June 16, 2025 at 5:30 PM - Regular Board of Education Meeting
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1. Call the Meeting to Order
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
LEADERSHIP • SERVICE • SUPPORT Notice of this meeting was given in advance according to State Law 84-1411, by giving notice of the meeting to the public on ESU 7 website www.esu7.org and posted at location of meeting. Notice of this meeting was also given in advance to all members of the Board of Education of Educational Service Unit 7. Availability of the agenda and purpose of the hearing was communicated in the advance notice of the meeting and in the notice to the members of this hearing. All proceedings of the Board of Education of Educational Service Unit 7 were taken while the convened hearing was open to the attendance of the public. |
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1.1. Notification of Open Meetings Law
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
This meeting has been preceded by reasonable advance notice and is hereby declared to be in open session. A copy of the Open Meetings Act is posted in the meeting room.
Attachments:
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1.2. Roll Call
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
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1.3. Absent Board Members
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
Board Members Clark Lehr and Beth Kabes will be absent. They notified Administrator Elmshaeuser and Board President Doug Pauley prior to the meeting.
Recommended Motion(s):
Discuss, consider and take all necessary action to approve Board member absences as presented Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
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1.4. Pledge of Allegiance
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
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2. Approval of Agenda
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
The sequence of agenda topics is subject to change at the discretion of the Board.
Recommended Motion(s):
Discuss, consider and take all necessary action to approve the agenda as presented Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
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3. Welcome Visitors
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
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4. Public Comment
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
The Board has the discretion to limit the amount of time set aside for public participation.
Citizens wishing to address the Board on a certain agenda item must complete the Request to be Heard Document prior to the start of the board meeting. Citizens wishing to present petitions to the Board may do so at this time. However, the Board will only receive the petitions and not act upon them or their contents. |
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5. Consent Agenda
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
Unless removed from the consent agenda, items identified within the consent agenda will be acted on at one time. If any Board member wishes to discuss an item, it must be removed from the consent agenda at which time the remaining items will be acted upon. Consent Agenda Includes:
Administrator Recommendation: Discuss, consider and take all necessary action to approve the consent agenda as presented.
Recommended Motion(s):
Discuss, consider and take all necessary action to approve the consent agenda as presented Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
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5.1. Minutes
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
This is a consent item.
Attachments:
()
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5.2. Presentation of Bills #79860 through #80031 totaling $1,518,762.36
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
The summary of bills for the current month total:$1,518,762.36 - Bills #79860 through #80031 General Activity Fund total: $1,121.70
This is a consent item.
Attachments:
()
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5.3. Reading of Article I, Section 6, A Concept of Administration.
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
This is a consent item.
Attachments:
()
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5.4. Reading of Article I, Section 6, B Administrator.
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
This is a consent item.
Attachments:
()
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5.5. Reading of Article I, Section 6, C Duty and Function of the Administrator.
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
This is a consent item.
Attachments:
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5.6. Reading of Article II, Section 6, B Notice of Budget Meeting.
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
This is a consent item.
Attachments:
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5.7. Reading of Article III, Section 1, D Requests, Cost, and Payment.
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
This is a consent item.
Attachments:
()
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5.8. Reading of Article III, Section 1, F Special Education Cooperative.
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
This is a consent item.
Attachments:
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5.9. 2025-2026 Contract for Amy Slama, Grant Coordinator
Speaker(s):
Board President or designee
Rationale:
This is a consent item.
Attachments:
()
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5.10. 2025-2026 Contract for Cara Neesen, Student Services Principal
Speaker(s):
Board President or designee
Rationale:
This is a consent item.
Attachments:
()
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5.11. 2025-2026 Contract for Iris Medina Gonzalez, Provisionally Licensed Mental Health Practitioner
Speaker(s):
Board President or designee
Rationale:
This is a consent item.
Attachments:
()
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5.12. 2025-2026 Contract for Kassandra Cornwell, Provisionally Licensed Mental Health Practitioner
Speaker(s):
Board President or designee
Rationale:
This is a consent item.
Attachments:
()
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5.13. 2025-2026 Contract for Lynne Webster, Licensed Mental Health Practitioner
Speaker(s):
Board President or designee
Rationale:
This is a consent item.
Attachments:
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5.14. 2025-2026 Contract for Megan Welch, Mental Health Practitioner
Speaker(s):
Board President or designee
Rationale:
This is a consent item.
Attachments:
()
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5.15. 2025-2026 Contract for Merridie Kaup, Mental Health Practitioner
Speaker(s):
Board President or designee
Rationale:
This is a consent item.
Attachments:
()
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5.16. 2025-2026 Contract for Sonya Sukup, Licensed Mental Health Practitioner
Speaker(s):
Board President or designee
Rationale:
This is a consent item.
Attachments:
()
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5.17. 2025-2026 Contract for Tami Clay, Special Education Director
Speaker(s):
Board President or designee
Rationale:
This is a consent item.
