March 17, 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.
Discussion:
Board President Doug Pauley called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.
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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:
Administrator Recommendation: Discuss, consider and take all necessary action to approve Board member absences.
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.
Discussion:
Administrator Elmshaeuser is absent. Board Member Amy Blaser notified Director Ostmeyer that she will be delayed and arrived at 5:45 p.m. Board Member Richard Luebbe's resignation is an action item later in the agenda.
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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. Board Vacancy - District 4
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
Board Member, Richard Luebbe, submitted his resignation on March 3, 2025. NEB. REV. STAT. § Section 32-562 requires the vacancy to be accepted by the rest of the board. Further, Section 32-574 states, "Unless otherwise provided by law, all vacancies shall be filled within 45 days after the vacancy occurs unless good cause is shown that the requirement imposes an undue burden."
District 4 includes the following school districts, Lakeview and Columbus. The term will expire December 31, 2028. Administrator Recommendation: Discuss, consider and take any action to accept the resignation of District 4 Board Member Richard Luebbe, and adopt a procedure for the appointment of a new member to the Educational Service Unit 7 Board of Education to fill the vacancy thereon created by the resignation of Richard Luebbe.
Recommended Motion(s):
Discuss, consider and take any action to accept the resignation of District 4 Board Member Richard Luebbe, and adopt a procedure for the appointment of a new member to the Educational Service Unit 7 Board of Education to fill the vacancy thereon created by the resignation of Richard Luebbe 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.
Discussion:
Director Ostmeyer explained the procedure used previously is to advertise, accept applications and for board members to seek out potential candidates. Applications will close April 11, 2025. Board President Doug Pauley and Board Vice President Jack Young will review applications at the pre-board meeting and bring information to the full board at the April 22nd board meeting for voting. Director Ostmeyer showed the District 4 area map.
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6. 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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6.1. Minutes
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
This is a consent item.
Attachments:
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6.2. Presentation of Bills #79403 through #79538 totaling $1,071,490.07
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
The summary of bills for the current month total:$1,071,490.07 - Bills #79403 through #79538 General Activity Fund total: No activity.
Attachments:
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6.3. Reading of Article IV, Section 9, K Discretionary Leave of Absence
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
This is a consent item.
Attachments:
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6.4. Reading of Article IV, Section 9, L FMLA
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
This is a consent item.
Attachments:
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6.5. Reading of Article IV, Section 9, M Military and Family Military Leave
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
This is a consent item.
Attachments:
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6.6. Reading of Article IV, Section 9, N Adoption Leave
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
This is a consent item.
Attachments:
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6.7. Reading of Article IV, Section 9, O Jury Duty Leave
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
This is a consent item.
Attachments:
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6.8. Reading of Article IV, Section 9, P Subpoena to Testify Leave
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
This is a consent item.
Attachments:
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6.9. Excess Lodging and Meals
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
Excess Lodging and Meals:
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7. Level III Bridges Program Construction Tour
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
The board will tour the Level III Bridges Program ongoing construction in the South Building.
Attachments:
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Discussion:
Director Ostmeyer showed the attached map where the playground will be located.
The Board walked down to the South Building where the Bridges program is located. Level III Principal Cara Neesen and Director Clay led the tour providing information regarding the playground, Cen7ter classrooms, and the ongoing Bridges construction. Principal Neesen explained the playground will have multiple types of inclusive equipment with a chain link fence for security. In the Bridges classrooms, Principal Neesen showed how it will be 1 classroom that can be split into two and will allow for up to ten students. |
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8. March 2025 Board Spotlight - Cen7ter
Speaker(s):
Level III Principal
Rationale:
Cen7ter Principal Cara Neesen will present the March Board Spotlight in the Cen7ter classroom.
Attachments:
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Discussion:
Level III Programs Principal Cara Neesen led a tour of the Cen7ter area and classrooms. Teachers focus on jobs, domestic living, recreation, functional academics and leisure with their students.
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9. 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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Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
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10. Reading of Article II, Section 8, A Personal Presence at Meetings and Telephone Conference or Videoconference Meetings
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
Recommended Motion(s):
Discuss, consider and take all necessary action to approve Article II, Section 8, A Personal Presence at Meetings and Telephone Conference or Videoconference Meetings as presented Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
Attachments:
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Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
Discussion:
Director Ostmeyer stated this was in response to the question at the March Board Meeting regarding voting via zoom. The Educational Service Unit 7 attorney provided clarification and an updated policy.
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11. 2025-2026 Contract for Brooke Hemmer, Level III Programs Teacher
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
2025-2026 Contract for Brooke Hemmer, Level III Programs Teacher
Administrator Recommendation: Discuss, consider and take all necessary action to approve the 2025-2026 Level III Programs Teacher Contract for Brooke Hemmer as presented.
