFA at the end of the month to receive an award for our chapter.

Wallace FFA Reporter,

Lydia Friesen