February 19, 2024 at 5:30 PM - Regular Board of Education Meeting
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1. Call the Meeting to Order
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
LEADERSHIP • SERVICE • SUPPORT Notice of this meeting was given in advance according to State Law 84-1411, by giving notice of the meeting to the public on ESU 7 website www.esu7.org and posted at location of meeting. Notice of this meeting was also given in advance to all members of the Board of Education of Educational Service Unit 7. Availability of the agenda and purpose of the hearing was communicated in the advance notice of the meeting and in the notice to the members of this hearing. All proceedings of the Board of Education of Educational Service Unit 7 were taken while the convened hearing was open to the attendance of the public.
Discussion:
Roll call was taken at 5:32pm.
Board President conducted the meeting. Staff present: Larianne Polk, Administrator Linda Shefcyk, Business Manager Mindy Reed, Secretary to the Board of Directors Marci Ostmeyer, Professional Development Director Tami Clay, Special Education Director |
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1.1. Notification of Open Meetings Law
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
This meeting has been preceded by reasonable advance notice and is hereby declared to be in open session. A copy of the Open Meetings Act is posted in the meeting room.
Attachments:
()
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1.2. Roll Call
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Discussion:
After roll call was taken, Board President Doug Pauley asked new board members Donald Graff and Karen Gomez if they would like to share a few words about themselves. Board member Donald Graff provided information about his background, his children, and his grandchildren. Donald's mentor is board member Dawn Lindsley. Board member Karen Gomez provided information about her background and her two children. Karen's mentor is board member Bob Arp.
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1.3. Absent Board Members
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
Administrator Recommendation: Discuss, consider and take action to approve the Board member absences.
Recommended Motion(s):
Discuss, consider and take action to approve the Board member absences as presented Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
Discussion:
Board member Richard Luebbe was absent. He notified Administrator Polk prior to the meeting.
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1.4. Pledge of Allegiance
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Discussion:
All members present participated in the Pledge of Allegiance.
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2. Approval of Agenda
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
The sequence of agenda topics is subject to change at the discretion of the Board.
Recommended Motion(s):
Discuss, consider and take any necessary action to approve the agenda as presented Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
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3. Virtual Conferencing Option
Speaker(s):
Board President or designee
Rationale:
Nebraska Revised Statute § 84-1411 authorizes virtual meetings for educational service units if the requirements of subdivision (2)(b) are met. The board will determine if next month's board meeting should allow for a virtual conferencing option.
Administrator Recommendation: Discuss, consider and take any necessary action to approve the virtual conferencing option for the March board meeting.
Recommended Motion(s):
Discuss, consider and take any necessary action to approve the virtual conferencing option for the March board meeting Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
Discussion:
There will not be a virtual conferencing option for the March board meeting.
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4. Welcome Visitors
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Discussion:
Two visitors were in attendance, Michael Kennedy from RVW and Superintendent Michael Eldridge.
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5. Public Comment
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
The Board has the discretion to limit the amount of time set aside for public participation.
Citizens wishing to address the Board on a certain agenda item must complete the Request to be Heard Document prior to the start of the board meeting. Citizens wishing to present petitions to the Board may do so at this time. However, the Board will only receive the petitions and not act upon them or their contents.
Discussion:
No public comments provided.
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6. Consent Agenda
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
Unless removed from the consent agenda, items identified within the consent agenda will be acted on at one time. If any Board member wishes to discuss an item, it must be removed from the consent agenda at which time the remaining items will be acted upon. Consent Agenda Includes:
Administrator Recommendation: Discuss, consider and take any action necessary to approve the consent agenda as presented.
Recommended Motion(s):
Discuss, consider and take any action necessary to approve the consent agenda as presented Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
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6.1. Minutes
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
This is a consent item.
Attachments:
()
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6.2. Presentation of Bills #77496 through #77639 totaling $968,843.57
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
The summary of bills for the current month total: $968,843.57 - Bills #77496 through #77639 Inservice bills total: $0
Attachments:
()
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6.3. Reading of Article I, Section 2, B Duties and Function of the Board
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
This is a consent item.
Attachments:
()
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6.4. Reading of Article I, Section 3, C Role of Individual Board Members
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
This is a consent item.
Attachments:
()
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6.5. Reading of Article I, Section 3, D Orientation of New Board Members
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
This is a consent item.