Recommended Motion(s):
Discuss, consider and take all necessary action to approve the 2025-2026 Level III Programs Teacher Contract for Brooke Hemmer as presented Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
Attachments:
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Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
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12. 2025-2026 Contract for Amy Melcher, Early Childhood SPED Teacher
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
2025-2026 Contract for Amy Melcher, Early Childhood SPED Teacher
Administrator Recommendation: Discuss, consider and take all necessary action to approve the 2025-2026 Early Childhood SPED Teacher Contract for Amy Melcher as presented.
Recommended Motion(s):
Discuss, consider and take all necessary action to approve the 2025-2026 Early Childhood SPED Teacher Contract for Amy Melcher as presented Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
Attachments:
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Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
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13. 2025-2026 Contract for Olivia Bell, Speech Language Pathologist
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
2025-2026 Contract for Olivia Bell, Speech Language Pathologist
Administrator Recommendation: Discuss, consider and take all necessary action to approve the 2025-2026 Speech Language Pathologist Contract for Olivia Bell as presented.
Recommended Motion(s):
Discuss, consider and take all necessary action to approve the 2025-2026 Speech Language Pathologist Contract for Olivia Bell as presented Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
Attachments:
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Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
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14. 2025-2026 Contract for Abbey Andress, NRPDHH Coordinator
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
2025-2026 Contract for Abbey Andress, NRPDHH Coordinator
Administrator Recommendation: Discuss, consider and take all necessary action to approve the 2025-2026 NRPDHH Contract for Abbey Andress as presented.
Recommended Motion(s):
Discuss, consider and take all necessary action to approve the 2025-2026 NRPDHH Contract for Abbey Andress as presented Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
Attachments:
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Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
Discussion:
Board Member Bob Arp asked for clarification on the acronym NRPDHH; Northeast Regional Program for children who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing. Director Clay explained that ESU 7 will be facilitating this grant that was previously housed at ESU 8. Abbey Andress will focus on organizing activities for families and their students with hearing loss. She will also be acting as an advisor to the teachers. The Educational Service Unit that facilitates a grant typically gains a lot of expertise.
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15. 2025-2026 Contract for Abby Kapels, Speech Language Pathologist
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
2025-2026 Contract for Abby Kapels, Speech Language Pathologist
Administrator Recommendation: Discuss, consider and take all necessary action to approve the 2025-2026 Speech Language Pathologist Contract for Abby Kapels as presented.
Recommended Motion(s):
Discuss, consider and take all necessary action to approve the 2025-2026 Speech Language Pathologist Contract for Abby Kapels 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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16. Administrator's Report General
Speaker(s):
Administrator or Designee
Rationale:
Attachments:
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Discussion:
ESUCC - Educational Service Unit Coordinating Council
The State of Nebraska appropriated $1.8 million dollars for Literacy Coaching. Educational Service Unit 7 is receiving funds directly to focus on literacy and must have allocated funds encumbered by June 30, 2025. The attached MOU outlines the agreement between the ESUCC and ESU 7 regarding allocation and distribution of funds to be used for statewide literacy initiatives. Director Ostmeyer explained that the focus of this work is to impact the adults who teach and support Kindergarten, first, second and third graders. Professional Development and Print Shop - Annual consultations took place the last week of February and during those meetings, the 2025-2026 ESU 7 Service Plan was customized for each school district. The Print Shop is converting to a new online ordering system. Representatives from the Tech Department sat in the final meeting with the vendor. The expectation is to have the program ready for customers before summer. Special Education - NRPDHH Grant is used between ESU's 1, 7 & 8 (most of Special Education grant regions). New hire Abbey Andress has extensive experience in this area. Federal Grants Bookkeeper Carolyn Koch will take care of the bookkeeping for this grant. Director Clay has been busy hiring, but we are nearing the time that makes it more difficult for teachers to be released from their contracts. She is still seeking to hire 5 paraprofessionals for 2025-2026. The staffing for Bridges will also impact the number of students the program can serve. Annual consultations are complete. In Director Clay's opinion, these have been the best consultation meetings since she started; Tech, Special Education and Professional Development collaboration is going well. School Psychology Coordinator Jackie Ternus is helping expand the Professional Development, and now we are able to offer training at ESU 7 and in schools. Special Education contracts have gone out to all 19 schools. Director Clay is also currently working on MOE (Maintenance Of Effort) reports. Special Education Bookkeeper Susan Olmer and Director Clay have started the 2025-2026 budget and need to meet with all 12 departments before the budget is finalized. Board Member Don Graff asked if the deaf educator Director Clay is seeking has to have a teaching degree. Director Clay responded a person without a teaching degree may be able to contract services for activities. Tech - For the next year, 34 schools are renewing the group purchasing Sophos antivirus. There is around $63,000 worth of savings. Tech contracts for five staff members have been sent out to the respective districts with all but 1 returned. It is expected to be returned at any time. The A/V system in the south building is scheduled and will be similar to the system in the North Building conference rooms. E-rate for category 2 is in processes with a projected savings of $141,000. An email phishing outbreak impacted three of our ESU 7 schools. Director Ellsworth is continuing to work with staff from ESU 7 schools for LastPass training. |
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16.1. 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.
