Public Meeting Minutes: February 9, 2026 at 6:00 PM - Regular Board of Education Meeting

1. GPS Board of Education Information

More Information: The meeting agenda will be kept current and available for public inspection in the office of the Secretary of the Board of Education at the Central Office during regular working hours.

District Vision: Gering Public Schools provides a collaborative community, inspiring excellence and innovation in teaching and learning to empower student growth and leadership in school and life.

District Mission: Gering Public Schools exists to equip today's learners with the skills necessary to be tomorrow's leaders.

The Open Meetings Act requires and the intention of the Board is that agenda items be sufficiently descriptive to give the public reasonable notice of matters to be considered at the meeting. The Board of Education releases its agenda well in advance of most meetings and desires that all interested persons are fully informed. Any interested person who has a question or needs clarification about the sufficiency of a descriptive item should contact the Office of the Superintendent of Schools.

If anyone in attendance is interested in addressing our Board, you are welcome to do so. We simply request that you complete the appropriate form and turn it in to us now, so that you may be recognized during the 'Patron Comment' section of our meeting. These forms are located by the entry doors of the meeting room.

Agenda items are subject to reordering at the discretion of the board president. Board members may request specific agenda item(s) be moved to a different place on the agenda. Please attend the entire meeting to ensure you hear discussion on a particular agenda item.

2. Opening Procedures

2.1. Call to Order

More Information: The Board of Education reserves the right to enter into Executive Session for the protection of the public interest, or the prevention of needless injury to the reputation of an individual, and if the individual has not requested a public meeting.

Discussion: The meeting was called to order by Board President, Greg Trautman, at 6:00 p.m.

2.2. Roll Call

2.3. Pledge of Allegiance

2.4. Open Meetings Act

More Information: Pursuant to Section 84-1412 of the Nebraska Statutes, the public is hereby informed that a current copy of the Nebraska Open Meetings Act is posted in the Board meeting room on the north wall.

Notice of this meeting was published in the Star Herald on Thursday, Feb. 5th, 2026.

3. Consent Agenda

More Information: At this time, any Board member may request that any item in the consent agenda be removed from the consent agenda and be considered and voted on separately.

3.1. Minutes from the previous month's board meeting

Attachments: (1)

Jan. 12th BOE - Minutes

3.2. Approval of Claims/Bills
Fund Amount
01 General $321,969.20
03 Employee $209.00
05 Activity $40,375.29
06 School Nutrition $230,840.37
08 Special Building $7,783.80
Fund Totals: $601,177.66

Attachments: (1)

January Check Listing - Sheet1

3.3. Board Policy Adoption

Attachments: (1)

Board Policy# 205.2 - Policy Adoption

3.3.i. First Reading of Board Policies

3.3.ii. Second Reading of Board Policies

Attachments: (1)

Policy Review for January

3.4. Personnel Items

3.4.i. Certified Staff Contract(s)

Jj Behrens - Activities Director
D'Angelo Murillo - Director of Maintenance
Gaby Valverde - Lincoln Elementary, R.N.
Avery Clason - GHS, ELA Teacher

4. Celebration of Excellence

4.1. Geil Elementary - Angela Morris

Discussion:

Angela Morris presented to the Board on the district’s Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS). She explained that MTSS is designed to support both academic and behavioral growth for all students.
Audrey Charbonneau, fourth-grade teacher, then shared what MTSS looks like from a classroom perspective. She described the classroom teacher’s responsibility for Tier 1 instruction and for establishing clear classroom expectations. Teachers continuously assess student understanding by asking questions such as whether students comprehend the material, need additional time, require re-teaching, or would benefit from more hands-on instruction. While the goal is for 100% of students to understand the material, approximately 80% typically do so through Tier 1 instruction.
Ms. Charbonneau explained that the remaining 20% of students receive additional support during WIN (What I Need) time. WIN time consists of data-driven interventions tailored to student needs and may also be used to pre-teach or extend content for students who are already excelling.
Jennifer Bohnsack, Title I teacher, then presented on her role in the MTSS process. She is responsible for Tier 2 instruction and provides targeted interventions, primarily in reading and math, for students needing additional support. She also collaborates with special education teachers and paraprofessionals during WIN time.
Matt Janecek, school counselor, presented on the next steps for students requiring further support through the Student Assistance Team (SAT) process. He explained that the team includes the classroom teacher, counselor, principal, special education teacher, and school psychologist. Mr. Janecek contacts families and works to maintain positive relationships throughout the process. The team meets every four to six weeks to review data, discuss student strengths and areas for academic improvement, and monitor progress. These data-driven meetings result in specific action plans targeting identified skill gaps.
Ms. Morris concluded the presentation by emphasizing the importance of providing "the right support, at the right time, in the right way."

5. Reports & Discussions

5.1. Board Committee Report: Curriculum & Personnel

Discussion:

Tracy Wiese presented to the Board. She reported that there are no retirements at this time and that the district has hired an Athletic Director and a Director of Maintenance. She shared that the district has applied for a preschool grant for the upcoming school year. Enrollment is trending high for both preschool and kindergarten. She also noted that third-quarter perceptual surveys will be distributed soon to students in grades 3-12, as well as to parents and staff. Additionally, the district has received an Academic Literacy grant, which will allow teachers to enroll in a reading course to further develop instructional skills.

5.2. Board Committee Report: Business & Facilities

Discussion:

Josh Lacy presented to the Board. He reported that demolition in the auditorium has been completed and that the HVAC units have shipped. He shared that the district has received positive feedback from the City regarding the track project. Bids for the project are due on February 12. He also noted that the middle school continues to require multiple repairs. The district will be soliciting bids for a new camera security system, with plans to upgrade security systems across all district buildings.

6. Public Comments: 204.12

Discussion: Brett Moser addressed the board on behalf of GEA and thanked the board for a smooth process.

Attachments: (1)

Board Policy 204.12

7. Action Items

7.1. Discuss, consider, and take action regarding the GEA 2026-2028 school year negotiations.

Attachments: (1)

2026-28 Negotiated Agreement - Pending Approval

8. Board Comments

Discussion: Greg Trautman - Thanks to Geil for their presentation. We're moving in the right direction, still moving forward. We're here for students, and we have a great team at Central Office and Admin in all buildings!

Bryan Barrett - Thanks to Geil! Not all students learn the same, so it's good to see a plan in place for those that need it. Glad to see two-year negotiations passed! Leadership in buildings is strong!

Tracy Wiese - Love the momentum Gering has right now. Negotiations were a good process this year.

Josh Lacy - 2 year negotiation deal is great! Thanks to Geil! Love to see all the ins and outs of student learning. Feels confident in our future.

Matt Kautz - Thanks to Geil! Thanks to all GMS admin are doing! Leadership makes a difference.

8.1. Tentative Upcoming Board Meeting/Event Dates

More Information:

Future Board Meetings

Special Meeting: Tues, Feb. 24th, 2026 @ 12:00 p.m. (Central Office)

Regular Meeting: Mon, March 9th, 2026 @ 6:00 p.m. (Freshmen Academy)

Special Meeting: Tues, March 24th, 2026 @ 12:00 p.m. (Central Office)

Tentative Committee Meeting Dates:

Personnel & Curriculum Committee: Tues, March 3rd, 2026 @ 7:00 a.m. (Central Office)

Middle School Improvement Committee: Wed, March 4th, 2026 @ 4:30 p.m. (Central Office)

Finance & Facilities Committee: Thurs, March 5th, 2026 @ 4:30 p.m. (Central Office)

9. Adjourn

Discussion: The meeting was adjourned at 6:47 p.m.

February 9, 2026 at 6:00 PM - Regular Board of Education Meeting

Future Board Meetings

Tentative Committee Meeting Dates:

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