January 12, 2026 at 12:00 PM - Board of Education Regular Meeting

Dr. Jonas noted that there are two linked documents she would like the Board to review. These materials were previously discussed in July, at the time of Ryan’s appointment to the Board, and she offered a brief refresher.

First, she referenced the organizational chart, explaining that it is a helpful resource for understanding the structure of the organization and identifying the appropriate point of contact when a concern or question arises. The chart reflects the Board of Education at the top, followed by the Superintendent, and then the directors, administrators, and the staff members they oversee.

Dr. Jonas then highlighted the operating protocols, reading through the key guiding principles. These include keeping students at the center of all decisions; maintaining transparency with no surprises or secrets; prioritizing clear and consistent communication; and following the established chain of command. Additional guiding practices include governing through policy as the framework for decision-making, engaging in strategic planning and ensuring faithful execution of the strategic plan, overseeing the budget and personnel, and conducting effective board meetings and evaluations of the superintendent.

In closing, Dr. Jonas emphasized that a successful board operates cohesively and makes decisions collaboratively. These protocols serve as the foundation that guides the Board’s work and helps ensure decisions are made thoughtfully and with quality.

Dr. Jonas explained that the chain of command policy serves as the guiding framework for addressing challenges or concerns and outlines the appropriate starting point for raising an issue. She noted that, while it aligns with the organizational chart previously reviewed, it provides a more specific and practical summary.

As an example, Dr. Jonas described how concerns related to student discipline should begin with the classroom teacher, followed by the principal, and then the superintendent, as appropriate. She emphasized that each issue should initially be addressed by the individual with the most direct knowledge of the situation, as this approach often resolves concerns efficiently and reduces confusion.

Dr. Jonas acknowledged that, over the years, individuals have expressed hesitation about reporting concerns due to discomfort with the person they are expected to approach. She clarified that in such situations, there are options. Using a classroom-related concern as an example, she explained that while an individual may choose to address the matter directly with the teacher, they may also bring the concern to the principal if they are uncomfortable bringing it to the teacher directly. She emphasized the importance of understanding that this alternative exists, particularly in cases where there may be concern about retaliation.

In closing, Dr. Jonas reiterated the importance of beginning the process with those who have the most direct knowledge of the situation before escalating concerns to the next level in the chain of command.

There were no questions from the Board, and the Board proceeded without taking action.

Dr. Jonas stated that the Board realigns its standing committees annually and noted that this process was completed in July. She confirmed that there are no changes to the current committee structure but emphasized the importance of formally recognizing the committees. She explained that the linked document outlines the standing committees adopted in August, following Mr. Sukraw’s appointment to the Board of Education.

Mr. Fornoff asked whether there were any questions for Dr. Jonas. Hearing none, the Board proceeded to a vote.

Dr. Jonas stated that the final task associated with the Board of Education realignment is the distribution of conflict of interest disclosure forms. She noted that Mr. Fornoff had copies available in the green folder for any board members who needed them.

Dr. Jonas referenced Policy 2005, which defines a conflict of interest as a situation in which a board member, or a member of the board member’s immediate family, has a business interest as a partner, member of a limited liability company, stockholder, or serves as a director or officer of a business that could potentially benefit from board action. She noted that, most recently, this has commonly applied to board members affiliated with financial institutions when the district considers the use of a bank as a depository or for loan services.

Mr. Fornoff asked if there were any questions. Hearing none, the Board proceeded with no action taken.

Dr. Jonas announced that the following personnel actions have been received:

• Craig Haake, Physical Education teacher, has submitted his letter of retirement after 37 years of service at GPS.

• Mrs. Jolene Wiggins, Technology Director, has submitted her letter of retirement after 26 years with the district.

• Ms. Janda, 7-12 Art teacher, has submitted her resignation as she will be relocating following her recent engagement.

Dr. Jonas noted the significant contributions of each individual and stated that action is required on their letters.

Mr. Fornoff expressed appreciation for their years of dedicated service to the district and extended best wishes to each of them in their retirement or future endeavors.

