January 22, 2024 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.
Discussion:
Roll call was taken at 5:34pm
Board President conducted the meeting. Staff present: Larianne Polk, Administrator Linda Shefcyk, Business Manager Mindy Reed, Secretary to the Board of Directors Marci Ostmeyer, Professional Development Director Tami Clay, Special Education Director Dan Ellsworth, Network Operations Director |
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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 action to approve the Board member absences.
Recommended Motion(s):
Approval of Board Member absences as presented Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
Discussion:
No absent board members.
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1.4. Pledge of Allegiance
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Discussion:
All members present participated in the Pledge of Allegiance.
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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):
Agenda as presented Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
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3. Welcome Visitors
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Discussion:
Karen Gomez joined the meeting as a visitor until she was appointed as District 7 representative.
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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.
Discussion:
No public comments provided.
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5. District 7 Board Application
Speaker(s):
Board President or designee
Rationale:
An Application has been received for the board vacancy in District 7. NEB. REV. STAT. § Section 79-1217(2) states that the appointee will serve "for the balance of the unexpired term" of the board spot that has been vacated. Applications were submitted by:
Recommended Motion(s):
Discuss, consider, and vote to approve the resolution appointing Karen Gomez to the Educational Service Unit No. 7 Board position based on a vacancy for a term ending on December 31, 2026 Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
Attachments:
()
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
Discussion:
Karen Gomez submitted an application for the District 7 board vacancy. Board member Bob Arp and Karen Gomez worked together previously and Bob believes Karen will be a great addition to the board.
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6. Board Code of Ethics and Oath of Office
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
Annually, Board Members participate in the Oath of Office and sign their Code of Ethics.
I, _____________________, do solemnly swear that I will support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of Nebraska, against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely and without mental reservations, or for purpose or evasions; and that I will faithfully and impartially perform the duties of the office of member of the Board of Educational Service Unit No. 7, according to law, to the best of my ability. And I do further swear that I do not advocate, nor am I a member of any political party or organization that advocates the overthrow of the government of the United States or this State by force or violence; and that during such time that I am in this position I will not advocate nor become a member of any political party or organization that advocates the overthrow of the government of the United States or this State by force or violence. So help me God.
Attachments:
()
Discussion:
All board members recited the Oath of Office and signed the form. Administrator Polk gave each board member a section of the Code of Ethics to review and answer two questions: How has this code of ethics been demonstrated at ESU 7? What is a hypothetical situation where this code of ethics is not demonstrated? Each board member read their section aloud and provided examples.
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7. Election of Board Officers
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
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7.1. Election of Board President
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
Administrator Recommendation: Discuss, consider and take any necessary action to elect ___________ as President of Board of Education.
Recommended Motion(s):
Discuss, consider and take any necessary action to elect ___________ as President of Board of Education Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
Discussion:
Administrator Polk lead the meeting until the board elections were complete. Current Board President, Doug Pauley, was nominated for the 2024 ESU 7 Board President.
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7.2. Election of Vice President of the Board of Education
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
Administrator Recommendation: Discuss, consider and take any necessary action to elect __________ as Vice President of Board of Education.
Recommended Motion(s):
Discuss, consider and take any necessary action to elect __________ as Vice President of Board of Education Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
Discussion:
Current Vice President, Jack Young, was nominated and selected to be the Vice President for 2024.
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7.3. Election of Secretary of Board of Education
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
Administrator Recommendation: Discuss, consider and take any necessary action to elect __________ as Secretary of Board of Education.
Recommended Motion(s):
Discuss, consider and take any necessary action to elect __________ as Secretary of Board of Education Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
Discussion:
Current Secretary of the Board, Jennifer Miller, was nominated and selected to be the Secretary of the Board for 2024.
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8. Committees and Positions
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
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8.1. Select Treasurer to the Board of Education
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
Recommended Motion(s):
Discuss, consider and take any necessary action to appoint _____________ as Treasurer to the Board of Education Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
Discussion:
Current Treasurer to the Board of Education, Linda Shefcyk, was nominated and selected to be the Treasurer to the Board of Education for 2024.
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8.2. Select Recording Secretary to the Board of Education
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
Recommended Motion(s):
Discuss, consider and take any necessary action to appoint ___________ as Recording Secretary to the Board of Education Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
Discussion:
Current Recording Secretary to the Board of Education, Mindy Reed, was nominated and selected to be the Recording Secretary to the Board of Education for 2024.
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8.3. Select members of Board Committees
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
Members of the Board will choose which committees to participate in.
