The Superior Express -

Thursday evening, members of the Superior Board of Education extended a contract to Audrey Parks to serve as the secondary assistant principal for the 2024-25 school year. Parks currently serves the district as a guidance counselor, something she will continue to do.

They also extended a contract to Kara Gilbert. Webber, to teach secondary science and to Cesar Torres to serve as school psychologist.

Gilbert has served as a science teacher at Rock Hills the past four years where she has taught physical science, biology, anatomy and physiology and chemistry. Prior to Rock Hills (from 2008 – 2020) she was seventh grade science teacher at Mulvane Middle School in Mulvane, Kansas. She has completed a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction. Supt. Whetzal said, “Our hope is to once again offer higher level of physics and chemistry.” He expects Gilbert will be teaching dual credit courses which will be advantageous for students.

Torres is a familiar face in Superior who is mostly at the school three days each week assisting with mental health issues as a Educational Unit 9 employee. Supt. Whetzal said, “Next year we will have him five days each week for nearly the same price we are now paying to have him three days.”

Two certified resignations were accepted. One from Tierney Casper, elementary music and art instructor, and the other from Miranda Trowbridge, an English teacher. Trowbridge has accepted another teaching position.

The employment contract of Samantha Trauernicht was canceled, effective immediately.

During discussion, Supt. Whetzal, indicated the district is considering hiring a curriculum director who would be shared with Thayer Central. The overriding goal is to improve secondary student academic testing scores.

Business actions included approving $625,918.25 in February claims from the general fund. Matt Sullivan, board member, questioned a transfer from the general fund to the food service budget. Supt. Whetzal said, “The bottom line is that food simply is more expensive.”

Administrative staff, with the assistance of food service staff, are crunching the numbers. The question being addressed is whether or not the Community Eligibility Program is costing the district money. This year all students can eat both breakfast and lunch free of charge because of the school qualified for the Community Eligibility Program. Approximately 68 percent of the student body qualify for free and reduce meals. The program pays the school a higher rate for those meals eaten.

“The good news is that the number of meals served has increased dramatically,” Supt. Whetzal said. The school can option out of the program. This is the first year of the four the school can be a part of the program before they have to reapply for eligibility.

Jodi Fierstien’s salary was raised to $100,000 for the 2024-15 school year. She serves as elementary principal.

Proposed classified wages were approved as provided in an exhibit which is not available at publication time.

Stepahanie Corman, athletic director, reported the fall football schedule has been set both varsity and junior high. “The boys are really pleased with the schedule,” she said. Five home games are scheduled. Schools on the schedule include Fairbury, Cross County, Fillmore Central , Grand Island Central Catholic, Doniphan-Trumbull, Hastings St. Cecilia, Wood River, Gibbon and Palmyra. Palmyra is the farthest away.

The junior high football program will be in its second year of three playing eight-man football with Lawrence-Nelson. Home games are split between the two schools.

Basketball shot clocks have arrived for the varsity gymnasium. Cost to date has been $8,850.

The varsity volleyball team, girls basketball team and the football team are to have new uniforms next year. The number of boys interested in football has increased, so they are needing 10 to 15 more uniforms.

The athletic banquet is scheduled for Friday, April 26. The beef boosters will provide the meat. The event will include a silent auction and the athletic scholarship will be awarded at the banquet.

Student athletes will once again be asked to sell CAT cards.

“Our goal is one team, one school one culture,” Corman said. “As part of accomplishing the goal, students will travel in a uniform.”

The hour long meeting adjourned with no executive session.