The Callaway Board of Education held their first meeting of 2026 on Monday, Jan. 12, which included the annual organizational meeting in addition to their regular meeting. The first order of business in the organizational meeting was to elect board officers for the year.

Jim Phelps was unanimously elected to serve as president. This will be his first term serving in an office on the board. Other officers elected were Rhonda Pandorf, vice president; Rebecca Eggleston, secretary; Mike Reiff, treasurer.

Along with the reorganization of the board and adoption of policies relating to agendas and conduct of business, the board also set standing committees for 2026. A South Loup Collaboration Committee was added to the roster with the intent of working with the Arnold Board of Education to discuss ways that both districts could strengthen the cooperation between the two schools.

After official appointments were made and approved, the board transitioned into the regular meeting.

During the superintendent’s report, Mr. Furrow clarified some updates on a property recently purchased by the district. Before the school purchased the 103 S. Needham property, taxes had been accrued that were not paid prior to the sale. Once the taxes are paid, the property will be non-taxable for the future. The board voted unanimously to approve the property tax payment.

Mr. Furrow also discussed the need for cleanup on the Needham property. They are discussing the possibility of hiring the same individual to both tear down the structures on the property and do the necessary cleanup simultaneously.

Mrs. Jesseph and Mr. Furrow also shared local and state data in reference to the NDE’s updated strategic plan. The NDE released a plan to require all third graders to read at grade-level with 75% efficiency by the year 2032. Mrs. Jesseph explained that the Callaway district is already at nearly 70% efficiency across all grade levels, and even higher in third grade.

“We should easily be able to meet the goal in the time frame allotted,” said Furrow. “Our teaching staff overall, and especially the elementary staff, have made tremendous strides in assessment scores and in creating a cohesive approach that is increasing those scores. They’ve put a lot of work into it!”

The board then entered executive session to discuss oversight of classified staff, with no action taken when returning to regular session. The meeting was adjourned at 9:23 p.m.

The next meeting of the Callaway School Board will be held on Feb. 9 at 7 p.m.