March 16, 2026 at 5:00 PM - Board of Education Regular Meeting
| Regular Board | |
| Attendance Taken on 3/16/2026 at 5:00 PM | |
| Lisa Brass | Present |
| Matt Dalrymple | Present |
| Kyle Fornoff | Present |
| Becky Jobman | Present |
| Ryan Sukraw | Present |
| Kelly Terrell | Present |
| Present: 6, Absent: 0 | |
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Comments:
Dr. Allison Jonas, Superintendent Seth Ryker, Jr/Sr High Principal Josi Floyd, Elementary Principal Tomye McKenna, SPED Director & Assistant Elementary Principal Maggie Tiller, Director of Teaching & Learning Becky Vang, Business Manager (via Zoom) |
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| Minutes | |
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1. Call to Order & Pledge of Allegiance
Rationale:
Mission Statement: A copy of the open meetings law is posted on the wall of the Board Room and is available to the public. |
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2. Approve the Agenda
Rationale:
The Board reserves the right to rearrange the order of items as needed.
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
Attachments:
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3. Recognition of Visitors
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3.1. Celebration of Excellence
Rationale:
Mrs. Shauna Baker, 9-12 School Counselor or Ms. Rebecca Jacobsen will share insights on the newly restructured ACT.
Handout
Discussion:
Mr. Ryker and Mrs. Baker presented information regarding the new ACT structure changes.
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3.2. Public Participation
Rationale:
Board Policy 2009 - Opportunity for Public Expression. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION INSTRUCTIONS FOR MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHO WISH TO SPEAK: This is the portion of the meeting when members of the public may speak to the board about matters of public concern.
Discussion:
No public participation.
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4. Action Items
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4.1. Consent Agenda
Rationale:
1. Approval of Previous Minutes 2. Approval of the Treasurer's Report 3. Approval of the Warrants / Bills a. Petty Cash b. Student Activity c. Hot Lunch d. Bank Statement e. Summary of Accounts and Receipts f. Monthly Expenditure Report g. Check Journal 4. Excuse Absent Board Members
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
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4.2. Personnel
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4.2.1. Consider the resignation of certificated staff.
Rationale:
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
Discussion:
Dr. Jonas reported that, in accordance with state statute, certified staff contracts may not be required to be returned earlier than March 15. She noted that this deadline is earlier than in previous years, when April 15 had been more typical, but many districts have adjusted timelines in response to ongoing teacher shortages in order to improve recruitment efforts. Dr. Jonas stated that all certified staff contracts had been returned as of the March 15 deadline, with the exception of five staff members who submitted resignations. She identified the following individuals: Seth Schaeffer (Physical Education), Elise Johnson (Agriculture Education), Jaycee Anderson (6th Grade), Ryan Johnson (Band), and Selena Bloos (7-12 English). Mr. Fornoff inquired if there were any questions for Dr. Jonas. No questions were raised by board members. Mr. Fornoff expressed appreciation for the service of the resigning staff members and wished them well in their future endeavors.
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4.2.2. Consider approval of contract(s) for certificated staff.
Rationale:
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
Discussion:
Dr. Jonas presented two staff hiring recommendations for board consideration. She first introduced Brianda Prado as a candidate for the Early Childhood Special Education position, noting the district’s ongoing discussion regarding caseload demands in that area. Dr. Jonas reported that Ms. Prado brings 13 years of experience as an early childhood paraprofessional and is currently completing her bachelor’s degree in special education through Chadron State College. Dr. Jonas then presented Pat Mattfeld as a candidate for the 7-12 Physical Education position. She stated that Mr. Mattfeld has 10 years of experience teaching physical education with Kearney Public Schools. He holds a bachelor’s degree in K-12 Physical Education from Hastings College and a master’s degree in Physical Education Pedagogy from the University of Nebraska at Kearney. Dr. Jonas also noted that Mr. Mattfeld and his family are looking forward to the transition to the district. Mr. Fornoff asked if there were any questions for Dr. Jonas. No questions were raised by board members. Mr. Fornoff expressed appreciation to the hiring committee for their work in the selection process and acknowledged that additional hiring efforts would continue.
