January 20, 2026 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 Don Graff and Richard Stephens notified of their absence 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.
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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.
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3. Virtual Conferencing for December 2025-March 2026
Speaker(s):
Board President or designee
Rationale:
Nebraska Revised Statute § 84-1411 authorizes virtual meetings for educational service units if the requirements of subdivision (2)(b) are met.
The Board voted to have a virtual conferencing option for the following board meetings: December 2025, January 2026, February 2026, and March 2026. |
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4. Welcome Visitors
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
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5. 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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6. District 7 Board Application
Speaker(s):
Board President or designee
Rationale:
An Application has been received for the board vacancy in District 7. NEB. REV. STAT. § Section 79-1217(2) states that the appointee will serve "for the balance of the unexpired term" of the board spot that has been vacated. Applications were submitted by:
Recommended Motion(s):
Discuss, consider, and vote to approve the resolution appointing April Emeigh to the Educational Service Unit No. 7 Board position based on a vacancy for a term ending on December 31, 2026 Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
Attachments:
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7. Board Code of Ethics and Oath of Office
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
Annually, Board Members participate in the Oath of Office and sign their Code of Ethics.
I, _____________________, do solemnly swear that I will support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of Nebraska, against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely and without mental reservations, or for purpose or evasions; and that I will faithfully and impartially perform the duties of the office of member of the Board of Educational Service Unit No. 7, according to law, to the best of my ability. And I do further swear that I do not advocate, nor am I a member of any political party or organization that advocates the overthrow of the government of the United States or this State by force or violence; and that during such time that I am in this position I will not advocate nor become a member of any political party or organization that advocates the overthrow of the government of the United States or this State by force or violence. So help me God.
Attachments:
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8. Election of Board Officers
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
Recommendation: The Administrator will preside over the nomination and electronic election of the Board Officers; and an electronic roll-call vote or ballot will be used during the election after which, the Secretary to the Board will declare the result.
Recommended Motion(s):
The Administrator will preside over the nomination and electronic election of the Board Officers; and an electronic roll-call vote or ballot will be used during the election after which, the Secretary to the Board will declare the result Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
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8.1. Election of Board President
Speaker(s):
Administrator
Rationale:
Administrator Recommendation: Discuss, consider and take all necessary action to elect ___________ as President of the Board of Education.
Recommended Motion(s):
Discuss, consider and take all necessary action to elect ___________ as President of the Board of Education Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
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8.2. Election of Vice President of the Board of Education
Speaker(s):
Administrator
Rationale:
Administrator Recommendation: Discuss, consider and take all necessary action to elect __________ as Vice President of Board of Education.
Recommended Motion(s):
Discuss, consider and take all necessary action to elect __________ as Vice President of Board of Education Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
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8.3. Election of Secretary of Board of Education
Speaker(s):
Administrator
Rationale:
Administrator Recommendation: Discuss, consider and take all necessary action to elect __________ as Secretary of Board of Education.
Recommended Motion(s):
Discuss, consider and take all necessary action to elect __________ as Secretary of Board of Education Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
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9. Committees and Positions
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
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9.1. Select Treasurer to the Board of Education
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
Recommended Motion(s):
Discuss, consider and take all necessary action to appoint _________ as Treasurer to the Board of Education Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
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9.2. Select Recording Secretary to the Board of Education
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
Recommended Motion(s):
Discuss, consider and take all necessary action to appoint __________ as Recording Secretary to the Board of Education Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
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9.3. Select members of Board Committees
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
Members of the Board will choose Committees to participate in.
2025 Members Negotiations - Don Graff (Chair) - Richard Stephens - Amy Blaser Budget - Dawn Lindsley (Chair) - Jack Young - Clark Lehr Handbook - Joyce Baumert (Chair) - Bob Arp - Beth Kabes Evaluation - Marni Danhauer (Chair) - Joyce Baumert - Amy Blaser - Beth Kabes Buildings & Grounds - Bob Arp (Chair) - Doug Pauley - Jack Young - Joyce Baumert - Linda Shefcyk
Attachments:
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10. Dissemination of Conflict of Interest Forms
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
Annually, Conflict of Interest and Code of Ethics forms will be disseminated to the Board for signature.
