March 9, 2026 at 6:00 PM - Regular Board Meeting

Rationale:  It is 6:00 PM, and I now call to order the Crete Public Schools Board of Education Meeting.  This is the March 2026 regular meeting. Notice of this meeting has been advertised in the Crete Newspaper, which is the District's designated method of giving notice of these meetings.

We want those in attendance to know that copies of the Open Meetings Act are available at the entrance to the Board Room. If anyone in attendance is interested in addressing our Board, you are welcome to do so. We simply request that you complete the appropriate form and turn it in to us now so that you may be recognized during the Public Forum part of our meeting. These forms are also located by the entry doors of this room.

Ms. Banos will you please call the roll.

Rationale:  Pledge of Allegiance I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. 

Rationale:  Crete Public Schools embraces challenges with high expectations. By prioritizing engagement, collaboration, and effective communication, we empower students, staff, and families with opportunities to learn and grow, enriching their lives and our community.

Rationale:  This brings us to the Public Forum part of our meeting. During the Public Forum:

1. Each individual addressing the Board will be allowed 5 minutes. The Board of Education has the prerogative to limit speaking to 3 minutes when there are three or more patrons to allow all speakers an opportunity to address the Board in a timely manner.
2. We will not engage in dialogue with patrons presenting to the Board.
3. The Board president and superintendent will identify staff to follow-up on the information requested from patrons.
4. The Board president may share a statement on behalf of the Board when addressing a major issue in the district.

Is there anyone here that would like to address the Board during the Public Forum?

Rationale:  The first item on the agenda tonight is the Consent Agenda.  The Consent Agenda to be approved is as follows: Minutes from the Previous Month's Meeting, Claims as Submitted, Bid Proposals as Submitted, Staff Adjustments as Submitted, Treasurer's Report as Submitted, Policy First Read, and Policy Final Read.

Rationale:  Neb. Rev. Stat. § 79-3305 now requires an annual "computer science and technology education status report" to the School Board.  The deadline to complete the first report is December 1, 2026. 

Rationale:  Bidding Construction Projects.  Neb. Rev. Stat. § 81-3445 requires the State Board of Engineers and Architects to adjust the threshold for architects or engineers on construction projects. The Board adjusted this amount to $144,000, which is now reflected in Policy 3540. 

Rationale:  Under the new law, before the 2026-2027 school year begins, every public school district must adopt a Board Policy that: 1. Requires a "catalog" of all books in the school district's library.  The "catalog" must be categorized by school building and accessible for viewing by a student’s educational decisionmaker; and 2. Allows educational decisionmakers to be notified when their student checks out a book from the school library, including the book’s name, author, and due date. 

Rationale:  Asthma, Anaphylaxis and Allergic Reaction Protocol.  Neb. Rev. Stat. § 79-227 requires each Board to adopt an anaphylaxis policy by July 1, 2026.  The anaphylaxis policy must also be included in the Student Handbook, beginning in the 2026-2027 school year.  In addition, DHHS issued a new guidance document for anaphylaxis that does not need to be adopted into Board Policy but can be shared with your staff.  

Rationale:  Bids and Contracts.  Neb. Rev. Stat. § 73-106 requires the State Board of Education to adjust the bidding threshold once every five years.  The State Board adjusted this amount to $136,000, which is now reflected in Policy 7050. 

Rationale:  Approve the purchase of Audio Enhancement for the Middle School and to complete the Elementary School.

Rationale:  Approve the purchase of a CNC Milling Machine

Rationale:  Robotics to Council Bluffs
World Language Club to Kansas City

Rationale:  The next BOE meeting will be on