February 9, 2026 at 7:00 PM - Board of Education Regular Meeting

Rationale: 

1.  Review monthly bills using the EMeetings Software.

2.  Review all credit card transactions for the month

3.  Finance Committee Members Sign-off on the review of monthly bills, credit card transactions, and district fund balances.

4.  Approve superintendent's expenses

5.  Lunch Fund Review-Monthly Lunch Fund Balance Worksheet Attached

6.  General Fund Review-Monthly General Fund Balance Worksheet Attached

7.  Payroll Ledger Review

8.  Insurance Billing Review

9.  ACH Payroll Review

10.  Transfers and Interfund Loan Report - No activity this month.

11.  Line of Credit with Town & Country Bank - Completed application has been submitted.

12.  Balance & Levy Projections Worksheet Update - Attached is the updated balance and levy projections worksheet 

13.  State Aid - Will increase by about $5,000 from $612,177 to $617,153

14.  Budget Authority for 2026-27 Budget - $6,792,036 up from $6,464,945 in 2025-26.




 

Rationale:  Mrs. Bruning plans to retire at the end of the 2026-27 school year.

Rationale:  The school has slowly been replacing the welders in the welding lab using CTE Grant dollars.  Also, Mr. Lewandowski is cleaning out obsolete equipment to prepare for moving into his new classroom, once the construction is complete.  He would ask that two welders and a CNC cutting system that are no longer used be declared for surplus for immediate sale or disposal.

Rationale:  Mrs. Maulsby has some more books to declare as surplus for immediate sale or disposal.  The list of books is attached.

Rationale:  Ms. Drahota will be in to talk about her new position with the school district and how she is provding LMHP Services to students.

Rationale:  Sam Lyions is the artist of the month for February.

Rationale: 

Members of the Public, 

This is the portion of the board meeting when we invite anyone in attendance to address the board of education. If you would like to speak to the board regarding any of the items on tonight's agenda or a public concern, now is your opportunity to do so.  Please review the orange sheet (found on the visitors' chairs) of paper that contains the guidelines for public participation.  If you wish to speak to the board at this time, please let me know.  "Would anyone like to address the board at this time?"

 

AFTER THE PERSON(S) INDICATE(S) THEY WISH TO SPEAK

1.  Please stand and state your name?

2.  What topic will you be speaking on?

3.  Are there others in the room who wish to speak to the same topic? (If so, ask that they be recognized so that 30 minutes of time for public comment can be apportioned as per the policy-5 minutes per person).

4.  Optional-"Please understand that public comment is your opportunity to speak to the board and present your concerns, thoughts, feelings, ideas, and observations.  Members of the board are happy to hear from members of the public, but the board will not engage in conversation or dialogue with you during public comment."

4.  "You'll have approximately 5 minutes to address the board, as we allow 5 minutes per person and a total of 30 minutes for public comment.  You may begin when you are ready?"

 

 

 

Rationale: 


 

Rationale:  A draft of the revised Policy 6037 was shared with board members at the Regular January Board Meeting.

Rationale: 

The Ravenna Board of Education is supposed to appoint members to the Board of Directors for the Ravenna Public School's Foundation at its February Board Meeting.  Each year, we review this information together, so that the board is in a good position in February to make any needed appointments.

Superintendent  (Lifetime Ex-Officio Non-Voting Member)

The "By-Laws of Ravenna Public School Foundation" (see attached) call for the Ravenna Board of Education to appoint the board members.  The purpose of this agenda item is to review the current board appointments, to track the length of the board members' appointments on an annual basis, and to establish a plan to revisit these appointments for review by the board on an annual basis. 

Board Members may serve no more than four consecutive terms:

Board members=2 year term x 4 terms max=8 years

Other appointed members=3 year term x 4 terms max=12 years


Current RPS Foundation Board Membership and when each member's term is scheduled to end:
Misti Fiddelke - Term Ends February 1, 2026 (2 yr. term)
Ryan Osten - Term Ends February 1, 2026 (2 yr. term)
Mike Voelker - Term Ends February 1, 2026 (2 yr. term)
Cassie Giffin - Term Ends February 1, 2027 (3 yr. term) - Wishes to get off of the board, before her term ends.
Cindi Coulter -Term Ends February 1, 2026 (3 yr. term)
Dan Schmidt - Term Ends February 1, 2027 (3 yr. term)
Brandy Brodersen - Term Ends February 1, 2027 (3 yr. term)
Jessica Anderson - Term Ends February 1, 2027 (3 yr. term)
Tina Casey - Term Ends February 1, 2028 (3 yr. term) 

 

 

 

 

Rationale:  1.  There has been a request to add a small AD's office to the new portion of the building.  Options for doing so were presented to the board and are attached to this agenda item.  The superintendent would like to know if you'd like for him to proceed with this request or not.

2.  The school's phone system will need updating.  Mr. Huryta will be in to discuss this with the board and to present some options.

3.  Adding cabling trays to the ceiling of the ms/hs hallway would add about $10,000 to the project cost.  Do we want to pursue doing that?

