October 28, 2025 at 6:00 PM - Board of Education Regular Meeting

Rationale: 

Notice of the time and place of the Lincoln Board of Education meeting was e-mailed to an extensive list of local and regional news media.  A mailing list is maintained at the Lincoln Public Schools District Office.  A public notice was published in the LINCOLN JOURNAL STAR.





The Lincoln Board of Education is empowered to act on any item listed on the Agenda at any time during the meeting, irrespective of the time or order listed. Pages listed, or further detail, are available upon request. The Open Meetings Act requires and the intention of the Board is that agenda items be sufficiently descriptive to give the public reasonable notice of the matters to be considered at the meeting. The Lincoln Board of Education releases its agenda well in advance of most meetings and desires that all interested persons are fully informed. Any interested person who has a question or needs clarification about the sufficiency of a descriptive item should contact the Office of the Superintendent of Schools. The Lincoln Board of Education shall also make available for examination and copying as requested by members of the public, at least one copy of all reproducible written materials to be discussed at the meeting.

Rationale:  The attached minutes are intended to accurately reflect the action of the Board at its previous meetings.

Explanation
The minutes have been prepared for Board approval.

Rationale: 

The Nebraska School Psychologists Association (NSPA) recently honored Lincoln Public Schools psychologist Molly Kuhl with the 2025 Outstanding School Psychologist Award. The state group presents the award to one person each year who showcases exceptional work ethic, dedication and commitment in their school district.

Explanation:

Lincoln Public Schools psychologist Molly Kuhl has been a school psychologist in Nebraska for nearly 20 years and is in her 13th year at LPS. Molly currently helps students at Lakeview Elementary School, Nuernberger Education Center, and Don Sherrill Education Center. 

Through her position, Molly works with multi-tiered system of supports (MTSS) academic support teams, completes functional behavior assessments, and oversees behavior intervention plans at her schools. She also completes special education evaluations and provides mental health services for students.

A colleague wrote: 

"Molly excels at building bridges between students, families and staff, and she approaches even the most difficult conversations with a unique blend of empathy, clarity, and grace. Her ability to navigate complex situations while maintaining a focus on the student’s well-being is a testament to her skill and integrity.

Molly is also a source of strength and mentorship for her colleagues, always willing to lend a helping hand and share her expertise. "This extends to her role in supporting interns and practicum students, where she patiently teaches them best practices and ensures they have a positive, supportive experience as they begin their careers."

Rationale: 

The Board believes public attendance and participation, when appropriate to the business at hand, is beneficial to the work of the Board and models the importance of civic engagement and civil discourse to the community’s children, but it cannot impede the Board from completing the business of the meeting. 

In keeping with Board Policy 8420 and Neb Statute 84-1412(3), the Lincoln Board of Education has established these reasonable regulations to conduct Public Comment::

1. Persons speaking during Public Comment will be called forward individually by the Board Chair to the location identified for such purpose.

2. A time limit of three minutes will be allotted for any speaker unless prior to the beginning of the Public Comment agenda item, the chair sets a different reasonable time frame to be allotted for speakers in order to accommodate the number of persons who have submitted "Record of Appearance" cards. The time limit is per speaker, per meeting and may not be transferred or assigned to other speakers.

3. The chair may endeavor to organize public comment by what agenda items or other issues have been identified as topics by public speakers, adjust for the age of speakers, and/or split the Public Comment agenda item to be conducted in different positions within the Board’s Order of Business. At the discretion of the chair, the speaker may be allotted additional time. Board members may share, address or consider comments from the public during public comment, at the end of public comment or when related business is on the agenda.

4. In order to be called forward to address the Board during Public Comment, each person wishing to speak must obtain a "Record of Appearance" card from staff at the meeting in which they wish to speak. "Record of Appearance" cards are available beginning 30 minutes prior to the scheduled start of the meeting. Those wishing to speak must accurately complete the required sections of the card, and submit it to the appropriate staff member by 15 minutes after the start of the meeting.

