September 14, 2026 at 6:00 PM - Regular Board of Education Meeting

Discussion:  The meeting was called to order by Board President, Greg Trautman, at 6:00 p.m.

Discussion: 

Dr. Knight and Stacy Rodriguez presented the 2026-27 budget preview to the Board. Dr. Knight began by discussing Gering Public Schools’ overall financial priorities: Operate, Invest, and Prepare. She explained that the district must fund people and programs, address facilities, infrastructure, and other long-term needs, and maintain an appropriate reserve, as recommended by the Nebraska Department of Education, to allow the district to proactively address future needs.

Dr. Knight also reviewed the district’s Strategic Plan for 2024-2029 and emphasized the significant role the budget plays in achieving the plan’s goals, including investments in staff, programs, and facilities. She then reviewed the annual budget timeline, noting that August and September are typically the busiest months in the process.

Dr. Knight discussed several key factors that impact the development of the district’s budget. Student enrollment is a significant factor, as enrollment directly impacts state aid. Local property valuation is another major consideration. She explained that changes in valuation and state aid can have an inverse relationship, creating a balancing act as the district develops its budget.

Stacy Rodriguez then presented the proposed 2026-27 budget and reviewed the various sources of district revenue, including state aid, grants, and local revenue. She noted that the district is currently operating at a $1.05 levy, which has remained consistent for more than 10 years. The district has also continued to contribute funds to the Special Building Fund to support facility projects and improvements, including new roofs, the track project, the Northfield preschool, auditorium improvements, and classroom updates. Stacy is proposing a 2026-27 budget of just over $29.1 million, representing a 0.93% increase from the previous year.

Dr. Knight concluded the presentation by reviewing the district’s overall financial position and upcoming commitments. Several facility and infrastructure needs were identified, including roof repairs at Gering High School and Gering Middle School, gym floor, and competition scoreboard replacement and repairs. Dr. Knight emphasized that the district remains committed to being fiscally responsible while continuing to address necessary investments in facilities, programs, and staff.

Discussion: 

Greg Trautman presented to the board. He gave an update on the GMS bond campaign and timeline. Reviewed unused property tax authority, noting these funds would only be used in the event of a catastrophic event and would require voter approval. Financial priorities, upcoming budget obligations, and building needs—including roofs, the gym floor, and the track project—were also discussed. The Joint Public Hearing is scheduled for September 23 at 6:05 p.m. at the Scotts Bluff County Administration Building. The Board Retreat is scheduled for September 17 from 12:00-3:30 p.m. at Hotel 21. Topics will include the Superintendent's evaluation, goals, contract, and strategic plan. Update on Staff Safety Day, which included CPR, First Aid, reunification procedures, online training, and a Rotary lunch for new staff. Completion of the safety training also provides a discount through Alicap. Fall testing has begun. Reviewed district goals and the building-level goal-setting process. Buildings are working with their guiding coalitions to align goals with district priorities. The district is continuing to strengthen Continuous Improvement Planning by connecting it with professional development days and PLC time. The District CIP team meets monthly.

Discussion: 

Matt Kautz presented to the board. Cristina from Twin City Roofing presented options for addressing aging roof systems. A silicone coating is being considered for the Science Wing, Culinary, Band, and West Main Hallway roofs. The solution would provide a more permanent repair, improve resistance to hail damage, and help prevent water pooling. The chiller continues to produce excessive noise despite adjustments made last October. A muffling system was proposed at a cost of $26,990. Engineered Controls may be able to make additional adjustments. The Board discussed other options, including limiting nighttime operation, adding insulation, or relocating the unit. The new blue track is nearing completion, with sod installation planned to begin next week. Reviewed the upcoming 2026-27 budget presentation. The district plans to maintain the $1.05 levy with no tax increase. Discussion included property tax authority, the retirement exclusion, special education funding, and potentially moving the INA alert expense to the General Fund. NASB State Conference will be held November 18-20. The district is awaiting the transportation RFP, which is expected to be available in October.

Discussion:  Dr. Knight presented to the Board.

