Public Meeting Minutes: April 14, 2026 at 5:30 PM - Regular

A. Notification of Open Meetings Law

Discussion:

At the beginning of the meeting, President AJ Johnson announced and informed the public that a current copy of the Open Meetings Act is available at the meeting site and included electronically in the E-Meeting agenda.

B. Roll Call*

Action(s):

Motion Carried:

Motion by Amy Brand, seconded by Mrs Susan Strahm, to approve the absence of members Jim Gunsolley and Tabitha Gilsdorf. After discussion and on roll call vote, the Board voted as follows:

Motion Carried:

Gilsdorf: Absent
Gunsolley: Absent
Boneschans: For
Brand: For
Dorcey: For
Hayes: For
Johnson: For
Snyder: For
Strahm: For

No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.

C. Consent Agenda*

Action(s):

Motion Carried:

Motion by Kimberly Snyder, seconded by Jean Dorcey, to approve all items on the consent agenda as provided (March 10 Minutes, March Financial Reports, April bills of $1,275,816.66 and the Administrator's Report). After discussion and on roll call vote, the Board voted as follows:

Motion Carried:

Gilsdorf: Absent
Gunsolley: Absent
Boneschans: For
Brand: For
Dorcey: For
Hayes: For
Johnson: For
Snyder: For
Strahm: For

No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.

C.1. Previous Minutes (copy attached)

C.2. Financial Reports*

C.2.a. Revenue Report/Treasurer's Report

C.2.b. Cash Summary/Expenditure Report

C.3. Bills for April

C.4. Administrator's Monthly Report

C.4.a. Federal Programs

Discussion: On March 31, the Committee of Practitioners met in Grand Island to discuss program changes and reported that Title I funding in Nebraska should stay the same for 2026-27.

C.4.b. Superintendent Meeting

Discussion: The ESU 1 superintendent meeting on April 15 will include discussion of next year’s core service and support project budgets.

C.4.c. Board Election Districts

Discussion: ESU 1 board members in odd-numbered election districts 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9 are up for re-election.

C.4.d. Physical and Occupational Therapy Presentation

Discussion:

Kristine Kleve, PT/OT Department Coordinator, provided an overview and shared videos highlighting the services offered to children in ESU1.

D. Public Comment

E. Legislative Update

Discussion: Administrator Heimann provided a legislative update.

F. 2026-27 Calendar

Action(s):

Motion Carried:

Motion by Josiah Boneschans, seconded by Robert Hayes, to approve the 2026-27 calendars for ESU1 Central Office and Tower School as presented. After discussion and on roll call vote, the Board voted as follows:

Motion Carried:

Gilsdorf: Absent
Gunsolley: Absent
Boneschans: For
Brand: For
Dorcey: For
Hayes: For
Johnson: For
Snyder: For
Strahm: For

No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.

G. Classified Staff Compensation*

Action(s):

Motion Carried:

Motion by Kimberly Snyder, seconded by Amy Brand, to approve the 2026-27 wages and benefits for classified staff as presented. After discussion and on roll call vote, the Board voted as follows:

Motion Carried:

Gilsdorf: Absent
Gunsolley: Absent
Boneschans: For
Brand: For
Dorcey: For
Hayes: For
Johnson: For
Snyder: For
Strahm: For

No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.

H. Resignation of the Director of Special Education

Action(s):

Motion Carried:

Motion by Mrs Susan Strahm, seconded by Jean Dorcey, to approve the resignation of Stuart Clark as the Director of Special Education, effective June 30. After discussion and on roll call vote, the Board voted as follows:

Motion Carried:

Gilsdorf: Absent
Gunsolley: Absent
Boneschans: For
Brand: For
Dorcey: For
Hayes: For
Johnson: For
Snyder: For
Strahm: For

No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.

I. Consider, Discuss, and take any necessary action to approve a contract for the Director of Special Education effective July 1, 2026

Action(s):

Motion Carried:

Motion by Amy Brand, seconded by Jean Dorcey, to approve the contract as presented for Dr. Casey Hurner as the Director of Special Education, effective July 1. After discussion and on roll call vote, the Board voted as follows:

Motion Carried:

Gilsdorf: Absent
Gunsolley: Absent
Boneschans: For
Brand: For
Dorcey: For
Hayes: For
Johnson: For
Snyder: For
Strahm: For

No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.

J. Personnel*

J.1. Consider, discuss, and take necessary action on employee contracts and personnel changes.

J.1.a. Resignation(s)

Discussion:

Lauren Pinkelman, Occupational Therapist (part-time) effective at the end of the 2025-2026 contract year.
Michelle Martindale, Deaf Educator, effective at the end of the 2025-26 contract year.
Casey Hurner, NeMTSS state coordinator, effective June 30, 2026

Action(s):

Motion Carried:

Motion by Josiah Boneschans, seconded by Kimberly Snyder, to approve the resignations as presented. After discussion and on roll call vote, the Board voted as follows:

Motion Carried:

Gilsdorf: Absent
Gunsolley: Absent
Boneschans: For
Brand: For
Dorcey: For
Hayes: For
Johnson: For
Snyder: For
Strahm: For

No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.

J.1.b. New Hire(s)

Discussion:

Ellie Frevert, Tower Paraeducator, effective April 1st.
Hallie Epley, Speech-Language Pathologist, effective 26-27 school year.
Mariah Hjort, Speech-Language Pathologist, effective 26-27 school year.
Angie Corderman, School Psychologist, effective 26-27 school year.
Matthew VanErdewyk, School Psychologist, effective 26-27 school year.

Action(s):

Motion Carried:

Motion by Robert Hayes, seconded by Mrs Susan Strahm, to approve the new hire(s) as presented. After discussion and on roll call vote, the Board voted as follows:

Motion Carried:

Gilsdorf: Absent
Gunsolley: Absent
Boneschans: For
Brand: For
Dorcey: For
Hayes: For
Johnson: For
Snyder: For
Strahm: For

No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.

J.1.c. Contract Change(s)

J.1.d. Termination(s)

K. Adjournment

Discussion: As there were no additional Agenda items, President AJ Johnson adjourned the meeting at 6:19 p.m.

April 14, 2026 at 5:30 PM - Regular

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