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4.3. Discuss and consider approval of the compensation package for non-instructional staff for the 2026-2027 school year.
Rationale:
The Personnel Committee has discussed compensation for non-instructional staff. This category includes office personnel, paraprofessionals, custodians, bus drivers, and directors. The committee recommends an overall increase in total compensation of 3.34%. Total compensation includes applicable health insurance through the Educators Health Alliance, which saw rates increase by 7.25% from 2025-2026 rates.
This is the final compensation package for staff approval. The teacher, administrative, and non-instructional groups each reflect a 3.34% increase in total compensation, inclusive of benefits. Overall, our district will spend approximately $10,500,000 on the wages and benefits of all staff next year. This is an increase of $339,107 (3.34%) from the 2025-2026 school year. The following chart outlines the wages and benefits breakdown for GPS staff which make up 85% of the overall expenses for GPS. 
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
Discussion:
Dr. Jonas reported that the Personnel Committee had reviewed and discussed compensation for non-instructional staff, including office personnel, paraprofessionals, custodians, bus drivers, and directors. She stated that the committee is recommending an overall increase of 3.34% in total compensation for this group. Dr. Jonas clarified that total compensation includes salary and benefits, including health insurance through the Educators Health Alliance, which experienced a 7.25% rate increase. Dr. Jonas further noted that this recommendation represents the final compensation package for all staff groups, including teachers, administrators, and non-instructional staff, with each group reflecting a 3.34% increase in total compensation inclusive of benefits. She reported that the district is projected to spend approximately $10.5 million on wages and benefits for all staff in the upcoming school year, representing an increase of $339,107 (3.34%) over the current year. Dr. Jonas added that wages and benefits account for approximately 85% of the district’s total expenditures. She referenced a chart and supporting attachment included in the board materials, which provide a breakdown of wages and benefits by category and specifically detail non-instructional staff compensation. Mr. Fornoff asked if there were any questions. No questions were raised by board members.
Attachments:
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4.4. Discuss, consider, and take all necessary action to enter into an agreement with Wilkins ADP for professional design services for the Areas C & D school facilities construction project.
Rationale:
Our previous contract with an architectural firm concluded several months ago, prompting the Facilities and Transportation Committee to initiate a review process for new services. The district received two proposals from highly qualified firms. After careful consideration, the committee recommended Wilkins ADP based on strong references from both current and former clients, the firm’s close geographic proximity, and its commitment to responsive, personalized service. The engagement with Wilkins ADP was announced at last month’s meeting. The proposed contract was prepared by KSB School Law and has been reviewed and approved by Wilkins ADP. It is specific to the facilities improvement project in Areas C and D, which includes the addition of a secure entryway and enhancements to our Career and Technical Education (CTE) facilities as well as general updates in these areas. Funding for this project has already been secured through Qualified Capital Purpose Undertaking (QCPUF) funds and depreciation.
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
Discussion:
Dr. Jonas reported that the district recently concluded its previous contract with an architectural firm, prompting the Facilities and Transportation Committee to begin a review process for new services in the fall. She stated that the district received two proposals from highly qualified firms and, after careful consideration, the committee recommended Wilkins ADP. The recommendation was based on strong references from current and former clients, the firm’s geographic proximity, and its commitment to responsive, personalized service. Dr. Jonas noted that the district’s intent to engage Wilkins ADP was shared at the previous board meeting. Dr. Jonas explained that the proposed contract, prepared by KSB School Law, has been reviewed and approved by Wilkins ADP and is specific to the Facilities Improvement Project in Areas C and D. The project includes the addition of a secure entryway, enhancements to career and technical education facilities, and general updates within those areas. She further reported that funding for the project has already been secured through the Qualified Capital Purpose Undertaking Fund and Depreciation. While no construction activity is anticipated until the next school year, Dr. Jonas emphasized the importance of formally approving the contract at this time. Mr. Fornoff asked if there were any questions for Dr. Jonas. No questions were raised by board members.
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4.5. Discuss, consider, and take all necessary action to enter into a real estate purchase agreement with the City of Gothenburg for the purchase of the property located at 00001682 LOTS 20 THRU 25 INCL HENCEY REPLAT OF BLKS 27 & 28 HYDE PARK (commonly known as the Junior High Practice Field).
