February 9, 2026 at 12:00 PM - Board of Education Regular Meeting

Rationale: 

Mission Statement:

Gothenburg Public Schools is the cornerstone of a proud, passionate, and progressive community where students and staff thrive in a positive and innovative environment.  We ensure the growth of all individuals by inspiring them to own and maximize their potential.

A copy of the open meetings law is posted on the wall of the Board Room and is available to the public.

Rationale: 

The Board reserves the right to rearrange the order of items as needed.

This meeting was legally advertised in the Gothenburg Leader on [insert date], in accordance with state requirements.  A copy of the Request for Publication and Proof of Publication will be linked in the electronic minutes once the Proof of Publication is available.

Rationale:  Today's presentation is by our 5th & 6th Grade Math Olympiad Team:

Rationale: 

Board Policy 2009 - Opportunity for Public Expression.  
(A copy of the policy is linked here.)

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

INSTRUCTIONS FOR MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHO WISH TO SPEAK: This is the portion of the meeting when members of the public may speak to the board about matters of public concern.  

• Getting Started: Before the meeting begins, anyone wishing to address the board must sign in with their name, address, and any organizations they are representing. When recognized, please stand and state your name. 

• Time Limit:  The board will generally allow a total of 30 minutes for the presentation of all public comments.  Individuals may speak only one time, and must limit comments to 5 minutes.  If there are more than 6 individuals who wish to address the board, the 30 minutes will be divided equally between the number of speakers.   These time limits may be changed by a majority vote of the board members in attendance to extend the time for a specific item or speaker. 

• Personnel or Student Topic:  If you are planning to speak about a personnel or a student matter involving an individual, please understand that the district has a complaint policy and/or procedures to resolve such complaints and concerns.  The Board requests that you follow the policy and procedures before addressing these matters with the Board.  Board members will generally not respond to any questions you ask or comments about individual staff members or students.  

• General Rules: This is a public meeting for the conduct of business.  Comments from the audience while others are speaking will not be tolerated.  Lewd, obscene, profane, slanderous, threatening and hostile conduct or statements and fighting words (words whose mere utterance entails a call to violence) will not be tolerated. 

• No Action by the Board:  The board will not act on any matter unless it is on the published agenda. 

Rationale: 

1. Approval of Previous Minutes

2. Approval of the Treasurer's Report

3. Approval of the Warrants / Bills

  a.  Petty Cash

  b.  Student Activity

  c.  Hot Lunch

  d.  Bank Statement

  e.  Summary of Accounts and Receipts

  f.  Monthly Expenditure Report

  g. Check Journal

4. Excuse Absent Board Members

 

Rationale:  The following retirements have been received:

The following resignations have been received:

Rationale: 

• Mrs. Abigail Klemmensen, 7-12 Art
  • Mrs. Klemmensen joins us from Osceola, where she has taught K-12 art for the past three years. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Art Education from Wayne State College. Originally from Broken Bow, Mrs. Klemmensen and her husband are excited to make Gothenburg home!
• Mr. Riley Freeland, P.E. & Head Football Coach
  • Mr. Freeland joins us from Lake Havasu High School in Arizona, where he has taught physical education and served as the offensive coordinator for the past two years. He also brings five years of football coaching experience at the collegiate level. A graduate of Concordia University, Coach Freeland and his family are excited to return to "The Good Life."

Rationale:  A tentative agreement was reached through the negotiation process. The Gothenburg Education Association has ratified the proposed agreement.

The proposed agreement recommends a $450 increase to the base and an additional step to the MA+27 and MA+36 columns. The projected overall increase in total compensation is 3.34%. Total compensation includes applicable health insurance through the Educators Health Alliance, which saw rates increase by approximately 7.25% from 2025-2026 rates. 

Overall, our district will spend approximately $225,000 more on wages for instructional staff next year.

Our goal is to remain as close to 3% as possible while still remaining competitive with districts in our array with regards to both recruitment and retention. This year's ratified agreement accomplishes this goal.  A big thanks to the negotiations team for their work on this matter.

Rationale:  The Gothenburg administrative team is an outstanding professional group of leaders.  District #20 will continue to benefit from their leadership.  The Personnel Committee is proposing a compensation package for administrative staff that reflects an overall increase in total compensation of 3.34% for administrative staff. Administrative compensation is based upon comparability with schools of similar size and who are located within a similar geographic area.  Total compensation used in the comparison includes applicable health insurance through the Educators Health Alliance which saw rates increase 7.25% from this year's rates.

Rationale:  The Superintendent currently has a two-year contract that expires on June 30, 2027.  At this time, the board will discuss and consider a motion to update the contract as presented.

Rationale: 

The Impact Center Facilities Agency met on Monday, January 26, for its regularly scheduled meeting. Two items from that meeting require follow-up action by the Gothenburg Board of Education:

1. Board Appointment Recommendation
   Following a recent board member resignation, the Facilities Agency is recommending the appointment of Landen Haake to the Impact Center Board of Directors. A strong and highly qualified pool of candidates was considered. After thorough discussion and careful review, with input from both the Impact Center Board and the Management Committee, Mr. Haake was selected as the recommended appointee. This appointment is contingent upon approval by both the Gothenburg Board of Education and the Gothenburg City Council.

2. By-Laws Amendment
   The Facilities Agency is also recommending an amendment to the Impact Center by-laws to allow the annual report to be presented in August rather than June. This adjustment aligns the reporting timeline more effectively with the transition to the new school year and provides greater continuity and clarity in annual reporting.

Rationale:  Mrs. Josie Floyd & Mr. Seth Ryker have prepared their annual Multicultural Education Reports.

• Elementary Multicultural Summary
• Jr/Sr High Multicultural Summary

Rationale:  All teachers were given an opportunity to provide feedback on this proposed calendar.  In addition, there are a few items on here that have been thoughtfully considered in response to teacher feedback.

• The school year will begin on August 19, with semester structure decisions guided by teacher input through Mr. Ryker’s Leadership Council.

• Students will have a full two-week Christmas break and a full week of Spring Break, reflecting strong staff preference.

• Thoughtful feedback — we reviewed themes such as conference timing, state tournament travel, and post-break work days, and will continue using input to guide future calendar planning.

This calendar includes TWO extra days (this year was three) for things like snow days, cold days, and state activities that require dismissal.  The proposed calendar includes 173 student days (the same as this year) and 14 staff days - which totals 187 days (2 more than contracted).

As a first reading, there is no action needed.  There is no "perfect solution" to a calendar, but I would encourage any parents who have feedback to please reach out to me directly.  

Rationale: 

Committee Reports (Chair in bold)

1.  Personnel Committee (Mr. Fornoff, Mrs. Terrell, Mrs. Brass)
2. Transportation and Facilities (Mr. Dalrymple, Mr. Sukraw, Mrs. Jobman)
3. Finance (Mrs. Jobman, Mr. Dalrymple, Mrs. Brass)
4. Committee on American Civics (Mrs. Terrell, Mr. Fornoff, Mr. Sukraw)
5. Policy Review (Mrs. Brass, Mr. Dalrymple, Mrs. Jobman)

 

Rationale: 

Rationale:  Last Month: Discussion to move from Monday, March 9th (Spring Break) to the THIRD Monday, March 16th.

Swede Activities:
No Activities