February 9, 2026 at 6:00 PM - Scottsbluff Board of Education Regular Meeting

Discussion:  The Regular Board of Education Meeting was called to order by Board Vice President Beth Merrigan at 6:00 PM.

Discussion:  This meeting was held in accordance to the Open Meetings Act. Notice of this meeting was published in the Star-Herald on Saturday, February 7, 2026, and on the Scottsbluff Public Schools website on Wednesday, February 4, 2026.

Discussion:  Scottsbluff High School Senior Ava Reed provided an update to the Board of Education. Ava stated the students of SHS celebrated Winter Royalty Week last week, which had many fun-filled school-spirit activities and highlighted by an energetic pep rally and the Winter Royalty Dance. Ava stated the seniors once again claimed victory in the Clash of Classes challenge. Ava thanked the Bearcat Publication Team and the Drill Team for helping create such a memorable week, and offered congratulations to Keon Delgado and Sheridan Ferguson for being crowned Winter Royalty King and Queen. Ava noted SHS athletes had an exciting week as well, hosting the Western Conference Basketball Tournament, where the Boys team won the championship for the fifth straight year and the Girls team finished in third place. The Girls Wrestling team competed at districts, with Jazmyn Garcia placing first and Marcella Colin placing third, both earning trips to the upcoming state meet. Additionally, the SHS Speech team recently won A-B Sweepstakes at Chadron, and Scottsbluff High School welcomed 50 new members into the National Honor Society during the recent Induction Ceremony. Finally, Ava noted the SHS staff and students recognized Scott and Heather Neu last Friday evening for their generous donation of the Luxedo Projection System, which has enhanced games and events for all students, and thanked the Neus for their generous donation. Ava stated SHS has a busy month ahead as winter activities conclude their seasons, and the CTSO organizations prepare for their upcoming state competitions. Ava thanked the Board of Education for their continued support and for the opportunities provided for the students of Scottsbluff High School.

Discussion:  Executive Director of Curriculum and Instruction Mike Mason provided a summary of the District's recent Continuous Improvement Visit.

Discussion:  Executive Director of Curriculum and Instruction Mike Mason provided an update on the Committee on American Civics. No member of the public wished to address the Board during the public comment portion of the Committee on American Civics Update.

Discussion:  There were no members of the public present who wished to address the Board of Education.

Discussion:  Board member Paul Snyder stated he had the opportunity to participate in the Continuous Improvement External Visit this past week and to speak with some of the review team members. He stated this was an enlightening experience, and though he was already proud of the District, hearing the feedback provided from the external team members made him even more proud. He noted the work he saw from the staff in preparation for this visit was phenomenal.

Board member Mark Lang noted that School Board Recognition Week was two weeks ago, and thanked everyone for the cards, gift cards, and clothing. He stated that he especially liked the cards from the students, as well as the thumbprint tree art created by the students of Bear Cub Preschool.

Board member Rob Polk echoed Mark's comments and thanked the staff members who reached out during School Board Recognition Week. He stated it was nice to be appreciated and to see the individual efforts of both staff and students. He noted the items from the kids are always the very best. 

Board Vice President Beth Merrigan stated she also participated in the Continuous Improvement External Visit along with the review team members who attended the visit from all over the state. She noted that based on the reactions of some of the external team members, it was clear some of them had not been to Scottsbluff Public Schools before, as they were struck by the energy, the passion, and the wonderful things that are happening in the District. She said the reaction of these professional educators representing multiple other school districts made her very proud to be part of these things happening every day in the classroom. 

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Discussion:  Superintendent Dr. Andrew Dick thanked Nancy Wallace, Art Teacher at Scottsbluff High School, whose retirement was approved by the Board during this meeting, for her service to the District over the last 19 years. 

Dr. Dick echoed the comments of Paul and Beth, stating it was a privilege to be part of the Continuous Improvement External Visit last week, and to hear the feedback on Scottsbluff Public Schools. Dr. Dick shared that he has previously participated in other external visits, including those for Millard Public Schools and South Sioux City Community Schools, and will serve later this month on the Kearney Public Schools External Team. Dr. Dick stated that it was a joy to be on the other side of the visit. He noted that Mike Mason, Executive Director of Curriculum and Instruction, shared some of the written recommendations provided by the external team, but that he would like to highlight some of the verbal commendations provided by the external team members during the oral report: "The sense of belonging, not just by students, but by adults, is remarkable." "What those high schoolers have to experience is significant." "Everyone knows that the culture is nurturing." A fourth grader within the District stated, "Amazing teachers teach us amazing new things. They are here to help us." "Bluffs Middle School helps you reveal your hidden talents." "Overt support of social and emotional health." Dr. Dick noted that this comment has been a priority of the District. 

Dr. Dick stated that additional commendations included, "The knowledge and implementation that staff exhibited about the Strategic Plan during the visit, as well as our use of data, is second to none." He extended a special thank you to Mike Mason for his outstanding leadership of the District's Continuous Improvement efforts, not only this year but throughout his tenure as Executive Director of Curriculum and Instruction. He stated Mike ensured the District was exceptionally well-prepared and provided the external team with a thorough profile of the District. Dr. Dick also recognized Jadie Beam, ELA Content Area Specialist, and Mandy Hadenfeldt, Math Content Area Specialist, for their valuable support in preparing for the visit. He noted these external visits are no small task, and it was the collective efforts of staff that made a tremendous difference, and thanked them once again.

Discussion:  The Regular Board of Education meeting adjourned at 7:05 PM.