Attachments:
()
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6.6. Reading of Article I, Section 3, G Compensation of Board Members
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
This is a consent item.
Attachments:
()
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6.7. Reading of Article I, Section 4, G Removal from Officer Position
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
This is a consent item.
Attachments:
()
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6.8. Reading of Article I, Section 4, H Filling a Vacancy in an Officer Position
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
This is a consent item.
Attachments:
()
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6.9. Reading of Article I, Section 5, B Appointments
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
This is a consent item.
Attachments:
()
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6.10. 2024-2025 NASB Dues
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
This is a consent item.
Attachments:
()
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7. Treasurer's Report
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
Review the breakdown of the Treasurer's Report.
Administrator Recommendation: Discuss, consider and take any action necessary to approve the Treasurer's Report as presented.
Recommended Motion(s):
Discuss, consider and take any action necessary to approve the Treasurer's Report as presented. Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
Attachments:
()
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
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8. Approval of the 2024-2025 Service Plan
Speaker(s):
Board President or designee
Rationale:
The ESU 7 Executive Committee member attending will make a summary report to the Board on the plan for ESU 7 Services for 2024-2025.
Administrator Recommendation: Discuss, consider and take any action necessary to approve the 2024-2025 ESU 7 Service Plan as presented.
Recommended Motion(s):
Discuss, consider and take any action necessary to approve the 2024-2025 ESU 7 Service Plan as presented Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
Attachments:
()
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
Discussion:
East Butler Superintendent and Executive Committee member Michael Eldridge attended the board meeting to discuss the Service Planning process. Data is collected from stakeholder groups including superintendents, principals, teachers, and LAN managers. The service planning process measures school priorities against services ESU 7 provides as well as services ESU 7 does not currently offer. The Executive Committee, which consists of Administrator Polk and seven ESU 7 area superintendents, meets and determines which services are needed.
Based on the most recent service planning process, the need for a grant writer and a data steward were discussed. Research will be conducted on both the grant writer and the data steward positions prior to any hiring. The data steward would be someone who would help the schools collect data and put the data into a format which would be beneficial to the schools. Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) rose to the top of the services all schools requested during a service planning session; schools need help with intervention with students and meeting kids where they are. Mental health is a component of MTSS. There was a question about whether any services are being dropped off this year or being discontinued. There was no need to eliminate any services this academic year. There was one service in its own category last year, which is now combined with another service. Another question asked was if any service would impact the budget. The Early Childhood Coach is currently funded by a grant but next year, the position will be paid by levy. There are a couple of federally required services which will always be offered. The service plan has to be approved by 2/3 of the ESU 7 area school districts, representing 50% of the population or more. |
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9. Teacher Contract - Lindy Church
Speaker(s):
Board President or designee
Rationale:
Lindy Church is a current teacher at the Learning Academy. This contract under consideration here will move Ms. Church from a teacher at the Learning Academy to the teacher of the new complex disabilities program.
Administrator Recommendation: Discuss, consider and take any action necessary to approve the 2024-2025 contract for Lindy Church as presented.
Recommended Motion(s):
Discuss, consider and take any action necessary to approve the 2024-2025 contract for Lindy Church as presented Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
Attachments:
()
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
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10. New Hire: Jenna Mattox, Resource Coach/Early Childhood Teacher
Speaker(s):
Board President or designee
Rationale:
New Hire: Jenna Mattox, Resource Coach/Early Childhood Teacher for the 2024-2025 school year.
Administrator Recommendation: Discuss, consider and take any action necessary to approve the 2024-2025 contract for Jenna Mattox as presented.
Recommended Motion(s):
Discuss, consider and take any action necessary to approve the 2024-2025 contract for Jenna Mattox as presented Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
Attachments:
()
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
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11. New Hire: Iris Medina Gonzalez, Provisionally Licensed Mental Health Practitioner
Speaker(s):
Board President or designee
Rationale:
New Hire: Iris Medina Gonzalez, Provisionally Licensed Mental Health Practitioner for the 2024-2025 school year.
Administrator Recommendation: Discuss, consider and take any action necessary to approve the 2024-2025 contract for Iris Medina Gonzalez as presented.
