June 9, 2025 at 5:00 PM - Board of Education Regular Meeting

She noted that the current process is somewhat atypical, as the hearing is being conducted using a redlined version of the policy. However, the proposed changes are relatively straightforward and focus on the specific section related to surveys.

Dr. Jonas clarified that the revisions pertain specifically to non-anonymous surveys—those in which individual responses can be linked to a student’s name. These changes do not affect anonymous, aggregate surveys such as those distributed by the Health Department, which typically collect data by grade level, gender, or other non-identifiable categories.

Under the proposed policy, when a non-anonymous survey is administered, parents will be notified and given the option to opt their child out. Dr. Jonas explained that, after reviewing current procedures, the primary area of impact will be the ACT exam, as it includes a request for parent income information. The district will now include a notice regarding this item in the informational letter sent home about the ACT. A brief explanation will be added to ensure families are aware of their opt-out rights.

Mr. Fornoff inquired about how long the ACT has included a request for parent income information.
Dr. Jonas responded that, to her knowledge, this has been a longstanding component of the ACT.

Dr. Jonas reviewed the Policy 5045 Student Fees.
She noted that the only changes include the lunch prices—previously approved at last month’s meeting—and an increase in the band fee from $25 to $30 per year. This modest increase is intended to help offset the cost of instrument repairs, though it does not fully cover those expenses.

No additional fee changes are being proposed at this time. Dr. Jonas referenced Policy 5045, which outlines allowable student fees and their corresponding uses.

She also addressed the student activity pass, which will remain at $40 for the third consecutive year. In comparison to other schools in the Southwest Conference, this fee places the district in the mid-range. Dr. Jonas stated that she has asked Mr. Mroczek to compile comparative data annually so the district can continue to evaluate its position.

Other listed fees remain consistent with the previous year, aside from the changes already outlined.

Dr. Jonas provided an overview of items proposed for surplus designation.
She explained that school districts periodically identify equipment, furniture, and materials that are no longer functional, safe, cost-effective to repair, or aligned with current instructional or operational needs. Surplusing these items allows the district to responsibly dispose of or repurpose outdated property, maintain efficient use of storage space, and ensure that resources are directed toward supporting student learning and operations. Dr. Jonas explained the rationale.

Mr. Fornoff inquired about the timeline for accepting sealed bids.
Dr. Jonas responded that while a specific timeline had not yet been finalized, she anticipated preparing a social media post and outreach communication by Wednesday. The bidding window would likely remain open for about one week to ensure adequate visibility without unnecessary delay.

Recognition of Board Member Nate Wyatt’s Service

Mr. Fornoff read the formal rationale recognizing Mr. Nate Wyatt’s years of service on the board. 

Mr. Wyatt reflected on his long tenure, sharing that he originally ran for the school board when his children were very young. He described the experience as a significant and meaningful part of his life, emphasizing how much he valued the relationships built over the years. He noted that board service is something where "you get out of it what you put into it" and said he had grown both professionally and personally through his involvement.

Mr. Wyatt recalled that one of his children likely spent more waking hours in the school building than anywhere else, underscoring how central the school has been to his family’s life. He expressed deep appreciation for the people involved in the school, saying, "The school is only as cool as the people," and thanked everyone for their dedication.

Mr. Fornoff asked Mr. Wyatt if there was a particular accomplishment he was most proud of during his time on the board—highlighting achievements such as the development of the greenhouse, implementation of drug testing, and bond refinancing.

Mr. Wyatt responded that he was proud of many initiatives, especially the early discussions around preschool—an effort the district pursued well before it became a state mandate. He also highlighted the implementation of call-to-credit policies, which allowed for early semester release and were ahead of their time. He noted the district's ongoing financial discipline and his involvement in long-term planning and early debt payoff as particularly fulfilling. Reflecting on difficult moments, Mr. Wyatt emphasized the importance of overcoming challenges and maintaining a strong financial foundation. He expressed gratitude for having had the opportunity to contribute to many positive changes and stated that the work had been both enjoyable and rewarding.