4.  CMU Block should be done by the end of February.

5.  During Spring Break, they will be swinging the steel curbs into place and some other structural steel.

6.  Exterior Brick will arrive in April.

7.  A crack in the wall on the north side of the building (approximately 4' in from the east edge of the boys locker room) was found.  An expansion joint will be installed here.  The crack could be from settling.

8.  The group is encouraging us to think about allowing them early access to a couple of areas of the building, including:
a.  High School Entrance
b.  Elementary School Entrance
c.  Locker Room
d.  Shop Area
e.  Ceilings

9.  Notes from 2-2-26 COA Meeting
Project Updates and Technical Discussions
Lisa Amen provided updates on the installation of rooftop units and the distribution panel for the new electrical room. She mentioned that the switchgear is scheduled to arrive on June 11th, allowing for preparatory work to begin. Additionally, she addressed the need for modifications to door hardware due to high amperage requirements.
* Installation timeline and logistics for switchgear and distribution panel.

Project Updates and Equipment Relocation
Lisa Amen addressed the relocation of a rooftop unit and the associated costs, stressing that any additional expenses should be approved by the School. She also noted the need to move a condensing unit to facilitate construction and mentioned that temporary AC units would be provided for the offices at no cost.

Documentation and Hardware Concerns
Lisa Amen discussed the documentation process for hardware changes, proposing the use of an RFI to maintain clarity in the plans. She highlighted that Architectural Arts' submittal was rejected because it excluded a waterfall feature, and she urged Joseph to double-check the hardware quality, as previous issues had arisen from cheaper options. Amen also mentioned an RFI from J&H regarding the APIS and asked if they should discuss it now.
* Documentation process for hardware changes and RFIs.

Discussion on Soffit Height and Brick Wall Crack
Lisa Amen emphasized the importance of raising the soffit height to accommodate an inch and a half bone, noting that a skin coat could be a secondary option. She pointed out a crack in the existing brick wall and questioned whether it had been present since construction began. The team discussed possible solutions, including the installation of a control joint, while considering the need to inspect the area further.

Project Updates and Moving Preparations
Lisa Amen highlighted the importance of preparing for the move by removing unneeded items and considering storage solutions. She mentioned the urgency of accessing certain areas before the school year ends to allow for early demolition work. Additionally, she noted her discussions with the wood shop teacher about potential access during the last weeks of school.
* Areas needing clearance for upcoming construction work.

Project Updates and Concerns
Lisa Amen addressed the status of several project components, highlighting delays in receiving glass samples and the need for timely approvals to avoid further schedule impacts. She mentioned that a recent email from a contractor required her approval on ceiling tiles, and she expressed concerns about the contractor taking on too much work. Additionally, she noted changes in the budget related to mobilization and surveying costs.
* Status and requirements for glass sample submissions.
* Coordination and planning for owner-provided signs and their installation.

Brick Mock-ups and Color Selections
Lisa Amen addressed the brick mock-ups and color selections, indicating that they are still investigating some aspects and will provide more information soon. She confirmed that the brick has been ordered, but there was confusion regarding the mortar color due to differing samples. Lisa also mentioned her communication with Will about the selected colors and their agreement on the best choice.

Discussion on Expansion Joint Cover and Project Updates
Lisa Amen addressed the issue of the expansion joint cover, proposing alternatives like foam and caulk to maintain the seal. She highlighted the necessity of adding brick and discussed noise complaints from lab personnel. Additionally, she emphasized the importance of keeping a complete set of drawings and updating the project schedule.

Concrete Curing and Flooring Installation Challenges
Lisa Amen raised concerns about the concrete curing process and its implications for flooring installation, particularly regarding the risk of cracking. She mentioned that flooring installers are reluctant to work with cured concrete, leading to potential extra costs for grinding. The team is exploring solutions that would satisfy both the flooring and concrete contractors while adhering to project timelines.


Action Items:

* Lisa Amen will prepare the distribution panel out of the new electrical room into the sprinkler room to address the longer lead times on the switchgear installation.
* Lisa Amen will follow up with the door supplier regarding the panic hardware requirements for the door switch to ensure proper installation.
* Lisa Amen will document the hardware switch with an RFI to keep the hardware specifications clear and updated in the plans.
* Lisa Amen will call the glass supplier again to inquire about the lead time for new glass samples to ensure they are received promptly.
* Lisa Amen will contact the sign company to initiate the design and drawings for the owner-provided signs to ensure timely installation.


Key Questions:

* What is the timeline for the switchgear installation?
* What is the plan for the door hardware switch?
* How will the hardware switch be documented to avoid confusion in the future?
* What areas need to be cleared for the upcoming work?
* What is the status of the glass sample submission?
 

Rationale:  The school's phone system is becoming obsolete.  By 2027 it will not be operable, so it will need to be replaced.  Dave will be in to discuss some options.

Rationale:  Dave will be in to discuss the possibility of adding cabling trays when the new ceiling tile and grid are installed in the ms/hs hallways.

