May 19, 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.
Discussion:
Board President Doug Pauley called the meeting to order at 5:31 pm.
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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:
Administrator Recommendation: Discuss, consider and take all necessary action to approve Board member absences.
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.
Discussion:
Board members Joyce Baumert, Marni Danhauer, and Richard Stephens notified Administrator Elmshaeuser and Board President Doug Pauley that they would not be able to attend. Board members Amy Blaser and Beth Kabes notified they would be arriving late.
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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
Discussion:
Beth Ericson, ESU 7's new Professional Development Director, beginning July 1, 2025 was in attendance.
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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. 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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5.1. Minutes
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
This is a consent item.
Attachments:
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5.2. Presentation of Bills #79696 through #79859 totaling $959,460.73
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
The summary of bills for the current month total: $959,460.73 - Bills #79696 through #79859 General Activity Fund total: No activity.
This is a consent item.
Attachments:
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5.3. Reading of Article III, Section 7, G Internet Safety Policy
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
This is a consent item.
Attachments:
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5.4. Reading of Article IV, Section 2, A Staff Handbooks and Job Descriptions
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
This is a consent item.
Attachments:
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5.5. Reading of Article V, Section 5, C Use of Restraints and Seclusion
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
This is a consent item.
Attachments:
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5.6. Reading of Article V, Section 5, D Removal of Students and Interview of Students
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
This is a consent item.
Attachments:
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5.7. Reading of Article V, Section 5, E Animals at ESU 7
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
This is a consent item.
Attachments:
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5.8. Reading of Article V, Section 6, A Student/Parent Handbook
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
This is a consent item.
Attachments:
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5.9. Reading of Article V, Section 6, B Search and Seizure
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
This is a consent item.
Attachments:
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5.10. Reading of Article V, Section 6, C Anti-Bullying
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
This is a consent item.
Attachments:
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5.11. Reading of Article V, Section 7, A Prohibition on Mandatory Medication
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
This is a consent item.
Attachments:
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5.12. Reading of Article V, Section 7, B Dispensing Medications
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
This is a consent item.
Attachments:
()
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5.13. Reading of Article V, Section 7, C Student Self-Management of Asthma, Anaphylaxis and Diabetes
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
This is a consent item.
Attachments:
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5.14. Reading of Article V, Section 7, E Emergency Medical Aid
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
This is a consent item.
Attachments:
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5.15. Reading of Article V, Section 7, F Wellness
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
This is a consent item.
Attachments:
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5.16. Reading of Article V, Section 8, A Required Trainings
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
This is a consent item.
Attachments:
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5.17. Reading of Article V, Section 9, A Procedures for Control of Infections Diseases
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
This is a consent item.
Attachments:
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5.18. Reading of Article V, Section 9, B Emergency Closure of ESU 7 Buildings
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
This is a consent item.
Attachments:
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5.19. Reading of Article V, Section 9, C Emergency Exclusion of Persons from ESU 7
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
This is a consent item.
Attachments:
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5.20. Reading of Article V, Section 10, A Student Fees
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
This is a consent item.
Attachments:
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5.21. Reading of Article V, Section 11, A Safe Pupil Transportation Plan
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
This is a consent item.
Attachments:
()
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5.22. Reading of Article V, Section 11, B Safe Driving Standard for Drivers
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
This is a consent item.
Attachments:
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5.23. 2025-2026 Contract for Angel Mayberry, Early Learning Connection Grant Coordinator
Speaker(s):
Board President or designee
Rationale:
This is a consent item.
Attachments:
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5.24. Excess Lodging and Meals
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
Excess Lodging and Meals:
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5.25. 2025-2026 Non-Member Contract for Services
Speaker(s):
Board President or designee
Rationale:
Board Policy requires the Board to annually approve a Non-Member School Contract for Services Agreement.
Article III, Section 1, D Requests, Cost, and Payment This is a consent item.
Attachments:
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6. Board Code of Ethics and Oath of Office - District 4, Clark Lehr
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
Clark Lehr was appointed as the District 4 Board Member for ESU 7. The May 2025 Board Meeting is the first meeting for Clark Lehr since the appointment. It is required for all board members to recite the oath of office and sign off on it as well as the Code of Ethics annually.
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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Discussion:
Clark Lehr recited and signed the Oath of Office and signed the ESU 7 Code of Ethics.
