February 20, 2024 at 7:00 PM - Regular Meeting

Discussion:  President Sinner referenced the Nebraska Open Meetings Act as posted and noted that the Board reserves the right to rearrange the order of the agenda and to convene an executive session in accordance with § 84-1410. 

Discussion: 

February 20, 2024 Approved Claims
Salaries, Benefits,	$  979,716.94
Prof. & Tech. Services; Mileage	$  103,290.44
Leases, Utilities & Maintenance	$    21,085.67
Copies, Postage, Telephone & Travel	$   59,592.91
Supplies, Materials, Software & other Util.	$   90,624.59
Bldg. Improvements, Furn., Equipment, Hardware, Vehicle Acquisition	$              0.00
Dues, Fees & Ind. Costs	$       (343.08)
Total	$1,253,967.47

Discussion:  Calendar:

• February 23, 2024 - ESU 13 Office Closed
• February 28, 2024 - Administrative Advisory Council will be hosted from our Sidney location. Dr. Brian Maher, Nebraska's Commissioner of Education will be in attendance.
• March 14-15, 2024 - NRCSA Spring Conference - Kearney
• March 19, 2024 - Regular Board Meeting
• March 20, 2024 - NASB Amplified Finance Workshop - Gering
• July 15, 2024 - Deadline for Incumbent ESU Candidate Filing
• August 1, 2024 - Deadline for Non-incumbent ESU Candidate Filing

Discussion:  No Public Forum

Discussion:  Reports: 

Discussion:  Board members Jones, Millette, Richards, and Winchester attended the Legislative Issues Conference on January 21-22.  Each attendee discussed sessions they attended that included the Education Commissioner, Governor, Senators, and Aides.

Discussion:  Krystie Hohnstein, Head Start Director, presented the 2024 ERSEA (Eligibility, Recruitment, Selection, Enrollment, and Attendance) written plan. This presentation included what qualifies applicants to be eligible (age, income, identified special needs), income calculation with the poverty guidelines and documentation of income sources, and categorically eligible qualifications (families who are receiving SNAP, TANF, ADC, or SSI, homelessness, or foster care).  Recruitment systems were explained. The selection process is also explained. It is a requirement that an active waitlist is maintained for placement of children within 30 days of an open slot. Enrollment attendance is required to be maintained at 85%.  The new selection form criteria was presented. 

Discussion:  Head Start Director's Report, Policy Council, and Financial Reports were presented - no discussion.

Discussion:  The Head Start Fiscal Area 2 review took place the week of October 30, 2023. All sites, both partnership and stand-alone, were visited. In addition to site visits, reviewers conducted data tours in ERSEA, Fiscal, Health, Safety and Nutrition, HR, early childhood development, family and community engagement, and mental health. Krystie Hohnstein, Head Start Director, reviewed the findings with the Board and asked for input on addressing non-compliant concerns.  No further discussion.

Discussion:  The Head Start School Readiness Goals were presented to the Board

Discussion:  The Head Start Non-Federal Share (In-Kind) was presented to the Board.

Discussion:  Administrator's Report:
Craig Hicks, ESU 13's technology integration specialist, who will be resigning at the end of his contract this year, thanked the Board for his 27 years of employment. 

Discussion:  The Mid-Winter Conference took place on February 19th.  Dr. Barrett informed the Board that there were approximately 1400 attendees spread out over several locations.  She commended the Professional Learning Department for the planning and organization of this annual event. 

Discussion:  Dr. Barrett shared updates on legislative bills.

Discussion:  The Nebraska Cybersecurity Network submitted a proposal for Phase II of the IIJA grant process. This is for purchasing equipment to help with logging cybersecurity incidents. Andy Boell, project lead,  came out during the Mid-Winter conference and did training for LAN managers. 

Discussion:  Board Committee Reports: 

Discussion:  Board member Coon, Chairperson of the Policy/Legislative Committee, informed the Board that the committee met prior to the Board meeting and discussed Article 2, Section 3, Article 3, Sections 1A, 6, 7C, 8, and Article 4 Section 5C. The committee has made recommendations to the Board for policy amendments. 

Discussion:  Board Member Comments: 
Winchester and Marx attended the Mid-Winter conference and thanked ESU 13 for all the work involved. 
Jones and Sinner participated in the Poverty Simulation. 
 

Discussion:  Business: 

Discussion:  A proposed amendment to Article 2, Section 3 to remove item #8 (Determine ESU #13's participation in providing supplementary educational services for the calendar year) and move it to Article 3, Section 1 was presented as a first reading. 

Discussion:  A proposed amendment to Article 3, Section 7-C (Weapons) to add the paragraph below was presented as a first reading.  
A law enforcement officer may carry and possess a firearm or weapon on ESU #13 property, in an ESU #13 vehicle, or at any ESU #13 activity or program while the officer is on duty or as part of the officer's job responsibilities.

Discussion:  A proposed amendment to Article 3, Section 8 (Disposal of Property) to change NSBA and NCSA to NASB and NRCSA was presented as first reading.

The following procedures shall be followed for an auction or when taking bids: 

1.    The intention to sell shall be publicized, via newsletter, an ESU #13 bulletin board or webpage posting, an NSBA, NCSA NASB, NRCSA or similar association webpage or publication, a newspaper advertisement, or other means suitable to the value and nature of the property.  

Discussion:  President Sinner adjourned the meeting at 8:44 PM.  The next regular Board meeting will be held on March 19, 2024, at the ESU 13 Main Office, 4215 Avenue I, Scottsbluff, NE, and virtually.