January 21, 2025 at 5:30 PM - Regular Board of Education Meeting
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1. Call the Meeting to Order
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
LEADERSHIP • SERVICE • SUPPORT Notice of this meeting was given in advance according to State Law 84-1411, by giving notice of the meeting to the public on ESU 7 website www.esu7.org and posted at location of meeting. Notice of this meeting was also given in advance to all members of the Board of Education of Educational Service Unit 7. Availability of the agenda and purpose of the hearing was communicated in the advance notice of the meeting and in the notice to the members of this hearing. All proceedings of the Board of Education of Educational Service Unit 7 were taken while the convened hearing was open to the attendance of the public. |
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1.1. Notification of Open Meetings Law
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
This meeting has been preceded by reasonable advance notice and is hereby declared to be in open session. A copy of the Open Meetings Act is posted in the meeting room.
Attachments:
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1.2. Roll Call
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
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1.3. Absent Board Members
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
Board member Richard Stephens will be absent. He notified the Administrator prior to the meeting.
Recommended Motion(s):
Discuss, consider and take all necessary action to approve Board member absences as presented Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
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1.4. Pledge of Allegiance
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
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2. Approval of Agenda
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
The sequence of agenda topics is subject to change at the discretion of the Board.
Recommended Motion(s):
Discuss, consider and take all necessary action to approve the agenda as presented Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
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3. Welcome Visitors
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
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4. Public Comment
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
The Board has the discretion to limit the amount of time set aside for public participation.
Citizens wishing to address the Board on a certain agenda item must complete the Request to be Heard Document prior to the start of the board meeting. Citizens wishing to present petitions to the Board may do so at this time. However, the Board will only receive the petitions and not act upon them or their contents. |
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5. Virtual Conferencing for February 2025
Rationale:
Nebraska Revised Statute § 84-1411 authorizes virtual meetings for educational service units if the requirements of subdivision (2)(b) are met. The board will determine if next month's board meeting should allow for a virtual conferencing option.
The Board voted to have a virtual conferencing option for the February 2025 board meeting. |
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6. Board Code of Ethics and Oath of Office
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
Annually, Board Members participate in the Oath of Office and sign their Code of Ethics.
I, _____________________, do solemnly swear that I will support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of Nebraska, against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely and without mental reservations, or for purpose or evasions; and that I will faithfully and impartially perform the duties of the office of member of the Board of Educational Service Unit No. 7, according to law, to the best of my ability. And I do further swear that I do not advocate, nor am I a member of any political party or organization that advocates the overthrow of the government of the United States or this State by force or violence; and that during such time that I am in this position I will not advocate nor become a member of any political party or organization that advocates the overthrow of the government of the United States or this State by force or violence. So help me God.
Attachments:
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7. Election of Board Officers
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
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7.1. Election of Board President
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
Administrator Recommendation: Discuss, consider and take all necessary action to elect ___________ as President of the Board of Education.
Recommended Motion(s):
Discuss, consider and take all necessary action to elect ___________ as President of the Board of Education Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
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7.2. Election of Vice President of the Board of Education
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
Administrator Recommendation: Discuss, consider and take all necessary action to elect __________ as Vice President of Board of Education.
Recommended Motion(s):
Discuss, consider and take all necessary action to elect __________ as Vice President of Board of Education Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
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7.3. Election of Secretary of Board of Education
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
Administrator Recommendation: Discuss, consider and take all necessary action to elect __________ as Secretary of Board of Education.
Recommended Motion(s):
Discuss, consider and take all necessary action to elect __________ as Secretary of Board of Education Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
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8. Committees and Positions
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
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8.1. Select Treasurer to the Board of Education
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
Recommended Motion(s):
Discuss, consider and take all necessary action to appoint _________ as Treasurer to the Board of Education Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
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8.2. Select Recording Secretary to the Board of Education
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
Recommended Motion(s):
Discuss, consider and take all necessary action to appoint __________ as Recording Secretary to the Board of Education Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
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8.3. Select members of Board Committees
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
Members of the Board will choose Committees to partake in.
2024 Members: Negotiations: - Richard Stephens (Chair) - Richard Luebbe - Don Graff - Bob Arp Budget: - Gary Wieseler (Chair) - Jack Young - Dawn Lindsley Handbook: - Dawn Lindsley (Chair) - Joyce Baumert - Bob Arp Evaluation - Marni Danhauer (Chair) - Joyce Baumert - Amy Blaser Buildings and Grounds: - Bob Arp (Chair) - Doug Pauley - Jack Young - Joyce Baumert |
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9. Dissemination of Conflict of Interest Forms
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
Annually, Conflict of Interest and Code of Ethics forms will be disseminated to the Board for signature.
