November 12, 2024 at 12:00 PM - REGULAR MEETING

Discussion:  President Repass called the meeting to order at 12:00 pm.

Discussion:  Pledge of Allegiance was cited.

Discussion:  President Repass advised every one of the open meetings act being posted and available.

Discussion:  Present were: Nathan Behlke, Marty Conroy, Mary Dueland, Larry Gossen, Michael Harris,  Kate Repass, Allison Sandman and Jesse Stevens.

Discussion:  Absent: Lechtenberg & Loop

Discussion:  Morgan Cavanaugh, LMHP for ESU 15, Morgan updated the board on which school district she is working with.  Morgan is getting to know school districts and the needs of the students.

The biggest reward is seeing the students and staff grow.  Working out the work load has been the biggest challenge, as she has a lot of students she sees. Students are recommended through guidance counselors. Behavior, depression, and anxiety are the biggest needs she sees. Morgan and the school psychs are going to coordinate to help with the load. 

Repass has heard a lot of good things from Hayes Center Schools. The Maywood Schools have asked to increase the time that they are contracting.  It is an increasing demand that will probably have to be addressed more. Gissen added that mental health has increased in the last 4 yrs at the college level as well. ESU 16 lost four out of five LMHP.  There is not enough time in the year and a lack of subs to help with staff development. 
 

Discussion:  November 2024 Liabilities of $146,914.30 and Payroll of $84,458.06.

Discussion:  Mr. Picquet updated the board on the December board meeting. December 16th, 2024 at the Coppermill in McCook @ 6pm. 

Discussion:  Mr. Picquet updated on the board on the EHA Insurance Rate as they have jumped up 5.49% for 2025-26. 

Discussion:  Mr. Picquet confirmed the board's $50 limit for gifts.

Discussion:  Mr.  Picquet updated the board on the Steering committee's progress as our external review is fast approaching. The Steering committee would like to get pictures of the board to add to the website. The PR team is making progress on the social media part of things. Sara Calvert is now going to handle social media. We have staff meetings every month. 

Discussion:  Mr. Picquet updated the board on the round table with Sentators.  They had three tables with one for each senator who attended.
The reading grant was discussed. Each ESU with have a dedicated staff developer for reading literacy. Legislation is adding ten million to the Federal fifty-five million literacy funding. 

Sandman updated the board on the NASB meeting with Dr. Mongers on literacy. The NASB is on board to support the literacy program. It is up to the schools to teach kids literacy. Wauneta/Palisade schools is working with the Kearney program.

There will be a Board Workshop on January 15th, 2024, in North Platte, NE. 
 

Discussion:  Mr. Picquet updated the board on Rule 10. Accrediation of schools and teacher certification. Some is by NDe and some is by statute.  NE is struggling to have teachers. 

Discussion:  Staff meetings happen every month. 

Discussion:  The meeting adjourned at 12:55 pm. The next board meeting is December 16, 2024 @ 6:00 PM. Coppermill in McCooik, NE