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7. May 2025 Board Spotlight - Print Shop Tour
Speaker(s):
Print Shop Director
Rationale:
Print Shop Director, Marci Ostmeyer, will lead a tour of the Print Shop for the May Board Spotlight.
Discussion:
The Print Shop tour was canceled due to the weather conditions. Director Marci Ostmeyer gave an overview of the Print Shop.
During the school year, the Print Shop has 3 employees. ESU 7 does the bulk of printing for Columbus Public Schools. This includes printing, copying and laminating. Most orders from ESU 7 districts come in through an online ordering system. The Print Shop on average produces around 11 million copies a year. During the summer, there are over 50,000 booklets copied. Summer employees have been hired. One started last week and the other starts on Wednesday, May 21. The Print Shop's promise to districts over the summer is if orders are submitted by June 1st, orders are guaranteed to be completed by the beginning of the school year. The Print Shop will be receiving a new duplicator for carbonless copies. The last duplicator was purchased in 2007. Board President Doug Pauley asked if the volume had increased or decreased over the years. Director Ostmeyer says the data shows it's about the same every year. Board Secretary Dawn Lindsley asked if the Print Shop is recycling ink and paper. Director Ostmeyer stated the toner received from Eakes is returned to them for recycling and disposal while the paper is not recycled due to Columbus not having a recycling vendor. Board member Bob Arp asked about the die-cut service. Director Ostmeyer clarified that the die-cut machines were discontinued about a year ago due to parts not available. Director Ostmeyer said districts use Amazon or Cricut if they need cutouts. Board member Bob Arp asked about laminating, to which Director Ostmeyer stated yes, and especially in the summer. There is one person running the laminating machines every day. Board President Doug Pauley asked if schools were being charged for printing. Director Ostmeyer confirmed yes, stating printing is levy funded. Board member Bob Arp asked if there are districts that do not utilize the printing services. Director Ostmeyer stated that yes, usually districts not participating is due to the distance the district is from ESU 7. However, handbooks from those districts will still be sent in to print. |
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8. 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.
Discussion:
Administrator Elmshaeuser reviewed the report. Board Secretary Dawn Lindsley asked about the return time for grant reimbursements. Administrator Elmshaeuser stated we are only around $300,000 behind. Business Manager Linda Shefcyk stated it's been as high as a million in the past.
Board Member Clark Lehr voted Yea. |
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9. Administrator's Report General
Speaker(s):
Administrator or Designee
Rationale:
Attachments:
()
Discussion:
Administrator Elmshaeuser shared information regarding the ESU Resources meeting, ESUCC board meeting and ESUPDO meetings held in Kearney. Demoine Adams, TeamMates CEO, presented to the Educational Resource Committee and later to the board regarding a parternership between ESUCC and TeamMates, provided a grant is received to provide additional support around Literacy. BITS (Behavior Intervention Training and Supports) training is for district personnel on how to respond to behaviors. Director Clay has staff providing the training for districts. This training needs to be reported to NDE. BIRT, (Behavior Intervention Reporting Tool) was presented to the ESUCC board to show how it is reported to NDE. SIMPL (Service Implementation Model Process and Log) has now been rebranded to SMART (Service Management and Reporting Tool). Commissioner Maher, spoke to the board about the recent Stakeholder Meetings across the state. The student leader event with the governor will continue and ESU 7 is hoping to host the next event. Districts have been notified of the $20,000 ESU 7 received, for Literacy training. The districts are asked to submit a response on how their district wants to use their allocated portion of the funds. ESU 7 is also receiving additional funds for HEROs training to be held in Kearney this summer. The ESUCC Board Meetings have been restructured with committee meetings on day one and the board meeting on day two.