Rationale:  Each year the board sets the compensation rates for classified staff for the upcoming school year, after settling with teachers for the upcoming school year.  Compensation projections are attached to this agenda item for the boards review and consideration.

Rationale:  As part of our on-going policy review, board members should please review our 1000 & 2000 Series Board Policies in advance of the February Board Meeting.  The superintendent will do the same and provide any suggested revisions to the Board Policy Committee & to the whole board at the February Board Meeting.  It's simply best practice to continually engage in a review of board policies.

These, and all other board policies, are available at: https://meeting.sparqdata.com/Public/Organization/64

Rationale:  As part of our on-going policy review, board members should please review our 3000 Series Board Policies in advance of the March Board Meeting.  The superintendent will do the same and provide any suggested revisions to the Board Policy Committee & to the whole board at the March Board Meeting.  It's simply best practice to continually engage in a review of board policies.

These, and all other board policies, are available at: https://meeting.sparqdata.com/Public/Organization/64

Rationale:  Attached are 3 drafts of school calendar for the 2026-27 school year, prepared by Mr. Anderson for review and consideration by the school board.

Rationale:  Every three years, the school district is required to review its wellness policy.  We review it annually as a board and administrative team; but every three years a committee led by Dan Bolling and Noah Maulsby review the policy and suggest any necessary changes.  A copy of the current policy is attached.  The group met on February 5th to review the policy.

Rationale:  Each year, the board considers compensation for administrators for next year's contract term.  Attached, are the salary studies for the elementary principal, secondary principal, and superintendent.

Rationale: 

Parent-Teacher Attendance

We achieved an 80% attendance rate at this year's Winter Conference. Last year, the rate was 85%, and in 2024, it was 87%.

Book Fair

This year, the book fair generated $2,395 in sales. The school will receive approximately $900. Mrs. Maulsby reported that these funds will be used to replace outdated books in the non-fiction section of the elementary library.

February Professional Development

On February 4, during the professional development day, we addressed the following items:

• Teachers completed the Mid-Year Review of their Teacher Professional Development Plan.
• Teachers conducted a behavior screener (SAEBRS) for each student.
• Elementary staff received professional development on Successmaker, an online component of the new ELA curriculum.
• Teachers conducted a curriculum review to ensure alignment with Nebraska State Standards in content areas.
• The Wellness Committee held its biannual meeting.

YAB Food Drive

Mrs. Lewandowski’s class won the food drive challenge by donating 112 items. The elementary school donated a total of 910 items.

Rationale:  1.  Mr. Dan Bolling has been appointed to the position of Activities Director for the 2026-27 school year.  Please congratulate Dan when you see him.

2.  Vending Machine for Sale - No takers.

3.  Updated "Ravenna Financial Projections Spreadsheet" (As of 2-9-26) is attached.  Right now, based on pretty conservative estimates, it looks like we'll be about $209,000 short for our desired 25% of cash reserve (roughly $2.2 million) for fiscal year 2026-27.  We are only about 1/2 way through the budget cycle, however, so that may change. 

4.  Tiny Toilet (Photos Attached) — I've heard back from one board member regarding moving forward with the tiny toilet.  Do we need to take a field trip to see the tiny toilet?  The estimated cost of creating a tiny toilet is $10,000.

5.  Veteran's Monument - It will probably be about $7,000 to install a metal cap, do the masonry work, and put a sidewalk with flower holders around it.  Do you want me to just get this work scheduled for this summer and pay it out of the Special Building Fund or keep working on donations and doing it as those donations trickle in?

6.  Bus Barn Roof Bids & Insurance Settlement-

7.  Summer Project List-Below is what we are thinking for the next couple of summers:

This Summer:

• Walk-In Cooler Repair-$2,310 (L&M will provide the materials and Dan Cyboron will install the metal, which will be about 1/2 the cost of the other bidder.).  Health Inspector recommends using a diamond plate to go over existing floor and eliminate "sponginess."
• Painting Hallways in JH/SR-$3,757 (Randall's Painting - Pleasanton)
• Ceiling Tile Replacement-$40,500 + ($7,000 for removing  fire devices and reinstalling them by Midwest Alarm & we will need to decide whether to spend $10,000 or not for cable trays.)
• Bus Barn/FFA/Welding Lab Roof Replacement-Insurance is going to cover the cost of the roof.  It will be a metal roof installed by  ??? 
• Pre-School Concrete-Budget Pricing by Shiloh
• Football & Track Stadium Handrails - (Randall's Painting - Pleasanton.)-$1,464
• LED Lighting Replacement in Elementary (Lower Elementary & Elementary Music Room)-$5,000
• Tiny Toilet-$10,000
• Total Estimate: $??? (Bids Received to Date)

Rationale: 

The notice from the Buffalo County Election Commission is attached for review and consideration by the board of education.

The superintendent has completed and submitted the filing for the number of seats to be voted on during the next election by the public with the election commissioner.