2023 Members Negotiations: - Jennifer Miller (Chair) - Richard Luebbe - Richard Stephens Budget: - Gary Wieseler (Chair) - Jack Young - Dawn Lindsley Handbook: - Dawn Lindsley (Chair) - Joyce Baumert - Bob Arp Evaluation: - Marni Danhauer (Chair) - Joyce Baumert - Jennifer Miller Buildings and Grounds: - Bob Arp (Chair) - Doug Pauley - Jack Young - Joyce Baumert - Jennifer Miller Administrator Recommendations:
Recommended Motion(s):
Discuss, consider and take any necessary action to approve the 2024 Negotiations Committee members as presented Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
Recommended Motion(s) #2:
Discuss, consider and take any necessary action to approve the 2024 Handbook Committee members as presented Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
Recommended Motion(s) #3:
Discuss, consider and take any necessary action to approve the 2024 Budget Committee members as presented Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
Recommended Motion(s) #4:
Discuss, consider and take any necessary action to approve the 2024 Evaluation Committee members as presented Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
Recommended Motion(s) #5:
Discuss, consider and take any necessary action to approve the 2024 Buildings and Grounds Committee members as presented Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
Discussion:
Committee Membership is as follows:
Negotiations: - Jennifer Miller (Chair) - Richard Luebbe - Richard Stephens - Don Graff Budget: - Gary Wieseler (Chair) - Jack Young - Dawn Lindsley Handbook: - Dawn Lindsley (Chair) - Joyce Baumert - Bob Arp Evaluation: - Marni Danhauer (Chair) - Joyce Baumert - Jennifer Miller Buildings and Grounds: - Bob Arp (Chair) - Doug Pauley - Jack Young - Joyce Baumert - Jennifer Miller |
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9. Dissemination of Conflict of Interest Forms
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
Annually, Conflict of Interest and Code of Ethics forms will be disseminated to the Board for signature.
Discussion:
Conflict of Interest forms were distributed to all board members.
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10. 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 any action necessary to approve the consent agenda as presented.
Recommended Motion(s):
Discuss, consider and take any action necessary to approve the consent agenda as presented Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
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10.1. Minutes
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
This is a consent item.
Attachments:
()
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10.2. Presentation of Bills #77351 through #77495 totaling $887,318.97
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
The summary of bills for the current month total:$887,318.97 - Bills #77351 through #77495 Inservice bills total: $75
Attachments:
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10.3. Reading of Article I, Section 1, F Unit Calendar
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
This is a consent item.
Attachments:
()
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10.4. Reading of Article I, Section 3, B Filling Vacancies
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
This is a consent item.
Attachments:
()
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10.5. Reading of Article I, Section 3, E Oath of Office
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
This is a consent item.
Attachments:
()
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10.6. Reading of Article I, Section 3, F Code of Ethics for Board Members
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
This is a consent item.
Attachments:
()
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10.7. Reading of Article I, Section 4, A Officer Positions
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
This is a consent item.
Attachments:
()
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10.8. Reading of Article I, Section 4, B President
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
This is a consent item.
Attachments:
()
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10.9. Reading of Article I, Section 4, C Vice President
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
This is a consent item.
Attachments:
()
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10.10. Reading of Article I, Section 4, D Secretary
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
This is a consent item.
Attachments:
()
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10.11. Reading of Article I, Section 4, E Treasurer
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
This is a consent item.
Attachments:
()
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10.12. Reading of Article I, Section 4, F Recording Secretary
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
This is a consent item.
Attachments:
()
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10.13. Reading of Article I, Section 5, A Committees
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
This is a consent item.
Attachments:
()
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10.14. Reading of Article I, Section 5, C Temporary Committees
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
This is a consent item.
Attachments:
()
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10.15. Reading of Article I, Section 5, D Committee Operations
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
This is a consent item.
Attachments:
()
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10.16. Annual SPARQ Data Solution Dues
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
The amount for the 2024-2025 SPARQ dues is: $2,600.00.
This is a consent item.
Attachments:
()
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10.17. Excess Lodging and Meals
Speaker(s):
Board President or designee
Rationale:
Excess Lodging and Meals:
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11. January 2024 Board Spotlight - Learning Academy
Speaker(s):
Board President or designee
Rationale:
Student Services Principal, Cara Neesen, will present the January Board Spotlight regarding the Learning Academy.
