March 10, 2025 at 5:30 PM - Board of Education Regular Meeting

Rationale:  The Norfolk Public School District's Board of Education meeting is called to order.  

Rationale:  If any board member is absent, there will need to be a  motion to excuse the absence.

Rationale:  This is a legal meeting of the board of education, as advertised by the means specified in board policy. A complete copy of the Open Meetings Act is posted in the board room for your review. A copy of the agenda is available at the desk of the recording secretary.

Rationale:  Please stand and join us in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.

Rationale:  Kindergarten English Language Arts Instruction at Washington Elementary

Rationale:  Award for Excellence presented to Brandon Ritze - Head Custodian, Norfolk Junior High

Rationale:  Comprehensive Facilities Presentation

Rationale: 

This is the time during the meeting when the public may request to address the Board. According to state law, if you wish to comment you must identify yourself, including your address, the name of the organization you represent and the topic that you wish to address. "Public Comment" cards are located at the Media table, in the back of the room.  Please pick up a card and provide the required information, if you plan to speak.  Each individual’s comments will be limited to five minutes.

Please note that the Board cannot discuss or act upon matters that are not listed on the agenda. Therefore, Board members will not respond to your comments or questions. If you wish to request that an item be placed on a future Board agenda, you may contact the Superintendent or her assistant during normal business hours.

Also note that concerns related to school personnel need to be addressed to the Superintendent using the approved district protocol. Individuals who make false, defamatory,  or slanderous statements during public comments may be held legally liable. Slanderous comments are not protected just because they are made at Board meetings.

Additional procedural guidelines are available at the media table.

Rationale: 

The total amount of claims to be approved on the consent agenda by specific fund are listed below:

General Fund = $269,557.06

Nutrition Fund = $4,063.81

Cooperative Fund = $1,931.00

Subsidiary Fund = $8,790.45

Special Building Fund = $538,877.02

Senior High Activity Fund = $46,828.31

Junior High Activity Fund = $498.29

All of these claims were reviewed earlier today by the Finance and Facilities Committee.

Rationale: 

Curriculum, Instruction & Assessment

My team has been working hard to prepare for spring testing.  This includes entering accommodations, making sure all student information is correct and preparing test tickets for buildings.  The window for NSCAS testing runs from March 24th to May 2nd for grades 3-8.  During that time we have to test all students in Math and ELA.  5th and 8th grade students also have to test in Science.   Each building sets their own testing dates within that window.  Principals try to balance giving teachers as much time to complete instruction as possible while also testing early enough to make sure they can get all students tested.      

Last month I shared some information about the Comprehensive Literacy Grant that was secured by the state.  Our ESU has organized meetings in the past few weeks to share more information with us about this grant.  One thing we learned that we did not previously know is that the majority of the money from the federal grant will be made available to schools and ESU’s in the form of competitive grants.  This presents an opportunity for us to secure some funding, however, with what has been happening at the Federal Level there is some concern that not all of the grant funding that was in the original award will be delivered.  The state has secured the funds for next year.  There is no guarantee that there will be funding available past then.  We do plan to apply for some of this grant money but we will only apply for funding for things that we are either already doing or planned to do.  We will not apply for grant funding for any project that would require us to fund something new in the future if the grant is no longer available.  The application process for the grant funding will open on March 30th.  

In late February I attended the spring meeting for the Nebraska Association of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment (NACIA).  The main topics of this meeting were the grant funding I just mentioned, plans for reading screeners to meet the Nebraska Reads Act for grades K-3 and AQuESTT.  It is always valuable to share ideas and learn from my colleagues from around that state.  

Lastly, the Curriculum Committee will meet tomorrow afternoon.  We will share a report on that meeting next month.

Rationale:  The English Language Proficiency Assessment (ELPA) summative window will conclude for us next Wednesday, March 12th, the state window closes the 14th.  We will receive results in the first week of May. 

Rationale: 

• Kindergarten enrollment for the upcoming school year is in full swing.  Registration is being held at neighborhood schools.  Parents must have a birth certificate and a copy of immunizations to begin the enrollment process.  Kindergarten Round Up will be held on April 30.  We encourage families to start the registration process early to avoid complications.

