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by Trinity Gruenberg trinity@inhnews.com The Verndale School Board held their regular meeting on Monday, October 5. Member Tahna Rurup attended online, members Chuck Dick and Tyler Fisher were absent, as well as Principal Katie Bolland. Administrative Reports Student Board Member Hailey Dick reported that homecoming went well, with a smooth parade and coronation, and volleyball and football teams won. She suggested preparing earlier for future pepfests and said students dis

by Trinity Gruenberg trinity@inhnews.com The Verndale School Board held their regular meeting on September 14. Administrative Reports Principal Katie Bolland reported a smooth start to the school year, with a well-attended open house, and 38 new students. She noted that a stricter tardy policy has led to clearer hallways after the bell and that the traditional senior-kindergarten playground photo will be delayed until the new playground is finished. Bolland outlined teacher

by Trinity Gruenberg trinity@inhnews.com The Verndale School Board held their regular meeting on August 3. Verndale School Is Getting A Comfort Dog A new comfort dog will be joining Verndale School this year through a grant written by Human Services Director Jennifer Westrum. The grant will cover the cost of the dog, food, and supplies for the first year at no expense to the district. The dog will come from Interquest, a Texas-based company that trains dogs to provide comfo

by Trinity Gruenberg trinity@inhnews.com The Verndale School Board held their regular meeting on July 6. Playground Construction Update School Board Member Chris Youngbauer gave an update on the new playground. The old playground equipment and mulch have been removed, leaving only the anchor points for the previous basketball hoops, which will be removed using an excavator. Clean sand has been brought in to form the subgrade, with plans to place fabric over it and then add

by Trinity Gruenberg trinity@inhnews.com The Verndale School Board held their regular meeting on Monday, June 1. Board Member Chuck Dick was absent. Playground Removed Superintendent Jeannie Mayer gave an update on the playground project. She explained that the existing playground equipment was removed over the weekend. Mayer explained the current financial picture for the new playground. Community donations to date total $51,701.67. The school has contributed $92,001.88 f

by Trinity Gruenberg trinity@inhnews.com The Verndale School Board held their regular meeting on May 4. Music Trip Returns The Verndale High School is bringing back a major music trip for its students. Band and Choir Director Brian Sterriker has planned a five-day tour to Kansas City next school year for 9–12 grade band and choir students. The trip is tentatively set for March 30–April 3 and will include travel through Omaha for a Broadway show, a performance in Kansas City

by Trinity Gruenberg trinity@inhnews.com The Verndale School Board held their regular meeting on April 6. Career Fair Returns The PLC group comprised of Heather Lehmkuhl and Katie Tackman, K-12 School Counselor; Hanna Milligan, 7-12 Agriculture Teacher and Work Based Learning Coordinator; and Dr. Dan Stelck, High School Science, detailed an expanded and more interactive career fair planned for students in grades 7–12. The event will be held on April 23, in the new gym an

by Trinity Gruenberg trinity@inhnews.com The Verndale School Board held their regular meeting on March 2. Fund Balance Policy The discussion about Policy 714 started because some people were worried that the district’s goal of having a 50% unassigned fund balance was no longer realistic given the current financial situation and declining student enrollment. Superintendent Jeannie Mayer explained that if the trends continue—like fewer students, small increases in state fund

by Trinity Gruenberg trinity@inhnews.com The Verndale School Board held their regular meeting on Monday, February 2. Special Olympics During a recent meeting, Tracy Mastin (Special Education), Brian Hartwig (K-12 PE/Health), Annie Mathison-Valley (SPED Teacher), and Jennifer Anderson (High School Special Education) shared their involvement with the Special Olympics. They learned about the Unified Champion Schools program, and thanks to their efforts, the high school has now

by Trinity Gruenberg trinity@inhnews.com The Verndale School Board held their regular meeting on Monday, January 5, which began with the organizational meeting. Scott Veronen will continue as board chair, Chris Youngbauer remains vice chair, Tahna Rurup is still the clerk, and Tyler Fisher continues as treasurer. Board compensation remains the same: $80 for regular board meetings, $50 additional for the chair, and $60 for extra meetings or committee meetings. Budget Revisio