Goal 3: By July 2025, the ESU 7 board will attend the corresponding school district board meetings at least once every two years to report the tailored services provided by ESU 7 and the outcomes measured.
Attachments:
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Goals:
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16.2. Services Update
Speaker(s):
Administrator or Designee
Rationale:
Attachments:
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Discussion:
Director Ostmeyer explained this data represents service to adults only.
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16.3. Facilities Update
Speaker(s):
Administrator or Designee
Rationale:
The Administrator will provide a facilities update during this item.
Goals:
Discussion:
Bids for the playground will be opened April 9, 2025. A Buildings and Grounds Committee meeting will be scheduled afterwards for discussion. The final punch list still needs to be completed for the HVAC system in the North Building. Following the completion, there will be a meeting arranged between all parties (engineer, architect, Buildings and Grounds Committee members, etc.) to discuss some concerns. A TRANE training is scheduled for Tuesday, March 18, 2025 to review functions of the new system.
Buildings and Grounds Chair Bob Arp stated we may have to hold the playground off due to prices and unpredictability. |
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16.4. Personnel
Speaker(s):
Administrator or designee
Rationale:
All Classified/Non Certificated Hires and Resignations under this item. Not an action item.
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16.5. 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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Discussion:
Director Ostmeyer gave details regarding two bills currently in the Nebraska Legislature. One is regarding an online library catalog and access by patrons. The second is regarding school/ESU retirement.
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17. NNNC Interlocal Agreement for 2025-2028
Speaker(s):
Administrator or Designee
Rationale:
The NNNC (Northeast Nebraska Network Consortium) is a cooperative partnership between ESUs 1,2,7,8 and 17. These five ESUs came together in 1997 to enhance the essential services they provide to schools in a 28-county area. The focus of this group is school improvement and technological infrastructure.
The 2025-2028 NNNC Interlocal Agreement is attached for your review. Administrator Recommendation: Discuss, consider and take all necessary action necessary to approve the 2025-2028 NNNC Interlocal Agreement as presented.
Recommended Motion(s):
Discuss, consider and take all necessary action necessary to approve the 2025-2028 NNNC Interlocal Agreement as presented Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
Attachments:
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Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
Discussion:
Board Member Beth Kabes asked Director Ellsworth for his professional opinion on this contract. Director Ellsworth stated ESU 7 is in the middle of studying the partnership and recommends the Board approve the partnership to continue studying.
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18. Committee Reports
Speaker(s):
Committee Chair
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18.1. Negotiations Committee Report
Speaker(s):
Negotiations Committee Chair
Rationale:
Reports of activities and discussions from the Negotiations Committee will take place during this item.
Committee Recommendation: Discuss, consider, and take any necessary action to approve a 4.5% Total Package increase for all staff EXCEPT those who fall under the Negotiated Agreement, and authority to the administrator to distribute up to 6% increase to staff members based on experience, education, and supervisor recommendation. Staff members whom the administrator determines a need for an increase higher than 6% must be brought to the full board for review of the contract increase.
Recommended Motion(s):
Discuss, consider, and take any necessary action to approve a 4.5% Total Package increase for all staff EXCEPT those who fall under the Negotiated Agreement, and authority to the administrator to distribute up to 6% increase to staff members based on experience, education, and supervisor recommendation. Staff members whom the administrator determines a need for an increase higher than 6% must be brought to the full board for review of the contract increase 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.
Discussion:
Negotiations Committee Member Don Graff provided an update on the Negotiation Committee. Negotiations Committee Member Don Graff recommended a motion to approve a 4.5% total package increase for the general staff group for the contract year of 2025-2026, authorizing Administrator discretion to distribute up to 6% to staff members.
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18.2. Administrator Evaluation Committee Report
Speaker(s):
Evaluation Committee Chair
Rationale:
A report of activities from the Administrator Evaluation Committee will be given during this item.
UBPD - Administrator Evaluation Timeline:
Attachments:
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Discussion:
Paper copies have been provided to the Board and Board Member Marni Danhauer will communicate with the board when the evaluation link is open.
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19. Conference Report
Speaker(s):
Conference Attendees
Rationale:
Conference Attendees will report on their learnings.
Goals:
Discussion:
Board Secretary Dawn Lindsley and Director Ostmeyer attended the NRCSA Legislative Forum on February 20, 2025.
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20. Adjournment
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Discussion:
Board President Doug Pauley adjourned the meeting at 7:03 p.m.
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