• Parent/Teacher Conferences were held last month.  Attendance with our preschool, elementaries, and middle school is historically high due to conferences being scheduled.  Our middle school, junior high, and high school did have their Wednesday delayed a week due to weather.  The chart below breaks down our district attendance:

 

Rationale: 

Letter of Intents were sent out to all NPS certified staff on February 28 and are due back by noon on March 15.  At that time, we should know all positions that need to be filled.  Quite a few teachers have been hired for the 2025-2026 school year and we continue to advertise and search for the best teachers for Norfolk Public Schools.

I have started receiving student teacher placement requests for the 2025-2026 school year and am starting to begin with placements at the appropriate grade levels.  We currently have requests from Wayne State College, Chadron State College, Midland University and the University of South Dakota.

Rationale: 

The Facilities & Finance Committee met earlier today. Board members in attendance included:

The committee reviewed claims and financial reports, and discussed ongoing projects, such as the Middle School construction and the Senior High chiller. The committee also discussed the RFP's for a bus. 

Rationale: 

The Policy Committee met on Friday, March 7th.

Board Policy 8130 related to Annual Organizational Meeting was revised to indicate that "in the event that no member receives a majority of votes for Vice President after five ballots, then the longest tenured Board member shall serve as Vice President."

Board Policy 2320 related to Evaluation of Superintendent was revised to strike the words "as appropriate" in item #6.

No additional changes were made to policy 8157 Standing Committee on Superintendent Evaluation.

Board Policies 3230-3580 (related to Business Operations) were also discussed, but will not be presented to the Board until next month when they are placed on the agenda for First Reading. 

The policies presented for Second Reading tonight were previously reported on during our February 10th Board meeting. No changes have been made to those policies since that meeting.

Rationale: 

The Government Relations Committee met on Thursday, February 13th, Friday, February 21st, Friday, February 28th , and Friday, March 7th. All Committee members were in attendance at all Committee meetings, with the exception that Brenda had a conflict with the March 7th date, which was known at the time it was scheduled.

The Committee focused on reviewing bills which had hearings each week. Bills that the Committee took action on included:

• LB 213- which would require the State Board of Education to adopt academic content standards on human embryology under the science education standards.- Dr. Patti Gubbels wrote a letter of opposition.

• LB 575- which would change provisions relating to the Property Tax Request Act and property tax levy limits-  Mr. Wilson wrote a letter of opposition. 

• LB 557-  which would change the definition of option enrollment to include intradistrict transfers and provide funding for students who are denied option enrollment. Tom, Brenda, Dr. Gubbels and Dr. Thompson all wrote letters of opposition. 

• LB 633- which would create the NE Option Enrollment Tuition Account Program. Tom, Brenda, Dr. Gubbels and Dr. Thompson all wrote letters of opposition. 

• LB 427- which would require the State Treasurer to establish an educational savings account for students enrolled in kindergarten through 12th grade at an approved or accredited public, private, denominational or parochial school.- Tom, Brenda, Dr. Gubbels and Dr. Thompson all wrote letters of opposition. 

• LB 624- which would appropriate funds to the State Treasurer for education scholarships. Tom, Brenda, Dr. Gubbels and Dr. Thompson all wrote letters of opposition. 

• LB 131- which would include elementary and secondary schools in the NE educational savings plan trust. Tom, Brenda, Dr. Gubbels and Dr. Thompson all wrote letters of opposition. 

• LB 528- which would change and eliminate provisions relating to grants from the State Department of Education Improvement Grant Fund - Dr. Gubbels wrote a letter of opposition.

• LB 550- which would require school districts to adopt a policy that excuses students to attend a course for religious instruction-  Brenda wrote a letter of opposition.

• LB 572- which would authorize a school district to exceed its budget authority for stipends paid to a student teacher. Dr. Gubbels wrote a letter of support.

• LB 714- which would shift motor vehicle taxes and fees from school districts to counties.  Erik wrote a letter of opposition.