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11. 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.
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11.1. Minutes
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
This is a consent item.
Attachments:
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11.2. Presentation of Bills #81058 through #81207 totaling $1,020,882.21
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
The summary of bills for the current month total: $1,020,882.21 - Bills #81058 through #81207 General Activity Fund total: $87.88
Attachments:
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11.3. Reading of Article I, Section 1, F Unit Calendar
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
This is a consent item.
Attachments:
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11.4. Reading of Article I, Section 3, B Filling Vacancies
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
This is a consent item.
Attachments:
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11.5. Reading of Article I, Section 3, E Oath of Office
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
This is a consent item.
Attachments:
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11.6. Reading of Article I, Section 3, F Code of Ethics for Board Members
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
This is a consent item.
Attachments:
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11.7. Reading of Article I, Section 4, B President
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
This is a consent item.
Attachments:
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11.8. Reading of Article I, Section 4, C Vice President
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
This is a consent item.
Attachments:
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11.9. Reading of Article I, Section 4, D Secretary
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
This is a consent item.
Attachments:
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11.10. Reading of Article I, Section 4, E Treasurer
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
This is a consent item.
Attachments:
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11.11. Reading of Article I, Section 4, F Recording Secretary
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
This is a consent item.
Attachments:
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11.12. Reading of Article I, Section 5, A Committees
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
This is a consent item.
Attachments:
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11.13. Reading of Article I, Section 5, C Temporary Committees
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
This is a consent item.
Attachments:
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11.14. Reading of Article I, Section 5, D Committee Operations
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
This is a consent item.
Attachments:
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11.15. Resignations
Speaker(s):
Board President or designee
Rationale:
Resignation:
Attachments:
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11.16. Excess Lodging & Meals
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
Excess Lodging:
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11.17. Annual SPARQ Data Solution Dues
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
The amount for the 2026-2027 SPARQ dues is: $2,700.00.
This is a consent item.
Attachments:
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12. Board Spotlight - Title 1 Part C Education Program
Rationale:
Title 1 Part C Education Program Coordinator, Cynthia Alarcon, will present the Title 1 Part C Education Program Spotlight.
Attachments:
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13. Reading of Article I, Section 4, A Officer Positions
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
Annually, the Board shall elect one of its members as president, one as vice president, and one as secretary in the January meeting. The Board shall employ a recording secretary and a treasurer who shall be paid a salary to be fixed by the board.
Recommended Motion(s):
Discuss, consider and take all necessary action to approve Article I, Section 4, A as presented Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
Attachments:
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14. 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:
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15. Designations
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
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15.1. Designate depository bank(s)
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
Authorized Depositories, Bonds, Disbursement of Funds requires the ESU 7 Board to annually authorize depositories for ESU 7 Funds. The checking accounts are currently at First National Bank, Columbus. The Board authorizes the Administrator and Board Treasurer to contact banks in the ESU area to invest money at the best rate.
Administrator Recommendation: Discuss, consider and take all necessary action to authorize First National Bank, Columbus as the depository bank, as presented.
Recommended Motion(s):
Discuss, consider and take all necessary action to authorize First National Bank, Columbus as the depository bank, as presented Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
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15.2. Designate Newspapers of Record
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
The Columbus Telegram is a newspaper of general circulation in all counties in the ESU 7 Area. Legal Notices as required will be reported in the Columbus Telegram.
Administrator Recommendation: Discuss, consider and take all necessary action to designate the Columbus Telegram as the ESU 7 newspaper of record.
