January 13, 2025 at 6:00 PM - January Regular Board Meeting

Discussion:  President Stearns called the meeting to order at 6:00 PM. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited and roll call was taken. 

Discussion:  We, at Brady Public Schools, strive to create a positive culture in which all learners reach their fullest potential as EAGLES!

Discussion:  Thank you note from The Crossing Fellowship 
Christmas card from Hugley and Associates

Discussion:  Tina gave her report. Tina has been helping set up and take down for the basketball games. Over Christmas break, Tina helped scrub the aisles of the bleachers. 

Discussion:  Dan Robison gave his report. All buses are current and inspected. Bus '4 got two new tires. The stop arm has been replaced on the short bus. The new plow already needs repaired. A new part has been ordered. The DMV will be doing an audit of the driver's education courses. 

Discussion:  Mrs. Foster gave the report for Ryan Sanger. More salt has been delivered from Culligan. Culligan suggested getting a bigger salt tank as the district is going through salt quickly. A quote hopefully, will be received by next meeting. HP 15 on the vac system went out in Mrs. Johnson's room compressor. AJ Heating and Air was able to replace it over Christmas break. The kitchen, cafeteria, and elevator room got new LED lights over Christmas break along with new blinds in Mrs. Simants and preschool room. 

Discussion:  Mrs. Foster gave Mr. Seamann's report. Speech is underway. Currently, there are 13-15 students on the team, which is one of the biggest teams, speech has had in a while. The holiday tournament second day got canceled because of weather. Hopefully, the day will be rescheduled. December gate: $1370.17 , December Officials: $1625

Discussion:  No Report

Discussion:  Mrs. Foster started off her report by giving an enrollment total of 188. 36% of our student population is option enrollment, which includes :16 from Gothenburg, 6 from Maxwell, 2 from Eustis/Farnam, 41 from North Platte, 1 from Arnold, and 2 from Cozad. Currently waiting to hear back on the Mapping grant of $5,000 and Mid Nebraska Grant for restorative practice workshop. The FAFSA grant of $400 was awarded and used for Luigi supper during FAFSA night on January 9th. There are still some positions that need to be filled. Currently looking for a K-12 Band/Music teacher and a 7-12 Science teacher. Intent letters to the current staff members will be sent out this week. Mrs. Foster showed a vacancy survey for Nebraska. In 2023, there were currently 908 vacant teaching positions in the state of Nebraska and in 2024, 669 vacant teaching positions. A community engagement meeting will be January 20th with time to be determined. 

Discussion:  The Board would like to recognize Kate Axthelm for her work on our website and new school app. We appreciate her diligence to improving our communications as a district and the work she has put in.

Discussion:  Bryan Franzen and Ryan Stearns agreed to keep all committees the same.  Americanism - Golter, Franzen, Gentry, Facilities/Transportation - Stearns, Miller, Franzen, Policies - Spencer, Gentry, Stearns, Finance/Negotiations - Franzen, Spencer, Miller, Legislative Representatives - Spencer, Gentry, School Foundation Representatives - Spencer, Miller, Village Representative - Spencer, School Improvement Representative - Golter, and Safety Committee - Golter

Discussion:  NA

Discussion:  Alexis gave her student member of the board report. FFA and NHS had a successful food drive. The school received 485-500 pounds of food. The food was able to be delivered before food baskets were completed. Because the school reached the food drive goal, school was dismissed at 1:00 on December 20th. Homeroom classes had a Christmas door decorating competition with Ms. Axthelm's homeroom winning. On Friday December 20th, there was a pep rally for all students that involved participating in reindeer games and eagle buck drawing. In order for students to get an eagle buck they have to follow the SOAR expectations. The sweetheart dance will be February 8th. 