Attachments:
()
Discussion:
The Student Services Principal, Cara Neesen, reviewed the attached 23-24 Board Presentation. There are currently 22 students enrolled in the Learning Academy. There are three students on the way into the program, which means the Learning Academy will have 25 students within the next month. Four students are starting to transition back into their home district school. There have been six students who have successfully completed the Learning Academy program and fully transitioned back into their home district school. With the level system, when students get to the level prior to the transition plan, Principal Neesen is able to give the district school awareness and invite them to come to the Learning Academy to see how the student is doing. The district school is able to come as often as they would like. Principal Neesen makes sure the school feels like they are ready for the student before the transition takes place. With the students transitioning to their district schools, it is a long process and Principal Neesen wants them to be successful.
Principal Neesen discussed the bell schedule. The Learning Academy has nine core values: gratitude, perseverance, engagement, integrity, responsibility, generosity, compassion, grace, and vulnerability. Decisions at the Learning Academy are based on data. There is a data dashboard, which was created by Professional Development Coordinator, Otis Pierce, and Student Services Principal, Cara Neesen. District schools have access to data regarding the student(s) from their district almost immediately. The data dashboard is a great tool to have. The Learning Academy has highly qualified staff. There are three teachers with their master’s degree, with one working on their BCBA. Two staff members have their education specialist, with one having their BCBA. There are two therapists with their Licensed Mental Health Licences. There is specialized training for all staff, including MANDT practices and restorative justice practices. Principal Neesen wants to make sure all staff have the resources they need to be successful. Board President Pauley mentioned there was a concern about finding the right staff when the Learning Academy first opened, so it is great to know the staff are so qualified. Questions:
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12. Treasurer's Report
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
Review the breakdown of the Treasurer's Report.
Administrator Recommendation: Discuss, consider and take any action necessary to approve the Treasurer's Report as presented.
Recommended Motion(s):
Discuss, consider and take any action necessary to approve the Treasurer's Report as presented Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
Attachments:
()
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
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13. Virtual Conferencing for February 2024
Speaker(s):
Board President or designee
Rationale:
Nebraska Revised Statute § 84-1411 authorizes virtual meetings for educational service units if the requirements of subdivision (2)(b) are met. The board will determine if next month's board meeting should allow for a virtual conferencing option.
The Board voted to have a virtual conferencing option for the February 2024 board meeting. |
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14. Designations
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
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14.1. Designate depository bank(s)
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
Authorized Depositories, Bonds, Disbursement of Funds requires the ESU 7 Board to annually authorize depositories for ESU 7 Funds. The checking accounts are currently at First National Bank, Columbus. The Board authorizes the Administrator and Board Treasurer to contact banks in the ESU area to invest money at the best rate.
Administrator Recommendation: Discuss, consider and take any necessary action to authorize First National Bank, Columbus as the depository bank, as presented.
Recommended Motion(s):
Discuss, consider and take any necessary action to authorize First National Bank, Columbus as the depository bank, as presented Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
Discussion:
First National Bank, Columbus, will continue to be the depository bank.
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14.2. Designate Newspapers of Record
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
The Columbus Telegram is a newspaper of general circulation in all counties in the ESU 7 Area. Legal Notices as required will be reported in the Columbus Telegram.
Administrator Recommendation: Discuss, consider and take any action necessary to designate the Columbus Telegram as the ESU 7 newspaper of record.
Recommended Motion(s):
Discuss, consider and take any action necessary to designate the Columbus Telegram as the ESU 7 newspaper of record Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
Discussion:
The Columbus Telegram will continue to be the newspaper of record.
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15. Mileage Reimbursement Rate
Speaker(s):
Board President or designee
Rationale:
The IRS mileage reimbursement rate for January 1, 2024 - June 30, 2024 is $0.67 per 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 for 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. Administrator Recommendation: Discuss, consider and take any necessary action to approve the IRS mileage reimbursement rate of $0.67 per mile for January 1, 2024-June 30, 2024 as presented.
Recommended Motion(s):
Discuss, consider and take any necessary action to approve the IRS mileage reimbursement rate of $0.67 per mile for January 1, 2024-June 30, 2024 as presented Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
Attachments:
()
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
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16. ESU 7 2024-2025 General Unit Calendar
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
Administrator Recommendation: Discuss, Consider and take any necessary action to approve the ESU 7 2024-2025 General Unit Calendar as presented.
Recommended Motion(s):
Discuss, Consider and take any necessary action to approve the ESU 7 2024-2025 General Unit Calendar as presented Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
Attachments:
()
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
Discussion:
Martin Luther King Jr. day is January 20, 2025, so the board meeting will need to be moved to January 21, 2025. The approved calendar will reflect the change.