Recommended Motion(s):
Discuss, consider and take any action necessary to approve the 2024-2025 contract for Iris Medina Gonzalez as presented Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
Attachments:
()
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
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12. New Hire: Lee Rasmussen, Resource/Behavior Teacher
Speaker(s):
Board President or designee
Rationale:
New Hire: Lee Rasmussen, Resource/Behavior Teacher for the 2024-2025 school year.
Administrator Recommendation: Discuss, consider and take any action necessary to approve the 2024-2025 contract for Lee Rasmussen as presented.
Recommended Motion(s):
Discuss, consider and take any action necessary to approve the 2024-2025 contract for Lee Rasmussen as presented Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
Attachments:
()
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
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13. New Hire: Sonya Sukup, Licensed Mental Health Practitioner
Speaker(s):
Board President or designee
Rationale:
New Hire: Sonya Sukup, Licensed Mental Health Practitioner for the 2024-2025 school year.
Administrator Recommendation: Discuss, consider and take any action necessary to approve the 2024-2025 contract for Sonya Sukup as presented.
Recommended Motion(s):
Discuss, consider and take any action necessary to approve the 2024-2025 contract for Sonya Sukup as presented Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
Attachments:
()
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
Discussion:
Board Secretary Jennifer Miller asked Director Clay if all the special education positions had been filled. There are more positions needing to be filled for next year, including Speech Language Pathologists, paraeducators, a teacher, and early childhood staff.
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14. 2022-2023 Audit Report
Speaker(s):
Board President or designee
Rationale:
The 2022-2023 Romans Wiemer and Associates Audit Report is attached for the Board's review.
Administrator Recommedation: Discuss, consider and take any action necessary to accept the 2022-2023 Audit Report as presented.
Recommended Motion(s):
Discuss, consider and take any action necessary to accept the 2022-2023 Audit Report as presented Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
Attachments:
()
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
Discussion:
ESU 7 sends out an audit bid every three years. This is year one of three.
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15. Administrator's Report General
Speaker(s):
Administrator or Designee
Rationale:
Attachments:
()
Goals:
Discussion:
Administrator Polk provided the ESUCC update to the board. ESUCC stands for Educational Service Unit Coordinating Council. Administrator Polk reviewed the attached Feb. 2024 BOE ESUCC Update. There are 17 ESUs represented in the ESUCC. Administrator Polk would like to have the ESUCC President Kraig Lofquist come to a future board meeting to discuss what the ESUCC does statewide. A portion of the core service dollars help pay for positions staffed by ESUCC. Within ESUCC there are affiliate groups which professionals from the ESUs participate in. The ESUCC office is located at ESU 3 in La Vista.
There was a fiscal desk review for the 21-22 academic year for the federal title grants. The dedicated federal grants bookkeeper, Carolyn Koch, does a great job and no findings were present in the review. Special Education Report - Director Clay notified the board that St. Edward signed on for the new autism program. A lot of hiring has been completed for the new program. One person has been hired for the teaching position. The new program is in good shape, there is work being done on programming, curriculum, and training. There will be five students in the new program. Director Clay and board member Richard Stephens attended the St. Edward board meeting; there were a lot of good questions and conversation. Board member Gary Wiesler has decided not to run for the board again. Administrator Polk will reach out to the schools to talk about the board position. |
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15.1. Goal Update
Speaker(s):
Administrator or Designee
Rationale:
Goals - Attached for your Review
2024-2025 Administrator Goals:
Administrator Recommendation: Discuss, consider, and take action to approve the work session date and time for the first 2024-2025 Administrator Goal work session. The work session date and time will be April __, 2024 at _:00pm.
Recommended Motion(s):
Discuss, consider, and take action to approve the work session date and time for the first 2024-2025 Administrator Goal work session. The work session date and time will be April __, 2024 at _:00pm Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
Attachments:
()
Goals:
Discussion:
Board member Richard Stephens and Director Clay attended the St. Edward board meeting. Board member Richard Stephens was very supportive of ESU 7.
Board member Joyce Baumert and Director Ostmeyer attended the Schuyler board meeting. Director Ostmeyer did a great job. The ESU 7 presentation was well received. There were positive comments from a couple of the principals about ESU 7. The Shelby-Rising City board meeting will be on March 14, 2024, at 7:00pm. Director Ostmeyer and board member Donald Graff will attend the meeting. The board work session date and time options were discussed. It was decided to have the work session on April 18, 2024, from 3:00pm-7:00pm, location to be determined. The work session will be a noticed, publicized meeting. |
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15.2. Services Update
Speaker(s):
Administrator or Designee
Rationale:
Administrator Recommendation:
Discussion:
There are currently around 700 RSVPs, not including ESU 7 or Columbus Public Schools, for the Regional PD Day.
