August 18, 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:
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.
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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.
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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. 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.
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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 #80034 through #80175 totaling $1,074,216.43
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
The summary of bills for the current month total: $1,074,216.43 - Bills #80034 through #80175 General Activity Fund total: No Activity
This is a consent item.
Attachments:
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5.3. Presentation of Bills #80176 through #80343 totaling $1,052,776.96
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
The summary of bills for the current month total: $1,052,776.96 - Bills #80176 through #80343 General Activity Fund total: $7,772.58
Attachments:
()
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5.4. Reading of Article IV, Section 10, G Professional Evaluations
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
This is a consent item.
Attachments:
()
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5.5. Reading of Article IV, Section 10, I Reduction in Force
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
This is a consent item.
Attachments:
()
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5.6. Reading of Article IV, Section 10, J Request for Release
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
This is a consent item.
Attachments:
()
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5.7. Reading of Article IV, Section 11, A Classified and non-Certificated Employees Defined
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
This is a consent item.
Attachments:
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5.8. Reading of Article IV, Section 11, B "At Will" Status
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
This is a consent item.
Attachments:
()
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5.9. Mileage Reimbursement Rate
Speaker(s):
Board President or designee
Rationale:
There has been no change to the IRS mileage rate as of August 1, 2025. The current rate set in January is $0.70 a 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. This is a consent item. |
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5.10. Disposal of Inventory
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
This is a consent item.
Attachments:
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5.11. Excess Lodging and Meals
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
Excess Lodging and Meals:
This is a consent item. |
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5.12. 2025-2026 Nebraska Rural Community Schools Association (NRCSA) Dues
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
The Nebraska Rural Community Schools Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to serving the needs of rural schools and communities. Since 1981, NRCSA has been committed to protecting the well-being of public education and implementing its mission of providing quality education for all children. NRCSA is an Association consisting of 195 school districts and ESU's in Nebraska working together to support and promote quality educational programs for students in rural Nebraska. Through its members NRCSA serves the interests of over 75,000 children in 88 counties and 24 legislative districts.
Attachments:
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5.13. 2025-2026 Contract for Amy Richards, Professional Development Coordinator - Early Childhood Specialist
Speaker(s):
Board President or designee
Rationale:
This is a consent item.
Attachments:
()
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5.14. 2025-2026 Contract for Brandy Thompson, Professional Development Career Academy Coordinator
Speaker(s):
Board President or designee
Rationale:
This is a consent item.
Attachments:
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5.15. 2025-2026 Contract for Brooke Kavan, Professional Development Coordinator
Speaker(s):
Board President or designee
Rationale:
This is a consent item.
Attachments:
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5.16. 2025-2026 Contract for Brooke Koliha, Professional Development Coordinator
Speaker(s):
Board President or designee
Rationale:
This is a consent item.
Attachments:
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5.17. 2025-2026 Contract for Cynthia Alarcon, Grant Coordinator
Speaker(s):
Board President or designee
Rationale:
This is a consent item.
Attachments:
()
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5.18. 2025-2026 Contract for Dan Ellsworth, Network Operations Director
Speaker(s):
Board President or designee
Rationale:
This is a consent item.
Attachments:
()
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5.19. 2025-2026 Contract for Ernie Valentine, Professional Development Coordinator
Speaker(s):
Board President or designee
Rationale:
This is a consent item.
Attachments:
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5.20. 2025-2026 Contract for Kendra Gustafson, Professional Development Coordinator
Speaker(s):
Board President or designee
Rationale:
This is a consent item.
Attachments:
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5.21. 2025-2026 Contract for Marci Haight, Grant Coordinator
Speaker(s):
Board President or designee
Rationale:
This is a consent item.
Attachments:
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5.22. 2025-2026 Contract for Mark Brady, Professional Development Coordinator
Speaker(s):
Board President or designee
Rationale:
This is a consent item.
Attachments:
()
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5.23. 2025-2026 Contract for Martha (Vanessa) Gascon-Guarcas, MEP Education Liaison
Speaker(s):
Board President or designee
Rationale:
This is a consent item.
Attachments:
()
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5.24. 2025-2026 Contract for Michelle Olson, Grant Writer
Speaker(s):
Board President or designee
Rationale:
This is a consent item.
Attachments:
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5.25. 2025-2026 Contract for Otis Pierce, Professional Development Coordinator
Speaker(s):
Board President or designee
Rationale:
This is a consent item.
Attachments:
()
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5.26. 2025-2026 Contract for Richard Stuart, Information Technology Specialist
Speaker(s):
Board President or designee
Rationale:
This is a consent item.
Attachments:
()
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5.27. 2025-2026 Contract for Stephanie Johnson, ASD Behavior Specialist
Speaker(s):
Board President or designee
Rationale:
This is a consent item.
Attachments:
()
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5.28. 2025-2026 Contract for Travis Kassing, Network & Computer Systems Engineer
Speaker(s):
Board President or designee
Rationale:
This is a consent item.
Attachments:
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6. August 2025 Board Spotlight - ESU 7 101
Speaker(s):
Chief Administrator
Rationale:
Chief Administrator Marci Ostmeyer will give the board a short overview of ESU 7.
