December 9, 2024 at 6:00 PM - Regular Board of Education Meeting

Discussion:  The meeting was called to order at 6:01 p.m. by President B.J. Peters.

Discussion:   
 

Discussion:  Jenn Sibal presented to the board all the activities and honors we recognized tonight. She awarded each individual and each group with a certificate signed by our board president, B.J. Peters, and Superintendent, Dr. Regan. B.J. commented that the softball team had a great season! Greg stated how great it is to see them improve and how proud he is of their team. Greg also thanked Mr. Zwig for his efforts in including kids in his schoolhouse in Santa's Village. It's always good to see student participation. 

Discussion:  Kory Knight presented to the board on B.J. Peter's celebration of 20 years on the board at Gering Public Schools. This was his last board meeting, and our district staff presented him with a gift of appreciation. He was given a picture frame with a poem and several pictures of all the things B.J. has had his hand on over the last 20 years. 

Discussion:  John Maser presented to the board how the bond resolution survey went out to the community. Also, how Jack Baker is creating a design for the potential new Middle School building. He also talked about the potential need for a new JAG teacher position next school year as they have had excellent participation among students. There is also a potential grant that we can receive which will go towards helping improve 3rd grade reading. He also discussed the budgets for all student services that we provide and how we need to do what we can to serve our students in-house. Lastly, he talked about AQUESTT scores and how it's good to see where we fall. Our numbers are good, but it's also good to see where we can improve. 

Discussion:  Josh Lacy presented to the board in regard to their last meeting that Sentor Hardin was present via Zoom. He stated that we are feeling the pinch, and we need to do what we can as a district to use taxpayer money the best we can. In regard to facilities, we need several roof repairs at the Middle School and new filters for the Auditorium at the High School. We bought a snow plow, which will help reduce the cost of paying an outside company. 

Discussion: 

 When you think about leadership talent and a culture of excellence...it starts at the top with our Board of Education. In 2004, Board President BJ Peters began his leadership journey serving the Gering community.  For 20 years, BJ has dedicated his time and talent in promoting a culture in Gering Public Schools that is unmatched.  His passion for public education, heart for students and deep understanding of the systems in a school district has earned him accolades throughout the state of Nebraska.

Although this critical leadership seat is not monetary, the dividends are profound. Just a few notable accomplishments of BJ Peters:

• He has lead the hiring of 4 superintendents,

• Served on all committees including policy review, personnel, curriculum and assessment, business and finance

• 2017 bond passed GHS

• 2008 bond passes for Lincoln Elem.

• Facility enhancements of district tennis courts, greenhouse, elementary preschool

• He has high standards driving excellence in all areas but also trusting us to do the work to continuously make Gering Great is every sense.

BJ has been the thread woven into the fabric of our success in Gering Public Schools.  He has been a voice on the state level advocating for strong leadership and responsibility to serve our most precious resources, our students as well as a call to action to serve as a school board member to others.

Steven Covey- Begin with the end in mind....I hope we have supported your vision and you can see what you have so successfully set forth in accomplishing for Gering Public Schools.

I hope your story is the happy ending that you sought 20 years ago.

Because of you, there is a foundation of excellence, high talent in this room, an empowering culture and a team of leaders in all of us where you can feel proud of the work and commitment you have done for us.

Although your board appointed journey ends this year, your impact continues as making a difference in the lives of students and the community.

Call to action:  Leadership matters.  Just as we know as educators, we have young lives looking to us, watching us, placing their hopes and dreams in our hands for us to open doors, experiences and opportunities for them to have the best opportunities this life has to offer us.

Thank you BJ, for being such a support to me personally and professionally.

Discussion:  The board entered into Executive Session at 6:26 p.m.

Discussion:  Mike Brunner and Curt Richter addressed the board. 

Discussion: 

Josh Lacy - Good to see the softball team and construction class tonight! Thank you for the public comments and a special thanks to B.J. for what he has done on the board.

John Maser - Great to see input from the public. Awesome to have had B.J. on the board for the last 20 years!

Tracy Wiese - Loved seeing the softball team! Cool to see Mr. Zwig and how he changes the lives of our students! Thanks for the public comments. Glad that the public gets to vote. I am also a taxpayer and understand that this is a difficult discission going forward on the bond. We do have a building fund now. We have spent ESSER funds, not our budget money, on certain things. Even though my kids are gone, I still want to invest in GPS. Thanks to B.J. for being so kind and having taught me a lot!

Greg Trautman - Thank you for the public comments. We do have things to improve, and we need to do more preventive maintenance. So cool that GPS has unified bowling now! GPS is becoming more inclusive. Thanks to B.J. for being a mentor and for his leadership.

B.J. Peters - How do you put 20 years into words? I want to thank my wife for all her support over the years. Thank you to parents, students, and staff. Thank you to the past and present board members. Be confident in what you are doing!
 

Discussion:  The meeting was adjourned at 7:19 p.m.