January 12, 2026 at 6:00 PM - January Regular Board Meeting

Discussion:  Ryan 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:  Marge Spencer nominated Ryan Stearns. Seconded by Sara Gentry. Nominations cease. 

Discussion:  Necole Miller nominated Sara Gentry. Seconded by Tina Golter. Nominations cease.  

Discussion:  Sara Gentry nominated Tina Golter. Seconded by Necole Miller. Nominations cease. 

Discussion:  Marge Spencer nominated Business Manager Molly Most. Seconded by Bryan Franzen. Nominations cease.

Discussion:  Bryan Franzen made a motion to keep all the committees the same. Necole Miller seconded this. All board members were in agreement. 
Americanism - Golter, Franzen, Gentry
Facilities - Stearns, Miller, Franzen
Polices - Spencer, Gentry, Stearns
Finance - Franzen, Spencer, Miller
Legislative - Spencer, Gentry
School Foundation - Spencer, Miller
Village - Spencer
School Improvement - Golter
Safety - Golter
Preschool Rep - Miller
Learning Center - Golter

Discussion:  Thank you note from Marge Spencer
ALICAP Annual report 

Discussion:  Jack Moles came to introduce himself and presented on NRSCA. He shared his personal goals in his position, the growth in NRCSA and what the legislative is doing at the moment. 

Discussion:  Tina gave her report. Tina got the snow blower out and fueled so it is ready for any snow. She's been picking up trash and watering the trees. 

Discussion:  Dan Jensen gave his report. Dan started January 5th and has enjoyed the position so far. Buses have completed their 80-day inspections. Inland will start greasing the chassis every time they come for an inspection. Bus 04 had a safety recall and got it fixed. Bus 18 had no issues and Bus 19 still needs to replace the instrument cluster and defrost actuator. Fleet vehicles have completed their 80-day inspection. The new micro bus is great and has been put on the Maxwell route. Brake and ABS lights are staying on in Micro Bus 14 so that will go into the shop. #11 Yukon was placed on the south route and needs its windshield replaced. #10 old suburban is close to 300,000 miles and showing wear. Might consider replacing it in the future.  

Discussion:  Ryan Sanger gave his report. Waldingers replaced the weight room heat exchanger along with a gas valve that was sticking. Waldinger's also recharged the HP-02 in the Sensory Room. Rochester Midland did their annual check of the water loop. Everything checked out well. No added chemicals were needed.  Ryan will be fixing some bolts on the playground swings. Ryan replaced H-vac unit filters and cleaned out the old giving closet area. Lights in the wood and metal shop also got replaced. A pipe out of the wall started to leak in Mr. Stienike room. Ryan will be finding the part and if the part doesn't fix it, then he will have Charlie's Plumbing do more extensive plumbing. 

Discussion:  Mr. Seamann gave his report. December gate/Hudl was $1,451.98 and officials cost $1,440. Total revenue was a positive $11.98. On January 5th, all coaches except one were certified in CPR/AED. This is a requirement by NSAA every two years. On December 20th, JAZMAT ENTERPRISES completed the refinishing of the new gym floor. It was definitely needed and Mr. Seamann recommends to continue doing it over Christmas break again moving forward. Marge Spencer asked a question about why JH Basketball B team was a running clock. Mr. Seamann said it's always been like that, but will look into it and talk with his coaches. Marge thinks the players don't get as much experience and skills if the clock keeps running. 

Discussion:  Mrs. Pavelka gave her report. The school improvement team met and wanted to focus on writing. They will do a district-wide writing day on February 12th for all K-12 students. They will answer a writing prompt. Seeing a lot of growth in DIBELS testing. Second semester, smartpass was introduced. It is a digital hall pass system. Any time a student leaves a classroom, they will need to input a pass. Mrs. Pavelka is able to look at the app and see all the active passes to make sure students are doing what they need to do. This, hopefully, will help not have wandering students. Fire drill and bus evacuation was completed on January 7th. Twenty staff members completed CPR/AED training on January 5th. 

