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Superintendent Search

The hunt for a new superintendent has begun. Jim Havelka and Alan Harms, both former superintendents associated with NRCSA (Nebraska Rural Community Schools Association), have been working with the Arnold and Callaway school boards to begin this search. They began this early planning back on September 16th when they first met with the board. Then on Monday, October 6th, a group of certified and non-certified staff were chosen from both Callaway and Arnold to help with the interview process. On Monday, October 20th, the districts announced the superintendent vacancy to the public and opened up the application process. The deadline was November 21st.

Now the board and the committee have moved into the real work of the search. On Monday, December 1st, they met with Havelka and Harms again to plan the interview process and choose questions to ask in each of the interviews. After sifting through the eight fully-completed applications, the board narrowed down the number of applicants to interview. They will interview four people this coming Saturday, December 6th. The school board members will interview in Callaway, and the faculty will do their interviews in Arnold. The public is welcome to listen.

Mr. Osmond submitted his resignation at the September school board meeting. His intentions of notifying the board so early in the school year was to give the board an early start on the superintendent search and to get someone of high quality.

Superintendent_Interview_Agenda.docx

 Schedule of Interviews

February 19, 2026

Board Minutes January 13, 2026

An Annual Organizational and Regular Meeting of the Board of Education of the School District of Arnold, in the County of Custer, in the State of Nebraska School District No. 89 of Custer County, Nebraska, was convened in open and Public Session at 7:00 P.M. on the 13th day of January, 2026, at Arnold Public School East Campus, in said District.  Notice of the Meeting was given in advance thereof according to Law by Proper Publication, a designated method for giving notice to the School District,  A copy of the Proof of Publication being attached to these minutes.  Notice of this meeting was given in advance to all members of the Board of Education.  Availability of the Agenda and the Purpose of the meeting was communicated in the advanced notice of the meeting to the members of this meeting.

Meeting called to order by Superintendent Morgan at 7:00 PM with all members present. 

Administered Oath of Office to New Board Member Shane Cool.

Election of Officers:

President:  Duane Bowers

Vice President: Joe Cool

Secretary: Justin Strasburg

Treasurer: Jen Dalrymple

Motion J. Cool, Jen Dalrymple seconded to elect Michelle Preston as Secretary to the Board of Education.  Unanimous on roll call vote.

Motion Bierman, Strasburg seconded to appoint Perry, Guthery, Haase, and Gessford, P.C., L.L.O. as District Legal Counsel.  Unanimous on roll call vote

Motion Dalrymple, S. Cool seconded to appoint Pinnacle Bank as the Official Depository for all district funds.  Unanimous on roll call vote.

Motion J. Cool, Bierman seconded  to appoint the Arnold Sentinel as the official newspaper of the district.  Unanimous on roll call vote.

Motion J. Cool, Strasburg seconded to approve/renew all board policies currently in effect.  Unanimous on roll call vote.

President appointed the following committees:

Negotiations: J. Cool, Bowers, Dalrymple

American Civics & Policy: J. Cool, Bierman, Dalrymple   

Transportation: Bowers, Bierman, S. Cool  

Buildings and Grounds: Dalrymple, Strasburg, S Cool

Personnel: Bowers, J. Cool, Strasburg

Foundation Board Representative: Bierman

South Loup Coop Board Representative: Bowers, Strasburg

Beef Boosters: Bierman, Bowers

Finance: Dalrymple, Bierman, S. Cool

Coop Collaboration: Strasburg, S. Cool

Dissemination to each Board Member of conflict of interest statutes.

Meeting adjourned by Bowers at 7:18 PM.

REGULAR BOARD MEETING

Meeting called to order at 7:18 PM with all members present. 

Motion Strasburg, Dalrymple seconded  to approve the agenda.  Unanimous on roll call vote.

Motion J. Cool, Bierman seconded to approve the minutes of the last meetings.  Unanimous on roll call vote.

Motion J. Cool,  Strasburg seconded to approve claims totaling $464,474.78. Unanimous on roll all vote.

Visitors & Guests:  None 

NON-ACTION ITEMS

Senior Meal Update

Fuel Tank Monitor

Classroom Carpet

ACTION ITEMS

Motion Strasburg, J. Cool seconded to approve 2026-2027 Teacher Negotiated Agreement.  Unanimous on roll call vote.

Motion Dalrymple, Bierman seconded to approve policy updates 3130, 3131 and 3132.  Unanimous on roll call vote. 

Motion Strasburg, Dalrymple seconded to approve ESU contracts for 2026-2027 as discussed.  Unanimous on roll call vote.

Motion Bierman, Dalrymple seconded to approve 2025-2026 Superintendent Evaluation.  Unanimous on roll call vote.

Motion S. Cool, Strasburg seconded to approve Superintendent Contract of $150,000 per year for 2 years.  Unanimous on roll call vote.

Motion Bierman, J. Cool seconded to approve Weathercraft Roofing bid for Roof E & F.  Unanimous on roll call vote. 

Accepted Principal and Superintendent Reports

Next regular meeting will be Monday, February 9, 2026 at 7:00 PM at the East Campus.