The Title IC Education Program received an excellent monitor review. Board member Bob Arp asked to explain more about the Title 1C program. Title IC has 2 main positions: recruiters and service providers. Recruiters create relationships with the districts and communities for incoming families and provide support. Service Providers go into the district schools and student homes to help with academics, interpreting and translating. Title IC Coordinator Cynthia Alarcon and her staff have great relationships with the districts. Next year the programs across the state are relining to have less travel for a program. The ESU 7 Title IC Service Area will no longer cover the Lincoln and southeast portion of the state and Madison County. The ESU 7 program will add Fremont area. ESU 7's travel policy in the past allowed Per Diem to run the entirety of the trip; However, due to federal grant reviews, Per Diem must be per day, specifically meals. Lodging should still be taken into account, and will be allowed if overages cannot always be avoided. Director Ostmeyer updated the transition of Dr. Beth Ericson as Professional Development Director. They meet weekly. Director Ostmeyer is also meeting weekly with Administrator Elmshaeuser regarding Administrator transition. Director Clay stated the end of the school year for the majority of her staff is May 20, 2025. Next year the Special Education Department will be adding a half-time FTE contract in Early Childhood, two full-time Speech Language Pathologists, and three full-time paraprofessionals for Bridges. The Deaf and Hard of Hearing grant will be added to the department in the fall. Two departments are losing staff this year, one person in deaf education (whom ESU 7 has not been able to rehire) and a vision coordinator. ESU 8, Columbus Public Schools and a private company have been contacted to cover the needs of the deaf and hard of hearing program, along with a private contractor providing vision coverage in Norfolk for three days a week. During the month of June, Director Clay helps write applications for the IDEA grant. The district superintendent, bookkeeper along with Director Clay write this grant and discuss how to use the funds. Board Secretary Dawn Lindsley asked how many students the Bridges program will be serving in the 2025-2026 school year. Director Clay said there are now 8 students registered. Director Ellsworth provided an update with LastPass and Zoom. LastPass had a grant to help schools with funding for this year in which 65 schools participated in a group buy. Since the grant will not be continuing into 2025-2026, some schools have declined to participate. During the summer, technology coordinators will be helping districts deploy LastPass. Although some participated in the group buy, not all have utilized the program. Most districts have been using LastPass for their teachers and staff, next year, 2 districts will be deploying LastPass to the senior class. The current statewide security score is 39%, Director Ellsworth's goal is to reach 45% statewide. There are districts in the state that have signed 3-year agreements with other companies and have backed out within the first year and turned to ESU 7 and LastPass. During the Zoom update, Director Ellsworth shared there is more than just video conferencing. ESU 7 will be converting to Zoom phones. This allows each and every staff member a designated phone number and extension where they can receive phone calls wherever they are, even when they are not by their desk phone. For example, when a Professional Development Coordinator or Special Education Coordinator are on the road or in a school district, they are able to receive a phone call. The app can be on their cell phone, laptop, iPad or any other device. This also allows Special Education Staff to keep their personal cell phone numbers private when needing to contact parents, call or text. Board member Beth Kabes asked if this new avenue eliminates the physical desk phone in the offices. Director Ellsworth stated yes except the main secretarial staff. Board member Beth Kabes asked if staff would be required to download the app on their personal cell phones. Director Ellsworth clarified that staff do not have to use their personal cellphones; Zoom can be used only on their ESU 7 issued devices. Upcoming things at ESU 7 include summer hours beginning May 19, 2025, the 5th Annual Administrator's Golf Tournament, All Staff meeting, New Leader Lunch & Learn and the July Executive Committee Meeting. |
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9.1. Goal Update
Speaker(s):
Administrator or Designee
Rationale:
Goals - Attached for your Review
Goal 1: By July 2025, the ESU 7 board will have advertised for a Chief Administrator, completed the initial process, sent a contract, hired and Chief Administrator, made the announcement, and begun the onboarding process.
Goal 3: By July 2025, the ESU 7 board will attend the corresponding school district board meetings at least once every two years to report the tailored services provided by ESU 7 and the outcomes measured.
Attachments:
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Goals:
Discussion:
No new updates.
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9.2. Services Update
Speaker(s):
Administrator or Designee
Rationale:
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Discussion:
Administrator Elmshaeuser stated the service participants and hours are low this year compared to the previous two years. There will be some investigation done.
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9.3. Facilities Update
Speaker(s):
Administrator or Designee
Rationale:
The Administrator will provide a facilities update during this item
Goals:
Discussion:
Final sign off on the HVAC system has not been completed, and the concrete has been poured to the DOAS unit. Director Ellsworth still needs training on the system. The Bridges remodel is still waiting for sidewalk and exit sign installation before final sign off. The sidewalk will be completed with the playground construction. Once equipment is ordered for the playground, it will take 8-10 weeks to receive. The playground will not be complete for the first day of school.
