December 8, 2025 at 7:00 PM - Board of Education Regular Meeting
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1. Call to Order
Rationale:
Information concerning the Open Meeting Law, Chapter 84, Article 14 of Nebraska State Statutes, is posted in the meeting room at a location accessible to members of the public and attached to the online agenda.
Mrs. Kari Loseke, Board President, will call the Board of Education Regular meeting to order.
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2. Roll Call
Rationale:
The Board Secretary will conduct roll call attendance. |
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2.1. Approval of Absent Board Members
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3. Pledge of Allegiance
Rationale:
Dr. Gilson will lead the Board in the Pledge of Allegiance.
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4. Approval of Emergency Additions to the Agenda
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5. Call for Removal of Consent Agenda Items
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6. Approval of the Consent Agenda
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6.1. Waiver of reading minutes from previous meeting
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6.2. Acceptance of minutes of the previous meeting as published
Rationale:
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6.3. Receipt of Communications
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6.4. Treasurer's Report
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6.5. Audit of Claims
Rationale:
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7. Business
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7.1. Items removed from Consent Agenda
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7.2. Recognitions
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7.2.1. Chief of Police
Rationale:
Chief Jeremy Kinsey will speak on school and city collaboration.
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7.3. Acceptance of Gifts
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7.3.1. Blair FFA (Future Farmers of America) Alumni Association
Rationale:
The Blair FFA (Future Farmers of America) Alumni Association would like to donate $1,500 to the Blair FFA Chapter to support meetings and other events in appreciation for their help with this year's fair.
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7.3.2. Blair Community Schools Foundation - Bear-y Merry Grant Program
Rationale:
Foundation President, Wyatt Leehy, will be present to share information about the Bear-y Merry Grant Program.
The Bear-y Merry Grant Program from the Blair Community Schools Foundation invited teachers and administrators to apply for funding to support STREAM (Science, Technology, Reading, Engineering, Arts, and Math) classroom improvements by providing supplies, admissions, or access to resources that foster creativity and offer innovative ways to engage students. The Foundation plans to award grants totaling $90,000. Teachers (100 grants at $500/each): $50,000 Principals (4 grants at $10,000/each): $40,000 Total: $90,000
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7.3.3. CF Industries Minigrants
Rationale:
A check was received from CF Industries for Minigrant awards totaling $2,319.00 for the following teachers:
The goal of the CF Industries Classroom Minigrant Program is to support local education and improve agricultural and environmental literacy. We thank them for their continued support for the students at Blair Community Schools. |
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7.4. Consideration of Communications
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7.4.1. Blair High Sparx Dance Team
Rationale:
A letter has been received from Cashell Shonka, Blair High Dance Team Head Coach, requesting permission for the Blair High Sparx Dance Team to attend a dance competition on Sunday, January 18, 2026. The dance competition is located at Midland University in Fremont, Nebraska. There are a limited number of dance competitions that are available to them in the immediate Omaha area. This experience will give the dance team the opportunity to compete against high-level teams and receive above-par critiques from judges.
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7.4.2. A Cappella Ensemble
Rationale:
Mr. Patrick Hays, Blair High School Vocal Music Director, requests permission for the high school A Cappella Ensemble to attend the annual SNJ Singers A Cappella Festival on Sunday, April 12, 2026. The festival will take place at First Central Congregational Church in Omaha. Because the event is scheduled on a Sunday, the request requires Board approval prior to participation. |
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7.4.3. BHS Competition Cheer Squad
Rationale:
A letter has been received from Emily Guenther, Blair High School Cheer Coach, requesting permission for the BHS Competition Cheer Squad to attend two upcoming cheer competitions. Since these competitions are scheduled for a Sunday, it requires Board approval.
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7.5. Comments From The Public
Rationale:
This is the portion of the meeting when members of the public may address the board about matters of public concern.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHO WISH TO SPEAK:
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7.6. Committee Reports
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7.6.1. Policy/Curriculum Committee
Rationale:
The Policy Committee met on Monday, November 17, 2026. Meeting minutes are attached.
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7.6.2. BG&T Committee
Rationale:
The Buildings, Grounds, and Transportation Committee met on Monday, December 1, 2025. Meeting minutes are attached.
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7.6.3. Finance Committee
Rationale:
The Finance Committee met on Tuesday, December 2, 2025. Meeting minutes are attached.
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7.7. Approval of New Teachers
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7.8. Acceptance of Resignations and Retirement
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7.9. Superintendent Report
Rationale:
Dr. Gilson will present a report on the Board's Financial Audit.
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7.10. Informational Items
Rationale:
Monthly Board Reports
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7.11. Closed Session
Rationale:
The Board of Education is authorized by state statute to hold closed sessions. Closed sessions may be held when clearly necessary for the protection of the public interest or for the prevention of needless injury to the reputation of an individual. Reasons that meet this standard include but are not limited to: (a) strategy sessions with respect to collective bargaining, real estate matters, pending litigation, or litigation which is imminent as evidenced by communication of a claim or threat of litigation to or by the public body; (b) discussion regarding deployment of security personnel or devices; (c) investigative proceedings regarding allegations of criminal misconduct; (d) evaluation of the job performance of a person when necessary to prevent needless injury to the reputation of a person and if such person has not requested a public meeting; and (e) legal advice.
Recommended Motion: To enter into Closed Session to discuss legal advice and for the protection of public interest on the discussion of collective bargaining and invite Mr. Tom Shearer, Business Manager, to attend |
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7.12. Items From Closed Session
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8. Adjournment
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