On the grow

School will need two first grade classes next year

RANDOLPH — Randolph is on the grow.

The Randolph School Board members got that message loud and clear Monday when they were asked to approve a request to split the first grade class into two classes.

With an estimated 26 students, the two classes should have 13 classmates each.

Elementary Principal Denton Beacom presented his proposed changes and additions for the upcoming school year.

With climbing numbers, Beacom and the board agreed to split the kindergarten class last year, and plan to continue having two classes of kindergartners next school year.

The school is now advertising for a second first grade teacher. The position will be open until filled, said Beacom. If the position goes unfilled, the board said they would look into hiring another para for the class.

Another class means another room is needed, but a plan is already in place, said Beacom.

“We do have the space, but it would be tight,” said Beacom.

He and the board are hoping to have applicants ready to interview by June 20.

Other actions were taken and discussed regarding lunch pricing, board policies, phone usage, new sewing machines, bids and the 2025-2026 handbook.

Lunch prices for the fall will be raised. Before the meeting, Superintendent Daryl Schrunk said he has completed the paperwork for the lunch bills to be raised by 5 cents. Schrunk said that food prices are just too high not to rise. The board approved this. Lunch prices are now as follows: elementary $3.30, high school $3.55, and pre-k breakfast is $2.60.

Legislation has been passed that requires updates to the school’s handbook and board policies. Slight word changes and phrasing were included in the estimated 18 changes, said Schrunk. Many of the small word changes include adding military status as a non-discriminatory group.

“A lot of policies just have one- or two-word changes, and then there are a few policies that are new or additions,” said Schrunk.

A new policy supports a parent’s or guardian’s right to request that their child retake a grade. For K-4, a parent’s request can be made because of absences, disability or other concerns. For children in grades 5-12, requests can only be made based on absence.

It was also passed that “deep fakes” are prohibited. A deep fake is an AI-generated or photoshopped image or video of a classmate or school employee in a bullying manner. These two policies were required to be implemented by July 1, so they were passed right away.

The Nebraska legislature recently “banned” the use of cell phones in schools’ instructional time, said Schrunk. High school Principal Brandi Bartels said the school’s previous rule was that students could use their devices during passing period and lunchtime. Due to legislation, phones will not be allowed during instructional time, said Schrunk.

The previous rules were generally the same, but they excluded the halls and cafeteria. Now, for the school day, phones must be in lockers or left at home. This includes school field trips and bus rides, but excludes after-school sporting events.

“We’re going to use our same policy that we had before,” said Schrunk.

Other changes to the elementary handbook include moving the lunch hours up or down five minutes, depending on grade.

Spray deodorant is banned from the locker rooms in response to incidents over the school year.

Water bottles are now required to be spill-proof and sealed. Open and exposed straws are prohibited.

A $50 fine has been put in place for Chromebook damage or misuse.

Study halls will now be available before the school day in the library.

Due to numerous cases of pink eye throughout the school year, the policy now states students with the disease are not allowed back to school for 24 hours or until a doctor clears them.

Other legislation will be applied to both handbooks. If a child is placed in foster care within the school’s jurisdiction, the school is now required to provide transportation.

There will be more planning and intention with behavioral intervention, said Schrunk. This may include counseling and social work opportunities.

The cafeteria is looking to possibly open bids for a new salad bar, said Schrunk. He would prefer a hot and cold bar, but the grant they are looking to use would only cover the cooling option.

The board approved to purchase 11 sewing machines for the home economics or FCS classroom. Using Career and Technical Education funds, through the state, and $100 from a district vendor, they will apply $7,500 to the additions.

The construction on the building continues, and the next step is the roof, said Schrunk. The board said their building bonds are not to exceed $8,750,000 and said they were on track. The repairs will begin June 10th and take approximately 10 days to complete, said Schrunk.