Public Meeting Minutes: February 12, 2024 at 5:30 PM - Regular Monthly Meeting of the Kearney Public Schools Board of Education

1. Routine Business

2. Call to Order

Discussion: President Gaasch called the meeting to order at 5:30 PM.

3. Open Meetings Act Announcement

Discussion: This is an open, public meeting of the Kearney Public Schools Board of Education, and a copy of the Open Meetings Act is posted in this room.

4. Pledge of Allegiance

5. Roll Call

5.A. Excuse Absent Board Member

Action(s):

Motion Passed:

Move to excuse absent Board member Paul Hazard from the meeting. This motion, made by Kathy Gifford and seconded by Drew Blessing, Passed.

Paul Hazard: Absent
John Icenogle: Yea
Steve Gaasch: Yea
Drew Blessing: Yea
Kathy Gifford: Yea

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

Discussion:

Mr. Hazard joined the meeting via Zoom.

6. Approval of the Agenda

Action(s):

Motion Passed:

Move to approve the agenda for the meeting, as presented. This motion, made by Drew Blessing and seconded by Kathy Gifford, Passed.

Paul Hazard: Absent
John Icenogle: Yea
Steve Gaasch: Yea
Drew Blessing: Yea
Kathy Gifford: Yea

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

7. Recognitions

8. Presentations

8.A. Presentation by Horizon Middle School on the Growth of Student Organizations and Clubs at Horizon Middle School

Discussion:

Amber Lewis, principal at Horizon Middle School, introduced counselor Roan Howard, who did a presentation on all the clubs that are offered at Hoizon Middle School. He spoke about a number of new clubs, such as Minecraft Club, Chess Club, D & D Club, Improv Club, and Finger Boarding Club, to name just a few. These clubs are designed with the hope of finding areas of interest for every student at Horizon, serving as a way to help them feel included. Mr. Howard talked about how students and parents alike have appreciated the connections that have been made through these clubs.
Mr. Blessing thanked Mr. Howard for all the work that he has put into promoting these opportunities for students to be involved and making connections with them.
Mrs. Gifford also thanked Mr. Howard and all the staff at Horizon who have given their time to help make these clubs available at HMS.
Mr. Icenogle thanked Mr. Howard as well.

8.B. Legislative Update

Discussion:

Mr. Mundorf spoke about the progress being made in the Nebraska State Legislature. He stated that 610 bills were brought forward for this current 60-day session, noting that the committees are working very hard to have hearings, but the progress is slow. He outlined the following bills:
- In reference to Governor Pillen's plan to reduce property taxes:
  - LB243 - 3% cap on revenue - (last year) schools could access an additional 4-7%, KPS qualified for 5% but only used 2.5%
  - LB1316 Senator Linehan - 3% hard cap on revenue - Governor would propose an increase in revenue that would include a one cent sales tax increase, removal of some sales tax exemptions, and the possibility of tapping into state agency cash reserves
  - LB1415 - proposes $987 million going back to school districts as state aid/revenue - this would cause a shift in what the state provides
  - LB1339 Senator Brewer - allowing off-duty officers to carry service revolvers on school campus - possibility of teacher/staff being armed
  - LB1012 - possibility of using QCPUF fund dollars for safety personnel
  - LB287 - open records/meeting act and public notices - may move to posting notices on a state website or allow notice to be posted on our own public school website

9. Public Participation/Comment

Discussion:

Kathy Adams referenced an article that she had read in regard to the curation of books in public schools. She voiced her concern about the sexually explicit books she believes are in the Kearney Public Schools libraries. She stated her feeling that KPS is doing a disservice to students by placing these books on the shelves and that the Board should be ashamed that they are allowing it.

10. Board Reports

10.A. NASB Legislative Committee Report

Discussion:

Mr. Blessing stated there are ten hearings today, eight tomorrow and five later this week, that the NASB Legislative Committee is tracking which are related to public schools. His summary of activities:
- LB1399 - changes to parental involvement:
  - adds to the list of educational material that parents can request and requires fulfillment of these requests within ten days
  - changes the language allowing parents to attend classes
  - notification to parents of surveys (KPS already does) and allowing parents to see their child's survey
  - requires library catalog publicized (KPS already does)
  - allows anyone to read 5 minutes of any school library book
  - policy posted on website (KPS already does)
- Mr. Blessing stated that there was discussion about the positive effects of more parental involvement, but concerns were voiced about the possibility of some things becoming a disruption to student learning in the classroom and if the additional provisions are affordable for schools.
- LB953, LB1053, LB1121 - grants for teacher recruitment and retention
- LB988 - requiring that all school elections must occur in a general election year
- LB1402, LB1403 - opportunity scholarships

11. Consent Agenda

Action(s):

Motion Passed:

Move to approve the items on the Consent Agenda, as presented. This motion, made by Drew Blessing and seconded by Kathy Gifford, Passed.

