Wallace School District 65-R

This month is when seniors start to realize it’s almost over. This is when they start to realize everything, they do is for the last time. The last concert, the last game, the last meet, the last prom, the last banquet, etc. When the school year starts, I’m pretty sure that most seniors go through the first semester like any other semester they’ve spent in school. During the second semester is when it all starts to become real. They realize they are going to walk out the door in a little over 5 months and not have to come back. They are now alumni, visitors, no longer part of the high school population. I’m always blown away by how much our seniors grow up from August to graduation. This will be my 42nd graduating class, and they, like all the others, have shown incredible growth throughout the year. I did have them all the 1st semester in a personal finance class I taught, so I feel like I got to know them pretty well. They are a class that is small (8 of them) but really driven. At this time, I believe all of them have plans to attend college. The first time in all my years in education that every senior was attending college. We have several future welders, a future fire fighter, a teacher, a physical therapist, and a cosmetologist. I would not be surprised if most of them returned to the area after they graduate.

These kids are personable and easy to like. This group is a group that comes to school, does their work, gets along with each other, and goes home (or to work). They don’t cause trouble, they take care of homework, they are on time and make it to school. This is the first year ever that I didn’t have to worry about a senior and grades. This group is a nice group, that seemed to get along with most everyone. I noticed in the class I had them in that they really seem to like and care about each other. I really feel that our staff and parents have prepared this group for life after high school. On Saturday, May 9th at 4:30 pm Ivan, Mariana, Hunter, Ryder, Brayden, Adan, Elliana, and Kaley will graduate. They will sit together and watch the senior video. They will walk in front of a pretty full gym to be recognized and when their name is called the other seniors will clap along with the people in the stands. Then that magic moment will arrive when they walk across and receive their diploma. They will move their tassels, and toss their caps, and walk out to some music that most of us have never heard before. Eventually they will make their way to my office where they will get their actual diploma. They will give me a hug, a handshake, or in some cases they may say nothing at all, they eventually will proudly head out the door for the first time as a Wallace Graduate. What they don’t understand is when they walked through that door for the last time as a Wallace student their lives changed forever.

President Gavin McClintock called the regular meeting to order at 8:02 P.M. Board members present were Seth Hasenauer, Trent McConnell, Jill Pelster, Gavin McClintock, Josh Friesen, and Heather Strawder. Also in attendance were Superintendent Joel Ferguson, Principal Bob Braithwait, AD Elizabeth Hock, and 12 guests.

A motion was made by Jill Pelster and seconded by Heather Strawder, that the Wallace Board of Education approve the minutes of the Regular meeting of February 9, 2026, the Financial Reports, and the General Funds claims in the amount of $353,077.96, which includes a total Petty Cash Transfer of $0.00. Trent McConnell-yes, Jill Pelster-yes, Gavin McClintock-yes, Josh Friesen-yes, Seth Hasenauer, 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 schoolhouse door, at Dayspring Bank, and Wallace Hotel.

Non-Board Reports:

A. Student Council Report: Molly McConnell

B. AD Report: Elizabeth Hock

Old Business:

The board was provided with a presentation from Greg Barnes and Brent Jackson from Facility Advocates. The board discussed the current status of the possible building update. To the north addition. Discussion was held but no action was taken.

New Business:

Mr. Matthew Pracht and the robotics team presented information to the board on the robotics season. No action taken.

A motion was made by Trent McConnell, seconded by Jill Pelster, that the Wallace Board of Education approve Hudl as the streaming/video service for Wallace Public Schools at $6500 for three years. After discussion, a roll call vote was held. Josh Friesen-yes, Trent McConnell-yes, Gavin McClintock-no, Seth Hasenauer-yes, Jill Pelster-yes, Heather Strawder-yes. Motion carried 5-1.

Heather Strawder made a motion, seconded by Josh Friesen, that the Wallace Board of Education approve the teaching contract for Denay Pelster for remainder of the 2025-26 school year. After discussion, a roll call vote was held. Jill Pelster-yes, Gavin McClintock-yes, Heather Strawder-yes, Seth Hasenauer-yes, Trent McConnell-yes, Josh Friesen-yes. Motion carried 6-0.