Dr. Jonas stated that although approval of the ESU10 contract typically occurs in February, the contract was received early this year and was placed on the agenda for consideration. She provided an overview of the services ESU10 provides, noting that while the ESU offers a wide range of support, the focus of this contract is on special education services.

Specifically, the district contracts with ESU10 for services in audiology, deaf education, vision services, vocational transition, and supplemental special education supervision for school-age students. Dr. Jonas explained that these services are often required for only a portion of the day or week, depending on the student’s IEP, and do not justify a full-time district position. Contracting with the ESU allows the district to provide these necessary services in a cost-effective manner.

She further noted that the contract outlines the portion of time allocated for each service, and that these allocations may be adjusted during the year if a student with significant needs enrolls. The service providers are contracted through ESU10 and come from Kearney or surrounding communities to deliver the services on-site.

No questions were raised, and the Board proceeded to a vote.

Dr. Jonas confirmed that, in accordance with federal equal employment opportunity requirements, the district is required to appoint a non-discrimination compliance coordinator and a Title IX coordinator annually. She noted that she has previously served in this role and expressed her willingness to continue if approved.

Mr. Fornoff asked whether there were any questions for Dr. Jonas. Hearing none, the Board proceeded to a vote.

Dr. Jonas reported that the district received the new teacher shortage report for the 2025-2026 school year. She noted that the link to the report will be added to the meeting notes. The report included responses from 81% of Nebraska schools, providing reliable and valuable data on current staffing trends. Link to report: https://www.education.ne.gov/educatorprep/teacher-shortage-survey/ 

Key highlights include:

• Reported unfilled positions decreased from 669 last year to 489 this year.

• Positions that remained completely vacant declined from 30% to 23% of unfilled positions.

• The number of impacted districts decreased from 153 to 135.

• Special education remains the endorsement area with the highest need, representing 140 of the unfilled positions, a slight improvement from 149 last year.

• The top five areas of need are special education, elementary education, career education, science, and mathematics.

• The primary reason for unfilled positions is a lack of applicants, cited by 60% of districts, while 18% cited a lack of fully qualified applicants.

Dr. Jonas emphasized that this data underscores the importance of continuing recruitment and retention efforts as part of the district’s negotiated agreements.

In response to a question from Mr. Sukraw regarding the reasons for the improvements, Dr. Jonas explained that several factors have contributed:

• Legislative efforts, including teacher retention grants, which incentivize teachers to remain in the profession.

• Expanded pathways to certification, including content-area Praxis exams, which allow qualified individuals, such as professionals in related fields, to obtain teaching endorsements without returning to full-time college programs.

• Local control allows the district to evaluate candidates for classroom fit and provide support through mentoring programs.

Dr. Jonas noted that these combined efforts have increased the number of applicants while maintaining local oversight of teacher quality. She confirmed that vacant positions remain open and efforts to fill them continue.

Mr. Fornoff asked about the top five areas of need and their corresponding college endorsements. Dr. Jonas stated she would need to verify that information but noted that elementary education continues to be among the top areas of need due to evolving student needs, particularly post-COVID, despite historically strong applicant pools.

Mr. Fornoff asked if there were any additional questions for Dr. Jonas. Hearing none, the Board moved on with no action taken.

Personnel Committee - Mr. Fornoff confirmed that the committee will meet with the GEA this week and expressed optimism that negotiations are nearing resolution.

Transportation and Facilities Committee - Mr. Sukraw reported that the committee is scheduled to meet in two weeks.

Finance Committee - Mrs. Jobman reported that all federal grants for the 2024-2025 school year have been fully paid and that the 2025-2026 grants are on track. She noted that the district is within $150,000 of its cash reserve goal, reflecting significant improvement over the past three years. Mrs. Jobman also highlighted an analysis of tax receipts for the 2025 budget, noting shifts between counties, particularly an increase in Dawson County, and the effects of tax credits on the timing of income. Overall, she reported that the district’s cash position remains strong.

Committee on American Civics - Mrs. Terrell confirmed that the committee has not met and had no updates to report.

Policy Review Committee - Mrs. Brass confirmed that the committee has not met and had no updates to report.