Public Meeting Minutes: October 12, 2026 at 6:00 PM - Board of Education Regular Meeting

1. Call to Order and Pledge of Allegiance

Discussion:

Board President Desh called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
Please note that the District Goals on the Sparq Agenda platform have been updated in alignment with our current Strategic Plan (2026-2031).

2. Announcement of the Open Meetings Act Posting

Discussion:

Board President Desh identified the location of the Open Meetings Act Poster on the meeting room wall.
- Special note: Copies of the updated (2026) Open Meetings Act documents were made available at the meeting.
  - A copy of the Open Meetings Act is also attached to this agenda item.

Attachments: (1)

OpenMeetingsAct.Updated July 2026

3. Staff and Student Presentations

Discussion:

During this portion of the meeting, Mr. Hart highlighted an award won by one of our district staff members. More specific information on the award is listed below:
- Mr. Jared Haag, Principal at Bennet Elementary School, was acknowledged for being one of three statewide winners of the Lozier Foundation LIGHTS' OUTstanding Principals Award. See link below:
  - http://www.lozierfoundation.org/
- Mr. Haag has led a collaborative effort in demonstrating significant student growth in math and reading on the MAP (Measures of Academic Progress) standardized tests given to students each year.
- As a result of winning this award, Bennet Elementary School will receive a $25,000 donation from the Lozier Foundation to help with school improvement efforts.
- This award is another example of the outstanding leadership and staff we have in our district.
- Congratulations to Mr. Haag, the Bennet Elementary staff, and our students for their amazing success and demonstrated academic growth!
Mr. Hart also explained that one of the presentations scheduled for the Monday, November 9th regular board meeting will focus on the identified "Driving Goals" for our most recent Strategic Planning and an update on the progress of our action teams and committees.

4. Consent Agenda

Action(s):

Motion Passed:

Motion to approve the consent agenda as presented. This motion, made by Josh Penterman and seconded by Tim Cheney, Passed.

Busch: Yea
Calfee: Yea
Cheney : Yea
Desh: Yea
Moore: Yea
Penterman: Yea

No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.

Discussion:

Additional discussion focused on the increase in costs from Nebraska City Utilities.

4.1. Approval of Board Agenda

4.2. Approval of minutes of previous meetings

Attachments: (5)

4.3. Approval of Claims/Payment of Bills and Payroll

Attachments: (2)

4.4. Certificated/Classified Hire(s)/Reassignment(s)/Resignation(s)

4.5. Financial Reports

Attachments: (3)

5. Public Comment

Discussion:

No public comment was presented during the meeting.

6. Administrative Reports

6.1. Superintendent's Report

Discussion: Superintendent Hart presented information on the following topics:

Staff and Student Kudos:
- National FFA convention
  - For the first time in school history, PHS has a national qualifying team in Horse Eval. Team qualifiers are: Josie Johnson, Lydia Van Meter, Sydney Wood, and Madeline Wood.
Special Board Meeting Reminder for Wednesday, October 28th, 2026. The meeting will focus on Strategic Planning.
Palmyra Village Road Repair Request Update
Bennet Gym Roof Update
Safety and Security Audit Summary
"Communications Team" Meeting Summary
FCCLA Newsletter: September 2026:
- See the attached document.
October 7th flu shot clinic at Bennet
Facilities and Transportation Update
Facility Access Update
Capital Conference Update
2027-2028 Calendar Committee Update

Attachments: (1)

Sept 26 FCCLA Newsletter

6.1.1. Board Election Information

Discussion:

The general election ballot for November is attached.
On the ballot for November are the following board members:
- Dean Busch
- Dee Moore
- Josh Penterman

Attachments: (1)

Notice of Election - Lancaster - GN26

6.2. Administrative Team Report

Discussion: Topics covered during the administrative reports

Activities Calendar
High Ability Learners
Quiz Bowl
ACT and Pre-ACT Test Dates
Preschool Update
Staff Development Activities
2027 High School Graduation Date: Saturday, May 8, 2027, at 2:00 PM.
End of first quarter update and report cards
Student Activities and Programs
- Fire Prevention Week
- "Bluez Festival" Kudos
- PHS Academic "Blitz" Day
MTSS Conference Update
Bennet Boosters Book Fair
Bennet "Fun Run" Update

Attachments: (4)

7. Discussion Items- Committee Reports

Attachments: (1)

2026 Board Committee Assignments_ District OR.1. Updated and Approved. January 12. 2026 (1)

7.1. Superintendent Evaluation Committee Update

Discussion:

Board President Desh provided an update on the Superintendent Evaluation.
- This topic will be discussed in more detail at the November and December board meetings.

