Public Meeting Minutes: November 11, 2024 at 5:30 PM - Regular Monthly Meeting of the Kearney Public Schools Board of Education

1. Routine Business

1.A. Call to Order

Discussion: President Gaasch called the meeting to order at 5:31 PM.

1.B. 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.

1.C. Board Meeting Decorum Expectations

1.D. Pledge of Allegiance

1.E. Roll Call

1.E.I. 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 John Icenogle, Passed.

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

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

1.F. Approval of the Agenda

Action(s):

Motion Passed:

Move to approve the agenda for the meeting, as presented. 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
Amy Barth: Yea

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

2. Recognitions

2.A. Recognition of Coach Nate Polacek and KHS Cross Country Runner Abigail Burger as the 2024 State Champion in Class A

Discussion:

Mr. Jeff Ganz, Kearney High School Principal, thanked the Board for the invitation to recognize KHS Girls Cross Country Coach Polacek and Abigail Burger for her amazing season, which ended in winning the 2024 Class A State Championship.
Coach Polacek addressed the Board and highlighted Abigail's dedication and commitment to achieving her goals, which culminated in winning the state championship.
Abigail thanked the Board, administration, coaches, and fellow teammates for their support.

2.B. Resolution of Support of Military Students and Families

Action(s):

Motion Passed:

Move to adopt the resolution of support for military families in Kearney Public Schools. This motion, made by Kathy Gifford and seconded by Amy Barth, Passed.

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

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

3. Presentations

3.A. Annual Update of the Employee Benefit and Depreciation Funds

Discussion:

Dr. Loofe presented an update of the employee benefit and depreciation funds as recommended by the district CPA, Mindy Oman of KSO. This is considered best practice and will take place in future September meetings ahead of budget approval.
There was discussion regarding the planned expenditure of band uniforms. Dr. Loofe stated for approximately the last eight years he has been saving money in the KHS budget for this purpose. This money is not included in the depreciation schedule that was presented.
Clarification was sought as to how the district chose the amount of $48,000 to leave in reserves. Through consultation with KSO, and in analyzing historical data, Dr. Loofe decided that this amount was sufficient to remain in the account to cover expenditures.
It was noted that funds could always be transferred from the General Fund to cover expenses, if necessary.

3.B. Presentation by Jen True, Principal at Buffalo Hills Elementary, on MTSS/Supporting Students at All Tiers

Discussion:

Mrs. True gave a presentation on Multi-Tiered Systems of Supports (MTSS) - Supporting Students at All Tiers. This is a program that is designed to meet students where they are in all aspects of their education and well-being.
It was noted that MTSS is used in all KPS elementary schools. KPS has recently undertaken significant improvements in math and reading curriculum.
Grade level teachers meet and analyze testing data to determine what is and is not working for students.
Students struggling in the area of behavior are given a "check-in, check-out" system in which they check in with a trusted adult daily.
Mrs. True thanked the Board for all of their support.

3.C. Announcement of "American Education Week"

4. Public Participation/Comment

5. Board Reports

6. Consent Agenda

Action(s):

Motion Passed:

Move to approve the items on the Consent Agenda, as presented. 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
Amy Barth: Yea

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

6.A. Approval of Minutes of the October 14, 2024 Regular Meeting and the November 6, 2024 Board Committee of the Whole Meeting

6.B. Approval of the November Claims

6.C. Approval of the November Financial Reports

6.D. Acceptance of the Kearney Bearcat Boosters Annual Self-Audit Report for the 2023-2024 School Year

7. Regular Agenda - Personnel

7.A. Acceptance of Resignations and Retirements

Action(s):

Motion Passed:

Move to accept, with regret, the resignations and retirements 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
Amy Barth: Yea

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

Discussion:

The Board expressed their gratitude to all retiring teachers for their service to KPS.

7.B. Approval of the Employment of Certificated Staff

Action(s):

Motion Passed:

Move to employ the certificated staff at Kearney Public Schools for the 2025-2026 school year as presented. 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
Amy Barth: Yea

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

Discussion:

The Board voiced their excitement about the new teachers coming aboard.

7.C. Approval of the Employment of Administrative Staff

Action(s):

Motion Passed:

Move to employ as administrative staff, Amber Taylor as principal at Northeast Elementary School for the 2025-2026 school year, in accordance with the Kearney Public Schools Performance-Based Administrator Supervision and Evaluation Model. 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
Amy Barth: Yea

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

Discussion:

The Board expressed their excitement for Mrs. Taylor as she steps into her new leadership role.

8. Regular Agenda - Business

8.A. Approval of a 5-Year Contract with Centegix for School Safety Rapid Notification, Emergency Mapping, and Visitor Management Systems in All KPS Schools at a Cost of $143,700 Per Year

Action(s):

Motion Passed:

Move to approve the contract with Centegix 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
Amy Barth: Yea

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

Discussion:

Board members voiced their approval of this product, and agreed that student safety has been, and will continue to be a priority at KPS.

8.B. Approval of BD Construction as the Construction Manager at Risk for the Central Elementary Secured Entrance and Kearney High School South Construction Addition as Recommended by the KPS Board Committee

Action(s):

Motion Passed:

Move to approve BD Construction as the Construction Manager at Risk 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
Amy Barth: Yea

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

Discussion:

The Board asked for clarification on the process used for selecting a construction manager at risk.
The committee consisted of KPS administration, board members, community members and the architect.

