February 17, 2026 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:
Board President, Dawn Lindsley called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.
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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:
Board Members Doug Pauley and Marni Danhauer will be absent. They notified of their absence prior to the meeting.
Recommended Motion(s):
Discuss, consider and take all necessary action to approve Board member absences 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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1.4. Pledge of Allegiance
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
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2. 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:
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Discussion:
Board members, Bob Arp, Don Graff and Richard Stephens recited the Oath of Office and signed the Code of Ethics.
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3. Dissemination of Conflict of Interest Forms
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
Annually, The Code of Ethics form will be disseminated to the Board for signature and Conflict of Interest forms to those who may have a potential conflict of interest.
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4. Board Vacancy - District 8
Speaker(s):
Board President
Rationale:
Board Member Doug Pauley, submitted his resignation on February 11, 2025. NEB. REV. STAT. § Section 32-562 requires the vacancy to be accepted by the rest of the board. Further, Section 32-574 states, "Unless otherwise provided by law, all vacancies shall be filled within 45 days after the vacancy occurs unless good cause is shown that the requirement imposes an undue burden."
District 8 includes the following school districts, Clarkson, Columbus, David City, Lakeview, Schuyler. The term will expire December 31, 2028. Administrator Recommendation: Discuss, consider and take all action necessary to accept the resignation of District 8 Board Member Doug Pauley, and adopt a procedure for the appointment of a new member to the Educational Service Unit 7 Board of Education to fill the vacancy thereon created by the resignation of Doug Pauley.
Recommended Motion(s):
Discuss, consider and take all action necessary to accept the resignation of District 8 Board Member Doug Pauley, and adopt a procedure for the appointment of a new member to the Educational Service Unit 7 Board of Education to fill the vacancy thereon created by the resignation of Doug Pauley 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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5. 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):
Discuss, consider and take all necessary action to approve the 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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6. Virtual Conferencing for December 2025-March 2026
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 voted to have a virtual conferencing option for the following board meetings: December 2025, January 2026, February 2026, and March 2026. |
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7. Welcome Visitors
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
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8. 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. |
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9. Approval of the 2026-2027 Services Plan
Speaker(s):
Board President or designee
Rationale:
The ESU 7 Executive Committee Chair attending, Chad Denker, will make a summary report to the Board on the plan for ESU 7 Services for 2026-2027.
Administrator Recommendation: Discuss, consider and take all necessary action to approve the 2026-2027 Services Plan as presented.
Recommended Motion(s):
Discuss, consider and take all necessary action to approve the 2026-2027 Services Plan as presented Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
Attachments:
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Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
Discussion:
Dr. Chad Denker from David City Public Schools reviewed the 2026-2027 ESU 7 Service Planning process and service plan.
Superintendents/Principals met in December to express the needs of the schools by using the Data Digs process. We had the opportunity to see what the services each school used in the past year. He showed the priorities of the Superintendents, Principals, etc. We looked at how each school district prioritized their needs and this does give a final score. What services do we need to add? It was determined a Literacy Coach was needed. Dr. Denker gave appreciation to the Chief Administrator, Marci Ostmeyer. Board Vice-President, Beth Kabes asked if all schools participated in the December meeting. Dr. Denker indicated one or two didn't participate this year. Administrator Ostmeyer said they have a chance to join by zoom. |
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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 all necessary action to approve the consent agenda as presented.
Recommended Motion(s):
Discuss, consider and take all necessary action 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 # 81208 through #81345 totaling $975,263.22
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
The summary of bills for the current month total:$975,263.22 - Bills #81208 through #81345 General Activity Fund total: No activity
This is a consent item.
Attachments:
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10.3. Reading of Article I, Section 3, D Orientation of New Board Members
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, G Compensation of Board Members
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
This is a consent item.
Attachments:
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10.5. Reading of Article I, Section 4, G Removal from Officer Position
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
This is a consent item.
Attachments:
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10.6. Reading of Article I, Section 4, H Filling a Vacant in Officer Position
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
This is a consent item.
Attachments:
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10.7. Reading of Article I, Section 5, B Appointments
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
This is a consent item.
Attachments:
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10.8. Resignations
Speaker(s):
Board President or designee
Rationale:
Resignation:
Attachments:
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10.9. Excess Lodging
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
Excess Lodging:
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10.10. 2026-2027 NASB Dues
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
This is a consent item.
Attachments:
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11. Reading of Article I, Section 2, B Duties and Function of the Board
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
This is a consent item.
Attachments:
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Discussion:
This item was removed from the consent agenda for discussion.
