April 20, 2026 at 4:00 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 4:00 pm.
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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. |
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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 all necessary action to approve Board member absences. Amy Blaser and Marni Danhauer- absent as notified.
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. 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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3. Welcome Visitors
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
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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. |
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5. 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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5.1. Minutes
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
This is a consent item. |
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5.2. Presentation of Bills #81515 through #81680 totaling $1,045,346.52
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
The summary of bills for the current month totals: $1,045,346.52- Bills #81515 through #81680 General Activity Fund total: $ 0.00
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5.3. Reading of Article II, Section 3, A Annual Organizational Meeting
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
This is a consent item. |
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5.4. Reading of Article II, Section 4, A Special Meetings
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
This is a consent item. |
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5.5. Reading of Article II, Section 5, A Emergency Meetings
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
This is a consent item. |
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5.6. Reading of Article II, Section 6, A Notice to Public
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
This is a consent item. |
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5.7. Reading of Article II, Section 6, C Yearly Activities
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
This is a consent item. |
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5.8. Resignations - Ingrid Rodriguez
Speaker(s):
Board President or designee
Rationale:
Ingrid Rodriguez - Provisional Licensed Mental Health Practioner. Last day will be May 20, 2026.
This is a consent item. |
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5.9. Excess Lodging & Meals
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
Excess Lodging:
This is a consent item. |
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6. 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.
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
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7. Reading of Article III, Section 5, D Construction Projects
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
From Attorney Justin Knight, "Recent changes to state and federal procurement standards require several mid-year policy updates. Additional revisions may be necessary after the Nebraska Legislature adjourns next month...Neb. Rev Stat. § 73-106 requires the State Board of Education to adjust the bidding threshold once every five years. The State Board adjusted this amount to $136,000. Neb. Rev. Stat. § 81-3445 requires the State Board of Engineers and Architects to adjust the threshold for architects or engineers on construction projects. The Board adjusted this amount to $144,000."
Recommended Motion(s):
Discuss, consider and take all necessary action to approve Article III, Section 5, D 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:
This policy change is on the advice of our attorney.
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8. 2026-2027 Contract for Cassandra Ruth, Early Childhood Speech Language Pathologist
Rationale:
2026-2027 Contract for Cassandra Ruth, Early Childhood Speech Language Pathologist
Recommended Motion(s):
Discuss, consider and take all necessary action to approve the 2026-2027 Early Childhood Speech Language Pathologist Contract for Cassandra Ruth 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:
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9. 2026-2027 Contract for Ann Dubas, Psychologist
Rationale:
2026-2027 Contract for Ann Dubas, Psychologist
Recommended Motion(s):
Discuss, consider and take all necessary action to approve the 2026-2027 Psychologist Contract for Ann Dubas 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:
Contract reflects a reduction in FTE.
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10. 2026-2027 Contract for Christina Hancock, Speech Language Pathologist
Rationale:
2026-2027 Contract for Christina Hancock, Speech Language Pathologist
Recommended Motion(s):
Discuss, consider and take all necessary action to approve the 2026-2027 Speech Language Pathologist Contract for Christina Hancock 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:
Question from board member Clark Lehr regarding the meaning of FTE = Full Time Equivalence. The change in all three contracts is a reduction in FTE.
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11. Retirement Resolution- Larry Shefcyk- Custodian/Maintenance Technician
Rationale:
BOARD RESOLUTION OF ESU 7 IN RECOGNITION AND PROFOUND APPRECIATION OF DISTINGUISHED SERVICE BY LARRY SHEFCYK WHEREAS, Larry has always been mindful of the interests of Educational Service Unit 7 and has worked tirelessly to advance ESU 7; WHEREAS, Larry has provided outstanding support and guidance to ESU 7; and RESOLVED FURTHER, that the Board Members of ESU 7 are hereby authorized and directed to take such action as may be necessary, appropriate or advisable to implement this resolution; and We, the undersigned, hereby certify that the ESU 7 Board is comprised of 12 members, of whom __, constituting a quorum, were present at a meeting duly and regularly called, noticed, convened and held this 20th day of April, 2026, and that the foregoing Resolution was duly adopted at said meeting by the affirmative vote of __ members, and opposed by __ members, and said Resolution has been duly recorded in the Minutes and is in full force and effect.
Recommended Motion(s):
Discuss, consider and take any necessary action to approve the Retirement Resolution as presented for Larry Shefcyk. 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 members signed Larry Shefcyk's Retirement Resolution. This is a customary practice for people retiring from ESU 7.
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12. Accessibility of attachments (public facing)
Rationale:
For Public Facing Content Legal & Compliance
*Note: For ESUs, population = total area served.
Captions
Color Use:
Headings:
Tables:
Text Contrast:
Discussion:
Federal guidelines require all public-facing documents to be compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act by their deadline. Administrator Ostmeyer reviewed compliant and non-compliant versions of the ESU 7 2024-2025 Annual Report as an example.
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13. District 8 Board Vacancy
Rationale:
Applications have not been received for the board vacancy in District 8. NEB. REV. STAT. § Section 32-574 states, "Unless otherwise provided by law, all vacancies shall be filled within forty-five days after the vacancy occurs unless good cause is shown that the requirement imposes an undue burden."
