August 11, 2025 at 6:00 PM - Scottsbluff Board of Education Regular Meeting

Discussion:  The Regular Board of Education Meeting was called to order by President Scott Reisig at 6:00 PM.

Discussion:  This meeting was held in accordance with the Open Meetings Act. Notice of this meeting was published in the Star-Herald on August 9, 2025, and on the Scottsbluff Public Schools website on August 6, 2025.

Discussion:  Executive Director of Curriculum and Instruction Mike Mason provided an update to the Board of Education on the SBPS Continuous Improvement Process.

Discussion:  There were no members of the public present who wished to address the Board of Education.

Discussion:  Board Member Tory Schwartz stated he had recently been hearing and seeing so many positive things happening around the District, stating there was a "great buzz going on" as everyone is preparing to return to school. Tory stated the District's culture is very positive, especially as he has witnessed staff members working hard over the summer and preparing the buildings for the return of students. Tory stated he is grateful to be a part of what is happening, and that the District would not be great without great people. He thanked the staff for everything they do. 

Board Vice President Beth Merrigan commented on the auditorium project and the work that has been done behind the scenes by the District's professionals. Beth noted there have been some hard choices to make over the past few months, but that this process has been an example of the greatness and teamwork Tory mentioned. She commended the staff for their ability to see the big picture while remaining passionate about each current situation. Beth stated she appreciated all the work that has happened behind the scenes, including Foundation Director Beth Rohrer's work with all the individuals invested in the project who have honored the past while bringing the school into the future.

Board Member Paul Snyder welcomed staff back for another year, which he noted he is sure will turn out to be great. He stated that soon there would be students attending the Board meetings for commendations, whom the staff should be very proud of.

Board President Scott Reisig stated he agrees with Tory, noting SBPS is a great district that is fun to be part of. He stated he is proud of the staff members and all the work that they do. He commented he is looking forward to another great year.

Board Member Mark Lang echoed previous sentiments, welcoming staff back for another successful year. He stated over the summer he had three opportunities to walk through Westmoor Elementary, once at the beginning of the construction project and once recently as the project nears the end of the current phase. Mark noted there was a great transition in the building as it becomes modernized.

Board Member Rob Polk thanked the staff, noting it is nice to be a part of a district whose members show they care about students and their families. Rob also congratulated Dr. Dick on securing a fine speaker for the recent All-Staff meeting.

Discussion:  No report.

Discussion:  No report.

Discussion:  No report.

Discussion:  No report.

Discussion:  Executive Director of Finance Marianne Carlson updated the Board of Education on three approved change orders for Westmoor Elementary, the Scottsbluff High School Auditorium, and the Scottsbluff Public Schools Education Center, per Board Policy 3133.

Discussion:  No report.

Discussion:  No report.

Discussion:  Superintendent Dr. Andrew Dick thanked Board members for their kind and supportive words regarding the work that is happening across the District. He stated it brings him great pride to serve alongside the amazing staff.

Dr. Dick thanked Foundation Director Beth Rohrer and the generous donors for their contributions to the Auditorium Improvement Project and for helping to make this project possible. He stated that securing $380,000 in donations was no small undertaking. He also thanked Brad Ronne, who met with the team multiple times over the summer and was a valued voice as they worked to engineer the project.

Dr. Dick thanked Director of Facilities Travis Rickey and his team, Director of Information Technology David Davis and his team, and Director of Safety and Security James Todd and his team, for the work they performed in-house over the summer. Dr. Dick noted these teams worked without complaint during what was most likely their busiest summer in recent memory. He stated he was able to get a first-hand look at how hard they have worked over the past summer, including facilitating multiple building moves that occurred in succession. He noted they were able to complete work in-house because of the skill and talent that each staff member possesses. Many items that these teams completed resulted in substantial project savings for the District, including initial demolition, reusing existing carpet and doors, installation of lights, wiring of the District Office, reusing ceiling tiles, installing the audio enhancement system, completing the low-voltage wiring in the District Office, installing cameras and a door access system throughout the SEC, reusing furniture and playground equipment, and the sale of acquired furniture from the SEC purchase. The estimated savings are roughly $891,425 for the Scottsbluff Public Schools Education Center project. Dr. Dick again thanked James, Travis, David, and Executive Director of Finance, Marianne Carlson, for their incredible work throughout this project.

Dr. Dick shared that at the most recent State Board of Education Meeting, SBPS was awarded a $518,000 Comprehensive Literacy State Development Grant. The purpose of the grant is to advance literacy skills from birth to 12th grade. He stated the District applied for three different grants and received all three. Assuming the funds will still be available, these grants will total almost $1.3 million over the next five years to improve the most important academic skill we teach. He noted the Nebraska Department of Education received a $55 million grant from the US Department of Education that will run through September 30, 2029. Dr. Dick noted he is excited to see where this grant will take the District's literacy instruction and thanked Executive Director of Curriculum and Instruction Mike Mason for his efforts in leading the grant writing.
 

Discussion:  The Regular Board of Education Meeting adjourned at 6:45 PM.