Discussion:  Mrs. Foster gave her report. Current enrollment is at 187 students. Mrs. Foster will be attending the following workshops this month: January 13th: Area Board Membership Meeting, January 22nd: School Finance Commission, January 25-26: Legislative Conference, and January 28-30: Advanced Restorative Practices. Ms. Kate Axthelm will be putting together a social media/marketing campaign for Option Enrollment. The Option Enrollment window closes on March 15th. Our current number of option students is 67, which is 36% enrollment. A huge shout-out to Ms. Kate Axthelm for the job well done on our new option enrollment page on our school website. https://www.bradyschools.org/page/enrollment . The district is working through a sped violation for Indicator 11. Currently working through an action plan to ensure the district is in compliance with timelines. On Sunday, Mrs. Foster and Molly Most received an email from our current auditors that they will no longer be conducting school audits. Mrs. Foster has reached out to several superintendents and NDE for recommendations. The district accepts the email with regret as they have been tremendous. Mrs. Foster shared a Strategic Plan update. The priority for 2026 will be to create a transportation replacement plan and a 5-10 year facilities plan. From the recent strategic survey, the results are in. Certified staff 25 out of 28 completed it. Classified 12 out of 19 completed it. 47 out of 170 parents completed it. 
 

Discussion:  Congratulations to the girls basketball team on back to back championships at both Holiday Tournaments!

Discussion:  Reanna shared they will go to District CDE in North Platte on January 28th. The competitions will include: Livestock Management, Flouriculture, and Welding. Mrs. Pavelka has been asked to attend one of their meetings. 

Discussion:  Shyann McConville came from Student Council. STUCO hosted reindeer games right before Christmas Break at a pep rally. Stuco is in charge of Morning announcements over the speakers which include a short song, Pledge of Allegiance, daily activities, and the soar saying of the day. The Sweetheart dance will be Feb 7th. Student Council had a meeting with administration to add a vending machine to the school. The district will provide a small portion of the start-up fees. Benjamin Robison is researching snacks for the machine. It will be allowed to use at different points in the day but will be closed during breakfast and lunchtime.  

Discussion:  General Fund is under budget by 7.47%. Lunch Fund is under budget by .67%. The Erates Grant came through to pay towards the Computer Cable Connection invoice: The current check for Computer Cable Connection $25,549.00, will be rewritten for $7,671.60. Erates will pay $17,877.40.

Discussion:  The policy committee met on January 7, 2026. They reviewed policy 3026 - 3059 and policy 6025 Student Cell Phone Use.  The recommendation policy from KSB lawyers was also attached regarding a total ban of cell phones.

Discussion:  The classroom furniture has arrived. The whiteboards are yet to arrive. The bookshelves and the learning center furniture will be installed on Friday, January 16. Construction that still needs to be completed are windows, railing, touch up paint/trim, carpet, drywall patching, and outside lettering. It is tentatively planned to have an open house on February 1st in the afternoon. There will be a second open house on Wednesday, February 18th following the senior citizen luncheon. Planning to be open to the public in March. This Spring, the library will be open one afternoon a week (3:30-5:00) and every Saturday (9:00-11:00). It will be open based on volunteers that sign up. We will need volunteers to be trained in the check-out system. Currently, the Library Advisory board involves: Tina Golter (BPS Board Member), Robert Karchner (Foundation Member), Todd Roe (Village Member), Roger Bratten (Community Member), and Ann Foster (Superintendent of BPS). 

Discussion:  There has been a lot going on. Important Upcoming Dates: Public hearings on legislation begin on January 20; The next meeting of the Forecast Board will be held on February 27; Full day floor debate will begin on March 3.

Discussion:  ESU 16 Board Member Workshop- January 13th (North Platte), January Board Retreat- January 18th @ 4-6pm, Legislative Conference - January 25-26 (Lincoln), Learning Center Open House - February 1

Discussion:  Annually, the Board of Education is to evaluate the performance of the Superintendent. Mrs. Foster has created goals according to her superintendent's evaluation. 1: Long- Term Facilities and Resource Sustainability. 2: Comprehensive K-12 Curriculum Alignment. 3: Organizational Accountability and Professional Systems. 

Discussion:  Recommended to continue with Flatwater Bank.