Attachments:
()
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5.18. Excess Lodging and Meals
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
Excess Lodging and Meals:
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5.19. Authorization of Administrator to Sign for Federal/State Funds
Speaker(s):
Board President or designee
Rationale:
This is a consent item.
Attachments:
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6. Spotlight: Early Childhood
Speaker(s):
Early Childhood Coordinator
Rationale:
Early Childhood Special Education Teacher/Visually Impaired Coordinator, Lisa Duranski, will present the Early Childhood spotlight.
Attachments:
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7. Treasurer's Report
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
Review the breakdown of the Treasurer's Report.
Administrator Recommendation: Discuss, consider and take all necessary action to accept the Treasurer's Report as presented.
Recommended Motion(s):
Discuss, consider and take all necessary action to accept the Treasurer's Report as presented Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
Attachments:
()
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
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8. Policy Changes
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
The 2025 Legislative session passed AM 1617 to LB 150 which updates Nebraska’s Fair Employment Practice Act. This requires ESU 7 to change several of the policies. The change is in the non-discrimination statement and is adding the wording "military or".
Non-Discrimination:I will not make decisions which affect personnel, students, parents, the public, or otherwise on the basis of sex, disability, race (including skin color, hair texture and protective hairstyles), color, religion,military or veteran status, national or ethnic origin, age, marital status, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical condition, or other protected status, or on the basis of constitutionally protected speech.
Several bidding references were updated in the federal regulations governing grants and federal audit requirements. The procurement policy has been
updated to reflect the new terminology for "simplified acquisition purchases." Administrator Recommendation: Discuss, consider and take all necessary action to approve updates to all the policies below.
Recommended Motion(s):
Discuss, consider and take all necessary action to approve updates to all the policies below. Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
Attachments:
()
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
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9. Reading of Article V, Section 1, A Policy of Non-Discrimination.
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
A. Policy of Non-Discrimination ESU 7 does not discriminate on the basis of sex, disability, race (including skin color, hair texture and protective hairstyles), color, religion, military or veteran status, national or ethnic origin, age, marital status, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical condition, gender identity or sexual orientation, or other protected status in its programs and activities and provides equal access to designated youth groups. Reasonable accommodations will be provided to employees with disabilities and to those who are pregnant, have given birth, or have a related medical condition, as required by law. Complaints or concerns involving discrimination should be addressed to: Students, Employees, and Others: 3. Level 3 (Appeal to the Board) If the party is not satisfied with the Administrator’s determination, he or she may file an appeal in writing with the Board within five (5) working days after receiving the Administrator’s determination. The Board will review the appeal, the Administrator’s determination, the investigative documentation and decision, and allow the party to address the Board or a committee of the Board
Recommended Motion(s):
Discuss, consider and take all necessary action to approve Article V, Section 1, A as presented Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
Attachments:
()
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
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10. Handbook Committee Update - Handbook Approvals
Speaker(s):
Handbook Committee Chairperson
Rationale:
Annually, the Board of Educational Service Unit 7, will review and approve the ESU 7 Employee Handbook and ESU 7 Student/Parent Handbooks. The Handbook Committee will provide an update. Chariperson Joyce Baumert will provide an overview of how the handbook revision process went this year and if any changes are necessary.
Committee Recommendation: Discuss, consider and take any action necessary to approve the ESU 7 Student/Parent Handbooks and the ESU 7 Employee Handbook as presented.
Recommended Motion(s):
Discuss, consider and take any action necessary to approve the ESU 7 Student/Parent Handbooks and the ESU 7 Employee Handbook as presented Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
Attachments:
()
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
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11. Authorization of the Administrator to Pay July Bills in absence of July Board Meeting
Speaker(s):
Board President or designee
Rationale:
The ESU 7 Board of Education will not meet in July, 2025. This Board action gives authority to the Administrator to pay July bills. The ESU 7 Board will approve these expenses in the next possible Board Meeting. Administrator Recommendation: Discuss, consider and take all necessary action to approve the Administrator's payment of bills in July 2025.
Recommended Motion(s):
Discuss, consider and take all necessary action to approve the Administrator's payment of bills in July 2025 Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
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12. Budgeting for additional 1% Budget Authority
Speaker(s):
Board President or designee
Rationale:
Nebraska Statute allows an additional 1% in budgeted property tax asking requiring an affirmative vote of 75% of the governing body for approval. These additional budget authority dollars remain critical as we continue to operate with the one and a half cent levy, no state aid funding for 2025-2026, and spending restrictions for the upcoming years. In the event valuations change or additional funding becomes available, this action will allow ESU 7 additional budget authority to access those dollars. Administrator Recommendation: Discuss, consider and take all necessary action to approve the additional 1% in budgeted tax asking.
