Banner County School Board readies for upcoming year

Seventeen new computers for every junior and a new 30 passenger bus approved for purchase by the Banner County Board of Education during the regular meeting on Aug 8.

According to Lana Sides, superintendent, every junior that attends Banner school will receive a new Lenovo Thinkpad 15.6 inch laptop at the beginning of the school year at a cost of just more than $9,900.

If those students meet certain criteria, such as maintaining good grades and attendance, they can then keep those laptops. Students that do not meet the criteria, but wish to keep the computers are allowed to purchase them at a reduced price from the district upon graduation.

Many bids were received and much discussion was done inregards to the need to purchase a new school bus.

“We kind of narrowed it down to two considerations,” board member Ron Johnson said. “One is a 30 passenger and one is a 42 passenger. There is quite a difference in price.”

Concern about purchasing a smaller bus included whether the bus would fit the district’s needs and hold up to the often tough travel circumstances.

“Also, it looks like the smaller buses hold their value better than the bigger buses,” Johnson added.

The board discussed the possibility of adding a four-wheel drive package to the bus if necessary.

However, the possibility that the bus could be used for activities and groups, as well as daily routes, won board members over.

The board voted unanimously to purchase a 2016 Thomas GMC 30 passenger bus at the purchase price of just over $51,000 from the Truck Center of Omaha with a trade-in totaling more than $7,000, for a total purchase price of nearly $45,000.

Other items before the board:

The board appointed Banner Capital Bank as the bank of record again for the 2016-17 school year.

The board appointed the Scottsbluff Star Herald as the district’s newspaper of record for the 2016-17 school year.

Approved the purchase and installation of new front doors was approved for the cost of $18,000.

The board thanked Banner County for replacing a culvert in the school’s parking lot after flooding.

Heard an update from Superintendent Lana Sides that Todd Winger was hired as maintenance supervisor for the district. The school is still searching for para-educators and a girls basketball coach.

Heard a recommendation from Principal Charles Jones to purchase MobyMax, an online learning program focused on elementary education.

The next meeting of the Banner county school board was scheduled for September 12, 2016 at 7 p.m.