Discussion:
Superintendents are meeting on April 28th. Maps of vacant districts and districts up for election will be provided.
There is a new change to the retirement law instituting a "120-day hard cap" which means the retiree can have no contact with any part of education. We verified with NPERS that if there is a current teacher interested in filing for the upcoming election and the filing deadline falls within the 120-day cap, they can still file and will not be in violation. |
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14. Educational Service Unit Coordinating Council 2026-2027 Master Services Agreement
Speaker(s):
Board President or designee
Rationale:
This agreement outlines the ESUCC statewide offerings that ESUs elect to participate in each year.
Recommended Motion(s):
Discuss, consider and take all necessary action to approve the 2026-2027 Master Service Agreement with ESUCC 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:
The purpose of this contract is to coordinate statewide activities between ESUCC and each ESU. Traditionally, ESU 7 participates in all of them. The only change is a $200 increase for a lobbyist.
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15. Administrator's Report General
Speaker(s):
Administrator or Designee
Rationale:
Discussion:
Administrator Ostmeyer and Director Ericson will be absent at the May Board Meeting. Director Ellsworth and Director Clay will be the directors at the meeting.
The ESU 7 Americans with Disabilities Act Compliancy team has been crucial in digesting and carrying out the recent changes and updates. Director Ericson - summer help in the Print Shop will be starting soon. The Print Shop is also continuing to team with the technology department for billing. Professional Development Coordinators utilized Humanex with Leadership Development. Boone Central has highlighted four priorities and developed action steps and progress markers through the strategic planning process with the assistance of Director Ericson along with two other PD Coordinators and an LMHP Coordinator. Director Clay - Bridges program is full and has a waiting list for next year. Learning Academy is on the cusp of adding another teacher, just figuring out student numbers for next year. A decision will be made in the next month. Still searching for a deaf educator but continuing to contract with ESU 8 and CPS. Director Ellsworth - Board members will be receiving new Mac Neo laptops in an effort to trial a new laptop option for school districts. |
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15.1. Updated ESU 7 District 1 Map
Rationale:
Due to the change in the Humphrey Public School district map, a change was made to ESU 7's District 1 Map. The new description is as follows:
Educational Service Unit Seven District One Educational Service Units exterior boundaries are set by the legislature. When stated a precinct partially (i.e., part) covers any pieces or size it is referring only to those facets the legislature approves. Following is a list of areas where each subdistrict is recognized: Antelope County - Part of Oakdale Precinct, and Part of Elgin Precinct. Boone County - Part of Beaver Precinct, Part of Boone Precinct, Part of Ceder Precinct, Part of Southwest Manchester Precinct, Part of Dublin-Bonanza Precinct, Part of North Branch- Shell Creek Precinct, Part of North Manchester Precinct, Part of Oakland Precinct, and Part of Southeast Manchester Precinct. Madison County - Part of S-E-SC-NG-K Precinct (which is Humphrey Public School district #67), Platte County - Part of St. Bernard/Joliet Precinct (excluding Newman Grove School District), Part of Walker/Woodville Precinct (excluding Newman Grove School District) and Part of Granville/Humphrey Precinct (excluding Madison School District) which is also divided into two sections - West and East along 280th Ave - The West portion is District One. For clarity add parcels 710170922 and 710171328.
Discussion:
The physical map did not have any adjustments due to how little the boundary change is. However, the legal description has changed to include the additional land.
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15.2. Goal Update
Speaker(s):
Administrator or Designee
Rationale:
Goals - Attached for your Review
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15.3. Services Update
Speaker(s):
Administrator or Designee
Rationale:
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15.4. Facilities Update
Speaker(s):
Administrator or Designee
Rationale:
LA HVAC Progress Playground grass Outdoor Spaces Committee Summer work scheduled
Discussion:
Administrator Ostmeyer and Director Ellsworth are meeting with HVAC next week to discuss next steps. For the playground project, a check has been held for the remaining $3,500 for grass seeding and installation that couldn't be completed until warmer weather. Administrator Ostmeyer has formed an Outdoor Spaces Committee made up of ESU 7 staff members. Items to be discussed include picnic table locations, outdoor seating, etc. Summer projects that will be completed include painting, new flooring and others. Maurice with ALICAP sent the final payment amounts for, $84,212.55 for mold in Learning Academy, $3,400 for pests in Cen7ter and $5,346 for water damage in Learning Academy.
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15.5. Personnel
Speaker(s):
Administrator or designee
Rationale:
All Classified/Non Certificated Hires and Resignations under this item. Not an action item.
Discussion:
Due to an internal position shift in the Technology Department, there is now an opening. More details to come.
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15.6. Administrator's Legislative Update
Speaker(s):
Administrator or Designee
Rationale:
View Ostmeyer's April Legislative Update
Discussion:
Administrator Ostmeyer reviewed the attachments and provided an update on key bills.
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16. Board Announcements
Rationale:
Discussion:
Board President Dawn Lindsley reported the NASB Summer School Law Conference in Kearney is an option for board members to attend.
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17. Adjournment
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Discussion:
Board President Dawn Lindsley adjourned the meeting at 5:11 pm.
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