Recommended Motion(s):
Discuss, consider and take all necessary action to designate the Columbus Telegram as the ESU 7 newspaper of record Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
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16. Mileage Reimbursement Rate
Speaker(s):
Board President or designee
Rationale:
The IRS Mileage rate as of January 1, 2026 is $0.725 per mile, increased from $0.70 per mile.
Article III, Section 4, D: Coffee Act Policy (Reimbursable Expenses) Reimbursement of Expenses. The ESU will pay the registration costs, tuition costs, fees or charges for attendance by Board members at such approved functions. The ESU will pay mileage at the rate allowed by law (that is, the rate established by the Department of Administrative Services) or actual travel expense if travel is authorized by commercial or charter means. The ESU will pay meals and lodging at a rate not exceeding the applicable federal rate unless a fully itemized claim is submitted substantiating the costs actually incurred in excess of such rate and such additional expenses are expressly approved by the Board. For employees and volunteers, the ESU will pay costs and make reimbursements in the same manner as provided above for Board member attendance, unless otherwise established by policy, Board action, contract, or negotiated agreement. Administrator Recommendation: Discuss, consider and take any necessary action to approve the IRS mileage reimbursement rate of $0.725 per mile beginning January 1, 2026, as presented.
Recommended Motion(s):
Discuss, consider and take any necessary action to approve the IRS mileage reimbursement rate of $0.725 per mile beginning January 1, 2026, as presented Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
Attachments:
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17. ESU 7 2026-2027 General Unit Calendar
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
Unit calendar approval will be moved to November moving forward.
Administrator Recommendation: Discuss, consider, and take all necessary action to approve the ESU 7 2026-2027 General Unit Calendar as presented.
Recommended Motion(s):
Discuss, consider, and take all necessary action to approve the ESU 7 2026-2027 General Unit Calendar as presented Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
Attachments:
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18. Coordinating Agency for ESU 7 Special Education Cooperative
Speaker(s):
Board President or designee
Rationale:
ESU 7 continues to serve as the coordinating agency for the ESU 7 Special Education Cooperative for 2026-2027.
Administrator Recommendation: Discuss, consider and take all necessary action for ESU 7 to continue to serve as the coordinating agency for the ESU 7 Special Education Cooperative for 2026-2027.
Recommended Motion(s):
Discuss, consider and take all necessary action for ESU 7 to continue to serve as the coordinating agency for the ESU 7 Special Education Cooperative for 2026-2027 Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
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19. District 1 Boundary
Rationale:
On June 7, 2024, the State Board of Education met. Pursuant to Neb. Rev. Stat. Section 79-1205, the Board is required to adjust the boundaries of educational service units which do not align with the boundaries of member school districts as such school district boundaries existed on August 1, 2024. The Board adjusts the boundaries of Educational Service Unit Number 7 to align with Platte County School District No. 67 (Humphrey Public Schools), and adjusts the boundaries of Educational Service Unit Number 8 to align with Madison County School District No. 13 (Newman Grove Public Schools) as such school district boundaries exist on August 1, 2024.
Attachments:
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20. Administrator's Report General
Speaker(s):
Administrator or Designee
Rationale:
Attachments:
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20.1. Goal Update
Speaker(s):
Administrator or Designee
Rationale:
Goals - Attached for your Review
Goal 2: By July 2026, the ESU 7 board will attend at least two professional/personal learning events annually.
Attachments:
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20.2. Services Update
Speaker(s):
Administrator or Designee
Rationale:
Attachments:
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20.3. Facilities Update
Speaker(s):
Administrator or Designee
Rationale:
The Administrator will provide a facilities update during this item
Goals:
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20.4. Personnel
Speaker(s):
Administrator or designee
Rationale:
Resignation:
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20.5. 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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21. Committee Reports
Speaker(s):
Committee Chair
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21.1. Negotiations Committee Report
Speaker(s):
Negotiations Committee Chair
Rationale:
Reports of activities and discussions from the Negotiations Committee will take place during this item.
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22. Adjournment
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
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