Gavin McClintock made a motion, seconded by Jill Pelster, that the Wallace Board of Education approve the ESU 16 contracts for the 2026-27 school year on 1.) Special Education Services for School Age and Early Childhood Services, 2.) Licensed Mental Health Practitioner Services, 3.) Southwest Nebraska Distance Education Network, and 4.) Title IA, as presented. After discussion, a roll call vote was held. Gavin McClintock-yes, Jill Pelster-yes, Seth Hasenauer-yes, Heather Strawder-yes, Josh Friesen-yes, and Trent McConnell-yes. Motion carried 6-0.

The board discussed the current status of the School Counselor vacancy. No action taken.

The board opened sealed bids for Van #6. Jill Pelster made a motion, seconded by Seth Hasenauer, that the Wallace Board of Education accept the sealed bid sale of Van #6 for $3501. After discussion, a roll call vote was held. Trent McConnell-yes, Heather Strawder-yes, Jill Pelster-yes, Gavin McClintock-yes, Seth Hasenauer-yes, and Josh Friesen-yes. Motion carried 6-0.

The board opened sealed bids for bus #12. Heather Strawder made a motion, seconded by Josh Friesen, that the Wallace Board of Education accept the sealed bid sale of Bus #12 for $300. After discussion, a roll call vote was held. Josh Friesen-yes, Gavin McClintock-yes, Jill Pelster-yes, Trent McConnell-yes, Heather Strawder-yes, and Seth Hasenauer-yes. Motion carried 6-0.

Gavin McClintock made a motion, seconded by Trent McConnell, that the Wallace Board of Education approve the purchase of a storage container for a maximum amount of $5900, as discussed. After discussion, a roll call vote was held. Josh Friesen-yes, Gavin McClintock-yes, Heather Strawder-yes, Jill Pelster-yes, Trent McConnell-yes, and Seth Hasenauer-yes. Motion carried 6-0.

A motion was made by Jill Pelster, seconded by Trent McConnell, that the Wallace Board of Education approve the 2026-27 Rate and Fee Schedule as presented. After discussion, a roll call vote was held. Trent McConnell-yes, Gavin McClintock-yes, Heather Strawder-yes, Jill Pelster-yes, Seth Hasenauer-yes, and Josh Friesen-yes. Motion carried 6-0.

A motion was made by Josh Friesen, seconded by Heather Strawder that the Wallace Board of Education approve the Wages Rates for Non-Certified staff for 2026-27 as presented. After discussion, a roll call vote was held. Trent McConnell-yes, Gavin McClintock-yes, Heather Strawder-yes, Jill Pelster-yes, Seth Hasenauer-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 10:10 P.M. The next regular Board meeting is scheduled for Monday, April 13, 2026, 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 – Credit cards(fuel/sup/food)1,490.01, Aflac Ins (supplemental) 1,757.22, Al’s Lock & Safe Inc(keys) 356.72, Amazon(supplies) 1,646.12, Ameritas Life Ins. (vision ins) 653.88, , BlueCross BlueShield (ins) 54,637.75, Consolidated Tel(phone bill) 237.61, Column Software(ads) 98.71, Eakes(office sup) 478.91, Erin McCartney(garnish)500.00, ESU #16(SPED) 19,262.49, Dayspring Bank(Aflac)185.00, Dayspring Bank(payroll) 47,315.56, First National Bank of Omaha(ag sup)15.90, Floyd’s Truck Center (repair/main) 9,950.73, Hi-line(fuel/service) 3,503.36, Hometown leasing(copier lease)619.87, Jostens(graduation)399.60, Mac’s Superfoods(supplies) 209.38, Menards(transp)6.97, Matrix Trust(403b)7,120.32, Mosyle Corp(subs)9.00, Midwest Elec(electric bill) 2,369.82, NASSP(dues)385.00, NE Dept of Rev(payroll taxes)6,693.23, NE Child sup(garnishment) 425.00, NSNA State Conf(fees)325.00, OneSource(admin)24.00, Pitney Bowes(postage) 134.44, PowerSchool(subs)4,495.69, Presto X(pest cont)146.20, Quill(sup)114.60, Retirement Systems of NE(retirement) 32,273.12, Standard Ins(LTD) 1219.48, Sutherland Farm & Auto(sup)19.27, Village of Wallace(water/trash/sewer) 626.12, Wage Works(admin fee) 68.00, Waldinger Corp(repairs)448.91, Weathercraft(door repair)4,350.0.