If I had to describe the start of this school year in one phrase, it would be "full steam ahead." On a daily basis, our buildings are bustling with learning, activities are in full swing, and there is an energy throughout our district that is exciting to experience. I have really enjoyed being out and about, visiting our schools, talking with staff and students, and simply taking it all in. I have seen so much joy, celebrated many successes, and witnessed a few learning lessons along the way. That is what makes a school year special; it is never perfect, but every day brings new opportunities to learn, grow, and get better.

One of my primary focuses this month has been working with our team to prepare a thoughtful and responsible budget for the coming year. For me, developing a budget is about much more than balancing numbers on a spreadsheet. It is about asking ourselves an important question: How can we be intentional with the resources our community entrusts to us so that they have the greatest possible impact on our students and staff?

As you can see in the budget report, investing in our people, both staff and students, is paramount. Our people represent a significant portion of what we budget for, and they are worth every penny. Great schools are built by great people, and I am continually reminded of the incredible educators, support staff, administrators, and students who make Gering Public Schools what it is.

Our second area of focus is investing in programs. When we invest in strong programs, curriculum, activities, and opportunities, we create experiences that help our students learn, discover their strengths, and prepare for their futures. We also give our staff the tools and support they need to do their very best work. These investments may not always be as visible as a new building or facility improvement, but their impact can be felt every day in our classrooms.

Finally, we have to invest in our facilities. That means taking care of the buildings we have, providing the regular maintenance and upkeep they deserve, and making responsible decisions about improvements and repairs. It also means recognizing when a facility has served our students and community well for many years and that it may be time to consider what comes next. Good stewardship means caring for what we have while also having the courage to plan for the future.

Speaking of the future, it has been incredibly encouraging to see the interest and thoughtful questions surrounding Gering Middle School and our bond campaign. I have appreciated the community members who have taken the time to attend our informational sessions, ask difficult questions, share different perspectives, and challenge us to think carefully about the decisions before us. That kind of engagement makes our community stronger.

Over the coming weeks, I look forward to visiting several Gering businesses and continuing to make myself available to answer questions, clarify processes, and, most importantly, connect with the people who make this community special. This "Talk Around Town Tour" will be publicized on our district website as well on our social media outlets.  I also want to extend a sincere thank-you to our middle school principals, our communications director, and the many community supporters who have invested their time and energy into this work. Their efforts have already made a difference, and I know they will continue throughout the fall.

I truly love Gering. I love our schools, but more importantly, I love the people who fill them each day. I love seeing our students grow, watching our staff pour their hearts into their work, and being part of a community that cares deeply about its children and its future.

I feel incredibly fortunate to serve Gering Public Schools, and I do not take that opportunity for granted. There is a lot ahead of us, and we certainly have work to do, but I am excited about where we are headed and grateful to be on this journey with our staff, students, families, Board of Education, and the entire Gering community.

Discussion:  Shelly Muggli addressed the board. Shelly is the president of GEA, and they will be donating $250 to the "Say Yes" Committee. The NSEA will be contributing $500 as well. 

Gaylen Larsen addressed the board. He said thank you to the board and admin for listening to the community on developing a new plan for GMS. He also thanks GEA for their contribution to the "Say Yes" Committee. 

Discussion:  Bryan Barrett - Thank you Dr. Knight and Stacy for the budget presentation. It's been a good start to the school year and love seeing the blue track! Thanks to Shelly and GEA.
Tracy Wiese - Thanks for the budget presentation and all the information. Thanks to the "Say Yes" Committee and GEA for the support on GMS bond. Shout out to the 4-time Western Conference Softball Champs!
Matt Kautz - Thanks to Shelly and the "Say Yes" Committee for the support. Feeling very good about November. Thanks for the budget presentation. Big night for volleyball tomorrow.
Greg Trautman - So much work goes into making the budget! Thanks for the presentation. School doesn't stop in the summer, so much still happens like summer meals. The small things can have the biggest impact! Learning even continues after the bell rings. We have been able to do so much as a district staying at the same levy.

Discussion:  The meeting adjourned at 6:57 p.m.