Paul Hazard: Absent
John Icenogle: Yea
Steve Gaasch: Yea
Drew Blessing: Yea
Kathy Gifford: Yea

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

11.A. Approval of Minutes of the January 9, 2024 Regular Meeting, the January 22, 2024 Special Meeting, the January 29, 2024 Special Retreat Meeting and the February 7, 2024 Board Committee of the Whole Meeting

11.B. Approval of the February 2024 Claims

11.C. Approval of the February 2024 Financial Reports

11.D. Approval of 7th Grade Volleyball, 7th Grade Girls Basketball, and 7th Grade Boys Basketball as Middle School Sports Offerings for the 2024-2025 School Year with Coaching Positions Added to the 2024-2025 Negotiated Agreement

12. Regular Agenda - Personnel

12.A. Acceptance of Resignations and Retirements

Action(s):

Motion Passed:

Move to accept, with regret, the retirement resignation of Pat McFadden, science teacher and cross country/track coach at Kearney High School; and the resignation of Nicole Andreasen, second-grade teacher at Emerson Elementary School, effective the end of the 2023-2024 school year; and the resignation of Sue Liveringhouse, kindergarten teacher at Kenwood Elementary School, effective January 18, 2024. This motion, made by John Icenogle and seconded by Drew Blessing, Passed.

Paul Hazard: Absent
John Icenogle: Yea
Steve Gaasch: Yea
Drew Blessing: Yea
Kathy Gifford: Yea

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

Discussion:

Mr. Blessing and Mrs. Gifford thanked the teachers for their years of service.

12.B. Ratification of Negotiated Agreement with the Kearney Education Association

Action(s):

Motion Passed:

Move to ratify the Negotiated Agreement with the Kearney Education Association for contract terms for all certified, non-supervisory employees of the Kearney Public Schools for the 2024-2025 school year as presented. This motion, made by Kathy Gifford and seconded by Drew Blessing, Passed.

Paul Hazard: Absent
John Icenogle: Yea
Steve Gaasch: Yea
Drew Blessing: Yea
Kathy Gifford: Yea

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

Discussion:

Dr. Loofe outlined the process and deadlines for negotiations with the Kearney Education Association (KEA). A summary of those negotiations follows:
- Increase base pay Step 1 from $39,300 to $40,000
- Increase district contribution for family insurance from $5,350 to $5,900
- Total compensation increase of 4.34%
- 101.47% in array (legally must be between 98% and 102%)
- Increase in staffing
- Increase in extra-duty positions
Dr. Herrmann discussed the following additional changes:
- Increase in teacher coverage rates
- Contract language changes
Mr. Blessing clarified that the 4.34% increase in total compensation is what the district's expense will be and not what staff members will receive. He noted his wish to do more for staff in reference to insurance, but recognized that it comes at a significant cost to both staff and KPS. Mr. Blessing expressed his appreciation for Mrs. Gifford and Mr. Icenogle's efforts in the negotiation process and for the relationship the Board has with KEA.
Mr. Hazard recognized all the efforts of the committee and KEA in coming to an agreement. He noted the leave time changes and recognition of years of service as ways that we are moving in the right direction. He addressed concerns that have come to him from teachers about the lack of insurance provided by the district by noting historical decisions from past negotiations and the current cost of insurance, making this an issue that cannot be resolved right away. He voiced the Board's willingness to continue working on this and urged KEA to do the same.
Mrs. Gifford noted that when hiring new teachers, KPS starts them on the pay scale at step 3 to help them with the cost of insurance.

12.C. Approval of the Employment of Certificated Staff

Action(s):

Motion Passed:

Move to approve the employment of certificated staff- Averie Clanton, BA, Step 3, 1.0 FTE first-grade teacher at Kenwood Elementary School; Stephanie Flint, MA+27, Step 10, 1.0 FTE school counselor at Central Elementary School; Laura Lucas, MA+36, Step 15, 1.0 FTE 7th grade ELA teacher at Sunrise Middle School; Jody Nissen, MA+18, Step 14, 1.0 FTE special education teacher at Bryant Elementary School; Mattie Traphagan, MA, Step 6, 1.0 FTE ELL teacher at Northeast Elementary School; Sadie Uhing, BA, Step 3, 1.0 FTE orchestra teacher at Kearney High School; Cale Uhrmacher, BA, Step 3, 1.0 FTE special education teacher at Sunrise Middle School; Abby Webb, MA, Step 13, 1.0 FTE art teacher at Bryant and Central Elementary Schools; Dee Westcott, BA, Step 6, 1.0 FTE special education teacher at Buffalo Hills Elementary School; Heather Atkinson, BA, Step 3, 1.0 FTE 4th grade teacher at Emerson Elementary School; Tori Lindner, BA, Step 4, 1.0 FTE kindergarten teacher at Glenwood Elementary School; NeLeigh Owens, BA, Step 3, 1.0 FTE kindergarten teacher at Kenwood Elementary School; Whitney Kuhn, MA, Step 6, 1.0 FTE counselor at Emerson Elementary School; Megan Homolka, BA, Step 3, 1.0 FTE Spanish teacher at Horizon Middle School; Alan Varela, BA+18, Step 5, 1.0 FTE math teacher at Kearney High School, for the 2024-2025 School Year; Elliot Lebsack, BA, Step 3, 1.0 FTE social science teacher at Kearney High School; Whitney Lewis, BA, Step 3, 1.0 FTE special education teacher at Kearney High School; Thomas Harling, BA, Step 3, 1.0 FTE woods teacher at Kearney High School, and Molly Lambert, BA, Step 3, 1.0 FTE first-grade teacher at Emerson Elementary School, pending certification, for the 2024-2025 school year. This motion, made by John Icenogle and seconded by Kathy Gifford, Passed.

Paul Hazard: Absent
John Icenogle: Yea
Steve Gaasch: Yea
Drew Blessing: Yea
Kathy Gifford: Yea

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

Discussion:

Mrs. Gifford clarified the caveat of pending certification when hiring new teachers is normal and when the Board approves these, they are authorizing payment for teachers in these positions. She welcomed all new teachers to KPS.
Mr. Blessing thanked all who were involved in the hiring of these new teachers, noting that some positions are harder to fill than others.

12.D. Approval of Classified, Classified-Exempt and Administrative Employee Compensation for the 2024-2025 School Year

Action(s):

Motion Passed:

Move to approve an average increase in total compensation of 5% for classified employees, an average increase in total compensation of 4% for classified-exempt employees, and an average increase in total compensation of 3.5% for administrative employees in Kearney Public Schools. Additionally, we will move all administrative contract dates from August 1 - July 31 to July 1 - June 30 with 10 days added to both the elementary principal and elementary assistant principal contracts. Elementary principals and assistant principals will receive an additional increase in total compensation of 2% for the extra contract days added. This motion, made by Kathy Gifford and seconded by Drew Blessing, Passed.

Paul Hazard: Absent
John Icenogle: Yea
Steve Gaasch: Yea
Drew Blessing: Yea
Kathy Gifford: Yea

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

Discussion:

Dr. Loofe noted that certified teacher salaries make up 67% of the district's budget. He stated that the remainder of staff at KPS fall into the categories of classified, classified-exempt, and administrative. He reviewed proposed compensation and changes to administrative contract days for the 2024-2025 school year.
Mrs. Gifford asked for clarification for the public on the difference in the categories of non-certified staff.
Dr. Loofe broke it down as follows:
- classified employees: custodial, food service, paraprofessionals
- classified-exempt employees: nurses, social workers and various directors
- administrative employees: central office and building leadership
Mr. Blessing noted that while a 5% increase may seem like a lot, KPS is competing with all Kearney businesses for employees to fill these positions, and KPS needs to have competitive pay.
Mr. Gaash expressed his appreciation for the great staff at KPS and the need to compensate them for all of their work, especially when trying to keep up with inflation. He also noted the recommendation of administrative staff to take a smaller percentage in helping to provide for classified staff and thanked them for that.

13. Regular Agenda - Business

13.A. Approval of Bid for Chromebooks

Action(s):

Motion Passed:

Move to accept the bid from Connection for grades 5 and 9 Chromebooks, in the amount of $351,898.75. This motion, made by Kathy Gifford and seconded by Drew Blessing, Passed.

Paul Hazard: Absent
John Icenogle: Yea
Steve Gaasch: Yea
Drew Blessing: Yea
Kathy Gifford: Yea

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

Discussion:

Mr. DeHaven discussed his recommendation to go with Connection for the purchase of Chromebooks, citing his reasons for this as their auto-expiration date, standard two-year warranty, and having worked with them in the past, so they have already proven the quality of their product, even though they are not the lowest bid.
Mrs. Gifford thanked Mr. DeHaven for his work in finding a good product, noting that there is a rotation system built into the district budget that is used for the replacement of Chromebooks.
Mr. Gaasch thanked Mr. DeHaven for his efforts and experience in finding the best value for the district.
Mr. Hazard thanked Mr. DeHaven for work as well, stating that in his experience, the lowest bid is usually not the best bid. He also emphasized that the Chromebook rotation expense is built into the budget and is not a new expense.

