May 11, 2026 at 5:00 PM - Board of Education Regular Meeting
| Regular Board | |
| Attendance Taken on 5/11/2026 at 5:00 PM | |
| Lisa Brass | Present |
| Matt Dalrymple | Present |
| Kyle Fornoff | Present |
| Becky Jobman | Present |
| Ryan Sukraw | Present |
| Kelly Terrell | Present |
| Present: 6, Absent: 0 | |
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Comments:
Dr. Allison Jonas, Superintendent Seth Ryker, Jr/Sr High Principal Josi Floyd, Elementary Principal Tomye McKenna, SPED Director & Assistant Elementary Principal Maggie Tiller, Director of Teaching & Learning Becky Vang, Business Manager |
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| Minutes | |
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1. Call to Order & Pledge of Allegiance
Rationale:
Mission Statement: A copy of the open meetings law is posted on the wall of the Board Room and is available to the public. |
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2. Approve the Agenda
Rationale:
The Board reserves the right to rearrange the order of items as needed.
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
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3. Recognition of Visitors
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3.1. Celebration of Excellence
Rationale:
Discussion:
Mr. Mroczek, accompanied by members of the speech team, provided a presentation on the successes of the district's speech program. The highlight of the presentation was the formal display of the 2026 Class C1 Speech State Championship award. Following the student recognition, Mr. Mroczek shared a "Culture of Excellence" presentation, emphasizing the high standards of achievement and the positive environment fostered within the program and the district as a whole.
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3.2. Public Participation
Rationale:
Board Policy 2009 - Opportunity for Public Expression. 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.
Discussion:
No public participation.
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4. Action Items
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4.1. Consent 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
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
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4.2. Personnel
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4.2.1. Consider the resignation of certificated staff.
Rationale:
The district establishes a March 15th contract deadline to ensure appropriate staffing and continuity for students in the upcoming school year. When resignations are submitted after that deadline, they can create challenges in recruiting and maintaining stable programming. While the board may consider late requests, it must weigh the impact on staffing and operations and apply policy consistently across all situations.
In this case, denying the request supports the district’s responsibility to maintain continuity for students and ensure fairness in how policies are applied. While we understand that circumstances can change, decisions like this are based on the needs of the district and its students, not on individual circumstances. With that in mind, the following letter(s) of resignation have been submitted for consideration:
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
Discussion:
Dr. Jonas opened the discussion by outlining the district’s established March 15th contract deadline, which serves as a critical safeguard for ensuring appropriate staffing and instructional continuity for the upcoming school year. She explained that resignations submitted after this date create significant recruitment challenges and threaten the stability of student programming. Dr. Jonas advised the Board that while they have the authority to consider late requests, they must weigh the operational impact on the district and ensure that policy is applied consistently across all cases. She emphasized that the district’s responsibility is to prioritize the needs of the students and the organization over the individual circumstances of a specific teacher. Consequently, she recommended the denial of Mr. Nolan Sughroue’s resignation request to uphold these professional standards. During the discussion, Mrs. Jobman asked for a detailed explanation of the procedural outcomes should the Board choose to deny the request. Dr. Jonas clarified that if a resignation is denied, the teacher is legally expected to retain their position within the district. If the individual attempts to take a different educational position elsewhere, the district’s primary recourse is to file a report with the Professional Practices Committee regarding the abrogation of the contract. Dr. Jonas noted that by demonstrating the employee failed to report for work, the district can move to have the teacher’s certificate suspended for one year. Following this explanation, Mr. Fornoff invited further questions or comments from the Board and the Personnel Committee. With no further inquiries, Mrs. Brass moved to deny the request for release from the contract, citing the need to adhere to established Board policy and the specific staffing requirements for the upcoming school year.
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4.3. Surplus
Rationale:
School districts periodically identify equipment, furniture, and materials that are no longer functional, safe, cost-effective to repair, or aligned with current instructional or operational needs. Surplussing such items allows the district to responsibly dispose of or repurpose outdated or unneeded property, maintain an efficient use of storage space, and ensure that district resources are directed toward items that support student learning and district operations.
