Public Meeting Minutes: May 12, 2025 at 5:30 PM - Regular Monthly Meeting of the Kearney Public Schools Board of Education

1. Routine Business

1.A. Call to Order

Discussion: President Icenogle called the meeting to order at 5:30 PM.

1.B. Open Meetings Act Announcement

Discussion: This is an open, public meeting of the Kearney Public Schools Board of Education, and a copy of the Open Meetings Act is posted in this room.

1.C. Board Meeting Decorum Expectations

1.D. Pledge of Allegiance

1.E. Roll Call

1.E.I. Excuse Absent Board Member

Action(s):

Motion Passed:

Move to excuse absent Board member Amanda Smallcomb from the meeting. This motion, made by John Icenogle and seconded by Drew Blessing, Passed.

Amanda Smallcomb: Absent
Niki Deeds: Yea
John Icenogle: Yea
Paul Hazard: Yea
Drew Blessing: Yea
Amy Barth: Yea

No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.

1.F. Approval of the Agenda

Action(s):

Motion Passed:

Move to approve the agenda for the meeting, as presented. This motion, made by Drew Blessing and seconded by Amy Barth, Passed.

Amanda Smallcomb: Absent
Niki Deeds: Yea
John Icenogle: Yea
Paul Hazard: Yea
Drew Blessing: Yea
Amy Barth: Yea

No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.

2. Recognitions

2.A. Recognition of Hanny Arram Center for Success Student Braedyn Ramer for Being Selected to Represent Nebraska as a Voting Delegate at the National Career Development Conference in Indianapolis, Indiana

Discussion:

Mr. Jason Owens introduced Braedyn Ramer, a student at Hanny Arram Center for Success, and Mrs. Erikka Rhodes, JAG teacher. Mr. Owens added that Braedyn will be graduating as a junior this weekend.
Braedyn Ramer presented to the board about the Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) program. JAG is designed to help students prepare for college and careers by offering real-world experiences, guidance for life after high school, and long-term mentorship. HACS is home to one of only three alternative education JAG programs in Nebraska. Mrs. Rhodes shared that JAG students have participated in college and career fairs, leadership conferences, and six college campus visits. They’ve also engaged with employers, taken part in service learning, and volunteered in the community. In recognition of their efforts, HACS students received an award from Goodwill Industries for their strong community partnership.
Braedyn and Mrs. Rhodes attended the National Career Development Conference in Indianapolis, Indiana, in April. Braedyn is the first alternative education student to go through the national program and is one of two voting delegates for the state of Nebraska.

2.B. Recognition of Kearney Public Schools Special Education Director, Melisa Dobish for Receiving the Nebraska Association of Special Education Supervisors, Friend of Special Education Award

Discussion:

Superintendent Mundorf informed the board that he attended the Nebraska Association of Special Education Supervisors (NASES) conference on April 24, 2025, to support Melisa Dobish as she received the Friend of Special Education Award. This prestigious honor recognizes Mrs. Dobish for her outstanding contributions, leadership, and unwavering dedication to the advancement of special education in Nebraska. This award also highlights the significant contributions and impact Mrs. Dobish has made in the field of special education throughout Nebraska in various roles.
The award came as a surprise to Mrs. Dobish, but it was a memorable day, made even more special by the presence of her family. Mrs. Dobish added that she was shocked and honored to receive the award. She has been blessed to work in wonderful places with wonderful families.

3. Presentations

3.A. Presentation by Catherine Gundersen, Principal, and Amber Taylor, Assistant Principal at Northeast Elementary School on Kindness Bands and Activities

Discussion:

Mrs. Catherine Gundersen spoke about ways students who always go above and beyond are recognized at Northeast Elementary School. Each quarter, Northeast Elementary teachers submit up to three students, who demonstrate the four kindness traits; kindness includes, kindness encourages, kindness trusts and kindness celebrates. They recognize students at Character Assemblies and invite community members to hand out kindness bands. The college and career readiness goal is met by asking the community members to tell the students about themselves, their career and what it takes to be successful in their job. Students who receive kindness bands get extra privileges during the quarter.