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15.3. Personnel
Speaker(s):
Administrator or designee
Rationale:
All Classified/Non Certificated Hires and Resignations under this item. Not an action item.
Resignation:
Discussion:
Isaura Barreto is going to ESU 9 to be the statewide Migrant Coordinator.
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15.4. Legislative Update
Speaker(s):
Administrator or Designee
Rationale:
The Executive Committee and Administrator Polk will be visiting with five senators on February 22, 2024 at the Capitol.
Links:
Discussion:
Administrator Polk and the Executive Committee will be going to the Capitol on Thursday, February 22, 2024, to speak to the ESU 7 area Senators. Administrator Polk provided an update on LB 1417. The bill has not yet been scheduled for hearing. There were three reading bills introduced, each indicating support provided by ESUs.
Board member Dawn Lindsley is on the NASB Legislative Committee and they meet every Monday. |
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16. Committee Reports
Speaker(s):
Committee Chair
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16.1. Buildings and Grounds Committee Report
Speaker(s):
Buildings and Grounds Committee Chair
Rationale:
The Buildings and Grounds Committee Chairperson will provide an update and recommendation for the HVAC project bid.
Committee Recommendation: Discuss, consider and take any action necessary to approve the ________ HVAC Project Bid as presented.
Recommended Motion(s):
Discuss, consider and take any action necessary to approve the ________ HVAC Project Bid as presented Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
Discussion:
Buildings and Grounds Committee chair Bob Arp provided an update. The Buildings and Grounds Committee met and discussed the HVAC project bids. The two bids received were from Bierman Construction and Rutt's Heating and Air Conditioning. Both of the bids came in significantly higher than the estimates. Rutt's bid came in around $1.2 million and the Bierman bid came in around $1.4 million. The biggest difference between the bids is Bierman will have subcontractors whereas Rutt's does not. Rutt's Heating and Air is eager to get started in the spring. The project should be completed by the fall. The additional funds over the $1 million budgeted for the HVAC project will come out of the general fund.
The plaque for Donald Ellison is in production and should be completed by the April recognition banquet. |
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16.1.1. RVW Facilities Discussion
Speaker(s):
Buildings and Grounds Committee Chair
Rationale:
Mike Kennedy from RVW will lead the board through a facilities wants/needs discussion.
Committee Recommendation:
Discussion:
Michael Kennedy from RVW attended the board meeting to go over the wants and needs activity with the board. Superintendents provided their wants and needs input in January. ESU 7 staff provided their wants and needs input on Friday, February 16, 2024. The ESU 7 campus is maxed out with buildable area, without asking for some type of variance with the city. The board discussed their needs and wants.
Needs: - HVAC (stay ahead) - Space: Real estate, square footage - Electrical assessment - Energy efficient windows (all buildings) - Space for staff meetings (want?) - Small collaboration areas (want?) - Multi-use space - Storage organization - Hybrid technology - Fence - Pick up & drop off = students Wants: - Enough room in the new space for the autism program to expand without having to redo what we just did. - Garage space - More real estate/ground - More parking space - Playground - Outdoor classroom space - Flex/Technology Space for PD - Move Tech to another location - Build up - Build over parking lot - Purchase south of south building green space (Calendar for LP to contact him) - Modernizing building(s) - Functional office space = teaming - Space to store tables - Vending options - Improved lunch-eating area - Collaboration areas - Executive offices off campus - Student programs under one roof |
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16.2. Negotiations Committee Report
Speaker(s):
Negotiations Committee Chair
Rationale:
The Negotiations Committee chairperson will provide an update.
Committee Recommendation:
Discussion:
Negotiations Committee chair Jennifer Miller notified the board that the Negotiations Committee will have a recommendation for the board next month.
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17. Adjournment
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Discussion:
The meeting adjourned at 7:08pm.
Minutes respectfully submitted by Mindy Reed, Recording Secretary to the ESU 7 Board. |
