June 17, 2025 at 7:00 PM - Regular Meeting

Discussion:  President Sinner referenced the Nebraska Open Meetings Act as posted and noted that the Board reserves the right to rearrange the order of the agenda and to convene an executive session in accordance with § 84-1410. 

Discussion: 

June 17, 2025 Approved Claims
Salaries, Benefits,	$1,000,544.88
Prof. & Tech. Services; Mileage	$   110,689.81
Leases, Utilities & Maintenance	$     22,761.20
Copies, Postage, Telephone & Travel	$     94,781.59
Supplies, Materials, Software & other Util.	$   108,260.89
Bldg. Improvements, Furn., Equipment, Hardware, Vehicle Acquisition	$              0.00
Dues, Fees & Ind. Costs	$       3,217.38
Total	$1,340,255.75

Discussion:  Calendar:

• July 15, 2025 - Regular Board Meeting (on Agenda for vote)
• July 28, 2025 - NASB Leadership Workshops for Board Presidents, Vice Presidents, Superintendents, and ESU Administrators - Gering Civic Center
• August 12, 2025 - All Staff In-Service 
• August 19, 2025 - Regular Board Meeting - Harms Center, Room 188
• August 20, 2025 - ESU 13 Administrative Advisory Council, Main Office - 2:00 PM
• August 20, 2025 - NASB Area Membership Meeting, Gering Civic Center
• December 3-5, 2025 - AESA Annual Conference - Colorado Springs, CO

Discussion:  No Public Forum.

Discussion:  Reports: 

Discussion:  Megan Macy, ESU 13’s Teacher of the Visually Impaired, thanked the Board for its support of the Yay Sports Camp held in early June at the YMCA camp. The event hosted 14 campers, and there are plans to hold the camp at Fort Robinson next year. A donor has pledged $20,000 to support the 2026 camp. Megan noted that nine of the camp staff were not ESU 13 employees and expressed how impressed they were with the program.

Discussion:  Board member Winchester attended the School Law Seminar that was held June 11-12 in Kearney. She attended several sessions and reviewed the content with the Board. 

Discussion:  Head Start Director's Report, Policy Council, and Financial Reports: No discussion. Policy Council did not meet in May.

Discussion:  Administrator's Report: 

• Dr. Barrett reviewed the External Survey results, organized by category. One survey per district was distributed in April, and superintendents were encouraged to review it with their leadership teams. Seventeen of the 21 districts completed the survey. Discussion was held regarding the future of the External Survey. Results will be shared with all staff during the August in-service.
• The Core Service dollar amount for the 2025-2026 school year reflects a 7.43% decrease.
• An update was provided on the new Meridian playground.
• Dr. Barrett shared an overview of her 2024–2025 goals.
• State and federal legislative updates were presented.

Discussion:  Board Committee Reports: The Buildings/Grounds committee met prior to this meeting regarding updating the Meridian classroom space. Jack Baker, of JEO Consulting Group, attended the committee meeting with some preliminary plans for adding space to the Meridian area of the building. Other options for the renovation were discussed. The Committee will meet again in August. 

Discussion:  President Sinner appoints Board member Mandy Plog to the Policy/Legislative, Finance, and Negotiations/Personnel Committees.

Discussion:  Board Member Comments: Board Member Winchester expressed appreciation for staff engagement in continuing education efforts. Dr. Barrett reviewed the process for filling the Board vacancy in Election District 11.

Discussion:   

Discussion:  Business: 

Discussion:  President Sinner adjourned the meeting at 8:12 PM. The next regular meeting will be held on August 19, 2025, at 7:00pm at the Harms Center, 2620 College Park, Room 188, Scottbluff.