Rationale:
Approximately one year ago, Gothenburg Public Schools was approached regarding the potential purchase of lots located east of the junior high practice field. At that time, we declined due to the condition of the properties and the fact that they are not adjacent to existing school property. Since then, the City has indicated a willingness to sell the junior high practice field itself. Because this is a space we use regularly and it is directly adjacent to our campus, we initiated discussions to explore the feasibility of acquiring it. Opportunities to secure property near school campus are rare. Many districts must take a long-term, strategic approach to acquiring nearby land—often purchasing parcels incrementally over several years to allow for even modest expansion. This represents a valuable opportunity to preserve access to a critical space, maintain flexibility for future needs, and protect its use for school purposes well into the future.
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
Discussion:
Dr. Jonas reported that approximately one year ago, the district was approached regarding the potential purchase of lots located east of the junior high practice field. At that time, the district declined due to the condition of the properties and their lack of adjacency to existing school property. She stated that the City has since expressed willingness to sell the junior high practice field, which is directly adjacent to the school campus and currently used regularly by the district. In response, the district initiated discussions to explore the feasibility of acquiring the property. Dr. Jonas emphasized that opportunities to acquire land near existing school facilities are rare and often require long-term, strategic planning. She noted that this acquisition would help preserve access to a critical space, maintain flexibility for future needs, and ensure the property remains available for school use. Mrs. Brass commented that the board had extensive discussions regarding the purchase and acknowledged initial concerns with the proposed price. She expressed appreciation that negotiations resulted in more acceptable terms and stated that, given the property’s adjacency and potential uses, the purchase is justified. Mr. Dalrymple added that while the district would have preferred to continue using the space without cost, the City was willing to negotiate and provide favorable financing terms. He noted that acquiring the property is more cost-effective than developing a new practice field elsewhere on campus, including the installation of irrigation systems and turf. Mr. Fornoff asked if there were any additional questions. No further questions were raised by board members.
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4.6. Discuss and consider approval of the 2026-2027 school calendar.
Rationale:
The proposed calendar for 2026-2027 is attached.
There are a few slight changes from the first draft that was presented last month.
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
Discussion:
Dr. Jonas presented proposed final revisions to the 2026-2027 school calendar. She noted three main changes since the draft calendar was shared last month:
Mr. Fornoff asked if there were any questions for Dr. Jonas. No questions were raised by board members.
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5. Reports
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5.1. Board of Education Reports
Rationale:
Committee Reports (Chair in bold)
Discussion:
Personnel Committee - Mr. Fornoff reported that the committee concluded discussions on non-instructional staff compensation packages at tonight’s meeting. He indicated that there are no plans to meet again in the near future. Transportation and Facilities Committee - Mr. Dalrymple confirmed the committee met to review Areas C and D projects, providing a refresher on upcoming work, associated costs, and progress updates. He noted that the committee plans to continue providing monthly updates to keep the board informed. Finance Committee - Mrs. Jobman provided updates, reporting that financial activity is proceeding as projected. She highlighted that basketball expenses are higher than usual, but reimbursements from the NSAA are anticipated in the summer. Federal grants are on track, including a $7,500 CTE grant received last month. Revenue is also on track, with tax credit income expected in March and June. Committee on American Civics - Mrs. Terrell reported that the committee recently met to review the ELA curriculum. She noted that the curriculum will be open for a 30-day public review period and expressed excitement about teacher engagement and enthusiasm with the new materials. Policy Review Committee - Mrs. Brass confirmed that the committee has not met since the last board meeting.
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5.2. Administrative Reports
Rationale:
1. Topic Specific Administrative Reports
2. General Administrative Reports a. Elementary (Mrs. Floyd) b. High School (Mr. Ryker) c. Activities (Mr. Mroczek) d. Special Populations (Mrs. McKenna) e. Teaching and Learning (Mrs. Tiller f. Superintendent (Dr. Jonas)
Discussion:
See attached reports.
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6. Next Meeting
Rationale:
Monday, April 13th
Swede Activities: JV Golf @ Minden
Discussion:
The next meeting is scheduled for Monday, April 13th at 5:00 PM.
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7. Adjournment
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
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