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

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Patrons can watch the Ralston Public Schools Board of Education Meeting by following the link below.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCo8VrugRaRJ-0GL1Cg8BlBA

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Please stand and join us in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Nebraska Frameworks Governance and Leadership
Policy 2008, Board of Education Meetings.

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Nebraska Frameworks Governance and Leadership
Policy 2008, Board of Education Meetings.

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A complete copy of the Open Meetings Act is posted on the back wall of the Board of Education meeting room.

Public Comment Sign In Procedure - Anyone wishing to address the Board of Education must submit a written request form, found on the public’s table, prior to Public Comments.

The Board reserves the right to move into closed session to protect the public interest or needless injury to the reputation of an individual for any action item listed on the agenda. The Board may, at its discretion, change the order of the agenda to accommodate unforeseen issues related to an agenda item.

Nebraska Frameworks Stakeholder Communication and Relationships
Policy 2009, Public Participation at Board Meetings.

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The Ralston Board of Education appreciates the public's right to provide public comment.  It is the practice of the Ralston Board to listen to the public comment, without discussion between the public and the Board.  Should you have a question or ask for follow-up from the Board, the Board President will direct the Superintendent to address the requests and provide additional information to you as appropriate.  We ask that you refrain from personal comments about individuals and the use of vulgar or inappropriate language in addressing the Board. 

The board will generally allow a total of 30 minutes for the presentation of all public comments.  Individuals may only speak one time per topic and must limit comments to around three (3) minutes. In the event more than 10 individuals wish to address the board, the 30 minutes will be divided equally between the number of speakers. At the discretion of the Board President or Chair, speakers may be allotted additional time.

At this time the Ralston Public Schools Board of Education will entertain public comment.

Nebraska Frameworks Stakeholder Communication and Relationships
Policy 2009, Public Participation at Board Meetings.

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The Board reserves the right to move into closed session to discuss legal matters. The Board may, at its discretion, change the order of the agenda to accommodate unforeseen issues related to an agenda item.

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Nebraska Frameworks Governance and Leadership
Board Policy 2021, Executive Meetings.

Rationale:  The Ralston Education Association has filed an appeal for a grievance determination rendered by the Superintendent.  The Board has continued discussions on the matter and will render a decision based on that conversation.  Upon exiting Executive Session, the Board will vote publicly on the determination, and per the grievance procedure, will file their response with REA in writing by Friday, February 13, 2026.

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Consent agenda items include minutes from the January 26, 2026 meeting;  January 2026 Financial Report, January 2026 bills in the amount of $666,572.45 for the General Fund, and $335,514.71 for the Special Building Fund. Prior to the meeting Carrie Hough and Robin Richards reviewed the bills. 

Recommend the following teachers to be hired for the 2026-2027 school year:

Abigail Rinkol- Mockingbird, 5^th Grade.  Abigail was a student teacher at Wildewood and is currently a substitute teacher with Ralston.  She graduated with her BA from UNO 12/2025.
Autumn Tripp -Seymour, 4th Grade.  BA from University of NC Wilmington.  She is currently a Kindergarten teacher at Onslow County Public Schools NC.
Rhea (Chelle) Gillan - RHS, Science.  BA from Hastings, MA from University of Kearney, MA from UNL.  Chelle is currently teaching 9-12 Biology/Health Science at Central City High School. 

Resignation from Alison Follmer, Malia Johnson, and Patricia Greenwood.

Nebraska Frameworks Governance and Leadership
Board Policy 2008, Board of Education Meetings.
Board Policy 3007, Review of Bills.         

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Nebraska Frameworks Governance and Leadership
Board Policy 2008, Board of Education Meetings.

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Board of Education members will discuss items they have recently observed or attended or items they wish to share with the other members of the Board of Education and the public.

Nebraska Frameworks Governance and Leadership
Board Policy 2008, Board of Education Meetings.

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Nebraska Frameworks Governance and Leadership
Board Policy 2022, Reporting to the Public.

Rationale:  Ralston offers our new teachers a thorough and well-planned new teachers mentoring program, as well as instructional coaching support for all teachers.  The presentation is intended to be informational for our Board of Education.  Our instructional coaches will present their program and answer any questions the BOE may have.

Rationale:  Dr. Aaron Bredenkamp will provide an overview of the District Financial Report for the month.  Dr. Bredenkamp will address any questions that the Board of Education members may have about any part of the financial statements.  

 

Nebraska Frameworks Governance and Leadership
Board Policy 2008, Board of Education Meetings.
Board Policy 3001, Budget

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Mr. Buckingham will update the Board regarding Legislative issues. 

Nebraska Frameworks Governance and Leadership
Board Policy 2022, Reporting to the Public.

Rationale:  Mrs. Elizabeth Kumru will update the Board of Education on items and information that is under consideration with the Nebraska Association of School Boards.

Nebraska Frameworks Governance and Leadership
Policy 2022 Reporting to the Public.

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Sara Zabrowski-Gates will review the enrollment information with the Board.