Board Member Remarks

• Mrs. Jobman expressed deep appreciation for Mr. Wyatt’s consistent and humble leadership. She noted his calm presence and willingness to listen and ask thoughtful questions. She also thanked him for his mentorship, especially in financial matters, and for his guidance at her first board conference.

• Mrs. Terrell thanked Mr. Wyatt for the care and encouragement he extended to new board members. She shared that she often turned to him when feeling uncertain and valued how he pushed her to grow.

• Mr. Dayrymple thanked Mr. Wyatt for his dedication, wisdom, and sage advice. He expressed confidence that their paths would continue to cross in future community endeavors.

• Mr. Fornoff closed by acknowledging the lasting influence Mr. Wyatt has had on the board’s culture, particularly in fostering camaraderie, respect, and trust. He remarked that while Mr. Wyatt would likely credit others for teaching him, his legacy of leadership is deeply appreciated. "Thank you" alone, he noted, does not fully capture the board’s gratitude.

Board Vacancy and Appointment Process

Mr. Fornoff shared that the executive team, along with Dr. Jonas, met last week following receipt of Mr. Wyatt’s letter of resignation. The team discussed available options, including whether to directly appoint a replacement or implement an application process.

Dr. Jonas provided further details regarding the proposed process and timeline.
She emphasized the importance of adhering to statutory requirements, which mandate that the board appoint a new member within 45 days of the resignation. The goal is to make the appointment at the regular board meeting on July 14.

• Mr. Wyatt’s resignation becomes effective Tuesday, June 10th, at which point the board will officially open the application period.

• Applications will be due by June 26.

• A formal appointment will be made at the July 14 board meeting.

Dr. Jonas noted that an informational document has been prepared for community members interested in applying. This document is linked to the board agenda and will also be included in the meeting minutes. It will be posted on the district’s social media channels and published in the local newspaper.

The first page of the document outlines the relevant Nebraska statutes and a recommended process for filling board vacancies. As Mr. Fornoff explained, while statute requires an appointment, the board has elected to implement an application process to promote transparency and community involvement.

The Notice of Board Vacancy will run in the newspaper and be submitted to the county clerk. Each board member will individually review submitted applications. Based on these reviews, the board officers will present a recommendation at the July meeting regarding the candidate who best aligns with the current needs of the district and its strategic priorities.

Dr. Jonas added that the second page of the informational document includes the application form, required checkboxes, and four short-answer questions for interested applicants. Completed applications and answered questions should be submitted to her office by the June 26 deadline.

Mrs. Terrell commented that, through research, the board found that appointment processes vary widely among districts. She expressed support for the application process, noting that it offers valuable insight into candidates’ perspectives.

Mr. Fornoff asked if there were any questions from the board. Hearing none, he confirmed that this was an informational item only, and no action was taken at this time.

Dr. Jonas noted that June is the designated month for the annual review of required policies. She introduced Policy 5054 regarding student bullying, confirming that there are no proposed changes this year, though the policy must still be reviewed annually. Principals have been informed in advance and are available to answer any questions related to the policy.

Mr. Fornoff inquired if there were questions for Mr. Ryker or Mrs. Floyd.

Mr. Dalrymple asked about the typical number of bullying investigations conducted each year.

Dr. Jonas suggested beginning with the criteria used to determine bullying.

Mr. Ryker explained that investigations often reveal incidents that do not meet the criteria for bullying. The key factors include an unequal relationship where one student wishes to avoid interaction, and repeated unwanted contact. To assess incidents, the school utilizes surveillance cameras and student witnesses. Only cases meeting this definition are documented as bullying. He estimated that fewer than a dozen cases per school year are formally classified as bullying, although many more concerns are reported and reviewed.

Mr. Ryker further elaborated that some concerns arise from social dynamics, especially at the Junior High level, where friendships frequently change. In many cases, inappropriate behavior may be addressed through disciplinary action without labeling the incident as bullying.

Mrs. Floyd added that developmental differences across grade levels influence how concerns are handled. For instance, interactions among younger elementary students differ significantly from those of older students. The district also provides a form for parents to report concerns, facilitating open communication. She emphasized the importance of thorough investigation and documentation to distinguish between isolated incidents and patterns indicative of bullying.

