August 12, 2025 at 7:00 PM - Regular Board of Education Meeting

Discussion:  Public comment from a Conestoga Alumni and current candidate for Legislation.

Discussion:  Molly Stieren-Assistant Principal/Athletic Director
Fall sports resumed 8/11/25. Calendar is likely to change for a user-friendly experience in the future. Nebraska Capitol Admission Prices stay the same. Thanks to all of our coaches for their work over the summer! Events will pick up significantly in September. 

Nick Krause-Director of Student Services
Follow up from July regarding focus monitoring, which led to training for our staff. Systemic corrections have already started and need to be completed before January 2026. Continuing work with ESU 3 for mental health needs and identified a member specifically for Conestoga. We are a spotlight school and will have staff speak at the NeMTSS Summit regarding our cohort. ESSA/Title Grant in process.

Lisa Bergmeyer-Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment
Attended Admin. days and sessions provided updates regarding Rule 10 and the ACT. Received a grant for the Science of Reading; Elementary was ahead and staff have been trained and now have grant funds to offset that cost. This now extends from Preschool to 12th grade and a plan is in place to complete this within the next 3 years. Testing begins August 22nd with a focus on our younger students. State results are going home to families next week and open to the public in October.

Rob Geise-Jr./Sr. High Principal
Listed enrollment and trends within the past 7 years. A new schedule was developed for the 1st day, everything from class meetings, student devices, safety, and counselor and teachers are presenting this information. This will include a bus evacuation and help avoid disruptions. The Emergency and Operation Team created a manual has been submitted for approval, directed by NDE. Shout out to staff for their flexibility with their rooms and scheduling. Our Ag. Teacher has not even started and has done a lot of work and is making relationships. Completed Open House tonight, and had 100% attendance at 7th grade orientation. Cyber Patriot is ran by Greg Page, and he is up for an award. The Nebraska Supreme Court will hold its oral arguments here and this will begin November 5th, which will be open to the public. Schools with mock trial teams will be invited, and we are excited about this great opportunity.

Eric Dennis-Elementary Principal
Current class size enrollments were shared. Class lists were sent home and currently considering how to safely share these for confidentiality purposes. Honored to have got to participate on a panel to share the benefits of being a coach and how it contributed to growth as an Administrator. 

Discussion:  Mike Apple-Superintendent
Construction has begun in the transportation area. High school construction has led to a delay in door frames, completion of dry walls, and carpets. Lighting is also delayed and work will continue on Mondays. The exterior will be worked on every day with noise restrictions. Concrete is being poured for the new play area at the Elementary. Preschool rooms have shrunk in size. Upcoming NASB meetings in Nebraska City, Lincoln, and Omaha, and we were also asked to host in the future. There was a change in law that deals with school vans. Depending on how they are labeled, we may be looking for new vehicles to transport students.

Discussion:  Special Meeting 9/3/25.