There is a question about whether the second sentence of Role of Individual Board Members should be moved to this policy. Administrator Ostmeyer will reach out to the attorney regarding revisions. |
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12. Reading of Article I, Section 3, C Role of Individual Board Members
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
This is a consent item.
Attachments:
()
Discussion:
This item was removed from the consent agenda for discussion.
There is a question about whether the second sentence of this policy should be moved to duties and functions of the Board. Administrator Ostmeyer will reach out to the attorney regarding revisions. |
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13. Board Spotlight - Emergency Operations Team (EOT)
Rationale:
Emergency Operations Chair Dan Ellsworth, will present the Emergency Operations Team (EOT) Spotlight.
Discussion:
Director Ellsworth gave a review of the Standard Response Protocol Flip-Book. This Flip-Book contains Emergency Operations protocols. Helps to have one common language and has a tab for each protocol. Director Ellsworth showed the contents of the Emergency Operation buckets that are located throughout the ESU 7 buildings.
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14. Treasurer's Report
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
Review the breakdown of the Treasurer's Report.
Administrator Recommendation: Discuss, consider and take all necessary action to accept the Treasurer's Report as presented.
Recommended Motion(s):
Discuss, consider and take all necessary action to accept the Treasurer's Report as presented Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
Attachments:
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Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
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15. 2024-2025 Audit Report
Speaker(s):
Board President or designee
Rationale:
The 2024-2025 Romans Wiemer and Associates Audit Report is attached for the Board's review.
Administrator Recommendation: Discuss, consider and take all necessary action to accept the 2024-2025 Audit Report as presented.
Recommended Motion(s):
Discuss, consider and take all necessary action to accept the 2024-2025 Audit Report as presented Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
Attachments:
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Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
Discussion:
Administrator Ostmeyer gave an overview of the audit report and reviewed the opinion letter and no issues were found. The auditor looks at key things. Administrator Ostmeyer explained the changes in Net Position and what this figure means. We have good internal control over segregation of duties. The Board commented that the staff responsible for this work be commended.
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16. New Hire: Crystal Ernst, Professional Development Coordinator for June 22, 2026-August 31, 2026 and school year 2026-2027
Rationale:
Crystal Ernst, Professional Development Coordinator for June 22, 2026-August 31, 2026 and school year 2026-2027.
Administrator Recommendation: Discuss, consider, and take any necessary action to approve the contract for Crystal Ernst, Professional Development Coordinator for June 22, 2026-August 31, 2026 and school year 2026-2027 as presented.
Recommended Motion(s):
Discuss, consider, and take any necessary action to approve the contract for Crystal Ernst, Professional Development Coordinator for June 22, 2026-August 31, 2026 and school year 2026-2027 as presented Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
Attachments:
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Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
Discussion:
Director Ericson reviewed her experience and credentials and explained the criteria for salary.
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17. New Hire: Kristine Hackett, Professional Development Coordinator for June 22, 2026-August 31, 2026 and school year 2026-2027
Rationale:
Kristine Hackett, Professional Development Coordinator for June 22, 2026-August 31, 2026 and school year 2026-2027
**ATTACH SIGNED CONTRACTS BELOW Administrator Recommendation: Discuss, consider, and take any necessary action to approve the contract for Kristine Hackett, Professional Development Coordinator for June 22, 2026-August 31, 2026 and school year 2026-2027 as presented.
Recommended Motion(s):
Discuss, consider, and take any necessary action to approve the contract for Kristine Hackett, Professional Development Coordinator for June 22, 2026-August 31, 2026 and school year 2026-2027 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:
Director Ericson explained that this position has an emphasis on Early Childhood. Kristine Hackett is coming from a school district.
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18. April 2026 Board Meeting Time
Speaker(s):
Board President
Rationale:
The Board - Employee Recognition Dinner is scheduled on April 20, 2026, beginning at 5:00pm. It is recommended to change the Board Meeting time to 4:00pm to accommodate the Annual Board Recognition Dinner. Recommendation: Discuss, consider and take any action necessary to approve an April 20, 2026, Board Meeting Time of 4:00pm.
Recommended Motion(s):
Discuss, consider and take any action necessary to approve an April 20, 2026, Board Meeting Time of 4:00pm 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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19. Administrator's Report General
Speaker(s):
Administrator or Designee
Rationale:
Attachments:
()
Discussion:
The Emergency Operations Team is funded through levy dollars.
