May 12, 2025 at 6:00 PM - Scottsbluff Board of Education Regular Meeting
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1. Opening Procedures
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1.a. Call to Order
Discussion:
The Regular Board of Education Meeting was called to order at 6:00 PM by Board President Scott Reisig.
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1.b. Roll Call
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1.c. Excuse Absent Member(s)
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
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2. Pledge of Allegiance
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3. Open Meetings Law
Discussion:
This meeting was held in accordance to the Open Meetings Act. Notice of this meeting was published in the Star-Herald and on the Scottsbluff Public Schools website.
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4. Consent Agenda
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
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4.a. Adopt Agenda
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4.b. Approval of Certified Staff Resignation
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4.b.1. Yi Ju Ting, Chinese, Scottsbluff High School
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4.c. Approve Minutes as follows:
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4.c.1. April 14, 2025
Attachments:
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5. Expenditures
Attachments:
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5.a. Expenditures without Douglas, Kelly, Ostdiek, Snyder, Ossian and Vogl, P.C: $1,366,025.82
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
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5.b. Douglas, Kelly, Ostdiek, Snyder, Ossian and Vogl, P.C. Expenditures: $376.00
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
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6. Awards and Recognitions
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6.a. Stock Market Games
Speaker(s):
Margaret Hancock
Discussion:
Bluffs Middle School Business Teacher Margaret Hancock spoke.
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6.b. Educators Rising
Speaker(s):
Anne Schmall
Discussion:
Scottsbluff High School Educators Rising Sponsor Anne Schmall spoke.
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6.c. FCCLA
Speaker(s):
Anne Schmall
Discussion:
Scottsbluff High School FCCLA Sponsor Anne Schmall spoke.
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6.d. HOSA
Speaker(s):
Aimee Wheeler
Discussion:
Scottsbluff High School HOSA Sponsor Aimee Wheeler spoke.
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6.e. DECA
Speaker(s):
Justin Gipe
Discussion:
Scottsbluff High School DECA Sponsor Justin Gipe spoke.
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6.f. ProStart
Speaker(s):
Hannah Liptac
Discussion:
Scottsbluff High School ProStart Sponsor Hannah Liptac spoke.
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6.g. SkillsUSA
Speaker(s):
Rod Bussinger
Discussion:
Scottsbluff High School SkillsUSA Sponsor Rod Bussinger spoke.
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6.h. Nebraska Seal of Biliteracy
Speaker(s):
Dr. Amanda Wilson
Discussion:
Scottsbluff High School World Language Instructor Dr. Amanda Wilson spoke.
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7. Student Report
Speaker(s):
Ava Reed
Discussion:
Scottsbluff High School junior Ava Reed provided an update to the Board of Education. Ava stated Scottsbluff High School students are now in their final two weeks of the school year and ready for summer break. Ava stated the seniors had a great last day, during which they decided to depart with some fun aimed at Mr. Shaddick. Ava thanked the seniors for their leadership, saying they will be missed. Ava stated in the upcoming week, many athletic teams will have district competitions followed by state competitions. All CTSO seasons have finished with great success and these groups are now concluding the last of their banquets and concerts. Ava noted that the Choir concert was "Wicked." In addition to wrapping up many seasons, Scottsbluff High School had a great Teacher Appreciation Week with students putting together thank-you notes for the SHS staff. Ava stated that as the school year concludes, the students would like to thank the teachers, paraprofessional staff, secretaries, custodial staff, Sodexo staff, administrators, and all educational staff members who have contributed to making this school year very successful. Ava gave a special thanks to retirees Mr. Dave Hoxworth, Mr. Matt Parlsey, Mrs. Patty Laucomer, and Mrs. Sally Linz for their years of service and wished them a great retirement. Ava also thanked the Board members, noting the 2024-2025 school year was very fun and successful, largely due to the support and leadership of the Board of Education. |
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8. Public Comment - a total of 120 minutes will be allotted (no more than 5 minutes per speaker).
Discussion:
There were no members of the public present who wished to address the Board of Education.
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9. Unfinished Business
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9.a. Board Policy Review & Revision - 4000 Series - “Personnel” - Second Reading
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
Attachments:
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9.b. Board Policy Revisions, Removals, and Adoption: Policy 2110 - “Superintendent Job Description,” Policy 3132 - “Internal Controls,” Policy 5001 - “Admission Requirements,” Policy 8216 - “Board Member Vacancies,” Policy 8217 - “Unexcused Absences,” and Policy 8342 - “Designation Method of Giving Notice of Meetings” - Second Reading
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
Attachments:
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10. New Business
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10.a. Revision of Board Policy 5008 - “Student Attendance” and Adoption of Board Policy 5008.1 - “Mandatory Ages of Attendance” - First Reading
Discussion:
This is a first reading only; no action was taken.
