April 22, 2025 at 4:00 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:
Board President Doug Pauley called the meeting to order at 4:01 PM.
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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
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1.3. Absent Board Members
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
Jack Young notified Administrator Elmshaeuser and Board President Doug Pauley prior to the meeting.
Recommended Motion(s):
Discuss, consider and take all necessary action to approve 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.
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1.4. Pledge of Allegiance
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
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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 all 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. Welcome Visitors
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
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4. 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. |
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5. 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 all necessary action to approve the consent agenda as presented.
Recommended Motion(s):
Discuss, consider and take all necessary action 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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5.1. Minutes
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
This is a consent item.
Attachments:
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5.2. Presentation of Bills # 79539 through #79695 totaling $1,087,002.93
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
The summary of bills for the current month total:$1,087,002.93 - Bills #79539 through #79695 General Activity Fund total: $150.00
This is a consent item.
Attachments:
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5.3. Reading of Article IV, Section 9, Q Voting Leave
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
This is a consent item.
Attachments:
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5.4. Reading of Article IV, Section 10, A Professional Employees Defined
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
This is a consent item.
Attachments:
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5.5. Reading of Article IV, Section 10, B Qualifications and Assignment
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
This is a consent item.
Attachments:
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5.6. Reading of Article IV, Section 10, C Supervision, Assignment, and Evaluation When Serving Schools
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
This is a consent item.
Attachments:
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5.7. Excess Lodging and Meals
Rationale:
Excess Lodging and Meals:
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5.8. Educational Service Unit Coordinating Council 2025-2026 Master Services Agreement
Speaker(s):
Board President or designee
Rationale:
This is a consent item.
Attachments:
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5.9. Resignations - Elissa Heibel
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
Elissa Heibel - Teacher of Visually Impaired/School Psychologist. Last day will be May 20, 2025.
Attachments:
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6. Reading of Article IV, Section 9, R Unpaid Leave
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
Review Article IV, Section 9, R Unpaid Leave of the ESU 7 Policy Manual.
Recommended Motion(s):
Discuss, consider and take all necessary action to approve of Article IV, Section 9, R Unpaid Leave 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:
Administrator Elmshaeuser contacted attorney Justin Knight regarding staff benefits and leave when staff are taking a day without pay as they have no paid leaves available. Justin Knight advised staff should be docked benefits when they miss a day of work without paid leave. This includes health & dental insurance, life insurance and vision insurance. Board President Doug Pauley asked if the amount would be docked from their pay or if the employee would reimburse ESU 7. Administrator Elmshaeuser stated ESU 7 would dock the amount of the benefits on the next check. Board Member Don Graff asked if employees can share sick leave through a sick bank. Administrator Elmshaeuser informed that ESU 7 does not have a sick bank, ESUs have been advised against utilizing them by the attorney. Board President Doug Pauley asked about the frequency of this policy needing to be utilized. Special Education Director Tami Clay stated it has been more problematic this year but historically, it has not been an issue. Director Clay also stated there has been more of a leniency this year due to paraprofessionals being hard to hire and replace. Board Member Dawn Lindsley asked how staff will be notified of this change. Administrator Elmshaeuser stated staff have been notified via email. Staff have also been notified in meetings and made aware of the daily rates that will be deducted from their checks if they miss a day of work and have no leave.
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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 all necessary action to accept the Treasurer's Report as presented.
Recommended Motion(s):
Discuss, consider and take all necessary action to accept 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.
Discussion:
Administrator Elmshaeuser stated ESU 7 is on track with the current expenditures. We have stayed consistent at around 6% of the budget for the month. Board Secretary Dawn Lindsley asked if there has been a loss of grant funds with the recent federal cuts. Both Administrator Elmshaeuser and Director Clay stated there has not been a loss in any of the current grants ESU 7 receives.
Board Member Karen Gomez arrived at 4:12 PM. |
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8. A/V System Proposal
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
The approved 2024-2025 Budget included upgrades to the A/V equipement in the North and South Buildings. The North Building has been completed and a proposal was received to updated the South Building Conference rooms to be completed this spring.