8.C. Approval of the Lease Purchase Agreement in the Amount of $12,000,000 with NebraskaLand Bank for the KHS South Construction Projects Based on the KPS Board Committee Recommendation

Action(s):

Motion Passed:

Move to approve the lease purchase agreement with NebraskaLand Bank as presented. This motion, made by Drew Blessing and seconded by Amy Barth, Passed.

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

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

Discussion:

The Board emphasized their excitement about the low 3.74% interest rate, and they look forward to continuing their partnership with NebraskLand Bank.

9. Regular Agenda - Miscellaneous

9.A. Approval of the 2025-2026 School Calendar

Action(s):

Motion Passed:

Move to approve the 2025-2026 school calendar 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
Amy Barth: Yea

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

Discussion:

The calendar has gone through a process of review by various groups and committees.

9.B. Approval of the First Reading of Revised Board Policy 5415 School Wellness

Action(s):

Motion Passed:

Move to approve the first reading of revised Board Policy 5415 School Wellness as presented. This motion, made by Amy Barth and seconded by John Icenogle, Passed.

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

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

Discussion:

This policy is being reviewed for a minor change, in removing the reference to the "KHS Pit Stop," which was in the old high school building.
It was noted that there will be a full policy review in cooperation with legal counsel in the near future.

9.C. Conduct a Performance Evaluation of the Superintendent

Discussion:

Board President Steve Gaasch gave a summary of the many facility improvements, program additions, and over-all district advancements at KPS under Mr. Mundorf's leadership. Mr. Mundorf's quickness in trying to get things done was noted as a strength and a weakness. The Board stated the importance of the time needed to communicate information to the community and all stakeholders as their reason for the need to slow down. Mr. Mundorf was praised for being a great communicator, keeping Board members constantly informed of what is happening in the district. The Board also commended Mr. Mundorf's ability to keep the KPS core pillars in his vision for KPS.
Mr. Mundorf acknowledged the Board's constructive criticism of his drive to move things forward quickly, stating that this was a fair assessment and that he would be working on this in the future. He recognized and thanked his district team, teachers and staff for their collective efforts in making all the district accomplishments possible. Mr. Mundorf emphasized that he works for the Board of Education and will continue to do his best to accomplish the tasks that they request of him.
Mr. Mundorf is on track and continues to work toward receiving his doctorate.

9.D. Presentation and Approval of the 2023-2024 District Financial Audit Report

Action(s):

Motion Passed:

Move to approve the 2023-2024 district financial audit report as presented. 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
Amy Barth: Yea

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

Discussion:

Mindy Oman of KSO presented a few highlights from the 2023-2024 district financial audit report for the Board. She emphasized the importance of the Board's involvement in the district finances throughout the year so that any anomalies can be identified.

10. Closed Session

Action(s):

Motion Passed:

Move to closed session for the protection of the public interest or for the prevention of needless injury to the reputation of an individual and if such individual has not requested a public 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
Amy Barth: Yea

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

Discussion:

The Board moved to closed session at 6:55pm.

11. Return to Open Session

Action(s):

Motion Passed:

Move to return to open session. This motion, made by John Icenogle and seconded by Amy Barth, Passed.

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

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

Discussion:

The Board returned to open session at 8:42pm.

12. Closed Session

Action(s):

Motion Passed:

Move to closed session for negotiation and strategy discussion with respect to the 2025-2026 collective bargaining. This motion, made by Amy Barth and seconded by John Icenogle, Passed.

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

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

Discussion:

The Board moved to closed session at 8:44pm.

13. Return to Open Session

Action(s):

Motion Passed:

Move to return to open session. This motion, made by John Icenogle and seconded by Amy Barth, Passed.

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

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

Discussion:

The Board returned to open session at 8:56pm.

14. Closed Session

Action(s):

Motion Passed:

Move to enter closed session for the purpose of conducting a performance evaluation of the Superintendent, and to prevent needless injury to the reputation of the person, and if the person has not requested a hearing. This motion, made by John Icenogle and seconded by Amy Barth, Passed.

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

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

Discussion:

The Board moved to closed session at 8:57pm.

15. Return to Open Session

Action(s):

Motion Passed:

Move to return to open session. 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
Amy Barth: Yea

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

Discussion:

The Board returned to open session at 9:30pm.

16. Next Meeting

Discussion:

The next regular meeting of the Kearney Public Schools Board of Education will be held on December 9, 2024 at 5:30 P.M. in the Staff Development Room in the Administration Building at 320 West 24th St, Kearney, NE 68845.

17. Adjournment

Action(s):

Motion Passed:

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

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

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

Discussion:

Meeting was adjourned at 9:31pm.

Regular Board
Attendance Taken on 11/11/2024 at 5:33 PM
Amy Barth	Present
Drew Blessing	Present
Steve Gaasch	Present
Kathy Gifford	Present
Paul Hazard	Absent
John Icenogle	Present
Present: 5, Absent: 1

November 11, 2024 at 5:30 PM - Regular Monthly Meeting of the Kearney Public Schools Board of Education

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