December 16, 2024 at 5:00 PM - Board of Education Regular Meeting

Rationale: 

Mission Statement:

Gothenburg Public Schools is the cornerstone of a proud, passionate, and progressive community where students and staff thrive in a positive and innovative environment.  We ensure the growth of all individuals by inspiring them to own and maximize their potential.

A copy of the open meetings law is posted on the wall of the Board Room and is available to the public.

Rationale: 

The Board reserves the right to rearrange the order of items as needed.

Rationale:  This Month's Celebration of Excellence is brought to us by Mrs. Wendy Bartels.  As our K-1 Counselor and Safety Coordinator, she has been invited to share a bit about what "safety coordination" looks like at GPS.

Rationale: 

Board Policy 2009 - Opportunity for Public Expression.  
(A copy of the policy is linked here.)

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

INSTRUCTIONS FOR MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHO WISH TO SPEAK: This is the portion of the meeting when members of the public may speak to the board about matters of public concern.  

• Getting Started:  When you have been recognized, please stand and state your name.   

• Time Limit:  The board will generally allow a total of 30 minutes for the presentation of all public comments.  Individuals may speak only one time, and must limit comments to around 5 minutes.  If there are more than 6 individuals who wish to address the board, the 30 minutes will be divided equally between the number of speakers.   These time limits may be changed by a majority vote of the board members in attendance to extend the time for a specific item or speaker. 

• Personnel or Student Topic:  If you are planning to speak about a personnel or a student matter involving an individual, please understand that the district has a complaint policy and/or procedures to resolve such complaints and concerns.  The Board requests that you follow the policy and procedures before addressing these matters with the Board.  Board members will generally not respond to any questions you ask or comments about individual staff members or students.  

• General Rules: This is a public meeting for the conduct of business.  Comments from the audience while others are speaking will not be tolerated.  Lewd, obscene, profane, slanderous, threatening and hostile conduct or statements and fighting words (words whose mere utterance entails a call to violence) will not be tolerated. 

• No Action by the Board:  The board will not act on any matter unless it is on the published agenda. 

Rationale: 

1. Approval of Previous Minutes

2. Approval of the Treasurer's Report

3. Approval of the Warrants / Bills

  a.  Petty Cash

  b.  Student Activity

  c.  Hot Lunch

  d.  Bank Statement

  e.  Summary of Accounts and Receipts

  f.  Monthly Expenditure Report

  g. Check Journal

4. Excuse Absent Board Members

 

Rationale:  The following staff members have presented their letters of retirement:

• Roger Koehler, Secondary Business Teacher
• Cindy Moore, Secondary Math Teacher
• Barb Hicken, Elementary Teacher
• Tim Peterson, Physical Education

The following staff members have presented their letters of resignation:

Rationale:  As of December 2024, the district will have successfully completed the final payment on the outstanding bond obligation. With this milestone, the purpose of the bond fund—to manage revenues related to this specific bond—will have been fulfilled. 

Closing the bond fund ensures fiscal transparency and aligns with best practices as outlined by the Nebraska Department of Education.  Any remaining balance in the bond fund, if applicable, will be directed to the General Fund and recorded as tax revenue in accordance with NDE guidelines.

Rationale:  Updated laws have passed during the last legislative session with an effective date of January 1, 2025.  These laws impact two of our existing policies that need to be updated.  Redline versions are linked here:

• 2008 Meetings
• 3004.1 Fiscal Management of Federal Funds

Rationale:  As part of the Board of Education's annual responsibilities, the superintendent evaluation process has been completed in accordance with district policy and state guidelines.

The evaluation process included a comprehensive review of the superintendent’s performance. The review focused on key areas such as leadership, communication, district goals, and overall effectiveness in fulfilling the responsibilities of the role.

This agenda item is informational and does not require board action.

Rationale: 

Committee Reports (Chair in bold)

1.  Personnel Committee (Mr. Fornoff, Mrs. Terrell, Mrs. Jobman)
2. Transportation and Facilities (Mr. Wyatt, Mr. Dalrymple, Mrs. Brass)
3. Finance (Mrs. Jobman, Mr. Wyatt, Mrs. Brass)
4. Committee on American Civics (Mrs. Terrell, Mr. Fornoff, Mr. Dalrymple)
5. Policy Review (Mrs. Terrell, Mr. Fornoff, Mrs. Brass)

 

Rationale: 

Rationale:  Monday, January 13th

Swede Activities:
7th & 8th Grade Boys Basketball in Minden
BBB & GBB Reserve HOME @ 5:00