7.2. Budget Committee Update

Discussion:

Budget Committee members updated the board on the most recent budget meetings and the budget process.
- The updated and board-approved Tax Request and Budget documents for 2026-2027 are attached to this agenda item.

Attachments: (1)

scans@accesssystemscopier.com_20261002_143607 (1)

7.3. Negotiations Committee Update

Discussion:

The Insurance Task Force Committee summarized the meeting held on Wednesday, September 30th.

7.4. Facilities and Transportation Committee

Discussion:

Superintendent Hart provided an update on facilities, vehicles, and building issues.
Our next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, November 4th at 8:30 a.m. at PHS.
Specific items discussed were contracted custodial services and the need for a scope of service for HVAC issues at Bennet Elementary School.
An informative article involving our district's work with the architectural firm of Clark and Enersen was also discussed.

Attachments: (1)

2026 NRCSA Article_FINAL

7.5. Curriculum: Committee on American Civics Update

Discussion:

The next Committee on American Civics meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, October 14th, 2026, at Palmyra High School from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m.
- This meeting is a public meeting

7.6. Technology Committee Update

Discussion:

Technology Committee members highlighted topics from the meeting held on Wednesday, September 30th at PHS.
The next Technology Committee meeting is scheduled for Thursday, November 5th at 2:30 p.m. at PHS.

Attachments: (3)

7.7. Strategic Planning Update

Discussion:

Superintendent Hart summarized some of the following Strategic Planning steps aligned with our "driving goals".
- Consistency of district messaging:
  - Staff email signature blocks
- Strategic Planning Action Committee Teams
A copy of the 2026-2031 Strategic Plan is attached to this agenda item.

Attachments: (1)

District OR -1 Strategic Plan. (2026-2031).Updated April 13.2026.Board approved (2) (1)

7.8. Wellness Committee Update

Discussion:

The District Wellness Committee meeting for Thursday, September 24th, 2026 was canceled and will be rescheduled for sometime in November.
Our current Wellness Policy #5417 was updated for the 2026-2027 school year to meet NDE triennial assessment requirements.
- This information is on our school website at www.districtor1.org

Attachments: (1)

Policy #5417-Wellness-Policy.District OR.1.Reviewed.1.23.24.docx

8. Policy Review

Discussion:

The next Policy Committee Meeting is scheduled for Thursday, November 5th, 2026, beginning at 3:30 p.m. at PHS

9. Action Items

10. Discuss, consider, and take action to appoint one Board member to serve as our district voting delegate at the Nebraska Association of School Board's Assembly Delegate coming up at the State Education Conference in Omaha.

Action(s):

Motion Passed:

Motion to appoint a board member (Brandon Desh) to serve as the NASB voting delegate as discussed. This motion, made by Tim Cheney and seconded by Dean Busch, Passed.

Busch: Yea
Calfee: Yea
Cheney : Yea
Desh: Yea
Moore: Yea
Penterman: Yea

No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.

Discussion:

Brandon Desh was selected to serve as the NASB voting delegate at the upcoming State Conference in November.

11. Board of Education Development

Discussion:

Brandon Desh was acknowledged for winning a Level VIII award at the NASB Area Membership meeting in August.

Attachments: (1)

NASB State Conference Flyer 2026

12. Closed Session

Discussion:

No closed session occurred at the meeting.

13. Topics for Next Month’s Agenda

Discussion:

No further discussion.

14. Adjournment

Discussion:

The meeting was adjourned at 8:12 p.m.

October 12, 2026 at 6:00 PM - Board of Education Regular Meeting

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