November 8, 2022 at 6:30 PM - REGULAR MEETING

Discussion:  President Repass called the meeting to order at 6:30 pm CT.

Discussion:  Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

Discussion:  President Repass advised every one of the open meetings act being posted and available.

Discussion:  President Repass verified that the ESU 15 Board meeting was advertised according to policy.

Discussion:  Present were: Nathan Behlke, Cheri Burke, Marty Conroy, Mary Dueland, Larry Gossen, Kate Repass and Allison Sandman.

Discussion:  Absent board members: Loop, Remington and Stevens

Discussion:  ESU 15 Technology Specialist, Todd Weimer, updated the board on the Technology Department. Todd is working with Dundy County and Southwest 3rd graders on programing. He is using a program called Stratch to help teach the kids how to animate their names.  The kids like to present their work on the smart boards as they are proud of their work. 
ESU's are working on rolling out a network called Eduroam for schools in each ESU district. ESU 15 plans to roll it out after the new year.  Our staff use it to login to our server no matter where you are to use wifi. This will help with using networks that are not secure, like hotels and conference centers.

Discussion:  November Payables $155,065.42 and Payroll $77,292.55.

Discussion:  Mr. Calvert updated the board on the Settlement Agreement with Dundy Co Attorney. Perry Law firm has reviewed the settlement along with spoken with the Dundy Co Attorney and they have stated they believe it to be acceptable to sign.

Discussion:  Mr. Calvert updated the board on an additional Staff Day that has been added to the calendar, December 20, 2022.

Discussion:  President Repass read Mr. Calvert's letter of resignation to the board effective June 30, 2023. The board thanked Mr. Calvert for all he has done for the ESU in his 14 years here along with his 34 years in Education.

Discussion:  Mr. Calvert updated the board on the Health Premiums for the 2023-24 school year. The rates are going up about 7% for Health Insurance and  Dental rates are staying the same. 

Discussion:  Mr. Calvert confirmed with the board that Jason Loop would be the Delegate Elect to represent ESU 15.

Discussion:  Mr. Calvert addressed the board about the annual employee gift certificates for a ham or turkey. The Board agreed they would like to do that again this year for all employees. 

Discussion:  President Repass informed the board about the process of how to address the administrator vacancy procedures. A committee was formed to narrow the candidates down to four by December 2, 2022, with interviews to follow.

Discussion:  Mr. Calvert updated the board on the up-coming ADCO meeting in North Platte, NE tomorrow. Senator Walz will be attending via zoom along with the President of Doane University, who will address the teacher shortage. 

The ESUCC will meet prior to the State Convention next week in Lincoln, NE.  

On December 21,  2022, there is a hearing set to question additional discoveries in the lawsuit against Chase Co Schools. There will also be a decision to determine if there is a conflict of interest with KSB Law  representing Chase Co Schools. ESU 15 hired KSB Law on two prior occasions, in 2011 and 2015, to defend Chase Co Schools in SPED related complaints. Mr. Calvert also reported that Justin Knight, Legal Counsel, has not received any correspondence from the October 7, 2022 letter sent to KSB Law inquiring about a settlement proposal from Chase County Schools.

A Statewide Cyber Security team is moving forward quickly. Schools will have to decide if they are going to participate. ESU 15 and ESU 16 had discussed using SNDN funds to help pay for the additional services.

The December board meeting will be on December 14, 2022, at the Coopermill in MCCook, NE. 

Discussion:  The meeting adjourned at 7:09 pm.  The next Board Meeting is at 6:30pm on December 14, 2022, @ Coopermill in McCook, NE.