Administrator Ostmeyer explained the NASB invoice that will be coming next month. This was an unexpected charge, but we did receive an invoice for $612 for mileage and goal-setting facilitation. Board member, Beth Kabes asked if other ESU's experienced this same issue. Board member, Joyce Baumert asked if Administrator Ostmeyer talked to Marcia Herring. Administrator Ostmeyer said she did not contact Marcia Herring and asked the Board if they would like her to do so. Board member, Bob Arp asked if there was a signed agreement. Board member, Beth Kabes says to just pay it and learn from it. Board member, Dawn Lindsley commented about preserving the relationship. Board member, Amy Blaser asked if NASB had volunteered to split the bill. Administrator Ostmeyer indicated they had not. Board member, Bob Arp feels it is not worth straining the relationship. Administrator Ostmeyer shared that in her email from NASB that they stated they did not communicate this well. Administrator Ostmeyer gave an update on ESUCC. Director Ericson gave an update on the two new hires, Kristi Hackett and Crystal Ernst. Print Shop is in the process of ordering supplies for the department. Annual Consultations start the week of February 23. Director Ellsworth is working on building a spreadsheet for drop off orders and Rich Stuart is working on the billing system. Director Clay gave a report on Special Education and projections for next year are coming along. We are planning to hire another Psychologist. Directors Clay and Ericson gave a review of the changes made to the February staff meeting. Director Ellsworth gave a review of Erate and talked about the Print shop spreadsheet to replace the FileMaker database. The goal is to update schools and teachers all in one spot. Network Nebraska Advisory Group (NNAG) Director Ellsworth has been nominated to lead this group. Four of our schools use Striv. He talked about the difficulties with it. We were able to detect the bugs with this. |
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19.1. Goal Update
Speaker(s):
Administrator or Designee
Rationale:
Goals - Attached for your Review
Goal 2: By July 2026, the ESU 7 board will attend at least two professional/personal learning events annually.
Attachments:
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Discussion:
Marci reviewed the last four School Board meetings. CPS, Leigh, Central City, Twin River
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19.2. Facilities Update
Speaker(s):
Administrator or Designee
Rationale:
The Administrator will provide a facilities update during this item
Goals:
Discussion:
We are hoping to have a proposal on the Learning Academy HVAC next month.
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19.3. Personnel
Speaker(s):
Administrator or designee
Discussion:
Mayra Garcia who had given her notice previously and is now staying at ESU 7.
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19.4. 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:
In the month of February, the Administrator and Superintendent Executive committee members visit our Senators. Administrator Ostmeyer reviewed the three main topics of discussion.
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20. Committee Reports
Speaker(s):
Committee Chair
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20.1. Negotiations Committee Report
Speaker(s):
Negotiations Committee Chair
Rationale:
Reports of activities and discussions from the Negotiations Committee will take place during this item.
Committee Recommendations: General Staff: Discuss, consider, and take any necessary action to approve a ___ Total Compensation Package increase for the general staff group, excluding the Administrator and paraprofessionals, for the contract year of 2026-2027. Paraprofessionals: Discuss, consider, and take any necessary action to approve a $___ per hour increase to the base of the paraprofessional salary schedule for the Cen7ter, Bridges and Learning Academy paraprofessionals for the contract year of 2026-2027. This increases the base to $ ___ per hour for Cen7ter and $___ for Bridges & Learning Academy.
Recommended Motion(s):
Discuss, consider, and take any necessary action to approve a ___ Total Compensation Package increase for the general staff group, excluding the Administrator and paraprofessionals, for the contract year of 2026-2027. 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 a $__ per hour increase to the base of the paraprofessional salary schedule for the Cen7ter, Bridges and Learning Academy paraprofessionals for the contract year of 2026-2027. This increases the base to $___ per hour for Cen7ter and $___ for Bridges & Learning Academy 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:
Board member, April Emeigh asked for clarification about the word base. It was explained it is part of a salary schedule.
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21. Conference Report
Speaker(s):
Conference Attendees
Rationale:
Conference Attendees will report on their learnings.
Nebraska Association of School Boards (NASB) Legislative Issues Conference - January 26, 2026
Discussion:
Board member, Dawn Lindsley went to the President's retreat. NASB Board Governance Standards will be shared with the Board.
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22. Board Announcements
Speaker(s):
Board Members
Rationale:
During this item, Board Members can make any announcements.
Discussion:
This Friday at noon, they are doing a conference call to update schools on the progress of the legislation.
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23. Adjournment
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Discussion:
Board President, Dawn Lindsley adjourned the meeting at 7:22 p.m.
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