Public Meeting Minutes: July 13, 2026 at 5:30 PM - Public Hearing and Regular Monthly Meeting of the Kearney Public Schools Board of Education

1. Public Hearing for Additional Property Tax Request Authority

1.A. Convene Hearing

Discussion:

The hearing convened at 5:30 PM.

1.B. Presentation, Discussion and Public Input

Discussion:

Meagan Kerschner, Director of Finance, presented information requesting access to the district's additional property tax request authority by up to an additional 5%, or other maximum as permitted by law, above the base growth percentage.

1.C. Close Hearing

Discussion:

The hearing closed at 5:33 PM.

2. Public Hearing and Review of the 2026-2027 KPS Student Fees Policy

2.A. Convene Hearing

Discussion:

The hearing convened at 5:33 PM.

2.B. Presentation, Discussion and Public Input

Discussion:

Mrs. Kershner reported that during the 2025-2026 school year, the district collected just over $52,000 in Kearney High School activity tickets and parking permit fees. She noted that $8,395 in student fees, including activity tickets, band, orchestra fees, etc., was waived or reduced for families who qualified through the student fee waiver program. For the 2026-2027 school year, breakfast prices will increase by 10 cents, while lunch prices will increase by 25 to 40 cents, depending on grade level.
Superintendent Mundorf explained that several Title I schools participate in a state program that provides free lunch for all students enrolled at those schools. However, families are still required to complete the free and reduced-price meal application, as eligibility is needed to individually qualify for free and reduced lunches. The free and reduced lunch application can be found on the KPS website on July 15, 2026.

2.C. Close Hearing

Discussion:

The hearing closed at 5:37 PM.

3. Public Hearing on Parent Engagement and Title I Parent Engagement Policies

3.A. Convene Hearing

Discussion:

The hearing convened at 5:37 PM.

3.B. Presentation, Discussion and Public Input

Discussion:

Jeff Schwartz, Student Services and Safety Director, reviewed the parent engagement policy, highlighting school-wide and targeted programs. The policy includes goals such as preparation, decision-making and parent engagement opportunities like open houses and PTO meetings. Funding for parent engagement activities was discussed, with an estimated amount of $465,000. Mr Schwartz emphasized the importance of meeting annual requirements for funding and the role of annual surveys in parent engagement.

3.C. Close Hearing

Discussion:

The hearing closed at 5:41 PM.

4. Annual Review of the Student Discipline, Attendance, and Bullying Policies

Discussion:

Mr. Schwartz reviewed the annual student discipline, attendance, and bullying policies, outlining the county attorney's role in the review process and in prosecuting certain offenses. He also reviewed procedures for suspensions, expulsions, and attendance, and discussed efforts to address chronic absenteeism, including the use of an e-scooter survey to improve student attendance.
Board members discussed the effectiveness of school support specialists funded by a grant and the potential expansion of these positions to other schools.

5. Routine Business

5.A. Call to Order

Discussion: President Hazard called the meeting to order at 5:49 PM.

5.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.

5.C. Board Meeting Decorum Expectations

5.D. Pledge of Allegiance

5.E. Roll Call

5.E.I. Excuse Absent Board Member

Action(s):

Motion Passed:

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

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

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

5.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 Amanda Smallcomb, Passed.

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

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

6. Recognitions

7. Presentations

7.A. Construction Update

Discussion:

Kent Cordes with BD Construction gave an update on the construction projects continuing throughout the district.

8. Public Participation/Comment

9. Board Reports

10. Consent Agenda

Action(s):

Motion Passed:

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

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

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

10.A. Approval of Minutes of the June 8, 2026, Regular Meeting and the July 8, 2026, Committee of the Whole Meeting

10.B. Approval of the July 2026 Claims

10.C. Approval of the July 2026 Financial Reports

10.D. Acceptance of the Kenwood Elementary Parent Advisory Committee Annual Self-
Audit Report for the 2025-2026 School Year

10.E. Second and Final Reading Approval of Revised Board Policies

10.F. Authorize the Superintendent or His/Her Designee to Dispose of All Obsolete Furniture, Books, Materials, and Equipment in the Most Favorable Manner to the District in Accordance with All Laws, Rules, and Regulations Pertaining to Such Disposition, for the 2026-2027 School Year

10.G. Designate Dr. Jason Mundorf as the Authorized Representative of the Kearney Public Schools to Sign All Claims and Forms for All Federal Programs for the 2026-2027 School Year

10.H. Designate Shelia Sanford and Meagan Kershner as the Authorized Representatives of the Kearney Public Schools to Sign All Claims for Reimbursement, as Well as All Federal, State, and Local Information Pertaining to the School Food Service Program, for the 2026–2027 School Year

11. Regular Agenda - Personnel

11.A. Acceptance of Resignations

11.B. Approval of the Employment of Certificated Staff

12. Regular Agenda - Business

12.A. Discuss, Consider and Take Possible Action to Increase the District's Overall Property Tax Request Authority Up to an Additional 5% or Other Maximum as Permitted by Law, Above the Base Growth Percentage

Action(s):

Motion Passed:

Move to adopt the resolution to increase the school district's overall property tax request authority by up to an additional 5% above the base growth percentage, and authorize and direct the Superintendent or designee to take any action to ensure that the school district's overall property tax request complies with LB243. This motion, made by John Icenogle and seconded by Amanda Smallcomb, Passed.

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

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

Discussion:

Board member Drew Blessing explained that this resolution simply reserves the district's option to increase its property tax request by up to 5%, as allowed under state law. He emphasized that no decision has been made to raise taxes, as the budget process is still underway and the district is awaiting county tax valuations.

12.B. Approval of the Proposed Student Fees for the 2026–2027 School Year

Action(s):

Motion Passed:

Move to approve the proposed student fees for the 2026-2027 school year. This motion, made by Drew Blessing and seconded by John Icenogle, Passed.

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

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

Discussion:

Mr. Blessing encouraged eligible families to apply for free and reduced-price meal benefits and fee waivers, noting that participation in some waiver programs remains very low despite available assistance. He also noted that meal prices have remained unchanged for the last couple of years. For the 2026-2027 school year, lunch prices will increase by 35 cents at the high school, 40 cents at the middle school, and 25 cents at the elementary level, equating to approximately $68, $58, and $42 more per year, respectively, which is about a 10-12% increase. While the increases are relatively modest, he acknowledged they may still have an impact on some families.

13. Regular Agenda - Miscellaneous

14. Next Meeting

15. Adjournment

Action(s):

Motion Passed:

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

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

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

Discussion:

The meeting was adjourned at 6:08 PM.

Regular Board
Attendance Taken on 7/13/2026 at 5:51 PM
Amy Barth	Absent
Drew Blessing	Present
Niki Deeds	Present
Paul Hazard	Present
John Icenogle	Present
Amanda Smallcomb	Present
Present: 5, Absent: 1

July 13, 2026 at 5:30 PM - Public Hearing and Regular Monthly Meeting of the Kearney Public Schools Board of Education

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