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7. June and July 2025 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:
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8. Budgeting for additional 1% Budget Authority
Speaker(s):
Board President or designee
Rationale:
Nebraska Statute allows an additional 1% in budgeted property tax asking requiring an affirmative vote of 75% of the governing body for approval. These additional budget authority dollars remain critical as we continue to operate with the one and a half cent levy, no state aid funding for 2025-2026, and spending restrictions for the upcoming years. In the event valuations change or additional funding becomes available, this action will allow ESU 7 additional budget authority to access those dollars. Administrator Recommendation: Discuss, consider and take all necessary action to approve the additional 1% in budgeted tax asking.
Recommended Motion(s):
Discuss, consider and take all necessary action to approve the additional 1% in budgeted tax asking Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
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9. Administrator's Report General
Speaker(s):
Administrator or Designee
Rationale:
Attachments:
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9.1. Goal Update
Speaker(s):
Administrator or Designee
Rationale:
Goals - Attached for your Review
Attachments:
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9.2. Services Update
Speaker(s):
Administrator or Designee
Rationale:
Attachments:
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9.3. Facilities Update
Speaker(s):
Administrator or Designee
Rationale:
The Administrator will provide a facilities update during this item
No Goals have been added to the system (or to this Agenda Item).
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9.4. Personnel
Speaker(s):
Administrator or designee
Rationale:
Retiring: Darlene Rodriguez, Title IC Education Program Recruiter. Last Day, August 31, 2025 Resignations: Nathalie Vargas, Title IC Education Program Service Provider. Last Day, August 20, 2025 Adi Perez, Title IC Education Program Recruiter. Last Day, August 22, 2025 Kim Ruger, Print Shop Personnel. Last Day, August 29, 2025 New Hires: Abby Wurdeman, Bridges Paraprofessional. First Day, August 11, 2025 Kinsey Staab Cavalli, Bridges Paraprofessional. First Day, August 11, 2025 Meagan Stiffler, Vision Paraprofessional. First Day, August 11, 2025 Tanley Miller, Bridges Paraprofessional. First Day, August 11, 2025 Maria (Luz Duran) Pierce, Print Shop Personnel. First Day, August 18, 2025 |
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9.4.1. Personnel - 2025-2026 Contracts
Speaker(s):
Administrator or designee
Rationale:
2025-2026 Contracts offered and authorized by the Chief Administrator for the following staff:
- Abel (Josh) Arias, Title IC Education Program Service Provider - Alexus Hitz, District Technology Coordinator - Ana Garcia, Title IC Education Program Service Provider - Angie Arndt, Department Secretary - Angie Olson, Production Personnel - Carolyn Koch, Bookkeeper - Chris Chvala, Computer Support Specialist - Cindy Wieser, Department Secretary - Devon Gronenthal, District Technology Coordinator - Elizabeth Lawrence, Department Secretary - Emma Moore, Technology Intern - Jan Marie Locket, Receptionist/Administrative Secretary - Janet Ciboron, Production Personnel - Jason Trotter, District Technology Coordinator - Jeremiah Salyard, District Technology Coordinator - Kris Johnson, Brailist - Larry Shefcyk, Custodian/Maintenance - Linda Shefcyk, Business Manager - Maria Rodriguez-Borquez, Title IC Education Program Recruiter - Mayra Garcia, Title IC Education Program Department Secretary - Morgan Morsett, Executive Secretary - Susan Olmer, Bookkeeper - Yaribey Rodriguez, Title IC Education Program Service Provider - The Title IC Education Program Department will hire school tutors throughout the year as necessary as classified following the Title IC Education Grant regulations |
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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.
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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:
The Budget Committee Chairperson will provide an update.
Committee Recommendation: |
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10.2. Buildings and Grounds Committee Report
Speaker(s):
Buildings and Grounds Committee Chair
Rationale:
The Buildings and Grounds Committee Chairperson will provide an update.
Committee Recommendation: |
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10.3. Administrator Evaluation Committee Report
Speaker(s):
Administrator Evaluation Committee Chair
Rationale:
Evaluation Committee Chair Marni Danhauer met with Chief Administrator Ostmeyer on August 7, 2025 to review the Evaluation Tool and Evaluation Policy/Procedures.
Evaluation Timeline Proposal: - August: Evaluation Committee Chair and Administrator review Evaluation Tool and Evaluation Policy/Procedures. - September: Full Board is provided a paper copy of the evaluation questions. - October: Administrator sends digital evaluation and evaluation resources to the Evaluation Committee Chair in the first week of October. The chair then forwards on to the full Board for completion by the October Board Meeting. The Board will send their completed evaluation tool to the Evaluation Committee prior to the October Board Meeting. The Administrator completes the Evaluation Tool as a self-assessment and sends it to the Evaluation Committee Chair on or before October 31. - November: Committee Chair will send the completed Administrator self-assessment to the full Board after November 1. The Evaluation Committee compiles results of the full Board's completed evaluations prior to the November Board Meeting. - December: The Evaluation Committee meets prior to the December Board Meeting to review with the Administrator the results of the evaluation. Report to the full Board in December Board Meeting following Closed Session requirements with the Administrator present. - January: Confirm Evaluation Committee members. The Administrator provides the Evaluation Committee with goals and shares with the Board at the January Board Meeting. Committee Recommendation:
Attachments:
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11. Conference Report
Speaker(s):
Conference Attendees
Rationale:
Conference Attendees will report on their learnings.
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12. Adjournment
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
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