The board is asked to consider the following item(s) as surplus:
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
Discussion:
Dr. Jonas initiated a discussion regarding the annual "spring cleaning" process, where the district identifies equipment, furniture, and materials that are no longer functional, safe, or aligned with current instructional and operational needs. A primary focus of this year’s surplus declaration is the disposal of old English Language Arts (ELA) materials. Dr. Jonas explained that with the recent arrival of a new ELA curriculum, it is vital to maintain "instructional fidelity" by removing outdated materials so that the effectiveness of the new set can be accurately evaluated. Logistically, she noted that the new materials have already arrived and are currently staged in the hallways, necessitating the immediate removal of the old sets to clear necessary storage space. Regarding the disposal process, Dr. Jonas detailed that Mrs. Tiller has already reached out to other schools utilizing these materials. If no buyer is found through those professional connections, the items will be discarded. Additionally, Dr. Jonas requested that certain low-value items be approved for inclusion in the citywide garage sale. Examples of these items include cycled-out weight room equipment and "big books" from older classroom sets that, while no longer useful for district instruction, may still hold value for local daycares or preschools. In response to a clarification from Mr. Fornoff, Dr. Jonas confirmed that the citywide garage sale is scheduled for June 20th. She noted that the district’s cheerleading squad typically organizes this event to take advantage of the high volume of visitors in town for the citywide sale. Following the presentation, Mr. Fornoff asked if there were any further questions. No additional questions. |
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4.4. Discuss and consider approval of lunch prices for 2026-2027 school year.
Rationale:
The USDA (Federal) lunch program requires districts to eventually raise the price of their meals to an amount equivalent to a reimbursable meal. For 26-27, the reimbursable meal price is $5.0881.
A comparison of where our prices are within our array is listed below. For brunch, our prices are right in the middle of our array and for lunch, we are tied with Cozad for the lowest price. .png) .png) .png) It is recommended that we increase our prices as follows: .png)
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
Discussion:
Dr. Jonas presented a proposal to adjust meal prices for the upcoming school year, citing federal lunch program requirements. She explained that the federal government requires districts to gradually move meal prices toward the reimbursement rate, which currently stands at $5.08 per meal. In reviewing a comparative array of similar-sized and geographically nearby districts, Dr. Jonas noted that while the district's breakfast prices are currently in the middle of the range, its lunch prices are tied with Cozad for the lowest in the area. Dr. Jonas emphasized that while low prices benefit consumers, the lunch account is currently showing a monthly deficit because the billing rate is significantly lower than the actual $5.08 cost of a reimbursable meal. To maintain a healthy balance and ensure long-term sustainability, she recommended the following price adjustments:
During the discussion, Mr. Fornoff inquired about the percentage of the student population receiving free or reduced-price lunches. Dr. Jonas confirmed that approximately 33% of the K-12 population qualifies, with the elementary building seeing a higher rate of about 48% and the secondary building a slightly lower rate. Mrs. Terrell asked if potential changes to federal nutritional guidelines (the "food pyramid") would increase costs. Dr. Jonas confirmed that a shift toward whole foods, while nutritionally ideal, would likely be more expensive than the processed foods currently served as a result of legislation. She expressed support for a return to recognizable whole foods should legislative backing become available. Mr. Fornoff concluded the discussion by stating that the proposed increases are reasonable given the current economic state and the district's position in the comparative array. No further questions were raised by the Board. |
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4.5. Consider Engagement with Abby Janzing, LLC for District Audit Services
Rationale:
As you know, KSO CPAs, which has provided our audit services for the past several years, has exited the school audit field. In response, the Finance Committee issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) this winter and received two strong submissions. After a thorough review of services, cost, and client satisfaction, the committee chose to engage with Forward CPA, LLC. The formal engagement letter is attached for your consideration.