5. Individuals will be called forward to speak by name, organization being represented, if applicable, and address. Each individual speaking to the Board will be required to identify himself or herself prior to giving public comment by stating their first and last name and, if applicable, any organization they represent.

6. In cases where more than one person wishes to speak on the same topic, their presentations to the Board may, at the discretion of the chair, be grouped together by topic.

7. If the number of people wishing to speak under the public comment portions of the agenda is large, the chair may rule that a public hearing be scheduled.

8. Persons speaking to the Board during public comment may make printed materials (paper no larger than 8.5 x 11 inches) available to the Board but may not use any other form of media. Public speakers are asked to provide 10 copies of any copies of printed materials presented to the Board.

Persons attending Board meetings and/or speaking to the Board during Public Comment or during a public hearing must follow all requirements established by the Board, as well as all Board, chair and staff directions in order to help maintain the order, proper decorum, safety and security, and the non-disruptive functioning of the Board meeting. These include, but are not limited to the following:

• Abiding by time limits
• Refraining from applauding, cheering, jeering, or engaging in speech that defames any individual(s), or stymies or blocks meeting progress;
• Refraining from the use of audio recordings, video recordings, or any digital still images, posters, signs, costumes, other props and/or photographs
• Refraining from abusive, disruptive or threatening language or gestures, and
• Staying in the areas identified by the Board as reserved for the public.

If at any time persons appearing before the Board do not comply with these or any other Board requirements, it shall be the responsibility of the chair to declare that person or persons out of order and require a change in behavior, delay or recess the meeting, or refuse permission to continue to address the Board, and ultimately may require the person or persons to leave the premises of the Board meeting.

Rationale: 

Rationale: 

The Human Resources Division also includes the Office of Risk Management.  As such, in addition to the Lincoln Board of Education approving all contractual agreements with employees, all employee benefit issues, all personnel actions, and all other matters within the scope of the Human Resources Division, as part of the Human Resources Matters agenda, the Lincoln Board of Education also must approve the settlement of Workers’ Compensation claims, take action on tort claims filed against the district, and take action on all other matters within the scope of the Office of Risk Management.

Explanation:
This report includes routine human resources changes:

a. Certificated Employees:
         Elections - 15
         Re-elect, Same Assign - 3
          Re-Elect, Re-Assign - 1
         Separations - 5

b. Certificated Substitute Employees:
         Elections - 27
         Separations - 2

c.  Classified Employees:
          Elections  - 47
         Change of Status - 2
          Separations - 36

d. Employment of Family Member — 2

e. Lump Sum Settlement - 1

f. Memorandum of Understanding Between Lincoln Public Schools and the Custodial Employees Association for the 2025-2026 Contract Year.

g. Memorandum of Understanding Between Lincoln Public Schools and the Maintenance Employees Association for the 2025-2026 Contract Year.

h. Revised Technician Addendum to the Employee Handbook for the 2025-2026 School year

i. Memorandums of Understanding Between Lincoln Public Schools and  the Lincoln Education Association, the Custodial Employees Associations, Maintenance Employees Association, Lincoln Paraeducators Association and Lincoln Public Schools Association of Office Professionals to Modify 2025-2026 Bargaining Agreements to Update Contact Information for the Districts Title IX Coordinator. 

 

Proposal:
That the Board approve the Human Resources items presented in the attachment(s).*

*The information in the attachment(s) may be protected by privacy legislation until the Board of Education takes action on the staff recommendations.  Therefore, this attachment(s) is not included in agenda materials provided the public and the news media.  Any information in the attachment(s) that is not protected by privacy legislation, however, is available for public inspection from the Associate Superintendent for Human Resources upon request.

That the Board is approving the Human Resources items attached with the information as presented or as on file with official district records and documents relating to each such item, or in such other form as may be approved by the Associate Superintendent for Human Resources, or the Associate Superintendent’s designee, and that the Board hereby authorizes the Associate Superintendent for Human Resources, or the Associate Superintendent’s designee, to transact and complete each such item approved hereby, and to sign, execute, and deliver necessary documents or contracts, and to take or cause to be taken any and all other action as may be necessary to complete each such item of transaction as contemplated, for and on behalf of this school district.

