November 17, 2025 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: 

November 17, 2025 Approved Claims
Salaries, Benefits,	$1,018,276.22
Prof. & Tech. Services; Mileage	$     93,938.28
Leases, Utilities & Maintenance	$     21,338.80
Copies, Postage, Telephone & Travel	$     56,073.19
Supplies, Materials, Software & other Util.	$     94,056.10
Bldg. Improvements, Furn., Equipment, Hardware, Vehicle Acquisition, Transfer of funds	$   256,679.82
Dues, Fees & Ind. Costs	$       2,014.66
Total	$1,542,377.07

Discussion: 
Calendar:

• November 19-21, 2025 -  State Education Conference, CHI Health Center - Omaha (Jones, Plog, Winchester)
• November 26-28, 2025 - Thanksgiving Break, Offices Closed
• December 3-5, 2025 - AESA Annual Conference - Colorado Springs (Coon, Kinsey, Marsh, Plog, Richards, Sinner)
• December 12, 2025 - Meridian Christmas Concert
• December 16, 2025 - Regular Board Meeting
• December 17, 2025 - VALTS Graduation - HARMS Center-11:45 AM
• December 22, 2025 - January 2, 2026 - Winter Break

Discussion:  No Public Forum

Discussion:  Reports: 

Discussion:  Head Start Director's Report, Policy Council, and Financial Reports: Dr. Barrett updated the Board on Head Start level funding.  We are developing a proposal detailing the necessary steps to achieve funding compliance.

Discussion:  Head Start/Early Head Start Required Governance Training
Dr. Barrett presented the Head Start/Early Head Start Program Governance. The training included child eligibility, screenings such as social-emotional and health (vision, hearing, dental). Parent engagement opportunities were also presented. Head Start currently has eight partnerships with public school districts. They also partner with ESU 13 for services, and collaborate with community organizations. The Management Systems Wheel was reviewed. Dr. Barrett explained the Head Start Act of 2007, which describes the composition, roles and responsibilities of Head start agency governing bodies, and Policy Councils with regard to program design, planning, monitoring, and oversight. New program standards were published in 2024. The Governing Body has legal and fiscal responsibility for the HS agency. Therefore, reports are reviewed each month. The process for Policy Council was reviewed. The grievance procedures were reviewed. References to ECLKC (Early childhood Learning & Knowledge Center), PerformanceStandards, and Program Governance Reference Book were included.

Discussion:  Jodi Walker, ESU 13 Business Manager, gave a report on the Federal Program Desk Audit.

Discussion:  Administrator's Report:

• Dr. Barrett explained that ESU 13 is working with partners such as WNCC, Twin Cities Development, and 6 Regions 1 Nebraska to expand career pathways and CTE training.
• The 2024-25 Annual Report was presented.
• Facility update: continued discussion is taking place with JEO for the Meridian addition.
• Dr. Barrett gave updates on federal legislative issues.

Discussion:  Board Committee Reports: none

Discussion:  Board Member Comments: President Sinner informed the Board that he will not be filing for reelection for the 2026 general election. He offered to have anyone interested shadow him for the next year. 

Discussion:  Business: 

Discussion:  NASB Delegate Assembly: It was the consensus of the Board to appoint Patricia Jones as the NASB Delegate Assembly.

Discussion:  President Sinner adjourned the meeting at 7:51 PM.  The next regular meeting of the Board will be held on December 16, 2025, at 7:00 PM at the ESU 13 Main Office, 4215 Avenue I, Scottsbluff, NE 69361.