Mr. Ryker highlighted the progressive nature of disciplinary consequences for bullying or harassment. Each documented incident results in increasingly severe consequences, progressing from detention to in-school suspension, and then to out-of-school suspension if behavior does not improve. Consequences escalate cumulatively and do not reset.

Mr. Dalrymple thanked the team for the thorough explanation.

No action taken. 

Dr. Jonas reported that the administrative team met the previous week to begin reviewing recent legislative changes and their implications for district policy and the student handbook. She noted that the team successfully completed a full review of the handbook—a notable accomplishment—and that Mrs. Floyd would share the key updates. This review represents the first reading, with formal adoption scheduled for the July board meeting.

Mrs. Floyd outlined the following updates:

1. Dress Code (Page 30, Policy 5031):
   Minor but meaningful updates were made to align the handbook with the current board-approved dress code policy. Previously, the handbook included overly specific examples not reflective of current policy language. The updated language, highlighted in red within the handbook, focuses on attire that causes material or substantial disruption to district programs or promotes or depicts violence, drugs, alcohol, or vulgarity. Concerns related to dress code violations will be addressed by building administrators following these updated guidelines.

2. Media & Library Notifications (Page 38):
   A new option allows parents to request email notifications when their child checks out a library book. This change offers parents increased transparency regarding student library usage. Dr. Jonas confirmed that she tested the feature with Mrs. Harrison, and parents will receive a simple email noting the book title and due date.

3. Activities & Athletics (Page 104):
   While the Activities Handbook remains a separate document, a direct link has now been added to the student handbook for easier access. This change ensures students and parents can conveniently locate and reference the activities information.

Mrs. Floyd concluded by noting that these were the only significant updates to the handbook this year, and overall, the revisions were minimal.

No action taken. 

Dr. Jonas informed the board that recent legislation now requires school districts to have a formal cell phone policy, which the district already has in place. She noted that the district made significant updates to the policy last year, and it has been functioning effectively since its implementation.

At the 7-12 grade levels, students are expected to place their phones in a designated caddy—similar to the one located near the board sign-in sheet—upon entering the classroom. They may retrieve their phones upon leaving. This system has worked well, allowing students the flexibility to communicate with parents between classes and during lunch while maintaining minimal disruptions during instructional time.

At the elementary level, students are required to store their phones in their lockers under teacher supervision. This approach has also proven effective.

Dr. Jonas explained that while the district already complies with the new legislative requirement, the law also mandates that districts seek feedback on their cell phone policies. As such, this agenda item represents a first reading, and feedback will be accepted between now and the July board meeting, at which point the policy will be considered for formal adoption based on any input received.

Mr. Ryker will engage with his building leadership team throughout the upcoming school year to assess whether any further revisions are necessary. However, based on current feedback and performance, no changes are being proposed at this time.

Dr. Jonas clarified a common misconception: while headlines may suggest that schools must ban cell phones, the law does not prohibit phones, but rather requires that schools have a policy governing their use. The legislation also outlines specific exceptions to cell phone restrictions, including:

• Emergency situations, where students must have access to their phones.

• Students with an IEP or 504 plan, who may require access under certain conditions.

She noted that requiring students to store phones in lockers (as some districts have done) could create compliance issues during emergencies, such as lockdowns, where students might be unable to access their devices.

Dr. Jonas expressed appreciation that the legislation allows for local control and flexibility, enabling schools to implement policies appropriate to their individual settings.

Mrs. Terrell asked how the law would impact schools that have adopted complete no-phone policies. Dr. Jonas responded that while schools retain local control, it remains unclear how they will accommodate the listed exceptions. She emphasized that the intent of the law appears to be to limit phone access in a way that is reasonable and context-specific.

Mrs. Floyd directed the board to the attached report, which outlines current activity across the four components of the Impact Center. She noted that although the center has only been open for approximately one year, it is already having a significant, positive impact on the community.