4. Legislative Update

Discussion:

Mr. Mundorf and Drew Blessing gave an update on the current standing of bills in the Nebraska Legislature.

5. Public Participation/Comment

6. Board Reports

7. Consent Agenda

Action(s):

Motion Passed:

Move to approve the items on the Consent Agenda, as presented. This motion, made by Drew Blessing and seconded by Niki Deeds, Passed.

Amanda Smallcomb: Absent
Niki Deeds: Yea
John Icenogle: Yea
Paul Hazard: Yea
Drew Blessing: Yea
Amy Barth: Yea

No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.

7.A. Approval of Minutes of the April 14, 2025 Regular Meeting; and the May 7, 2025 Board Committee of the Whole Meeting of the Board of Education

7.B. Approval of the May 2025 Claims

7.C. Approval of the May 2025 Financial Reports

7.D. Approval of Horizon and Sunrise Middle School 8th Grade Band Students to Perform in the National Veterans Ceremony on November 11, 2025, in Washington, D.C.

8. Regular Agenda - Personnel

8.A. Approval of the Employment of Certificated Staff

Action(s):

Motion Passed:

Move to employ the certificated staff at Kearney Public Schools for the 2025-2026 school year, as presented. This motion, made by Paul Hazard and seconded by Drew Blessing, Passed.

Amanda Smallcomb: Absent
Niki Deeds: Yea
John Icenogle: Yea
Paul Hazard: Yea
Drew Blessing: Yea
Amy Barth: Yea

No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.

Discussion:

President Icenogle shared how great it is that KPS has hired another deaf educator, for a total of two now.

9. Regular Agenda - Business

9.A. Approval of the Bid for Milk Products in the Kearney Public Schools for the 2025-2026 School Year

Action(s):

Motion Passed:

Move to accept the bid from Hiland Dairy for milk products in the Kearney Public School for the 2025-2026 school year, as presented. This motion, made by Amy Barth and seconded by John Icenogle, Passed.

Amanda Smallcomb: Absent
Niki Deeds: Yea
John Icenogle: Yea
Paul Hazard: Yea
Drew Blessing: Yea
Amy Barth: Yea

No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.

Discussion:

Mr. Mundorf reported that Mrs. Murphy, Director of Nutrition and Food Services, sent requests for proposals to two milk vendors; Hiland Dairy and Kemps-LeMars. Hiland Dairy submitted the only bid. A slight increase was noted.

9.B. Approval of the Bid for Bread Products in the Kearney Public Schools for the 2025-2026 School Year

Action(s):

Motion Passed:

Move to approve the bid from Bimbo Bakeries for bread products in the Kearney Public Schools for the 2025-2026 school year, as presented. This motion, made by Paul Hazard and seconded by Niki Deeds, Passed.

Amanda Smallcomb: Absent
Niki Deeds: Yea
John Icenogle: Yea
Paul Hazard: Yea
Drew Blessing: Yea
Amy Barth: Yea

No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.

Discussion:

Mr. Mundorf reported that Mrs. Murphy, sent requests for proposals to two bread vendors; Pan-O-Gold Baking Co. and Bimbo Bakeries. Bimbo Bakeries submitted the lower bid.

10. Regular Agenda - Miscellaneous

10.A. Approval of Amy Barth, Paul Hazard, and Drew Blessing to Serve as the Board Negotiations Team through the 2025-2026 School Year

Action(s):

Motion Passed:

Move to approve Amy Barth, Paul Hazard, and Drew Blessing to Serve as the Board Negotiations Team Through the 2025-2026 School Year. This motion, made by John Icenogle and seconded by Niki Deeds, Passed.

Amanda Smallcomb: Absent
Niki Deeds: Yea
John Icenogle: Yea
Paul Hazard: Yea
Drew Blessing: Yea
Amy Barth: Yea

No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.

10.B. Approval of John Icenogle, Niki Deeds, and Amanda Smallcomb to Serve as the Board Policy Review Committee through the 2025-2026 School Year

Action(s):

Motion Passed:

Move to approve John Icenogle, Niki Deeds, and Amanda Smallcomb to Serve as the Board Policy Review Committee through the 2025-2026 School Year. This motion, made by John Icenogle and seconded by Drew Blessing, Passed.

