(KMZA)--The Nemaha Central USD 115 Board of Education this week heard a report from the director of the Highland Community College Western Center.  

Cara Baker informed the board of current courses being offered by the college in Baileyville.  She specifically spoke about the courses offered under Senate Bill 155 which allows high school juniors and seniors to take approved courses tuition free.

Currently, the college offers five technical programs: Construction Technology, Diesel Technology, Industrial Welding, Medical Office Assistant, and Precision Agriculture. Some Nemaha Central students are participating in the classes. The college also offers Certified Nurses Aide (CNA), Emergency Medical Technician and GED classes.

In other action, Nemaha Central junior Max Holthaus showed board members a mobile phone app he has been in the process of developing. He began the process for his personal use but upon finding out that an app had been discussed by the board, presented his idea to the administration. He presented a timeline in which he hopes to have the iOS version ready by January and the Android version by the end of the school year. Following a few questions, the board voted unanimously voted to give Holthaus  permission to continue with the development of the app for the district.

In capital outlay project related discussion, since the price to air condition the two gyms at the high school is cost prohibitive at this time, large ceiling fans were suggested. The cost for six eight foot in diameter fans for the main gym would be nearly $32,000 and a single 20 foot fan in the center of the gym would cost $6,500. It was the consensus of the board members to hold off on any major capital outlay projects at this time; however, to  pursue the purchase of fans.