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17. Coordinating Agency for ESU 7 Special Education Cooperative
Speaker(s):
Board President or designee
Rationale:
ESU 7 continues to serve as the coordinating agency for the ESU 7 Special Education Cooperative for 2024-2025.
Administrator Recommendation: Discuss, consider and take any action necessary for ESU 7 to continue to serve as the coordinating agency for the ESU 7 Special Education Cooperative for 2024-2025.
Recommended Motion(s):
Discuss, consider and take any action necessary for ESU 7 to continue to serve as the coordinating agency for the ESU 7 Special Education Cooperative for 2024-2025 Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
Discussion:
This allows ESU 7 to offer Special Education services to school districts.
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18. Administrator's Report General
Speaker(s):
Administrator or Designee
Rationale:
Attachments:
()
Goals:
Discussion:
Professional Development and Print Shop Report - Director Ostmeyer and the rest of the Professional Development Department had the opportunity to participate in High Quality Instructional Materials (HQIM) training. There is a process to see if textbooks are grade level appropriate. The first step when teachers receive new materials is to take the new textbooks out of the box and put the old textbooks in the box and send them off. The Professional Development (PD) department had a meeting earlier today and HQIM was discussed in depth. Board member Dawn Lindsley asked if anything was discussed about materials that are open source at the HQIM training. The HQIM training was strictly for HQIM and no other materials were discussed. The PD department also receives professional learning in order to provide professional development for teachers. Board President Doug Pauley asked if the PD department has done any artificial intelligence (AI) training with teachers. There is such rapid change with AI. Not only do teachers need to be trained in AI, but they also need to know how to vet the different AI platforms. The Print Shop is smooth sailing. The snow days caused a minor wrinkle. The Print Shop is getting closer to deploying a new order system. Board Secretary Jennifer Miller asked if the Print Shop uses any AI. Everything in the print shop is submitted print ready, so AI is not currently used in the print shop. During the service planning process a couple of years ago, the mention of having a graphic designer on staff came up, but it did not gain momentum. ESU 7 does have a staff member who is interested in graphic design.
Special Education Report - Director Clay provided the updated numbers for the expansion program. Currently, thirteen schools have signed the agreement and twelve schools have signed the resolution. Director Clay will start interviewing candidates for the new program tomorrow and will finish next week. Hiring decisions will be made by the first week of February. The Special Education department is hiring a few other positions. Currently, there are zero candidates for the Speech Language Pathologist position. Every other job opening, at least one candidate has applied. The Special Education Department has to be really aggressive in looking for qualified candidates. Director Clay is working on projections to determine if staffing levels need to change or remain the same for next school year. Administrator Polk talked about the presentation Richard Hight did for our Special Education program. Administrator Polk approached Richard Hight at a conference she went to previously and asked if he would come to ESU 7 if he was ever close to Columbus, NE. Administrator Polk received notice just a few weeks later that Mr. Hight would be passing through, so the presentation was scheduled and announced very quickly. Mr. Hight provided an inspirational session, all while drawing a large picture in chalk, which will be hung up in the South Building. Technology Report - Director Ellsworth discussed the cybersecurity grant. Tier one of the grant pays for staff. Director Ellsworth is on the interview team looking to hire an engineer and a trainer. Tier two is to purchase equipment. The desired equipment is for a state-wide logging system for cybersecurity. The logging system equipment is estimated to be about $500,000.00. The grant requires 25% in-kind. The cybersecurity team would like to use service and time as their in-kind. There is a long-term concern about maintaining everything after the grant, since it is for three years. Director Ellsworth also discussed mobile device management. When schools went to one-on-one machines for their students, it became almost impossible for one tech employee to update one machine at a time. What mobile device management would do is allow the application or system to be pushed to hundreds of devices at one time. The schools currently have FileWave. Director Ellsworth is recommending schools transition to Mosyle. Moving from FileWave to Mosyle with 5,000-6,000 machines, would require the project to be done during the summer. Director Ellsworth is trying to lessen the burden posed to the schools. ESU 7 has become a certified reseller of Mosyle, the only reseller in Nebraska. The advantage of being a reseller is a commission, which will be given to the ESU 7 district schools as a discount. If all the ESU 7 district schools sign up for one-year, they will save a little over $13,000.00 collectively. If the schools sign up for four years, they will save approximately $60,000.00 collectively. Mosyle also does what Linewize does, so that may be a future transition project. Administrator Polk reviewed the board members who are up for election in 2024 and asked anyone who is not going to run again, to please let her know. Administrator Polk reviewed the upcoming events and noted the budget and finance training is very school specific and not ESU specific. |
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18.1. Goal Update
Speaker(s):
Administrator or Designee
Rationale:
Goals - Attached for your Review
Attachments:
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Goals:
Discussion:
Director Clay and board member Richard Stephens will attend the St. Edward board meeting on February 12, 2024. Director Ostmeyer and board member Joyce Baumert will attend the Schuyler board meeting on February 12, 2024.