Attachments:
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10.b. Property Disposal
Speaker(s):
Marianne Carlson
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
Attachments:
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10.c. Request for Approval for the Simplify Writing Pilot
Speaker(s):
Mike Mason
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
Attachments:
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11. Reports and Proposals
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11.a. Board Members
Discussion:
Board Member Tory Schwartz thanked the staff and wished them a great summer. Board Vice President Beth Merrigan stated she was excited for the graduation ceremony this coming weekend, noting the Board has seen the work staff have put in over the year, and now it is time to celebrate. Board Member Paul Snyder stated he is very aware of what it takes over the years to get the young men and women to walk across the stage at graduation, and the SBPS staff are owed a great deal of thanks for the effort and hard work they put into each one of these children. Board President Scott Reisig echoed the sentiments of other Board members, noting the staff are what makes this District so great. He extended a heartfelt thank you to each staff member for everything they do for our students. Board Member Rob Polk expressed that he wished every district staff member could be present to witness the Board's appreciation for their dedication and the care they provide to students every day.
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11.b. Board Committee Reports
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11.b.1. Curriculum & Instruction/Americanism Committee - Next Meeting: May 16, 2025 @ 11:30 AM
Speaker(s):
Mike Mason
Discussion:
No report.
Attachments:
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11.b.2. Facility Committee - Next Meeting: June 2, 2025 @ 12:30 PM
Speaker(s):
Marianne Carlson
Discussion:
No report.
Attachments:
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11.b.3. Finance Committee - Next Meeting: June 2, 2025 @ 11:00 AM
Speaker(s):
Marianne Carlson
Discussion:
No report.
Attachments:
()
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11.b.4. Student Services Committee - Next Meeting: May 15, 2025 @ 11:30 AM
Speaker(s):
Dr. Wendy Kemling
Discussion:
No report.
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11.c. From the Administrative Staff:
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11.c.1. Executive Director of Finance
Speaker(s):
Marianne Carlson
Discussion:
Executive Director of Finance Marianne Carlson updated the Board of Education on two approved change orders for the Scottsbluff Public Schools Education Center as per Board Policy 3133.
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11.c.2. Executive Director of Student Services
Speaker(s):
Dr. Wendy Kemling
Discussion:
No report.
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11.c.3. Executive Director of Curriculum and Instruction
Speaker(s):
Mike Mason
Discussion:
No report.
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11.c.4. Superintendent
Speaker(s):
Dr. Andrew Dick
Discussion:
Superintendent Dr. Andrew Dick shared that he, along with Board Member Beth Merrigan, and Executive Director of Student Services Dr. Wendy Kemling had the opportunity to participate in the Nebraska Department of Education's Focus Group session for gathering input into their new strategic plan on May 8. The session was held at the Scottsbluff Public Schools Education Center. Dr. Dick noted he was very impressed by the commitment of the Department of Education to intentionally seek input from stakeholders across the state of Nebraska. Commissioner of Education Dr. Brian Maher and our area State Board of Education representative, Elizabeth Tegtmeier, were in attendance, along with Lane Carr from NDE who is facilitating each of the sessions. Dr. Dick commended Lane for facilitating the input session very well and the process for gathering feedback from stakeholders. Dr. Dick stated earlier that day Scottsbluff High School, which was one of a handful of schools across the state selected to participate in one of NDE's student focus groups, had students meet with Dr. Maher and Mr. Carr. Dr. Dick extended a special thanks to SHS Assistant Principal Kelli Jensen, who organized and coordinated that session. Dr. Dick commented that Dr. Maher and Mr. Carr could not have been more positive about their visit with the high school students, noting the many wonderful things the students had to say about their experience at Scottsbluff Public Schools.
Dr. Dick extended thanks to the approximately 560 staff of SBPS, stating they are what makes the District great. He noted that there is a tremendous amount of work, effort, and support that is poured into the students who will cross the stage at graduation this coming weekend. He stated this work occurs over 13 years within the SBPS District, not just during their time at Scottsbluff High School. Dr. Dick stated it takes the entire district working together to make the accomplishment of graduation possible. He again extended a heartfelt thank you to the staff who have made 2024-2025 another remarkable school year. Dr. Dick also provided an update to the Board of Education on the status of the Scottsbluff Public Schools Education Center renovation. He stated the project is moving forward ahead of schedule and shared some soft dates for project completion, noting these dates are not set in stone. The preschool project is projected to be completed around June 20, 2025, while the District Office project is projected to be completed around July 14, 2025. Dr. Dick stated the flooring in the preschool is currently being installed, which indicates the project is nearly finished. He noted that in the District Office, drywall is currently being finished. The potential of the projects wrapping up ahead of schedule will hopefully give Director of Facilities Travis Rickey and his staff extra time to move staff into the buildings over the summer. |
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12. Future Meetings and Dates to Remember
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12.a. May 13, 2025 - ReConnect Graduation @ 5:30 PM - BMS Cafeteria
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12.b. May 15, 2025 - Senior Academic Award Evening @ 6:00 PM - SHS Auditorium
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12.c. May 16, 2025 - CHOICES Senior Celebration @ 6:00 PM - SHS Cafeteria
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12.d. May 18, 2025 - Graduation Ceremony @ 1:00 PM - Bearcat Stadium
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12.e. May 22, 2025 - Last Day for Students - Early Release
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12.f. May 22, 2025 - Staff Appreciation Festival - 4:00-7:00 PM - Trails West Pavilion
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12.g. May 23, 2025 - Teacher Work Day
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12.h. June 9, 2025 - Board of Education Meeting
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13. Adjournment
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
Discussion:
The Regular Board of Education Meeting adjourned at 6:47 PM.
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