Respectfully Submitted,

Heather Strawder

Board Secretary

Seniors - Mariana Aceves-Lopez, Hunter Bryant, Ryder Cable, Adan Juarez, Elliana Robertson, Kaley Sauser

Juniors - Reagan Finley, Colt Franklin, Micah Garrison, Jordyn Glunz, Max Hanson, Tyson Sullivan, Briseyda Vazquez

Sophomores - Lydia Friesen, Allyson Kemp, Riggin Kettler, Regan Martin, Wyatt Robertson, Cauy Robinson, Eden Villa Enriquez

Freshman - Stetson Ayers, Hazel Deaver, Heidi Deaver, Brysen Lundvall, Mollie McConnell, Jisoo Moon, Carmi Regier, Ryleigh Robinson, Gracie Sundquist

8th Grade - Michelle Barrios, Tonya Deaver, Miriam Friesen, Faith Marquardt, Kaitlin Martin, Austin Sullivan, Hailey Zwicker

7th Grade - Leah Nelms

6th Grade - Ismael Barrios, Emersyn Manary, Liza Robertson, Astrid Rodriquez Chavez, Stella Smith

Hello friends of FFA!

Nebraska FFA State Convention was held in Lincoln, March 25th-27th. We sent a total of 27 members. These students qualified for state through competing in LDE’s, CDE’s, and applying for State Degrees. To compete at state, individuals must have four more 30-minute practices. Our CDE teams include: Jr. Livestock Judging, Agronomy, Natural Resources, Vet Science, Floriculture, Nursery Landscape, Livestock Management, Meats Evaluation, and Agriscience. Adan Juarez and Brayden Gardner were chosen to receive State Degrees. We have one speaker, competing in Natural Resources Speaking. Results will follow in next month’s newsletter!

Congratulations to our March MOM, Carson Lange! We celebrated national Ag week from March 16th-20th. Committee members hid farm animals around the school, put together toilet-talk posters, and hung-up locker treats. We also had a pancake breakfast one morning before school. Plant science students and part of our floriculture team traveled to Peaceful Prairie Nursery in exchange for our greenhouse plants.

Chapter officer and star degree applications are due on April 2nd. The interviews for our potential officer candidates will be on April 9th. Our end of year banquet will take place on April 20th. We welcome all community members to come, eat, and help us celebrate our success as a chapter and as individuals.

Wallace FFA Reporter,

Lydia Friesen

Family Art Night Reservation Form:

**ALL RESERVATION ARE DUE MONDAY APRIL 6th**

Vinyl designs will be available on a first come first serve basis.

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PIZZA: Meal $ 5 (2 slices of pizza, drink, and dessert) Single Slice $3

__________Pepperoni Slices _________Beef Slices _________ Cheese Slices

(Please list total number of slices)

_____________ Total Meals

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POTTERY: Ceramic Bowls and Mugs to Glaze (Pottery will be fired later and delivered.) $5 a piece

_________________ # Mugs ________________# Bowls

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TRUCKER HATS: $10 A HAT/$1 EACH PATCH ADDED

* HAT COLORS AVAILABLE- BLACK, BLUE, AND GRAY. HAT COLOR AND PATCHES WILL BE A FIRST COME FIRST SERVE BASIS.

_____________________ # HATS

PATCHES CAN BE DECIDED ON AND PAID FOR AT FAMILY ART NIGHT.

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BAGS: BLUE DRAWSTRING $5 EACH CANVAS $10 EACH

*VINYL DESIGNS AND PATCHES CAN BE DECIDED ON AND PAID FOR THAT NIGHT.

______________# DRAWSTRING BAG _____________# CANVAS BAG

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T-SHIRTS/SWEATSHIRTS:

**PLEASE REMEMBER TO BRING YOUR OWN T-SHIRT AND SWEATSHIRT. SHIRTS WILL NOT BE AVAILABLE THAT NIGHT.**

-VINYL DESIGNS AND PATCHES CAN BE ADDED, DECIDED ON, AND PAID FOR @ FAMILY ART NIGHT.

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CONTACT NAME:

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CONTACT PHONE NUMBER:

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TOTAL AMOUNT ENCLOSED: ____________________________________________

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!! ALL PROCEEDS WILL GO TO THE WALLACE ART CLUB.

**PLEASE MAKE CHECKS OUT TO WALLACE ART CLUB**