Meeting adjourned by Bowers at 8:50 PM.

To be considered for payment bills must be in the school office by noon on Thursday before the Board Meeting on Tuesday.

The agenda is a continuous one and is available for examination during the regular hours at the office of the Superintendent of Schools.

APPROVED:

PRESIDENT DATE SECRETARY DATE

Special Meeting January 12, 2026

A Special Meeting of the Board of Education of the School District of Arnold, in the County of Custer, in the State of Nebraska School District No. 89 of Custer County, Nebraska, was convened in open and Public Session at 7:00 P.M. on the 12th day of January 2026, at the East Campus, in said District.  Notice of the Meeting was given in advance thereof according to Law by Proper Publication, a designated method for giving notice to the School District,  A copy of the Proof of Publication being attached to these minutes.  Notice of this meeting was given in advance to all members of the Board of Education.  Availability of the Agenda and the Purpose of the meeting was communicated in the advanced notice of the meeting to the members of this meeting.

Board of Education met in regular session Mon, January 12, 2026 at 7:00 P.M. with Bierman, Bowers, Cool, Dalrymple and Strasburg present. 

Meeting called to order by Superintendent Morgan.

Motion Dalrymple, seconded Strasburg to approve the agenda.  Unanimous on roll call vote. 

Visitors & Guests:  Members of the community.

NON-ACTION ITEMS

Board Applicant Interviews

ACTION ITEMS

Motion Dalrymple, seconded Bowers to approve and appoint Shane Cool to fill the board member vacancy for the remaining 3-year term.  Unanimous on roll call vote.

The next regular meeting will be Tuesday, January 13, 2026 at 7:00 P.M. at the East Campus.

Meeting adjourned by Morgan at 7:20 P.M.

To be considered for payment bills must be in the school office by noon on Thursday before the Board Meeting on Tuesday.

The agenda is a continuous one and is available for examination during the regular hours at the office of the Superintendent of Schools.

APPROVED:

PRESIDENT DATE

SECRETARY DATE

December 8, 2025 Minutes

A Meeting of the Board of Education of the School District of Arnold, in the County of Custer, in the State of Nebraska School District No. 89 of Custer County, Nebraska, was convened in open and Public Session at 7:00 P.M. on the 8th day of December 2025, at the East Campus, in said District.  Notice of the Meeting was given in advance thereof according to Law by Proper Publication, a designated method for giving notice to the School District,  A copy of the Proof of Publication being attached to these minutes.  Notice of this meeting was given in advance to all members of the Board of Education.  Availability of the Agenda and the Purpose of the meeting was communicated in the advanced notice of the meeting to the members of this meeting.

Board of Education met in regular session Mon, December 8, 2025 at 7:00 P.M. with Bierman, Bowers, Cool, Dalrymple and Strasburg present.  Nansel was absent.  

Meeting called to order

Motion Strasburg, seconded Bierman to approve the agenda.  Unanimous on roll call vote. 

Motion Dalrymple, seconded Bierman to approve the minutes of the last meeting.  Unanimous on roll call vote.

Motion Strasburg, seconded Cool to approve claims totaling $322,023.08.  Unanimous on roll call vote.

Visitors & Guests:  Members of the community.

NON-ACTION ITEMS

New Education Profile Ratings

ACTION ITEMS

Motion Bierman, seconded Dalrymple to approve Minivan purchase from the Depreciation Fund to Gateway Motors.  Unanimous on roll call vote.

Motion Dalrymple, seconded Bierman to approve 2026-2027 and 2027-2028 Coop Agreement with Callaway Public Schools.  Unanimous on roll call vote.

Motion Bierman, seconded Dalrymple to approve Senior Meal Agreement with South Central Area Agency on Aging.  Motion passes 4-1.  Bierman – Yes, Bowers – Yes, Cool – Yes, Dalrymple – Yes and Strasburg – No 

Motion Bierman, seconded Strasburg to approve Board Resignation from Bryce Nansel.  Unanimous on roll call vote.

Accepted Principal and Superintendent Reports

The next regular meeting will be Tuesday, January 13, 2025 at 7:00 P.M. at the East Campus.

Meeting adjourned by Bowers at 8:13 P.M.

To be considered for payment bills must be in the school office by noon on Thursday before the Board Meeting on Tuesday.

The agenda is a continuous one and is available for examination during the regular hours at the office of the Superintendent of Schools.

APPROVED:

PRESIDENT DATE

SECRETARY DATE

December – January Newsletter

The December – January Newsletter is the third newsletter of the 2025-2026 school year.

The Cardinal Chronicle for Dec Jan Master layout (the school newsletter) is available.

 

For Other Newsletters You Can Always go to these websites:

To see older versions of the school newsletter click here.