Discussion:  General Fund is under budget 9.71% and Lunch Fund is under budget 8.72%. The school received invoices for Amplified Science books that were bought in the time period of 2021-2024. This check will get paid of $12,869.38 this month. Other checks that will get paid this month include Continuing Education checks and those checks will go to: Ann Foster - $1,620.00, Jessica Flint - $1,278.25, and Chris Blecha - $4,050.00.
Electricity is still down from last year by about $400. Eight basketball officials checks were voided because game was canceled. Sparq Meeting Software is an annual fee of $2,600 and Junior Library Guild is an annual library subscription of $2,272.18. 

Discussion:  The policy committee met last week, January 8th and reviewed and updated policies based on new legislation. The following policies have been read and reviewed and shall be reviewed tonight and considered for adoption:Policy 2008: Meetings, Policy 3004.1: Fiscal Management for Purchasing and Procurement for Federal Funds, Policy 6006: Commencement

Discussion:  The Legislature convened at 10 a.m. (CT) and proceeded to re-elect Speaker John Arch to his second two-year term.Bill introduction will begin January 9, 2025.  Under a new rule of the Legislature, each member is limited to the introduction of no more than 20 measures per regular session.  Bill introduction will conclude on January 23rd. In a pivotal decision, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky vacated the 2024 Title IX regulations.  The case is State of Tennessee, et al. v. Cardona, Civil Action No. 2:24-cv-00072-DCR (E.D. Ky. Jan. 9, 2025). This ruling nullifies the 2024 regulations entirely, meaning in effect it has a nationwide application.  Typically, when a court vacates regulations, it means we return to the previous regulations.  In this situation, that would mean returning to the 2020 Title IX framework. We will wait from KSB to provide additional information specifically on this.

Discussion:  LEGISLATIVE ISSUES CONFERENCE
January 26-27, 2025 - Lincoln
(Supt.Foster &  Pres. Stearns attending)
BOARD PRESIDENT RETREAT
February 16-17, 2025 - Kearney
FINANCE WORKSHOPS
March 4 - Kearney
(Supt. Foster & Molly Most attending)
OPEN MEETINGS LAW WORKSHOPS
March 26 - Kearney
SCHOOL LEADERS & LAW CONFERENCE
June 11-12, 2025 - Kearney

Discussion:  The Board will need to appoint a bank of record. It is recommended to continue to use Flatwater Bank.

Discussion:  The Board will need to appoint legal counsel. It is recommended that we continue to use KSB School Law.

Discussion:  Continue to use Syndicate Publishing -- aka The Gothenburg Leader with the North Platte Telegraph as a back up. Continue to post notices at Flatwater Bank, Brady Post Office and Brady Get N Go. Also, will post a notice in the Gothenburg Leader. 

Discussion:  Recommended to appoint Mrs. Foster as the representative for state and federal programs.

Discussion:  Mrs Foster recommends to appoint Inland Truck Parts & Services in North Platte. Marge Spencer recommends that bus inspections get completed by Dan Robison. Currently, it is a six week course for him to complete and get certified. This discussion for Dan will get moved to facilities and maintenance committee to discuss in detail. 

Discussion:  Recommended to appoint Mrs. Foster as the Non-Discrimination Compliance Coordinator.

Discussion:  Mrs. Foster read the Code of Ethics Policy

Discussion:  Updated laws have passed during the last legislative session with an effective date of January 1, 2025.  These laws impact this policy. The Policy Committee reviewed the policy and recommends approval as written.

Discussion:  Updated laws have passed during the last legislative session with an effective date of January 1, 2025.  These laws impact this policy. The Policy Committee reviewed the policy and recommends approval as written.

Discussion:  The policy committee reviewed this policy on January 8, 2025. It is recommended to approve with the revisions made.

Discussion:  Ryan, Tina, and Bryan were given the Conflict of Interest forms to sign. Necole Miller will also fill one out at the next meeting. 

Discussion:  The time will be 6:00 PM. The date will be the second Monday of every month unless it falls before the 8th day, then it will be moved to the third Monday. 