Rationale: 

Rationale:  *The Lincoln Board of Education is empowered to act on any item listed on the Agenda at any time during the meeting, irrespective of the time or order listed. Pages listed, or further detail, are available upon request. The Open Meetings Act requires and the intention of the Board is that agenda items be sufficiently descriptive to give the public reasonable notice of the matters to be considered at the meeting. The Lincoln Board of Education  Board releases its agenda well in advance of most meetings and desires that all interested persons are fully informed. Any interested person who has a question or needs clarification about the sufficiency of a descriptive item should contact the Office of the Superintendent of Schools.

Rationale: 

EducationQuest Foundation awards College Access Grants through a competitive application process every other year. All Nebraska public and private high schools are eligible to apply if approved or accredited to issue a high school diploma. High schools are funded for four years and may use grant funds to develop and support college access activities. Previous College Access Grant recipients may reapply two years from the last year of funding.

While all students at an awarded school are eligible to participate in grant-funded activities, schools must select a minimum target audience of students in grades 9 through 12 who are less likely to go to college without participating in a college access program. The amount each school receives depends on the number of students enrolled, with awards ranging from $2,500 to $20,000.

Explanation:
If awarded, the Bryan Community Program will utilize $2,500 of College Access Grant funds to provide school-based events for students to learn about post-secondary options, as well as to conduct local college visits. The College Access Grant will provide access to information about opportunities that exist locally and across Nebraska for students after high school.  Partners for this project will include the TRIO Educational Talent Search staff at Southeast Community College and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

If awarded, Lincoln Northeast High School will utilize $15,000 of College Access Grant funds to pay for school-based events and speakers to engage students in the possibility of college and career, and bussing and substitute teacher costs for field trips and college visits for Northeast students.  College visits provide students with a tangible experience that allows them to feel a sense of belonging. Depending on the post-secondary institution and its options, Northeast students may embark on specialized visit days tailored to meet their needs.

Proposal
The Board discuss a grant application to EducationQuest Foundation from the LPS Bryan Community Program for $2,500 and Northeast High School for $15,000.  No matching funds are required.
 

Rationale: 

Rationale:  The Nebraska Department of Water, Energy, and Environment has invited applications for the 2026 Waste Reduction and Recycling Incentive, Litter Reduction and Recycling, and Scrap Tire programs. The purpose of these grant-funded programs is to support activities that reduce litter and waste and promote recycling in Nebraska.

Explanation:
If awarded, the Lincoln Public Schools Sustainability Department would use grant funds for supplies, equipment and personnel costs required to maintain and enhance sustainable waste management practices across LPS. This includes all districtwide efforts to reduce waste and recycle or compost as much material as possible.  New or additional activities that would be funded through this grant include school and community outreach, such as presenting to kindergarten classes during the Garbology unit in Science, additional signage and recycling bins at athletic venues to divert concession waste and increase awareness, and standardizing waste bins in schools to save time and the cost of plastic bags for custodial staff.

Cash and non-cash matching funds are not required when applying for a Waste or Litter grant but are a consideration in the scoring criteria on the application. As such, to ensure a higher score, LPS will reflect general funds that support an existing contract for compost hauling as matching funds.

Proposal
That the Board approve a Waste and Litter grant application from Lincoln Public Schools to the Nebraska Department of Water, Energy, and Environment for approximately $131,000. 

Rationale: 

Rationale:  October 30: TCA Anniversary Open House, 4:30-6:30 pm, TCA

November 3: Board Fall Retreat, 5:00 pm, Piedmont Bistro

November 5: Chamber Coffee, 8:00 am, Chamber Office

November 11:

• Special Board Meeting, 4:30 pm, SJDLC
• Regular Board Meeting, 6:00 pm, SJDLC

Rationale: 

The Board believes public attendance and participation, when appropriate to the business at hand, is beneficial to the work of the Board and models the importance of civic engagement and civil discourse to the community’s children, but it cannot impede the Board from completing the business of the meeting. 