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
Discussion:
Dr. Jonas presented the formal engagement letter from Abby Janzing LLC, the firm selected to conduct the district’s upcoming audits. She reminded the Board that this transition was necessitated by the district’s previous firm, KSO CPAs, exiting the school audit field. In response, the Finance Committee issued a Request for Proposals (RFP). After a thorough evaluation of two high-quality submissions—specifically reviewing costs, services, and client satisfaction—the committee determined that Abby Janzing LLC would be the most effective fit for the district. During the discussion, Mrs. Jobman, representing the Finance Committee, noted that the firm’s approach is much better tailored to the specific needs of the district. She highlighted that their services are specifically designed to align with Nebraska-based requirements and standards, making them a superior choice for the district's compliance needs. Mr. Fornoff thanked the Finance Committee for their due diligence in vetting the proposals. No further questions or comments.
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5. Informational Items
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5.1. Strategy 1 Update
Rationale:
Strategy 1: We will foster social and emotional well-being of our staff and students.
As we complete our five-year Strategic Plan, it is important we reflect on our successes and the work still to come. Mrs. Tomye McKenna & Mrs. Josie Floyd will provide an update. .png)
Discussion:
Dr. Jonas opened the presentation by highlighting that the district is currently completing its five-year strategic plan. Strategy 1, which focuses on fostering the social-emotional well-being of staff and students, was a community-driven priority. Dr. Jonas noted that the district has moved from the planning phases to being "operational" and "highly functional" across all three sub-strategies. Strategy 1.1: Community CollaborationMrs. McKenna and Mrs. Floyd detailed the initiatives used to bridge the gap between the school and the community:
Strategy 1.2: Staff Well-Being and Empowering CultureThe presenters emphasized that a school cannot be the best place for students to learn unless it is the best place for teachers to work. Key highlights included:
Strategy 1.3: Systems and Programs for School-Wide FidelityThe final component of the strategy focuses on the integration of mental health and behavioral systems:
ConclusionMrs. McKenna noted that while the five-year strategic window for Strategy 1 is closing, these practices have become "how the district does business every day" and will continue indefinitely. Dr. Jonas concluded by commending the staff for the immense amount of work accomplished over the last five years and announced that the Strategy 2 update would be presented next month. |
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5.2. American Civics Report
Rationale:
State Statute 79-724 requires an annual update on American Civics.
In accordance with Nebraska Revised Statute 79-724, which requires public schools to provide instruction in American civics, social studies, and government, we are providing this annual update to the Board of Education. This report outlines how Gothenburg Public Schools is meeting the statutory requirements. This ensures our continued compliance with state law and our commitment to preparing students to be informed, active participants in our democracy. Our building principals will provide an overview. As an informational item, there is no action required.
Discussion:
Dr. Jonas presented the annual American Civics Report, a document required by state statute to ensure the district is providing proper instruction in American civics, social studies, and government. She emphasized that this report serves as a formal update to the Board, confirming that Gothenburg Public Schools remains in full compliance with state law and maintains its commitment to preparing students for active participation in democracy. To meet the state's statutory requirements, the district has selected the Citizenship Test option. Dr. Jonas reviewed the data from the current school year's required American Government classes:
Dr. Jonas provided the Board with the distribution of passing scores for these cohorts, demonstrating that students are successfully meeting the criteria. Following the presentation, Dr. Jonas asked if there were any questions regarding the choice of the citizenship test or the student results. No questions were raised by the Board.
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5.3. Computer Science Standards Report
Rationale:
State Statute 79-760.01 requires Computer Science Standards as part of our graduation requirements. Our secondary principal will provide an overview.
As an informational item, there is no action required.
Discussion:
Dr. Jonas provided a report on the district’s compliance with new state requirements regarding computer science standards. She noted that Gothenburg Public Schools was "ahead of the curve" in this area, as computer science and personal finance have been established graduation requirements within the district for several years. The report detailed the implementation timeline and the specific essential standards included in the curriculum. Dr. Jonas provided a status update on the Class of 2027 (current juniors) to demonstrate the effectiveness of the district’s tracking:
Dr. Jonas highlighted the "two-pronged" approach used by the district, where students satisfy requirements through a combination of personal finance and computer science options. She also commended Mrs. Baker for her proactive auditing process, which ensures that all incoming ninth graders include computer science in their long-term graduation plans. No questions were raised following the report.
