April 13, 2026 at 5:00 PM - Board of Education Regular Meeting
| Regular Board | |
| Attendance Taken on 4/13/2026 at 4:58 PM | |
| Lisa Brass | Absent |
| Matt Dalrymple | Present |
| Kyle Fornoff | Present |
| Becky Jobman | Present |
| Ryan Sukraw | Present |
| Kelly Terrell | Present |
| Present: 5, Absent: 1 | |
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Comments:
Dr. Allison Jonas, Superintendent Josie Floyd, Elementary Principal Tomye McKenna, SPED Director & Assistant Elementary Principal Maggie Tiller, Director of Teaching & Learning Becky Vang, Business Manager |
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| Minutes | |
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1. Call to Order & Pledge of Allegiance
Rationale:
Mission Statement: A copy of the open meetings law is posted on the wall of the Board Room and is available to the public. |
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2. Approve the Agenda
Rationale:
The Board reserves the right to rearrange the order of items as needed.
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
Discussion:
Proof of Publication - April 9th, 2026
Attachments:
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3. Recognition of Visitors
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3.1. Celebration of Excellence
Rationale:
Discussion:
Mrs. Malcom did a presentation on the STARS program.
FFA students presented the FFA Program Celebrations and the outlook for next year. |
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3.2. Public Participation
Rationale:
Board Policy 2009 - Opportunity for Public Expression. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION INSTRUCTIONS FOR MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHO WISH TO SPEAK: This is the portion of the meeting when members of the public may speak to the board about matters of public concern.
Discussion:
There were two public speakers that addressed the board.
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4. Action Items
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4.1. Consent Agenda
Rationale:
1. Approval of Previous Minutes 2. Approval of the Treasurer's Report 3. Approval of the Warrants / Bills a. Petty Cash b. Student Activity c. Hot Lunch d. Bank Statement e. Summary of Accounts and Receipts f. Monthly Expenditure Report g. Check Journal 4. Excuse Absent Board Members
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
Attachments:
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4.2. Personnel
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4.2.1. Consider the resignation of certificated staff.
Discussion:
No resignations, no action taken.
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4.2.2. Consider approval of contract(s) for certificated staff.
Rationale:
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
Discussion:
Dr. Jonas read over the rationale for the four new staff members starting the upcoming school year.
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4.3. Discuss and consider purchase of ELA materials from HMH Into Reading.
Rationale:
Policy 6004 outlines that when instructional materials meet the purchase threshold, a 30-day review period for the materials will be provided for patrons.
The 30-day review period has now passed. However, we do want parents to know they always have access to instructional materials - all they need to do is reach out to their child's classroom teacher or in this case, Mrs. Tiller. The ELA Materials committee consisted of a wide variety of teachers from every grade level. They reviewed multiple high-quality instructional materials and ultimately selected Into Reading from HMH because it provided engaging content at a high level of instruction. The total purchase price for all materials and professional development is $160,746.45 with a recurring online license fee of $14,498.70 paid annually. For more information about the process, patrons can review it in detail here.
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
Discussion:
Dr. Jonas reviewed Policy 6004, noting that instructional materials meeting the purchase threshold require a 30-day public review period. She confirmed that this review period has concluded. Dr. Jonas emphasized that parents continue to have access to instructional materials at any time by contacting their classroom teacher or Mrs. Tiller. Dr. Jonas explained that the English Language Arts (ELA) Committee, composed of teachers representing all grade levels, conducted a comprehensive review of multiple high-quality instructional materials. Following this process, the committee selected Into Reading by HMH, citing its engaging content and strong instructional rigor. The total cost of the adopted materials and associated professional development is $160,746.45, with an ongoing annual online licensing fee of $14,498.70. Dr. Jonas noted that this cost is comparable to the district’s previous ELA program purchased approximately seven years ago. Of the three purchasing options presented, Option 3 was selected, as it aligns with prior practices and fits within the district’s budget process. Additional details regarding the selection process are available through the provided public link. Dr. Jonas invited questions from the board. Mr. Fornoff expressed appreciation to Mrs. Tiller and her team for their work, acknowledging the complexity and length of the process. He noted that he, Mrs. Terrell, and Mr. Sukraw had met with Mrs. Tiller and her team to review the decision-making process in detail. Dr. Jonas further commented on the complexity of ELA curriculum adoption, stating that it is among the most challenging content areas to evaluate and implement. She commended Mrs. Tiller for handling the process with professionalism and effectiveness. Mrs. Tiller recognized Mrs. Floyd and the ESU 10 staff as valuable partners throughout the process. Mr. Dalrymple also expressed his thanks, acknowledging the significant effort involved. There were no additional questions or comments from the board.
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4.4. Discuss and consider approval of the purchase of two 2026 Chevrolet Suburbans from Pony Express to replace the district’s remaining activity vans.
Rationale:
The Transportation & Facilities Committee has been planning for this purchase for several years. The Nebraska Department of Education has advised that activity vans are no longer considered an approved method of student transportation, and our ALICAP insurance provider has similarly recommended that they be replaced as soon as feasible. Last year, the district replaced the first two activity vans, with a planned approach to replace the remaining two this year. Approval of this purchase will complete the transition and remove all activity vans from the district’s transportation fleet, ensuring alignment with the Nebraska Department of Education’s interpretation of federal transportation requirements.
