July 8, 2026 at 4:30 PM - July 2026 Board of Education Retreat
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1. Public Comment
Agenda Item Type:
Action Item
Rationale:
The regular board meeting agenda provides for citizens to present information or to express opinions to the board through public comment.
Discussion:
President Devine called the meeting to order at 4:43 PM.
There was no public comment. |
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2. Review 2025-2026 Board of Education Goal
Speaker(s):
Stacie Higgins
Agenda Item Type:
Information Item
Discussion:
Stacie Higgins with the Nebraska Association of School Boards greeted the Board of Education and began the discussion by highlighting the district's accomplishments and successes over the past several years. Board members and administrators also shared their reflections and insights, recognizing the district's progress while discussing their perspectives on continued growth and future priorities.
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2.1. Throughout the 2025-2026 school year, the Norris School district 160 Board of Education will enhance communication and engagement with all Norris stakeholders, building trust, transparency, and shared ownership of district priorities by highlighting district accomplishments, challenges, and progress of the Norris School District Strategic Plan.
Speaker(s):
Stacie Higgins
Agenda Item Type:
Action Item
Discussion:
The board reviewed progress towards accomplishing their 2025-26 goal. Evidence of enhanced communication and engagement included: personal invites to bond town halls, community forums, etc. Dr. Joel shared communication tools that have been well received (e.g., District Newsletter, Bond Website, Social Media, and Bight Arrow).
Possible Action Steps: (1) Develop an engagement calendar; (2) Survey Opportunities; (3) Mechanism to provide feedback to the board of education; (4) Invitation to budget hearing; (5) Explore opportunities to engage community members through radio or other media outlets; (6) Provide Board Norms to individuals attending board meetings |
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3. Review Board of Education Self Assessment
Speaker(s):
Stacie Higgins
Agenda Item Type:
Information Item
Rationale:
The Superintendent reports on matters of interest to the Board.
Discussion:
Stacie Higgins facilitated a summary/review of the board of education self assessment. Collective Standard Averages ranged from 4.98 to 4.63 on a 5.0 scale. The high rated Board Governance Standard was 4.98 (Standard VI: District Resources). The lowest rated standard was 4.63 (Standard IX: Professional Development). Strengths and opportunities for growth were by Stacie, the board of education, and administration.
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4. Additional Topics of Interest
Speaker(s):
Stacie Higgins & Dr. Joel
Agenda Item Type:
Information Item
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5. Review 2026-2027 Board Dates
Speaker(s):
Dr. Joel
Agenda Item Type:
Information Item
Rationale:
First Reading:
Second Reading: |
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6. Adjournment
Agenda Item Type:
Action Item
Discussion:
The Board of Education Retreat adjourned at 5:51 PM.
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