Recommended Motion(s):
Discuss, consider and take all necessary action to approve the additional 1% in budgeted tax asking Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
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13. Budget Hearing and Budget Summary, followed by the Final Tax Request Hearing, and the followed by the Regular Board Meeting - Monday, September 15, 2025 at 5:15 p.m. in the ESU 7 Oak Room
Speaker(s):
Board President or designee
Rationale:
Monday, September 15, at 5:15 pm in the ESU 7 Oak Room - Budget Hearing and Budget Summary, followed by the Final Tax Request Hearing, which will be followed by the Regular Board Meeting to start at 5:30pm or when the Final Tax Request Hearing is concluded, whichever is later.
Administrator Recommendation: Discuss, consider and take any necessary action to approve the Monday, September 15 schedule for the Budget Hearing and Budget Summary, Final Tax Request Hearing, and the Regular Board Meeting as presented
Recommended Motion(s):
Discuss, consider and take any necessary action to approve the Monday, September 15 schedule for the Budget Hearing and Budget Summary, Final Tax Request Hearing, and the Regular Board Meeting as presented Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
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14. Resolution on Training Requirements
Speaker(s):
Board President or designee
Rationale:
After the passage of LB 1329, school districts are required to determine the length of time for every required annual training. ESU 7 will follow the same requirements for the same training we do for our pre-service days.
Administrator Recommendation: Discuss, consider and take all necessary action to approve the resolution as presented.
Recommended Motion(s):
Discuss, consider and take all necessary action to approve the resolution as presented Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
Attachments:
()
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
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15. Administrator's Report General
Speaker(s):
Administrator or Designee
Rationale:
Attachments:
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15.1. Goal Update
Speaker(s):
Administrator or Designee
Rationale:
Goals - Attached for your Review
Goal 1: By July 2025, the ESU 7 board will have advertised for a Chief Administrator, completed the initial process, sent a contract, hired and Chief Administrator, made the announcement, and begun the onboarding process.
Attachments:
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Goals:
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15.2. Services Update
Speaker(s):
Administrator or Designee
Rationale:
Attachments:
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15.3. Facilities Update
Speaker(s):
Administrator or Designee
Rationale:
The Administrator will provide a facilities update during this item
Goals:
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15.4. Personnel - 2025-2026 Contracts
Speaker(s):
Administrator or designee
Rationale:
All Classified/Non Certificated Hires and Resignations under this item. Not an action item.
2025-2026 Contracts offered and authorized by the Chief Administrator for the following staff: - Alicia Kardisco-Hastreiter, Paraprofessional - Ashley Lerch, Paraprofessional - Barb Brockhaus, Paraprofessional - Breena Walkenhorst, Paraprofessional - Harriet Kibalya, Paraprofessional - Iriana Medel, Paraprofessional - Jeri Glenn, Paraprofessional - Joanna Terrazas, Paraprofessional - Kaylee Olmer, Paraprofessional - Kristen Cattau, Paraprofessional - Sherry Olney. Paraprofessional - Tammy Semrad, Paraprofessional |
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15.5. Legislative Update
Speaker(s):
Administrator or Designee
Rationale:
During this item, the Administrator will provide a Legislative Update to members of the Board.
Attachments:
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15.6. AESA Annual Conference
Speaker(s):
Administrator or Designee
Rationale:
The 2025 AESA Annual Conference Information Request form will be emailed to all board members. Please indicate if you intend on attending and fill out the necessary information. Please submit the form to Secretary to the Board, Morgan Morsett by August 1, 2025.
Attachments:
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16. Committee Reports
Speaker(s):
Committee Chair
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16.1. Budget Committee Report
Speaker(s):
Budget Committee Chair
Rationale:
Reports of Budget Committee activities and discussion will take place during this item.
Committee Recommendation: |
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16.2. Administrator Evaluation Committee Report
Speaker(s):
Administrator Evaluation Committee Chair
Rationale:
A report of activities from the Administrator Evaluation Committee will be given during this item.
Evaluation Timeline: - August: Evaluation Committee Chair and Administrator review Evaluation Tool and Evaluation Policy/Procedures. - March: Full Board is provided a paper copy of the evaluation questions. - April: Administrator sends digital evaluation and evaluation resources to the Evaluation Committee Chair in the first week of April. The chair then forwards on to the full Board for completion by April Board Meeting. Board will send their completed evaluation tool to the Evaluation Committee prior to the April Board Meeting. Administrator completes Evaluation Tool as self-assessment and sends it to Evaluation Chair on or before April 30th. - May: The Committee Chair will send the completed Administrator self-assessment to the full Board after May 1. Evaluation Committee compiles results of full Board completed evaluations prior to the May Board Meeting. - June: Evaluation Committee meets prior to June Board Meeting to review with the Administrator the results of evaluation. Report to full Board in June Board Meeting following Closed Session requirements with Administrator present. Committee Recommendation:
Attachments:
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17. Conference Report
Speaker(s):
Conference Attendees
Rationale:
Conference Attendees will report on their learnings.
Goals:
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18. Adjournment
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
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