• Learning Center:
  A total of 192 children are currently enrolled. The center is in the process of hiring for two positions following a staff resignation, presenting exciting opportunities for new staff and students. The preschool program celebrated 31 graduates this year. From a school district perspective, Mrs. Floyd expressed enthusiasm about the strong instructional programming in use at the Impact Center, noting the anticipated long-term benefits as those children transition into the K-12 system.

• Dayspring Bank Events Center:
  This facility continues to host weekly events, both during the week and on weekends. Mrs. Floyd shared that a recent wedding with 450 guests was held at the venue—surpassing previous expectations regarding its capacity—while still providing a comfortable experience for attendees.

• Healthy Family Center:
  Over 500 families have received support through this arm of the Impact Center, as reflected in frequent social media updates. The services provided continue to meet a critical need in the community.

• Indoor Sports Training Facility:
  The facility is actively used by various community groups as well as by younger students, particularly during inclement weather when outdoor recess is not possible. The space continues to be a valuable asset for year-round activity.

Mr. Fornoff inquired about the current capacity of the Learning Center. Mrs. Floyd responded that while there are still a few classrooms available, the center is nearing full capacity. She also noted the recent opening of the Impact Corner, which began operation toward the end of the school year. This space now accommodates the school-age summer program, providing an environment better suited to the needs of older students.

Mr. Fornoff thanked Mrs. Floyd and, seeing no further questions, noted that this item was informational only and no board action was required.

Mr. Fornoff, on behalf of the Board of Education, formally recognized and expressed sincere appreciation to Mrs. Richeson for her 18 years of dedicated service to Gothenburg Public Schools. He acknowledged her leadership and commitment in her role as Director of Teaching and Learning, as well as her lasting contributions to instructional improvement and student success throughout the district.

In addition to her current role, Mrs. Richeson has served the district in a variety of capacities, including classroom teacher, librarian, elementary principal, and more—demonstrating her versatility and unwavering dedication to education. Dr. Jonas inquired about her total years of service, which Mrs. Richeson confirmed to be 18 years. Mrs. Jobman asked what grade she had taught, to which Mrs. Richeson replied first grade, adding that during her early years there had been some turnover, but that Mrs. Stienike remained a consistent presence.

Mrs. Richeson reflected on her time in the district with pride and gratitude, noting the joy of now seeing former students getting married and the many meaningful memories she has made throughout her career.

Mr. Fornoff again expressed the Board’s heartfelt thanks for her service and well wishes as she enters the next chapter of her life. He also shared that the district looks forward to welcoming Mrs. Tiller at the next board meeting as she steps into the role.

No action was taken.

1.  Personnel Committee - Mr. Fornoff reported that the Personnel Committee met earlier today during the noon hour for the first of four scheduled sessions designed to enhance the board’s understanding of and approach to the negotiation process.
2. Transportation and Facilities - Mr. Wyatt confirmed Transportation and Facilities had not met. 
3. Finance - Mrs. Jobman confirmed that the activity fund has been closely monitored this year, and they have done an excellent job controlling spending, resulting in a significant year-over-year decrease. This is very encouraging news. Everything else is progressing as expected with tax credits and the first round of real estate tax collections. She also noted an important update regarding recent real estate assessments released by the county assessor. Of particular note is a 25% increase in the assessed value of farmland. Mrs. Jobman reminded everyone that an increase in assessment does not directly translate to an immediate increase in taxes, as taxes are calculated based on assessed value and annual revenue requirements. She encouraged everyone to keep this in mind if questioned by community members.
4. Committee on American Civics - Mrs. Terrell confirmed American Civics had not met. 
5. Policy Review - Mrs. Terrell stated that a lot of items were voted on today, and there is another meeting scheduled at the end of the month to review additional items. 
6. Officers - Mr. Fornoff confirmed that once the application period for the new board member closes, all applications will be sent to Dr. Jonas, who will distribute them individually to each board member. Board members will provide feedback, after which the officer team will convene to put forth a nomination. He asked if there were any questions from the board regarding the process or timeline. Mr. Dalrymple asked if this timeline is typical for the application process. Dr. Jonas confirmed that the appointment must be completed within 45 days, and there are two options: either hold a special meeting or complete it at the regular July board meeting. The board has chosen to proceed with the July meeting for the appointment.