BCS Board of Education roundup: Arbor Park instructional coach hired

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Arbor Park Intermediate School will have a new instructional coach to support teachers in the classroom for the 2021-22 school year.

The BCS Board of Education approved the hiring of Heather Dreibus, who currently serves as an instructional coach for Omaha Public Schools (OPS).

Supt. Randy Gilson called Dreibus “one of the top coaches in the OPS system.” She was part of a instructional coaching model the OPS district implemented several years ago.

Dreibus has written curriculum for OPS, the Nebraska Department of Education and Henry Doorly Zoo.

Dreibus has 15 years of experience as a third-grade teacher, an early education endorsement from Creighton University and two master's degrees in curriculum and instructional coaching from Concordia University and principal administration from the University of Nebraska at Kearney.

“She's just really showing herself as a lifelong learner,” he said.

Arbor Park principal Kyle Johnson said teachers are eager to get support from an instructional coach.

“One of the best things that we have going us is that we've had (recently hired K-2 principal) Megan Harding for the last couple of years as a part-time instructional coach and that's been really valuable,” he said.

Gilson said the district had a pool of 20 candidates for the position.

Board approves resignations, retirement

The board approved two resignations and a retirement effective upon the conclusion of the 2020-21 school year.

Otte Blair Middle School principal Chris Stogdill submitted his resignation. Stogdill has accepted a position as the director of federal support services for Educational Service Unit No. 2 in Fremont.

“It's a great opportunity for him to work at a district level supporting school districts,” Supt. Randy Gilson said.

Leon Haith, director of special services, submitted a letter of retirement to the board. Haith has also served as the OBMS assistant principal this school year.

“He's worn a lot of hats over the years,” Gilson said. “He's just a jack of all trades supporting our district, whether it be building and grounds, special education or safety.”

The board also approved the resignation of Blair High School Spanish teacher Norma Steffes. She had only worked for the district for the last year.

District receives donations

The board approved a grant and a donation.

Otte Blair Middle School teacher Ross Udey was awarded a Big Red Keno Math and Science Grant for $7,500. The grant will be used to purchase a 3D printer.

Cubby's Convenience Store donated $1,541 from its “Let's Raise Some Dough” fundraiser, which donates $1 to BCS for every large pizza it sells per quarter.

BHS band to take trip to Florida

The board approved a request from Blair High School principal Tammy Holcomb to allow the BHS band to take a trip to Florida.

The band will travel to Tampa, St. Petersburg and Sarasota on May 29, 2022-June 2, 2022. They will march in the Sarasota Memorial Day parade, visit the Salvador Dali Museum, go on a dolphin watch and participate in a community service activity, among other events.

BHS band director Jeff Mount will coordinate the trip. The expected cost to each student is approximately $1,663. The students will fundraise for the trip and no district funds were requested.