• LB 411-which would provide funding for teacher recruitment and retention. Dr. Gubbels will submit a letter of support.

• LB 652 - which would terminate the Board of Educational Lands and Funds. Dr. Jami Jo Thompson wrote a letter of opposition.

• LR 28 CA - is a Constitutional Amendment which would eliminate the Board of Educational Lands and Funds. Dr. Jami Jo Thompson wrote a letter of opposition.

• LB 49 - which would eliminate our ability to send "No Trespassing Letters" except in very limited circumstances.  Chuck Hughes wrote a letter of opposition.

• LB 523- which would provide funding for Student Teachers. Dr. Patti Gubbesl will submit a letter of support.

• LB 524- which would provide funding for paraeducator recruitment and retention. Tom will write a letter of support.

• LB 711 - which will increase funding for the new school adjustment in TEEOSA. Erik wll write a letter of support.

• LB 645 - which will reduce retirement contributions by the state and teachers - Brenda will write a letter of opposition.

The Committee also discussed:

• Conrad’s surveillance bill (LB 31) which was going to be discussed on the floor. -  Dr. Thompson and Dr. Gubbels sent additional letters opposing this bill to Sen. Dover. 

• Federal issues, including President Trump’s possible future plans for the Department of Education.

Rationale: 

I am really excited to be able to give a short report on what our wellness committee has been doing this year. Our committee meets about 4 times a year and plans quarterly activities for our NPS staff. I’d like to start out by giving the public a little history about this committee. This committee is actually a federal requirement from the child nutrition and WIC reauthorization act. A wellness team was required and a policy was enacted in 2006. If you would like to know more about this policy it can be found on the district web page. Our committee is required to write yearly goals and complete an assessment every 3 years. This information is all on the website as well. The wellness committee is designed to help teachers and staff achieve an increased standard of health and wellness. This year the committee has met several times and has been working hard towards these wellness goals.
• Physical activity - Our committee will send out positive messages to parents and staff at least once each semester with information on healthy fitness ideas for kids and a list of ways to encourage fitness at home and in the classroom.
• Other - Our committee will provide wellness challenges to all district staff providing incentives for completion to promote overall staff wellness each year.

• Celebrations and rewards
  • Schools are strongly encouraged to meet the USDA smart snacks in school nutrition standards.
  • 1. Celebrations and parties. The district will provide a list of healthy party ideas to parents and teachers, including non-food celebration ideas.
  • 2. Classroom snacks brought by parents. The district will provide or make available to parents a list of foods and beverages that meet smart snacks nutrition standards.
  • 3. Rewards and incentives. The district will provide teachers and other relevant school staff a list of alternative ways to reward children or other comparable resources.

In the first quarter, we ran a turkey trot for November which was very well organized by Auni Strong, and we had good participation. For January, teachers were asked to complete the EHA annual health assessment. Just over one-third of the teachers did that, and we had 4 $25.00 gift certificate winners: Katie Nedela at the senior high, Karl Henkel and Amber Lenton at the junior high and Mike Hilligas at maintenance.
Dance classes were held at the middle school on Wednesday evenings starting January 22nd and going through February 5th. There were 15 couples and several single participants for this fun activity. Following the end of the dance classes, pickleball will begin and then pickleball will be held from January 26th through March.
The new Norfolk skating rink was reserved for the NPS faculty and their families to enjoy skating on Friday, February 7th. About 75 people attended this skating event.

It is great to be able to offer healthy, active things for our faculty to enjoy and we will have a new challenge for our 4th quarter. If anyone has any questions, feel free to reach out to me.

Rationale:  Minutes from the meeting on February 24, 2025 are attached for review. 

