March 16, 2026 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.

This meeting was legally advertised in the Gothenburg Leader on [insert date], in accordance with state requirements.  A copy of the Request for Publication and Proof of Publication will be linked in the electronic minutes once the Proof of Publication is available.

Rationale:  Mrs. Shauna Baker, 9-12 School Counselor or Ms. Rebecca Jacobsen will share insights on the newly restructured ACT.

Handout

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: Before the meeting begins, anyone wishing to address the board must sign in with their name, address, and any organizations they are representing. When 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 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: 

• Mr. Seth Schaeffer (PE)
• Miss Elise Johnson (Ag Education)
• Mrs. Jaycee Anderson (6th Grade)
• Mr. Ryan Johnson (Band)
• Miss Selena Bloos (7-12 English)

Rationale: 

• Brianda Prado - Early Childhood Special Education
  Mrs. Prado comes to us with 13 years of experience as an early childhood paraprofessional. She is currently working to complete her Bachelor's Degree in Special Education from Chadron State College.  
• Pat Mattfeld - 7-12 Physical Education
  Mr. Mattfeld comes to us with 10 years of experience as an PE teacher for Kearney Public Schools. He has a Bachelors Degree from Hastings College in K-12 Physical Education and a Master's Degree from the University of Nebraska Kearney in Physical Education Pedagogy. He is married to Ali (Clark) and their family is excited for this transition!

Rationale:  The Personnel Committee has discussed compensation for non-instructional staff.  This category includes office personnel, paraprofessionals, custodians, bus drivers, and directors.  The committee recommends an overall increase in total compensation of 3.34%. Total compensation includes applicable health insurance through the Educators Health Alliance, which saw rates increase by 7.25% from 2025-2026 rates. 

This is the final compensation package for staff approval. The teacher, administrative, and non-instructional groups each reflect a 3.34% increase in total compensation, inclusive of benefits.

Overall, our district will spend approximately  $10,500,000 on the wages and benefits of all staff next year.  This is an increase of  $339,107 (3.34%) from the 2025-2026 school year.  The following chart outlines the wages and benefits breakdown for GPS staff which make up 85% of the overall expenses for GPS.



 

Rationale: 

Our previous contract with an architectural firm concluded several months ago, prompting the Facilities and Transportation Committee to initiate a review process for new services. The district received two proposals from highly qualified firms. After careful consideration, the committee recommended Wilkins ADP based on strong references from both current and former clients, the firm’s close geographic proximity, and its commitment to responsive, personalized service. The engagement with Wilkins ADP was announced at last month’s meeting.

The proposed contract was prepared by KSB School Law and has been reviewed and approved by Wilkins ADP. It is specific to the facilities improvement project in Areas C and D, which includes the addition of a secure entryway and enhancements to our Career and Technical Education (CTE) facilities as well as general updates in these areas.

Funding for this project has already been secured through Qualified Capital Purpose Undertaking (QCPUF) funds and depreciation.

Rationale: 

Approximately one year ago, Gothenburg Public Schools was approached regarding the potential purchase of lots located east of the junior high practice field. At that time, we declined due to the condition of the properties and the fact that they are not adjacent to existing school property.

Since then, the City has indicated a willingness to sell the junior high practice field itself. Because this is a space we use regularly and it is directly adjacent to our campus, we initiated discussions to explore the feasibility of acquiring it.

Opportunities to secure property near school campus are rare. Many districts must take a long-term, strategic approach to acquiring nearby land—often purchasing parcels incrementally over several years to allow for even modest expansion. This represents a valuable opportunity to preserve access to a critical space, maintain flexibility for future needs, and protect its use for school purposes well into the future.

Rationale:  The proposed calendar for 2026-2027 is attached. 

There are a few slight changes from the first draft that was presented last month.  

• Wednesday, November 11th will NOT be an early dismissal for two reasons.
  • Our Veteran's Day program has been well-attended in the afternoon. It would not be possible to host an afternoon program on an early out.
• The early dismissal will shift to Thursday, November 12th.
  • Our External Visit will conclude on Thursday, November 12th. An early out on this day will allow staff to attend the Exit Report.
     
• The ELA Training Day for Elementary Teachers scheduled for Thursday, August 6th will move to Friday, August 7th due to availability of ESU 10 staff. 
   
• Rather than requiring the 4th FLEX DAY be served in February or March, we will open this up to be served at any point in the school year. Flex Day guidelines still apply but this allows staff to use this day when it is most beneficial to them.

 

Rationale: 

Committee Reports (Chair in bold)

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

 

Rationale: 

Rationale:  Monday, April 13th

Swede Activities:
JV Golf @ Minden