  • To see historical versions of school newsletters (from the early 1940s forward) click here
  • To see alumni newsletters click here

    November 11, 2025 Minutes

    A Meeting of the Board of Education of the School District of Arnold, in the County of Custer, in the State of Nebraska School District No. 89 of Custer County, Nebraska, was convened in open and Public Session at 7:00 P.M. on the 11th day of November 2025, at the East Campus, in said District.  Notice of the Meeting was given in advance thereof according to Law by Proper Publication, a designated method for giving notice to the School District,  A copy of the Proof of Publication being attached to these minutes.  Notice of this meeting was given in advance to all members of the Board of Education.  Availability of the Agenda and the Purpose of the meeting was communicated in the advanced notice of the meeting to the members of this meeting.

    Board of Education met in regular session Tues, November 11, 2025 at 7:00 P.M. with Bierman, Bowers, Dalrymple,  Nansel and Strasburg present.  Cool arrived at 7:03 P.M..  

    Meeting called to order

    Motion Dalrymple, seconded Bierman to approve the agenda.  Unanimous on roll call with the members present. 

    Motion Strasburg, seconded Bierman to approve the minutes of the last meeting.  Unanimous on roll call vote.

    Motion Dalrymple, seconded Bierman to approve claims totaling $334,169.08.  Motion carried 5-0-1.  Nansel abstained, Bierman, Bowers, Dalrymple, Cool and Strasburg were Yes.

    Visitors & Guests:  Member of the community.

    NON-ACTION ITEMS

    Project Survey

    ACTION ITEMS

    Motion Bierman, seconded Strasburg to approve National Honor Society Food & Incentive Drive.  Unanimous on roll call vote.

    Motion Cool, seconded Dalrymple to approve 2024-2025 Audit and Management Letter.  Unanimous on roll call vote.

    Motion Bierman, seconded Dalrymple to approve Wheelchair Lift Route Bus Purchase of the Thomas as discussed.  Unanimous on roll call vote. 

    Motion Strasburg, seconded Nansel to approve purchase of Blue Bird 14 Passenger bus as discussed.  Unanimous on roll call vote.

    Motion Cool, seconded Strasburg to approve purchase of Blue BIrd 24 passenger bus as discussed.  Unanimous on roll call vote. 

    Accepted Principal and Superintendent Reports

    The next regular meeting will be Monday, December 8th, 2025 at 7:00 P.M. at the East Campus.

    Meeting adjourned by Bowers at 8:26 P.M.

    To be considered for payment bills must be in the school office by noon on Thursday before the Board Meeting on Tuesday.

    The agenda is a continuous one and is available for examination during the regular hours at the office of the Superintendent of Schools.

    APPROVED:

    PRESIDENT DATE

    SECRETARY DATE

    October 14, 2025 Minutes

    A Meeting of the Board of Education of the School District of Arnold, in the County of Custer, in the State of Nebraska School District No. 89 of Custer County, Nebraska, was convened in open and Public Session at 8:00 P.M. on the 14th day of September, 2025, at the East Campus, in said District.  Notice of the Meeting was given in advance thereof according to Law by Proper Publication, a designated method for giving notice to the School District,  A copy of the Proof of Publication being attached to these minutes.  Notice of this meeting was given in advance to all members of the Board of Education.  Availability of the Agenda and the Purpose of the meeting was communicated in the advanced notice of the meeting to the members of this meeting.

    Board of Education met in regular session Tues, October, 2025 at 8:00 P.M. with Bierman, Bowers, Cool, Nansel and Strasburg present.  Dalrymple was absent.

    Motion Bierman, seconded Cool to excuse Dalrymple from the meeting.  Unanimous on roll call vote.  

    Meeting called to order

    Motion Strasburg, seconded Bierman to approve the agenda.  Unanimous on roll call vote.

    Motion Cool, seconded Bierman to approve the minutes of the last meetings.  Unanimous on roll call vote.

    Motion Strasburg, seconded Bierman to approve claims totaling $324,916.97.  Motion carried 4-0-1.  Nansel abstained, Bierman, Bowers, Cool and Strasburg were Yes.

    Visitors & Guests:  Members of the community.

    NON-ACTION ITEMS

    Enclosed Trailer for Play Production

    Motion Cool, seconded Strasburg to move Enclosed trailer for play production to Action Item 8.3.  

    Motion passed 4-1.  Bierman, Bowers, Cool and Strasburg – Yes  Nansel – No

    14 Passenger Bus

    ACTION ITEMS

    Motion Strasburg, seconded Cool to approve designation of Duane Bowers as voting delegate for NASB Conference.  Unanimous on roll call vote.

    No action was taken on Wheelchair Lift Bus purchase.

    Motion Strasburg, seconded Cool to approve purchase of enclosed trailer for Play Production.  Unanimous on roll call vote.

    Accepted Principal and Superintendent Reports

    The next regular meeting will be Tuesday, November 11, 2025 at 7:00 P.M. at the East Campus.

    Meeting adjourned by Bowers at 9:19 P.M.

    To be considered for payment bills must be in the school office by noon on Thursday before the Board Meeting on Tuesday.

    The agenda is a continuous one and is available for examination during the regular hours at the office of the Superintendent of Schools.

    APPROVED:

    PRESIDENT DATE

    SECRETARY DATE

    Activities Calendar at A Glance

    See Full Calendar

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