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9.4. Personnel
Speaker(s):
Administrator or designee
Rationale:
New Hire:
- Iriana Medel, Bridges Paraprofessional. Start date April 25, 2025. Resignation: - Kassidy Hiesterman, Bridges Paraprofessional. Last day May 20, 2025. - Jade Purkerson, Learning Academy Paraprofessional. Last day May 20, 2025. |
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9.4.1. Title IC Education Program Summer Work Agreements
Speaker(s):
Administrator or designee
Rationale:
2025 Summer Program
The Title I, Part C Education Program (TIC) will have summer enrichment programs during the months of June and July. The Learning Academy, Cen7ter, and Bridges will host our students from the regional ESU 7 TIC area. Other communities where TIC staff will provide summer activities to students include: O'Neill, Ainsworth, Firth, Beatrice, Dorchester, and Nebraska City. The following 2025 summer staff are recommended for employment. ESU 7 Summer Staff: Harriet Nalumansi
Sherry Olney
Iriana Medel
Anne Baptiste
Iris Medina Gonzalez
Michael Baptiste
Maria Bonilla
Barbara Raya
Cory Waite Cindy Lorentzen
Susan Doehling
Shanda Hall
Meghan Wolfe
Lorena Miya
Nichole Flynn
Isabelle Short Gomez District Reimbursement: Twin River - Tina Reeg Madison - TBD 2 paraeducators/drivers
Discussion:
All contracts have been sent out for the summer program, not all contracts have been returned yet.
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9.5. 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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Discussion:
Core service dollars have been cut in the proposed budget by the Governor. ESU 7 is not affected as ESU 7 does not receive Core service dollars due to our current levy funding.
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10. Committee Reports
Speaker(s):
Committee Chair
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10.1. Budget Committee Report
Speaker(s):
Budget Committee Chair
Rationale:
Reports of Budget Committee activities and discussion will take place during this item.
Committee Recommendation:
Discussion:
Budget Committee Chair Dawn Lindsley stated the budget committee will have 4 meetings. The first meeting reviewed general funds. Next month we will review Special Education and building improvement. August will be grants and other final changes and updates. Literacy budget is a new line item for Literacy funds that will be received to hire a Regional Literacy Coach. There is an increase in the Professional Development budget for a staff member's salary and benefits have been funded through a grant. This is a placeholder in case ESU 7 does not receive the grant for the 2025-26 school year. The administration budget has also increased due to the 24-25 budget being an interm and 80% contract to a full-time administrator beginning in July.
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10.2. Administrator Evaluation Committee Report
Speaker(s):
Administrator Evaluation Committee Chair
Rationale:
A report of activities from the Administrator Evaluation Committee will be given during this item.
Evaluation Timeline: - August: Evaluation Committee Chair and Administrator review Evaluation Tool and Evaluation Policy/Procedures. - March: Full Board is provided a paper copy of the evaluation questions. - April: Administrator sends digital evaluation and evaluation resources to the Evaluation Committee Chair in the first week of April. The chair then forwards on to the full Board for completion by April Board Meeting. Board will send their completed evaluation tool to the Evaluation Committee prior to the April Board Meeting. Administrator completes Evaluation Tool as self-assessment and sends it to Evaluation Chair on or before April 30th. - May: The Committee Chair will send the completed Administrator self-assessment to the full Board after May 1. Evaluation Committee compiles results of full Board completed evaluations prior to the May Board Meeting. - June: Evaluation Committee meets prior to June Board Meeting to review with the Administrator the results of evaluation. Report to full Board in June Board Meeting following Closed Session requirements with Administrator present. Committee Recommendation:
Attachments:
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Discussion:
The evaluation Committee will meet in June with Administrator Elmshaeuser. A report to full board will be at the June meeting.
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10.3. Handbook Committee Update
Speaker(s):
Handbook Committee Chairperson
Rationale:
Staff and Student Handbook Committee to meet in May and June. Committee to make a recommendation to the board in the June Board Meeting. May meeting is scheduled for May 20, 2025 at 1:00 pm.
Committee Recommendation: |
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11. Conference Report
Speaker(s):
Conference Attendees
Rationale:
Conference Attendees will report on their learnings.
Goals:
Discussion:
No conferences to report out.
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12. Adjournment
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Discussion:
Board President Doug Pauley adjourned the meeting at 6:43 pm.
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