Discussion:  Jane Epp from 6th grade has provided a letter of resignation effective at the end of the school year. 

Discussion:  A contract was offered to Sydney Widick for Kindergarten. A contract was offered to Angie Richeson for 1st grade. Mrs. Messersmith will be moving up to teach 6th grade. 

Discussion:  Negotiations 2025-2026 was attached for the board to see. The adding items included : Increasing the base $1,500, Increasing sub pay (covering during plan period) to $25, increasing Bereavement leave from 3 days per year to 3 days per death, increasing science olympiad pay from 1.6% to 3.6% of base, and teachers may transfer one sick day to one Activity Leave day during each calendar year. 

Discussion:  NA

Discussion:  Marge Spencer thanked Jane Epp for her service to Brady Public Schools. 

Discussion: 

General Fund
Check Number	Check Date	Entity Name	Amount
4595	12/13/2024	Flatwater Bank	22.40
7136	12/10/2024	Black Hills Energy	1,975.33
7137	12/11/2024	Blue Cross Blue Shield Of Ne	166.90
7139	01/09/2025	Lincoln County Spelling Bee	48.00
7156	01/13/2025	Admin Partners	100.00
7157	01/13/2025	All Star Auto Glass	275.00
7158	01/13/2025	Al's Lock & Safe	29.60
7159	01/13/2025	Amazon Capital Services	656.63
7160	01/13/2025	Black Hills Energy	3,786.89
7161	01/13/2025	Blue Cross Blue Shield Of Ne	166.90
7162	01/13/2025	Brady Get 'N Go	2,253.06
7163	01/13/2025	Capital Business Systems Inc	1,169.89
7164	01/13/2025	Capital Business Systems, Inc - Wyoming	7.95
7165	01/13/2025	CDW Government	10,172.03
7166	01/13/2025	CFI Sales, INC	937.43
7167	01/13/2025	Clearfly	472.56
7168	01/13/2025	Colonial Life	6.00
7169	01/13/2025	Consolidated Telecom, Inc.	116.74
7170	01/13/2025	Culligan of Cozad	115.04
7171	01/13/2025	Dawson County Public Power District	4,582.68
7172	01/13/2025	Educational Service Unit #16	23,797.46
7173	01/13/2025	Engineered Controls	2,250.00
7174	01/13/2025	First National Bank	3,300.57
7175	01/13/2025	Gothenburg Memorial Hospital	290.00
7176	01/13/2025	Great Plains Health	155.00
7177	01/13/2025	Inland Truck Parts and Service	237.49
7178	01/13/2025	J. W. Pepper	68.00
7179	01/13/2025	Jaymar	154.67
7180	01/13/2025	Junior Library Guild	2,272.18
7181	01/13/2025	KSB School Law	272.00
7182	01/13/2025	Menards	3,860.98
7183	01/13/2025	NASB	695.00
7184	01/13/2025	Nebr. Rural Ccommunity Schools Assn.	220.00
7185	01/13/2025	Optec Displays Inc	195.00
7186	01/13/2025	Otis Elevator Company	192.18
7187	01/13/2025	Paper Tiger Shredding	45.00
7188	01/13/2025	Red Arrow Truck Wash LLC	45.00
7189	01/13/2025	Reliable Pest Control Service	71.00
7190	01/13/2025	Andy Seamann	126.00
7191	01/13/2025	Sparq Data Solutions Inc	2,600.00
7192	01/13/2025	Syndicate Publishing	185.85
7193	01/13/2025	Village Of Brady	968.62
7194	01/13/2025	Yandas Music & Pro Audio	204.50
	Total:		$      69,267.53

____________________________________ Ryan Stearns President, Board of Education
____________________________________ Marge Spencer Secretary, Board of Education
The time and date of the Brady Public School’s regular meeting was advertised in Gothenburg Leader and posted at the Brady Get-N-Go, Post Office, and Flatwater Bank. The next regular meeting will be February 10th, 2024 at 6:00 PM.