Administrator Polk reviewed the 2024-2025 Administrator Goals. Goal two requires learning sessions with the board. It was suggested to have two work sessions because extending the board meeting longer would be difficult. Administrator Polk and Secretary to the Board, Mindy Reed, will look at options and bring options to the February meeting. |
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18.2. Services Update
Speaker(s):
Administrator or Designee
Rationale:
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Administrator Recommendation: Discuss, consider and take any action necessary to change the June 17, 2024 board meeting time to begin at 3:30pm.
Recommended Motion(s):
Discuss, consider and take any action necessary to change the June 17, 2024 board meeting time to begin at 3:30pm Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
Discussion:
The June 17, 2024 board meeting will start at 3:30pm.
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18.3. Facilities Update
Speaker(s):
Administrator or Designee
Rationale:
The Administrator will provide a facilities update during this item.
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18.4. Legislative Update
Speaker(s):
Administrator or Designee
Rationale:
During this item, the Administrator will provide a Legislative Update to members of the Board.
Attachments:
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Discussion:
Administrator Polk mentioned a few legislative bills the board may want to follow. There are four bills which will affect ESUs and were not included on the attached document. Those bills are: LB 1414, LB 1241, LB 1417, and LB 951.
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19. Committee Reports
Speaker(s):
Committee Chair
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19.1. Buildings and Grounds Committee Report
Speaker(s):
Buildings and Grounds Committee Chair
Rationale:
The Buildings and Grounds Committee Chairperson will provide an update. The Buildings and Grounds Committee will be working on the planning.
Committee Recommendation:
Attachments:
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Discussion:
Buildings and Grounds Committee Chairperson Bob Arp discussed the topics from the last Buildings and Grounds Committee meeting. A plaque is going to be purchased honoring Donald Ellison, with his picture on it. The plaque will be hung in the Oak conference room. Picnic tables for outside were discussed. The committee reviewed the different table options and configurations, and it was decided on circular tables with bench seats allowing for one wheelchair accessible side. Funding for the picnic tables is still being discussed. Table and chair acquisitions for the facility due to growth and wear out were also discussed. The Fire Marshal came to look through the South Building for the new program, and did not find anything major. The big question was adding another exit door from conference room A. Mike Kennedy from RVW will continue with the facility studies. There was a walk through for the HVAC project and the bid opening was prior to the board meeting. Administrator Polk and Board Treasurer Linda Shefcyk will review the budget with the attached bid tabulation and meet with the Buildings and Grounds Committee before the February board meeting. Bids came in higher than expected, board member Gary Wiesler asked why. Administrator Polk did not have an answer, but Mike Kennedy from RVW will attend the Buildings and Grounds Committee meeting to discuss this. Board member Dawn Lindsley asked questions about the remarks on the bid tabulation. Administrator Polk explained there will be no temporary HVAC system once the old one is removed while the new unit is being installed. The HVAC project should start on April 1, 2024, and take 180 days to complete.
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19.2. Negotiations Committee Report
Speaker(s):
Negotiations Committee Chair
Rationale:
The Negotiations Committee Chairperson will provide an update.
Committee Recommendation:
Discussion:
The Negotiations Committee Chairperson Jennifer Miller let the board know the Negotiations Committee met prior to the board meeting. The committee is going to gather some additional information for the rest of the staff. The information will be discussed at the next Negotiations Committee meeting prior to the February board meeting.
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20. Conference Report
Speaker(s):
Conference Attendees
Rationale:
Conference Attendees will report on their learnings.
Goals:
Discussion:
Board member Dawn Lindsley stated the legislation hit an all-time high for bills introduced. With last year's carry-over bills and the new bills, there are 1,453 bills and every bill gets a hearing in Nebraska. Board member Dawn Lindsley is also on the NASB Legislative Committee, and they meet every Monday during the legislative session. Dawn has strong concerns about LB 1417 and eliminating the ESUCC. Dawn encouraged the board to be willing to share their voice, provide written testimony and even go to Lincoln if needed. The legislation tends to listen to board members and peers more so than others.
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21. Adjournment
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Discussion:
Meeting adjourned at 7:53pm.
Minutes respectfully submitted by Mindy Reed, Recording Secretary to the ESU 7 Board. |