13.B. Approval of Bids for a Special Education Bus, and Regular Bus

Action(s):

Motion Passed:

Move to accept the recommended purchase of a replacement special education Blue Bird Micro Bus at an estimated cost of $129,000, and a replacement 72-passenger 2025 Blue Bird propane regular route bus at an estimated cost of $146,000, as presented. This motion, made by Drew Blessing and seconded by Kathy Gifford, Passed.

Paul Hazard: Absent
John Icenogle: Yea
Steve Gaasch: Yea
Drew Blessing: Yea
Kathy Gifford: Yea

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

Discussion:

Dr. Sutton discussed his proposal for new transportation needs for the district. He stated his reasons for choosing Blue Bird buses (from Nebraska Central Equipment) as driver familiarity of controls and safety features, parts and maintenance can be handled locally, and the overall quality of the buses. He also noted the request for a larger bus to keep up with the growing transportation needs of the district. Dr. Sutton stated his proposal for the propane bus, which can operate at 50-55 cents per mile versus the diesel bus, which operates at 65 cents per mile, provides savings down the road.
Mrs. Gifford thanked Dr. Sutton for his planning for transportation needs now and in the future and for always keeping student safety in mind.
Dr. Loofe stated that a large portion of the purchase price of the special education bus is reimbursable back to the district. He also noted that money is budgeted for transportation needs annually, so this is not a new additional expense for the district.
Mr. Blessing thanked Dr. Sutton for sharing the operation and maintenance costs involved with these purchases, not just the sticker price, as all factors should be considered.
Mr. Gaasch expressed his appreciation for the breakdown of expenses involved and the explanation of budget planning for transportation.
Mr. Icenogle added that the district's centralized propane supply saves money by not having to travel to fulfill this need.

14. Regular Agenda - Miscellaneous

14.A. Approval for Steve Gaasch and Jason Mundorf to Attend the NASB Federal Advocacy Fly-In Event in Washington DC, April 29 - May 1, 2024

Action(s):

Motion Passed:

Move to approve the participation of Board President Steve Gaasch and Superintendent Jason Mundorf, in the NASB Federal Advocacy Fly-In event in Washington DC, April 29 - May 1, 2024. This motion, made by Drew Blessing and seconded by Kathy Gifford, Passed.

Paul Hazard: Absent
John Icenogle: Yea
Steve Gaasch: Yea
Drew Blessing: Yea
Kathy Gifford: Yea

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

Discussion:

Mr. Gaasch said that after hearing about Mr. Mundorf and Mr. Blessing's experience at this event last year, he is excited for the opportunity to attend.
Mr. Mundorf emphasized that the trip has proven to be very enlightening. He cited many opportunities for one-on-one conversations with senators and representatives to talk about educational issues.
Mr. Blessing stated his approval of Mr. Mundorf and Mr. Gasch's attendance at this event, which he believes to be a great opportunity to build relationships with federal delegates and the Department of Education and learn how grants operate, among other things. He encouraged anyone who is visiting Washington, DC, to contact any of their representative offices to sign up because there is a Nebraska breakfast that takes place every Wednesday and representatives are there speaking about current issues.

15. Next Meeting

Discussion:

The next regular meeting of the Kearney Public Schools Board of Education will be held on March 11, 2024 at 5:30 P.M. in the Staff Development Room in the Administration Building at 320 West 24th St, Kearney, NE 68845.

16. Adjournment

Action(s):

Motion Passed:

Move to adjourn the meeting. This motion, made by Kathy Gifford and seconded by John Icenogle, Passed.

Paul Hazard: Absent
John Icenogle: Yea
Steve Gaasch: Yea
Drew Blessing: Yea
Kathy Gifford: Yea

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

Discussion:

Meeting was adjourned at 6:53 PM.

Regular Board
Attendance Taken on 2/12/2024 at 5:30 PM
Drew Blessing	Present
Steve Gaasch	Present
Kathy Gifford	Present
Paul Hazard	Absent
John Icenogle	Present
Present: 4, Absent: 1

February 12, 2024 at 5:30 PM - Regular Monthly Meeting of the Kearney Public Schools Board of Education

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