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10. Consent Agenda
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
Unless removed from the consent agenda, items identified within the consent agenda will be acted on at one time. If any Board member wishes to discuss an item, it must be removed from the consent agenda at which time the remaining items will be acted upon. Consent Agenda Includes:
Administrator Recommendation: Discuss, consider and take all necessary action to approve the consent agenda as presented.
Recommended Motion(s):
Discuss, consider and take all necessary action to approve the consent agenda as presented Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
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10.1. Minutes
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
This is a consent item.
Attachments:
()
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10.2. Presentation of Bills #79115 through #79254 totaling $912,660.26
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
The summary of bills for the current month total:$912,660.26 - Bills #79115 through #79254 General Activity Fund total: No activity this month.
Attachments:
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10.3. Reading of Article I, Section 1, F Unit Calendar
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
This is a consent item.
Attachments:
()
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10.4. Reading of Article I, Section 3, B Filling Vacancies
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
This is a consent item.
Attachments:
()
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10.5. Reading of Article I, Section 3, E Oath of Office
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
This is a consent item.
Attachments:
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10.6. Reading of Article I, Section 3, F Code of Ethics for Board Members
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
This is a consent item.
Attachments:
()
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10.7. Reading of Article I, Section 4, A Officer Positions
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
This is a consent item.
Attachments:
()
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10.8. Reading of Article I, Section 4, B President
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
This is a consent item.
Attachments:
()
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10.9. Reading of Article I, Section 4, C Vice President
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
This is a consent item.
Attachments:
()
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10.10. Reading of Article I, Section 4, D Secretary
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
This is a consent item.
Attachments:
()
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10.11. Reading of Article I, Section 4, E Treasurer
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
This is a consent item.
Attachments:
()
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10.12. Reading of Article I, Section 4, F Recording Secretary
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
This is a consent item.
Attachments:
()
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10.13. Reading of Article I, Section 5, A Committees
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
This is a consent item.
Attachments:
()
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10.14. Reading of Article I, Section 5, C Temporary Committees
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
This is a consent item.
Attachments:
()
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10.15. Reading of Article I, Section 5, D Committee Operations
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
This is a consent item.
Attachments:
()
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10.16. Annual SPARQ Data Solution Dues
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
The amount for the 2025-2026 SPARQ dues is: $2600.
This is a consent item.
Attachments:
()
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10.17. Excess Lodging and Meals
Rationale:
Excess Lodging and Meals:
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11. January 2025 Board Spotlight - Professional Development
Rationale:
Professional Development and CTE Coordinator Brandy Thompson, will present the January Board Spotlight regarding Professional Development and Career & Technical Education.
Attachments:
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12. Treasurer's Report
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
Review the breakdown of the Treasurer's Report.
Administrator Recommendation: Discuss, consider and take all necessary action to accept the Treasurer's Report as presented.
Recommended Motion(s):
Discuss, consider and take all necessary action to accept the Treasurer's Report as presented Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
Attachments:
()
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
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13. Contract for Chief Administrator Marci Ostmeyer
Rationale:
Chief Administrator Marci Ostmeyer's contract term will begin July 1, 2025 and expire June 30, 2027.
Recommendation: Discuss, consider and take any action necessary to approve the contract for Chief Administrator Marci Ostmeyer as presented.
Recommended Motion(s):
Discuss, consider and take any action necessary to approve the contract for Chief Administrator Marci Ostmeyer as presented Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
Attachments:
()
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
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14. Potential Contract for 2025-2026 Professional Development Director
Rationale:
Recommendation: Discuss, consider and take any action necessary to approve the contract for the 2025-2026 Professional Development Director as presented.
Recommended Motion(s):
Discuss, consider and take any action necessary to approve the contract for the 2025-2026 Professional Development Director as presented Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
Attachments:
()
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
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15. Reading of Article II, Section 6, A Notice to Public
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
Review Article II, Section 6, A Notice to Public of the ESU 7 Policy Manual.
Recommended Motion(s):
Discuss, consider and take all necessary action to approve Article II, Section 6, A Notice to Public as presented Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
Attachments:
()
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
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16. Reading of Article V, Section 1, A Policy of Non-Discrimination
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
Review Article V, Section 1, A Policy of Non-Discrimination of the ESU 7 Policy Manual.
