August 25, 2026 at 12:00 PM - Special Board of Education Meeting
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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. 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. |
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2. Opening Procedures
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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:
This meeting was called to order by board president, Greg Trautman, at 12:00 p.m.
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2.2. Roll Call
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2.3. 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 posted in the Star Herald on Thursday, August 20th, 2026. |
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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.
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3.1. Board Policy Adoption
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3.1.i. First Reading of Board Policies
Attachments:
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4. Reports and Discussions
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4.1. Budget Pre-Session - Stacy Rodriguez and Dr. Kory Knight
Discussion:
Dr. Knight presented to the Board and reviewed the district’s annual budget timeline. Key dates and milestones include the receipt of assessed valuations, the Joint Public Hearing, submission of budget information to the state, NCSA budget planning for the 2027-28 school year, tax requests, and State Aid Certification. Dr. Knight also reviewed key factors involved in developing the district’s budget, including state aid and available grants. Gering Public Schools is projected to receive approximately $9.9 million in state aid. The district has also received its property valuation from the county assessor, which was approximately $1.2 billion and will be a significant factor in the development of the 2026-27 budget. Dr. Knight emphasized the importance of maintaining the district’s $1.05 levy, so we are able to continue funding the Special Building Fund, which supports ongoing maintenance and improvement projects throughout the district. The Special Building Fund has been used for projects including new roofs, secure building entrances, auditorium renovations, and other facility improvements. She stressed the importance of developing a one, three, and five-year plan for future maintenance projects to ensure the district can continue to proactively address facility needs. Stacy Rodriguez presented to the Board and reviewed the differences between the Joint Public Hearing and the Property Tax Authority. She reported that the district’s property valuation increased by slightly more than 7%, which will be an important factor in developing the upcoming budget. Rodriguez stated that she will present the proposed budget and tax request for approval at the next Board meeting. The district’s budget is due to the State of Nebraska by September 30th. |
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5. Action Items
Discussion:
Greg Trautman entertained a motion to move action item 5.1 before agenda item 4.1 in order for our board members to all be present for the vote. A motion to approve moving the agenda items was presented by Bryan Barrett, and seconded by Tracy Wiese. After voting, the motion passed.
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5.1. Discuss, consider, and take action to subscribe to KSB School Law's full policy service.
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6. Public Comment: Policy 204.12
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7. Adjourn
Discussion:
The meeting was adjourned at 12:55 p.m.
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