Amanda Smallcomb: Absent
Niki Deeds: Yea
John Icenogle: Yea
Paul Hazard: Yea
Drew Blessing: Yea
Amy Barth: Yea

No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.

Discussion:

President Icenogle mentioned that the board felt a need to create a new Board Policy Review Committee. Due to this new committee, all the committees are being reorganized slightly. The Board Policy Review Committee will meet regularly to make sure that our policies are up-to-date with the legislature, the board is in compliance, and that our policies serve the community of Kearney.

10.C. Approval of Niki Deeds, Amy Barth, and Amanda Smallcomb to Serve as the Board Civics Committee through the 2025-2026 School Year

Action(s):

Motion Passed:

Move to approve Niki Deeds, Amy Barth, and Amanda Smallcomb to Serve as the Board Civics Committee through the 2025-2026 School Year. This motion, made by John Icenogle and seconded by Paul Hazard, Passed.

Amanda Smallcomb: Absent
Niki Deeds: Yea
John Icenogle: Yea
Paul Hazard: Yea
Drew Blessing: Yea
Amy Barth: Yea

No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.

10.D. Approval of an Amended Memorandum of Understanding Agreement with the City of Kearney to Add a 4th Student Resource Officer to Serve the District in the 2025-2026 School Year. Additionally, the revised MOU will reflect a financial agreement to split the costs of the SROs on an even 50/50 basis with the City of Kearney going forward.

Action(s):

Motion Passed:

Move to approve an Amended Memorandum of Understanding Agreement with the City of Kearney, as presented. This motion, made by Paul Hazard and seconded by Niki Deeds, Passed.

Amanda Smallcomb: Absent
Niki Deeds: Yea
John Icenogle: Yea
Paul Hazard: Yea
Drew Blessing: Yea
Amy Barth: Yea

No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.

Discussion:

Mr. Mundorf reviewed the amended Memorandum of Understanding Agreement with the City of Kearney, to add a 4th Student Resource Officer to serve the District in the 2025-2026 School Year. The changes are as follows:
- Kearney Police Department and Kearney Public Schools agree this agreement will remain in force unless either party submits a 180-day written notice to the other party requesting to terminate the agreement.
- Furthermore, the parties agree to split the salary and benefits costs of the total number of Kearney Police Department SROs assigned to Kearney Public Schools on an equal basis, (50% cost sharing to each party).
- The City will invoice KPS for the actual costs incurred pursuant to this agreement not more frequently than monthly. Upon receipt of acceptable invoices, KPS agrees to remit payment within (30) calendar days.
Sergeant J.C. Small, with Kearney Police Department, explained that a fourth School Resource Officer (SRO) will be necessary due to the upcoming need for an SRO at the new Cottonwood Elementary School starting next school year, as well as someone to cover for other SRO's when they are at training sessions, special assignments, and when there are officer absences due to sick or leave time. A 4th SRO would also make it easier to get the D.A.R.E. program in every elementary school in the district.

10.E. Set the Date for the Summer Special Retreat Meeting of the Board of Education

Action(s):

Motion Passed:

Move to set Monday, June 16, 2025, at 6:00 PM in the Staff Development Room in the Administration Building at 320 W 24th St, Kearney, NE, for a special, public meeting of the Board of Education. This motion, made by John Icenogle and seconded by Drew Blessing, Passed.

Amanda Smallcomb: Absent
Niki Deeds: Yea
John Icenogle: Yea
Paul Hazard: Yea
Drew Blessing: Yea
Amy Barth: Yea

No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.

11. Next Meeting

12. Adjournment

Action(s):

Motion Passed:

Move to adjourn the meeting. This motion, made by John Icenogle and seconded by Amy Barth, Passed.

Amanda Smallcomb: Absent
Niki Deeds: Yea
John Icenogle: Yea
Paul Hazard: Yea
Drew Blessing: Yea
Amy Barth: Yea

No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.

Discussion:

Meeting was adjourned at 6:42 PM.

May 12, 2025 at 5:30 PM - Regular Monthly Meeting of the Kearney Public Schools Board of Education

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