Administrator Recommendation: Discuss, consider and take any action necessary to approve the recommended A/V System Upgrade Proposal by Yanda's Music and Pro Audio as presented.
Recommended Motion(s):
Discuss, consider and take any action necessary to approve the recommended A/V System Upgrade Proposal by Yanda's Music and Pro Audio as presented Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
Attachments:
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Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
Discussion:
Director Dan Ellsworth stated the A/V equipment in this proposal will align with all the equipment and systems in the North Building. Only difference is TV size, South Building will have 98" TV's whereas the North Building has 85". Board President Doug Pauley asked how the new system has been functioning. Technology Director Dan Ellsworth stated it had a couple bugs in the beginning but they have been worked out and the entire system is considerably better than the previous system. The proposal is $100,000 less than originally proposed in the budget. Included is a two year service agreement. System will be installed at the beginning of May, before the next board meeting.
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9. District 4 Board Application
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
An application has been received for the board vacancy in District 4. NEB. REV. STAT. § Section 79-1217(2) states that the appointee will serve "for the balance of the unexpired term" of the board spot that has been vacated. Applications were submitted by:
Recommended Motion(s):
Discuss, consider, and vote to approve the resolution appointing Clark Lehr to the Educational Service Unit No. 7 Board position based on a vacancy for a term ending on December 31, 2028 Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
Attachments:
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Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
Discussion:
Clark Lehr was the only application received for District 4. Administrator Elmshaeuser visited with him and he shared he is a retired banker with 2 daughters in the education field. He is excited to learn about ESU 7. Board Member Bob Arp and previous Board Member Dick Luebbe are both familiar with Clark. He is eager to learn and know more about ESU 7. The vacancy was published in the Columbus Telegram and on the ESU 7 website.
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10. 2025-2026 Contract for Jenna Mattox, Principal
Rationale:
2025-2026 Contract for Jenna Mattox, Principal
Administrator Recommendation: Discuss, consider and take all necessary action to approve the 2025-2026 Principal Contract for Jenna Mattox as presented.
Recommended Motion(s):
Discuss, consider and take all necessary action to approve the 2025-2026 Principal 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.
Discussion:
Jenna Mattox was hired on as a resource coach. With the changes to the Bridges program, she has moved up to the Bridges teacher/Principal. Jenna holds an administrative degree and her contracted days will increase to 220.
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11. 2025-2026 Contract for Jackie Ternus, School Psychologist
Rationale:
2025-2026 Contract for Jackie Ternus, School Psychologist
Administrator Recommendation: Discuss, consider and take all necessary action to approve the 2025-2026 School Psychologist Contract for Jackie Ternus as presented.
Recommended Motion(s):
Discuss, consider and take all necessary action to approve the 2025-2026 School Psychologist Contract for Jackie Ternus 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:
Administrator Elmshaeuser stated Jackie Ternus will continue in her current position. This contract is to add 15 more days to her contract. During annual consultations, additional time was requested for training. These added days will be to provide professional development to district staff before and after the school year as well as additional prep time during the summer. Since she is offering professional development, she will occasionally work with professional development staff. Board Secretary Dawn Lindsley asked if the additional days are to help with the staff resignation. Director Clay stated they are not, however there is a staff member who is willing to get a vision endorsement. Board Member Bob Arp asked if Jackie would be interested in going full time. Director Clay noted she has asked but declines due to family.
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12. Administrator's Report General
Speaker(s):
Administrator or Designee
Rationale:
Attachments:
()
Discussion:
Administrator Elmshaeuser shared that the attachment highlights the last ESUCC board meeting. Also, Director Ostmeyer is attending ESUCC Board Meetings with Administrator Elmshaeuser to begin the Chief Administrator transition. SIMPL is officially moving to SMART. Director Ostmeyer's update is provided in the attachments. Director Ellsworth and Director Clay do not have updates. The May board meeting will be in the South Building due to All Staff being set up in the North Building.
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12.1. Goal Update
Speaker(s):
Administrator or Designee
Rationale:
Goals - Attached for your Review
Goal 1: By July 2025, the ESU 7 board will have advertised for a Chief Administrator, completed the initial process, sent a contract, hired and Chief Administrator, made the announcement, and begun the onboarding process.