Rationale: 

Bender, McKenna

• ‘25-’26 Third/Fourth Grade Teacher, Lincoln/Montessori Elementary
• Master of Science, Reading and Writing, University of Nebraska, Omaha, NE
• Aug. 2020-Present, 4th Grade Teacher, Lakeview Community Schools, Columbus, NE

Coler, Paeton

• ‘25-’26 Special Education Teacher, Norfolk Junior High School
• Bachelor’s Degree, Special Education, Midland University, Fremont, NE, to be conferred Dec.  2025
• Jan. 2024-Present, Full-time student, Midland University, Fremont, NE

Gunter, Matthew

• ‘25-’26 Elementary Vocal Music Teacher, Jefferson Elementary and Lincoln/Montessori Schools
• Master of Science, PK-12 School Administration; Athletic Admin Endorsement, Wayne State College, Wayne, NE
• Aug. 2014-Present, PK-12 Vocal Music Teacher, Yutan Public Schools, Yutan, NE

Harder, Emmalee

• ‘25-’26 Second Grade Teacher, Woodland Park Elementary
• Bachelor of Science, Elementary Education, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE, to be conferred May 2025
• Jan.-May 2025, Student Teacher, Westside Elementary School, Norfolk, NE

Mitzel, Lynette

• ‘25-’26 Director of Student Programs, Norfolk Public Schools District
• Master of Education degree, Educational Leadership, Doane University, Grand Island, NE
• August 2009-Present, Student Services Director, West Point Public Schools, West Point, NE

Rationale:  Amy Bennett - Speech Language Pathologist - resigning at the end of the 2024-2025 school year

Bethany Cadwallader - 4th Grade Teacher, Woodland Park - resigning at the end of the 2024-2025 school year

Tina Henderson - Media Specialist, Middle School - retiring at the end of the 2024-2025 school year

David Hepner - AFS Teacher, Senior High - retiring at the end of the 2024-2025 school year

Tami Kaup - Special Education Teacher, Senior High - resigning at the end of the 2024-2025 school year

Javier Martinez - Spanish Teacher, Senior High - resigning at the end of the 2024-2025 school year

Sonya Nielson - Speech Language Pathologist, Junior High - retiring at the end of the 2024-2025 school year

Diane Peterson - 6th Grade Teacher, Middle School - retiring at the end of the 2024-2025 school year

Cameryn Ronspies - 2nd Grade Teacher - resigning at the end of the 2024-2025 school year

Rationale:  Attached are the claims. These claims were reviewed earlier by our Finance and Facilities Committee. 

There is one conflict statement this month that will need to be read before voting. 

Rationale:  No changes have been made to these policies since their first reading. 

• 3130 - Purchasing Policies

• 3131 - Procurement Plan - School Food Authorities

• 3131.1 - Procurement Plan - Code of Conduct

• 3132 - Internal Controls

• 3140 - Contracting for Services 

• 3150 - Paying for Goods and Services 

• 3160 - Report of Treasurer 

• 3170 - Periodic Audit 

• 3180 - System of Accounts 

• 3190 - Inventory of Equipment 

• 3200 - Monies in School Buildings

• 3210 - Bonds 

• 3220 - Educational Service Units - Designated Representative 

Rationale:  No changes have been made to this policy since its first reading. 

Rationale:  No changes have been made to this policy since its first reading.

Rationale:  No changes have been made to this policy since its first reading.

Rationale:  This policy was revised to indicate that "in the event that no member receives a majority of votes for Vice President after five ballots, then the longest tenured Board member shall serve as Vice President."

Rationale: 

The words "as appropriate" were removed from item #6.

Rationale:  No other changes have been made to this policy since our last meeting.

Rationale:  Following direction from the Board at our last meeting, I have updated and posted a draft version of changes to Dr. Thompson's contract. The contract includes the $3038 increase that was approved for all other district administrators. The take home salary amount after retirement contribution this year is $246,135.00. The take home salary amount after retirement in next year's contract will be $246,521.64 or a $386.64 increase for the year. The majority of the raise this year goes to increased retirement contribution change required by NPERS. 

Rationale: 

The 2nd monthly meeting of the Board of Education is scheduled for Monday, March 24th, 2025 at Noon. 

The following regular meeting of the Board of Education will be held on Monday, April 14th, 2025 at 5:30 PM. 

All components of these meetings will be held at the NPS Central Administration Offices and will be open to the public unless an Executive Session is needed in order to protect the interest of the district or the reputation of an individual.