Discussion:  Recommended to continue to use KSB School Law.

Discussion:  Recommended to continue to use Syndicate Publishing -- aka The Gothenburg Leader with the North Platte Telegraph as a back up.

Discussion:  Recommended to appoint Mrs. Foster.

Discussion:  Recommended to continue with Inland Truck Parts and Service.

Discussion:  Recommended to continue with Jacob Bourge for 80 day inspections of gasoline based vehicles. 

Discussion:  Recommended to appoint Mrs. Foster. Marge Spencer asked if there needs to be a different person for each Title IX inner position. Mrs. Foster will be looking into this. 

Discussion:  Conflict of Interest forms- Ryan Stearns, Tina Golter, Necole Miller, Bryan Franzen

Discussion:  The time will be 6:00 PM. The date will be the second Monday of every month unless it falls before the 9th day, then it will be moved to the third Monday. 

Discussion:  The ratified negotiated agreement for the 2026 - 2027 school year was shown to the board. Bryan presented the changes. Teacher in-house subbing was changed to $30 instead of $25 if they don't have a planning period. $500 on the base. The extra duty amount for Student Council was upped. Added a HAL coordinator. Sick/personal leave was changed to 13 days PTO. Any day over 60 days in the leave bank will get paid $50 per day at the end of the year. 

Discussion:  Dr. Luke McConnell came to present on his special education services. Luke is a Licensed Psychologist and provides special education evaluations, assessments, risk assessments, counseling, teacher training/support, community support, and support for all kids. Luke would work directly with the families. He mentioned "You aren't really helping the kid unless you are helping the family as well. Family is a huge part behind every child." With Luke McConnell's services, a student will be able to get real support and possibly a diagnosis, especially if the family doesn't have the finances to get their student to therapy or clinic appointments. Mr. Blecha is able to provide Tier 1 counseling, Mrs. Kleewein can provide Tier 2 counseling, and Dr. Luke McConnell would be able to provide Tier 3. Luke McConnell would be a great asset to work alongside Mr. Blecha and Mrs. Kleewein for higher-end cases. Sara Gentry had many great questions regarding his services, how he would help assist our current procedures and how he processes his costs.

Discussion:  The board reviews this policy annually. Mrs. Foster read the policy guidelines aloud for a reminder to the board members. 

Discussion:  The board reviews this policy annually.

Discussion:  The board reviews this policy annually.

Discussion:  The Policy Committee reviewed the following policies on January 7, 2026. No changes are needed at this time. It is best practice to continue to review policies and ensure we are current.
Policy 3026: Handbooks, Policy 3027: Resolution of Conflicts Between Parent, Policy 3028: Sex Offenders
Policy 3029: Distribution of Flyers
Policy 3030: Automatic External Defibrillator
Policy 3031: Students Electing to Attend School in Adjoining State
Policy 3032: Copying Fees
Policy 3035: Chain of Command
Policy 3036: Purchasing (Credit) Card Program
Policy 3039: Threat Assessment and Response
Policy 3041: Crisis Team Duties
Policy 3042: Construction Management at Risk Contracts
Policy 3043: Design-Build Contracts
Policy 3044: Incidental or De Minimis Use of Public Records
Policy 3045: Use of Sniffer Dogs
Policy 3046: Animals at Schools
Policy 3047: Data Breach Response
Policy 3048: Communicable Disease
Policy 3049: Drones and Unmanned Aircraft
Policy 3050: Technology in the Classroom
Policy 3051: Opioid Overdose Prevention and Response
Policy 3052: Leasing Personal Property
Policy 3053: Nondiscrimination
Policy 3054: Law Enforcement Unit
Policy 3056: Guest Speakers
Policy 3057: Title IX
Policy 3058: Naming School District Facilities and Property
Policy 3059: Audio and Video Recording

Discussion:  Mrs. Foster would like to review our current policy and discuss making changes. Currently, data shows technology violations regarding cell phone use, including cell phone ringers going off during instruction and students turning in burner phones. Leadership and teachers would really like the phones gone permanently. Mrs. Foster would like the students to see value in it. Mrs. Foster would like to do a book study on the Ancient Generation for the teaching staff. Necole Miller mentioned at the state conference session she attended that other districts still allow students to have their phones, but if it comes out at any point of the day, it is taken away with higher consequences. Ryan Stearns wants all teaching staff to enforce the cell phone policy more. Currently, the policy states: "Students may use cell phones or other technology in classrooms only with the express permission of the classroom teacher". Sara thought this sentence should be removed so cell phones should never be used in the classroom regardless of which teacher it is. Sara Gentry made a motion to move this discussion item to action item.  