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
Discussion:
Dr. Jonas reported that the Transportation and Facilities Committee has been planning for this vehicle purchase for several years. She explained that the Nebraska Department of Education previously advised that activity vans are no longer considered an approved method of student transportation. Additionally, the district’s insurance provider, ALICAP, has recommended replacing the vans as soon as feasible. Dr. Jonas noted that the district replaced two activity vans last year and planned to replace the remaining two this year. Both remaining vans have approximately 100,000 miles and have been extensively used. Approval of this purchase will complete the district’s transition away from activity vans, ensuring compliance with state guidance and alignment with federal transportation requirements. Dr. Jonas stated that Pony Express provided fleet pricing of $64,538 per vehicle, along with a trade-in value of $12,000 for each of the remaining vans. This results in a net cost of $52,538 per vehicle and a total purchase price of $105,076 for both units. Mr. Fornoff invited comments from the Transportation Committee. Mr. Dalrymple emphasized that student safety is the district’s top priority and noted the importance of reducing potential liability exposure. He stated that this purchase represents a proactive step in that direction. He also shared that coaches prefer driving the replacement vehicles over the vans. Mrs. Jobman provided clarification that while the vehicles themselves can be insured, liability medical coverage for students transported in activity vans is not provided, which presents a concern. She also noted that the vehicles being considered are basic models but are appropriate for the district’s needs. There were no additional questions or comments.
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4.5. Discuss and consider a contract with Family Physical Therapy and Sport Center beginning August 1st, 2026.
Rationale:
Gothenburg Public Schools has several students who receive Occupational Therapy services through an Individualized Education Plan (IEP). Family Physical Therapy and Sport Center provided this service to several schools in our area, including our own this past year and the process worked very well.
You will note this contract covers Occupational Therapy but also includes Speech Language Pathologist and Physical Therapy services. Although we are not engaging in Physical Therapy services currently, this contract would allow us to do so if that need arises. We are grateful for this partnership and are confident we can continue to work together to improve outcomes for kids.
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
Discussion:
Dr. Jonas reported that Gothenburg Public Schools serves several students who receive occupational therapy services through Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). She explained that Family Physical Therapy and Sports Center has provided these services to multiple area schools, including the district, over the past year, and that the partnership has been successful. Dr. Jonas noted that the proposed contract includes not only occupational therapy services, but also access to speech-language pathology and physical therapy services. While the district is not currently utilizing physical therapy services, the contract allows flexibility to do so if a need arises, such as staff absences or leave. Dr. Jonas expressed appreciation for the partnership and confidence in its continued positive impact on student outcomes. She added that feedback from Mrs. McKenna and Greg Fiddelke indicates the arrangement has worked well for the district. Mr. Fornoff shared positive feedback based on personal experience working with therapists from Family Physical Therapy and Sports Center, describing them as professional and highly skilled. He expressed appreciation for the quality of services provided. There were no additional questions or comments.
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5. Informational Items
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5.1. Last Day of School
Rationale:
This year’s school calendar included four extra days for the purpose of weather or activities. We canceled two days for state basketball and zero days for weather.
The last day of school for students will be Friday, May 15th. We will exceed our total required hours in session at ~1,100 (1,080 required) and will have 168 student contact days (same as last year).
Discussion:
Dr. Jonas reported that there were no unexpected changes between the March and April board meetings impacting the school calendar. As a result, she confirmed Friday, May 15, as the last day of school for students. She noted that, by this date, the district will exceed the state-required instructional time, totaling approximately 1,100 hours compared to the required 1,080 hours. The calendar will also include 168 student contact days, consistent with the previous school year. Dr. Jonas added that teachers will remain in session through Wednesday, May 20, ensuring fulfillment of their contractual obligation of 185 days as outlined in the negotiated agreement. There were no questions or comments. |
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6. Reports
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6.1. Board of Education Reports
Rationale:
Committee Reports (Chair in bold)
Discussion:
Personnel Committee - Mr. Fornoff reported that the Personnel Committee had not met and noted that all negotiations with district groups have been successfully completed.Transportation and Facilities Committee - Mr. Dalrymple reported that the committee discussed the proposed suburban vehicle purchase and expressed satisfaction with the trade-in value received for the district’s existing vans. He noted that the replacement represents a meaningful upgrade for district transportation needs. The committee also continued discussion regarding the secure entryway project. Mr. Dalrymple stated that efforts are being made to remain budget-conscious, including minimizing the project footprint and avoiding unnecessary expansion. He indicated that a general framework and preliminary design direction have been established and are currently under review. Dr. Jonas added that she has been in frequent communication with project representatives and noted consistent progress. She expressed optimism about continued positive developments prior to the next meeting. Mr. Dalrymple confirmed that the design team is actively responding to district priorities and constraints, and expressed hope that this collaboration continues effectively.
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6.2. Administrative Reports
Rationale:
1. Topic Specific Administrative Reports
2. General Administrative Reports a. Elementary (Mrs. Floyd) b. High School (Mr. Ryker) c. Activities (Mr. Mroczek) d. Special Populations (Mrs. McKenna) e. Teaching and Learning (Mrs. Tiller) f. Superintendent (Dr. Jonas)
Discussion:
See attached reports.
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7. Next Meeting
Rationale:
Monday, May 11th
Swede Activities: Spring Sports Program @ 6:30 PM
Discussion:
The next meeting is scheduled for May 11th @ 5:00 PM.
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8. Adjournment
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
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