Goal 3: By July 2025, the ESU 7 board will attend the corresponding school district board meetings at least once every two years to report the tailored services provided by ESU 7 and the outcomes measured.
Attachments:
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Goals:
Discussion:
Administrator Elmshaeuser stated that the board and Directors will not be scheduling any more visits this school year.
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12.2. Services Update
Speaker(s):
Administrator or Designee
Rationale:
Discussion:
Board Secretary Dawn Lindsley asked if the SIMPL update can be the last 3 previous years, similar to the budget/treasurers report to see trends.
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12.3. Personnel
Speaker(s):
Administrator or designee
Rationale:
Resignation:
Dylan Southard, High Plains District Technology Coordinator. Last day April 25, 2025. New Hire: Emma Moore, High Plains District Technology Coordinator. First day May 12, 2025.
Discussion:
Administrator Elmshaeuser stated that Emma Moore has been an intern for the last couple years. Emma will start full time once she graduates in May. Director Ellsworth stated she is a recruitment story gone well. Director Ellsworth noted that when he hired Emma he stated to her there may not be a position available at ESU 7 for her when she graduates. With Dylan's resignation the timing has been perfect for hiring Emma.
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12.4. Legislative Update
Speaker(s):
Administrator or Designee
Rationale:
During this item, the Administrator will provide a Legislative Update to members of the Board.
Attachments:
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Discussion:
Administrator Elmshaeuser reported things are moving faster. She and Director Ostmeyer listened to a conference call with NCSA today regarding legislature and LB 653, an option enrollment bill. This will come out of the education committee with several other legislative bills attached. In the conference call, three Special Education Directors talked about the effect this will have on schools. Attached to the bill include discipline, part time enrollment, financial database with NDE, and transportation. The option enrollment will be devastating to schools.
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13. Committee Reports
Speaker(s):
Committee Chair
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13.1. Buildings and Grounds Committee Report
Speaker(s):
Buildings and Grounds Committee Chair
Rationale:
The Buildings and Grounds Committee Chairperson, Bob Arp, will provide an update.
Recommended Motion(s):
Discuss, consider and take any action necessary to approve B-D Construction and Burke Equipment and not to exceed $415,000 for the playground project 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:
Committee Chair Bob Arp reported on the three major projects within the unit. The HVAC system in the North Building is very close to being done and the Bridges program is waiting for lighting issues to be fixed based on a Fire Marshall report. The playground project had 4 proposals at the bid opening on April 9, 2025. Two proposals were rejected as they were not complete. Committee Chair Bob Arp shared they looked at the companies and called references on the different playground equipments. The committee recommendation is to go with BD Construction and Burke Equipment with a total project cost of $415,000. This is asking BD construction to reduce their proposed bid by $30,000 looking at the proposed playground equipment and making adjustments. Completion date will be set for August 1, 2025. Board Member Amy Blaser asked why $415,000 and Committee Chair Bob Arp stated it was a compromise looking at all of the proposal costs.
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13.2. Administrator Evaluation Committee Report
Speaker(s):
Administrator Evaluation Committee Chair
Rationale:
A report of activities from the Administrator Evaluation Committee will be given during this item.
Evaluation Timeline:
Attachments:
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Discussion:
Committee Chair Marni Danhauer reported ten board members have completed the evaluation for Administrator Elmshaeuser.
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13.3. Handbook Committee Update
Speaker(s):
Handbook Committee Chairperson
Rationale:
Staff and Student Handbook Committee to meet on May 20, 2025. Committee to make a recommendation to the board in the June Board Meeting.
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14. Conference Report
Speaker(s):
Conference Attendees
Rationale:
Conference Attendees will report on their learnings.
Goals:
Discussion:
Board Secretary Dawn Lindsley attended 3 conferences. She highly encourages fellow board members to attend the Open Meetings Law workshop and a NDE Strategic Planning session.
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15. Adjournment
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Discussion:
Board President Doug Pauley adjourned the meeting at 4:55 PM.
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