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5.4. Financial Literacy Status Report
Rationale:
State Statute 79-304 requires an annual update on how we address Financial Literacy. Our building principals will provide an overview.
Personal Finance Essential Learnings
Discussion:
Dr. Jonas explained that this report outlines the "essential learnings" integrated into the district’s curriculum, which, like the computer science standards, are a foundational requirement for graduation. Dr. Jonas detailed that the primary objective of the course is to equip students with the skills necessary to make informed financial decisions as they transition into adulthood. The curriculum covers practical, real-world financial concepts, including:
Dr. Jonas noted that by reinforcing these concepts in a classroom setting, the district provides a critical "second voice" to the financial advice students receive from their parents, ensuring they are well-prepared for the economic realities of life after graduation.
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5.5. FAFSA Report
Rationale:
In accordance with Nebraska Revised Statute § 79-729, which requires school districts to provide information on financial aid opportunities and encourage FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) completion, this update provides the Board with current data on our senior class FAFSA completion rates. Ensuring students complete the FAFSA is an essential step in promoting postsecondary access and affordability. This update reflects our efforts to inform students and families, track completion rates, and support all graduates in pursuing education or training beyond high school.
56 Students were provided instructions for filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) in accordance with SS-79-729.
As an informational item, there is no action required.
Discussion:
Dr. Jonas presented the final required statutory report regarding the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). She noted that new legislation enacted last year now requires school districts to report these figures and mandates that students either complete the FAFSA or formally opt out as part of their graduation requirements. Dr. Jonas provided the following data for Gothenburg Public Schools for the current academic year:
This report confirms the district’s compliance with the new legislative mandate aimed at increasing financial aid awareness and college accessibility for graduating seniors.
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5.6. Discuss open coaching positions.
Rationale:
We began advertising open extra-duty positions to all current staff members in February. As part of our hiring process, we ask potential new teachers during their interviews about any extra-duty assignments they are interested in. Once new teachers are hired, Mr. Mroczek follows up with them to share which extra-duty positions are available. Based on their experience and qualifications, they are offered opportunities that align with their interests and Mr. Mroczek keeps them informed about any future openings. After assigning roles to new hires, we continue promoting any remaining opportunities internally and encourage current staff to apply. Occasionally, we receive applications from community members. We continue to be committed to ensuring that we identify the best individuals to support our student-athletes and uphold the standards of our athletic program. Their knowledge and fit for the position is very important for our programs and we work hard to ensure our student athletes can have the best possible experience. This is an informational item. No action is required.
Discussion:
Dr. Jonas provided a general overview of the district’s coaching and activity sponsorship roster. She noted that the list of coaches is extensive, reflecting the high level of student participation and the numerous accomplishments of student-athletes and activity participants mentioned earlier in the meeting. Regarding the staffing of these positions, Dr. Jonas highlighted the district’s recruitment philosophy:
Following the overview, Mr. Fornoff asked if there were any questions regarding the staffing process or the current roster. No questions or concerns were raised by the Board.
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6. Reports
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6.1. Board of Education Reports
Rationale:
Committee Reports (Chair in bold)
Discussion:
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6.2. Administrative Reports
Rationale:
1. Topic Specific Administrative Reports
2. General Administrative Reports a. Elementary (Mrs. Floyd) b. High School (Mr. Ryker) c. Activities (Mr. Mroczek) d. Special Populations (Mrs. McKenna) e. Teaching and Learning (Mrs. Tiller) f. Superintendent (Dr. Jonas)
Discussion:
See attached reports.
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7. Next Meeting
Rationale:
Monday, June 8th
Swede Activities:
Discussion:
The next meeting was scheduled for Monday, June 8th 2026 at noon in the High School Conference Room due to summer work being completed.
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8. Adjournment
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
Discussion:
The meeting adjourned at 6:16 PM.
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