Discussion:  Brady administration is seeking approval to change Thursday, April 2nd to a professional development day.  State regulations now require all elementary teachers to have the Science of Reading training.  The training is on April 1st in North Platte with April 2nd as an application day when teachers will apply their knowledge and work on horizontal and vertical alignment of their ELA materials. This day already has a track meet planned where many students are already gone, and it is the day before Easter Break, which would allow families one additional day for Easter break if they are traveling.

Discussion:  The 10 passenger van no longer meets our 80 day inspection requirements and is inoperable for student transportation. It is recommended to be deemed as "surplus" and go to public auction by private ballot.

Discussion:  NA

Discussion: 

General Fund
Check Number	Check Date	Entity Name	Amount
4647	12/15/2025	Flatwater Bank	23.0
8041	12/19/2025	Diamond JN investments	200.00
8063	01/12/2026	Al's Lock & Safe	260.00
8064	01/12/2026	Amazon Capital Services	399.41
8065	01/12/2026	Black Hills Energy	4,705.52
8066	01/12/2026	Blue Cross Blue Shield Of Ne	352.12
8067	01/12/2026	Bourge Welding & Mechanics LLC	600.00
8068	01/12/2026	Brady Get 'N Go	2,364.72
8069	01/12/2026	Capital Business Systems Inc	1,217.40
8070	01/12/2026	Clearfly	537.79
8071	01/12/2026	Colonial Life	12.00
8072	01/12/2026	Computer Cable Connection	7,671.60
8073	01/12/2026	Consolidated Telecom, Inc.	117.28
8074	01/12/2026	Dawson County Public Power District	5,264.10
8075	01/12/2026	Eakes Office Solutions	21,912.79
8076	01/12/2026	Educational Service Unit #16	23,701.76
8077	01/12/2026	First National Bank	4,674.09
8078	01/12/2026	Follett Software	1,444.00
8079	01/12/2026	Gator Road Repair	1,185.39
8080	01/12/2026	Ideal/Bluffs Facility Solutions	1,729.60
8081	01/12/2026	Jaymar	134.33
8082	01/12/2026	Kansas City Audio-Visual	7,810.01
8083	01/12/2026	KSB School Law	80.00
8084	01/12/2026	Madison National Life Insurance Company	2,094.36
8085	01/12/2026	Matheson Tri-Gas Inc	360.50
8086	01/12/2026	Menards	880.34
8087	01/12/2026	Mid Nebraska Ice, Inc	808.75
8088	01/12/2026	Nebr. Rural Ccommunity Schools Assn.	250.00
8089	01/12/2026	Optec Displays Inc	195.00
8090	01/12/2026	Otis Elevator Company	207.55
8091	01/12/2026	Paper Tiger Shredding	45.00
8092	01/12/2026	Reliable Pest Control Service	71.00
8093	01/12/2026	S & S Auto Parts, Inc.	246.82
8094	01/12/2026	Scholastic	36.60
8095	01/12/2026	Soter Technologies, LLC	1,365.00
8096	01/12/2026	Sparq Data Solutions Inc	2,700.00
8097	01/12/2026	Staples	99.20
8098	01/12/2026	Syndicate Publishing	265.95
8099	01/12/2026	Village Of Brady	1,006.00
8100	01/12/2026	The Waldinger Corporation	3,440.09
8101	01/12/2026	Yandas Music & Pro Audio	848.56
		TOTAL:	101,294.63

____________________________________ 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 the Gothenburg Leader and posted at the Brady Get-N-Go, Post Office, and Flatwater Bank. The next regular meeting will be February 9th, 2026 at 6:00 PM.