In keeping with Board Policy 8420 and Neb Statute 84-1412(3), the Lincoln Board of Education has established these reasonable regulations to conduct Public Comment::

1. Persons speaking during Public Comment will be called forward individually by the Board Chair to the location identified for such purpose.

2. A time limit of three minutes will be allotted for any speaker unless prior to the beginning of the Public Comment agenda item, the chair sets a different reasonable time frame to be allotted for speakers in order to accommodate the number of persons who have submitted "Record of Appearance" cards. The time limit is per speaker, per meeting and may not be transferred or assigned to other speakers.

3. The chair may endeavor to organize public comment by what agenda items or other issues have been identified as topics by public speakers, adjust for the age of speakers, and/or split the Public Comment agenda item to be conducted in different positions within the Board’s Order of Business. At the discretion of the chair, the speaker may be allotted additional time. Board members may share, address or consider comments from the public during public comment, at the end of public comment or when related business is on the agenda.

4. In order to be called forward to address the Board during Public Comment, each person wishing to speak must obtain a "Record of Appearance" card from staff at the meeting in which they wish to speak. "Record of Appearance" cards are available beginning 30 minutes prior to the scheduled start of the meeting. Those wishing to speak must accurately complete the required sections of the card, and submit it to the appropriate staff member by 15 minutes after the start of the meeting.

5. Individuals will be called forward to speak by name, organization being represented, if applicable, and address. Each individual speaking to the Board will be required to identify himself or herself prior to giving public comment by stating their first and last name and, if applicable, any organization they represent.

6. In cases where more than one person wishes to speak on the same topic, their presentations to the Board may, at the discretion of the chair, be grouped together by topic.

7. If the number of people wishing to speak under the public comment portions of the agenda is large, the chair may rule that a public hearing be scheduled.

8. Persons speaking to the Board during public comment may make printed materials (paper no larger than 8.5 x 11 inches) available to the Board but may not use any other form of media. Public speakers are asked to provide 10 copies of any copies of printed materials presented to the Board.

Persons attending Board meetings and/or speaking to the Board during Public Comment or during a public hearing must follow all requirements established by the Board, as well as all Board, chair and staff directions in order to help maintain the order, proper decorum, safety and security, and the non-disruptive functioning of the Board meeting. These include, but are not limited to the following:

• Abiding by time limits
• Refraining from applauding, cheering, jeering, or engaging in speech that defames any individual(s), or stymies or blocks meeting progress;
• Refraining from the use of audio recordings, video recordings, or any digital still images, posters, signs, costumes, other props and/or photographs
• Refraining from abusive, disruptive or threatening language or gestures, and
• Staying in the areas identified by the Board as reserved for the public.

If at any time persons appearing before the Board do not comply with these or any other Board requirements, it shall be the responsibility of the chair to declare that person or persons out of order and require a change in behavior, delay or recess the meeting, or refuse permission to continue to address the Board, and ultimately may require the person or persons to leave the premises of the Board meeting.

Rationale: 

Explanation
At this point, it is appropriate for the Board to meet in closed session for one of the stated matters and/or any other permissible closed session matters in compliance with the law.

Rationale:  The Lincoln Board of Education is authorized by state statute to hold closed sessions.  Closed sessions may be held when clearly necessary for the protection of the public interest or for the prevention of needless injury to the reputation of an individual.  Reasons that meet this standard include but are not limited to:  (a) strategy sessions with respect to collective bargaining, real estate matters, pending litigation, or litigation which is imminent as evidenced by communication of a claim or threat of litigation to or by the public body; (b) discussion regarding deployment of security personnel or devices; (c) investigative proceedings regarding allegations of criminal misconduct; (d) evaluation of the job performance of a person when necessary to prevent needless injury to the reputation of a person and if such person has not requested a public meeting; and (e) legal advice.