Nebraska Frameworks Governance and Leadership
Board Policy 2022, Reporting to the Public.

Rationale:  Review of current trends in district attendance patterns

Rationale:  Mr. Buckingham, and members of the administrative team will provide an update to the Board of Education on the progress of various projects in motion with the 2021 Future Ready Ralston Bond Initiative.



 

Rationale:  Nebraska Frameworks Governance and Leadership

Rationale:  Policy 3033, Lending School Books to Children Enrolled in Private Schools is recommended for removal due to statutory changes made in June of 2024.

Rationale:  Policy 3017, Closing of a School Site is recommended for removal as it is no longer supported by our policy service.

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The Board and Administration will review proposed policies.

Nebraska Frameworks Governance and Leadership
Nebraska Frameworks Committment to Continuous Improvement
Board Policy 2001, Role of the Board of Education.

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Supplemental Documents include the following:

Bill Review Schedule - 2024

 

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Board of Education Meeting - Mon., Feb 9, 2026 - 6:00 p.m.

                                    Ralston High School Media Center

Jan. 5, First day a person may file for office to have their name placed on the ballot as a candidate up for election in 2026.
February 17, 2026 Deadline for incumbents up for election to file.
Next BOE meeting, Feb 23, 6pm
March 2, 2026 Deadline for non-incumbents to file for office on the primary election.
May 12, 2026 Statewide Primary Election
Oct. 23, 2026 Last day for Write-In Candidates to file notarized affidavit and filing fees.

                       

February

• Saturday, February 7th (all day) - Scooter’s Give Back Day for Ralston Schools Foundation Student Emergency Fund @ 90th and L location.

• Wednesday, February 11th (6:30 to 8:00 pm) - RHS Future Freshman Open House

• Thursday, February 19th (3:45 pm) - RPS Elementary Intramural Basketball Showcase @ RHS gymnasium

 

March

• Tuesday, March 3rd (7:00 pm) - District Vocal Music Festival @ RHS gymnasium.

• Thursday, March 5th (Kids cooking @ 3:45 pm, Judging & Tasting 5 - 6 pm) - Kids Can Cook Competition @ RHS Cafeteria

• Tuesday, March 10th (7:00 pm) - District Instrumental Music Festival @ RHS gymnasium.  

• Tuesday, March 17 (7:00 pm) - RHS Show Choir Concert @ RHS Theater

• Thursday, March 26th (3:45 pm) - RPS Elementary Intramural Volleyball Showcase @ RHS gymnasium

• Wednesday, March 25 - Friday, March 27 (all day) - State FFA Convention @ Lincoln, Nebraska

 

April 

• Thursday, April 9 - Saturday, April 11 - SkillsUSA NE State Conference @ Heartland Events Center and Fonner Park in Grand Island, NE

• Saturday, April 25 (5 - 8 pm) - RHS Auto Show @ RHS main parking lot.

Vehicle Day

• Saturday, April 18 (8 to 11:00 pm) - RHS Prom @ The Granary

• Saturday, April 18 (12:00 pm to 3:00 am) - RHS Post Prom @ RHS High School gymnasium

• Wednesday, April 22 (9 am to 1:30 pm) - Trailblazer Conference Art Show @ Wahoo High School 

• Tuesday, April 28 (during the school day) - RHS RUSH Elementary School Tour @ All Six RPS Elementaries

• Thursday, April 30 (7:00 pm) - RHS Musical @ RHS Theater

 

May

• Friday, May 1 & Saturday, May 2 (7:00 pm) - RHS Musical @ RHS Theater

• Sunday, May 3 (2:00 pm) - RHS Musical @ RHS Theater

• Monday, May 4 (6:00 SY and 7:15 BF pm) - Elementary Vocal Music Concerts @ RHS Theater

• Tuesday, May 5 (6:00 KW and 7:15 MB pm) - Elementary Vocal Music Concerts @ RHS Theater

• Wednesday, May 6 (6:00 WW and 7:15 ME pm) - Elementary Vocal Music Concerts @ RHS Theater

• Wednesday, May 13 (6:30 pm) - RHS Seniors Honors Night @ RHS gymnasium

• Friday, May 15 (9:00 am and then at 1:30 pm) - RHS Graduation Rehearsal (RHS gymnasium) & Elementary Walks (all elementary schools)

• Sunday, May 17 (2:00 pm) - RHS Graduation @ Liberty First Credit Union Arena

• RMS Band Concert @ 6:00pm in RHS Auditorium

• Tuesday, May 19 - RHS Undergrad Awards @ RHS Theater

• Wednesday, May 20 (evening) - RHS FFA Banquet @ RHS Cafeteria

• Thursday, May 21 - RPS Last Day of School

 

June

 

July

• July 8th - July 23rd (8:30 am to 12:00 pm) - RMS Bridge to Middle School program @ RMS

                       

Rationale: 

Cognia Standard 8:  The governing authority demonstrates a commitment to learners by collaborating with leaders to uphold the institution's priorities and to drive continuous improvement. 
Board Policy 2008, Board of Education Meetings.