Recommended Motion(s):
Discuss, consider and take all necessary action to approve of Article V, Section 1, A Policy of Non-Discrimination as presented Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
Attachments:
()
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
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17. Designations
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
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17.1. Designate depository bank(s)
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
Authorized Depositories, Bonds, Disbursement of Funds requires the ESU 7 Board to annually authorize depositories for ESU 7 Funds. The checking accounts are currently at First National Bank, Columbus. The Board authorizes the Administrator and Board Treasurer to contact banks in the ESU area to invest money at the best rate.
Administrator Recommendation: Discuss, consider and take all necessary action to authorize First National Bank, Columbus as the depository bank, as presented.
Recommended Motion(s):
Discuss, consider and take all necessary action to authorize First National Bank, Columbus as the depository bank, as presented Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
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17.2. Designate Newspapers of Record
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
The Columbus Telegram is a newspaper of general circulation in all counties in the ESU 7 Area. Legal Notices as required will be reported in the Columbus Telegram.
Administrator Recommendation: Discuss, consider and take all necessary action to designate the Columbus Telegram as the ESU 7 newspaper of record.
Recommended Motion(s):
Discuss, consider and take all necessary action to designate the Columbus Telegram as the ESU 7 newspaper of record Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
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18. ESU 7 2025-2026 General Unit Calendar
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
Administrator Recommendation: Discuss, consider, and take all necessary action to approve the ESU 7 2025-2026 General Unit Calendar as presented.
Recommended Motion(s):
Discuss, consider, and take all necessary action to approve the ESU 7 2025-2026 General Unit Calendar as presented Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
Attachments:
()
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
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19. Mileage Reimbursement Rate
Speaker(s):
Board President or designee
Rationale:
The IRS Mileage rate for 2025 - 2026 is $0.70 per mile.
Article III, Section 4, D: Coffee Act Policy (Reimbursable Expenses) Reimbursement of Expenses. The ESU will pay the registration costs, tuition costs, fees or charges for attendance by Board members at such approved functions. The ESU will pay mileage at the rate allowed by law (that is, the rate established by the Department of Administrative Services) or actual travel expense if travel is authorized by commercial or charter means. The ESU will pay meals and lodging at a rate not exceeding the applicable federal rate unless a fully itemized claim is submitted substantiating the costs actually incurred in excess of such rate and such additional expenses are expressly approved by the Board. For employees and volunteers, the ESU will pay costs and make reimbursements in the same manner as provided above for Board member attendance, unless otherwise established by policy, Board action, contract, or negotiated agreement. Administrator Recommendation: Discuss, consider and take any action necessary for ESU 7 to approve the IRS Mileage rate for 2025 - 2026, which is $0.70 per mile.
Recommended Motion(s):
Administrator Recommendation: Discuss, consider and take any action necessary for ESU 7 to approve the IRS Mileage rate for 2025 - 2026, which is $0.70 per mile Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
Attachments:
()
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
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20. Coordinating Agency for ESU 7 Special Education Cooperative
Speaker(s):
Board President or designee
Rationale:
ESU 7 continues to serve as the coordinating agency for the ESU 7 Special Education Cooperative for 2025-2026.
Administrator Recommendation: Discuss, consider and take all necessary action for ESU 7 to continue to serve as the coordinating agency for the ESU 7 Special Education Cooperative for 2025-2026
Recommended Motion(s):
Discuss, consider and take all necessary action for ESU 7 to continue to serve as the coordinating agency for the ESU 7 Special Education Cooperative for 2025-2026 Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
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21. Administrator's Report General
Speaker(s):
Administrator or Designee
Rationale:
Attachments:
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21.1. Goal Update
Speaker(s):
Administrator or Designee
Rationale:
Attachments:
()
Goals:
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21.2. Services Update
Speaker(s):
Administrator or Designee
Rationale:
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21.3. Facilities Update
Speaker(s):
Administrator or Designee
Rationale:
The Administrator will provide a facilities update during this item.
Goals:
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21.4. Personnel
Speaker(s):
Administrator or designee
Rationale:
Learning Academy Paraprofessional - Jade Podliska, start date January 2, 2025
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21.5. Legislative Update
Speaker(s):
Administrator or Designee
Rationale:
During this item, the Administrator will provide a Legislative Update to members of the Board.
Attachments:
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22. Committee Reports
Speaker(s):
Committee Chair
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22.1. Negotiations Committee Report
Speaker(s):
Negotiations Committee Chair
Rationale:
Reports of activities and discussions from the Negotiations Committee will take place during this item.
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23. Conference Report
Speaker(s):
Conference Attendees
Rationale:
Conference Attendees will report on their learnings.
Goals:
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24. Adjournment
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
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