Public Meeting Minutes: January 13, 2025 at 5:30 PM - Regular Monthly Meeting of the Kearney Public Schools Board of Education

1. Routine Business

1.A. Call to Order

Discussion: Superintendent Mundorf called the meeting to order at 5:30 PM.

1.B. Open Meetings Act Announcement

1.C. Board Meeting Decorum Expectations

1.D. Pledge of Allegiance

1.E. Welcome Newly Elected Board Members, Niki Deeds and Amanda Smallcomb and Re-Elected Board Member, Amy Barth

Discussion: Mr. Mundorf welcomed newly elected Board members Niki Deeds and Amanda Smallcomb and re-elected Board member, Amy Barth.

1.F. Oath of Office Administered to New Board Members Niki Deeds and Amanda Smallcomb and Re-elected Board Member Amy Barth

Discussion: The Oath of Office was administered to new Board members Niki Deeds and Amanda Smallcomb and re-elected Board member, Amy Barth.

1.G. Roll Call

1.G.I. Excuse Absent Board Member

1.H. 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 Paul Hazard, Passed.

Niki Deeds: Yea
Amanda Smallcomb: Yea
John Icenogle: Yea
Paul Hazard: Yea
Drew Blessing: Yea
Amy Barth: Yea

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

2. Reorganization of the Kearney Public Schools Board of Education for 2025

2.A. Election of the President of the Board of Education for 2025

Action(s):

Motion Passed:

Mr. Blessing moved that nominations cease and that a unanimous ballot be cast for John Icenogle. This motion, made by Drew Blessing and seconded by Amy Barth, Passed.

Niki Deeds: Yea
Amanda Smallcomb: Yea
John Icenogle: Yea
Paul Hazard: Yea
Drew Blessing: Yea
Amy Barth: Yea

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

Discussion:

Mr. Mundorf said that he would entertain nominations for the office of the President of the Board of Education for 2025. Mr. Blessing nominated John Icenogle for the office of President of the Board of Education for 2025. Mrs. Smallcomb seconded the motion. There were no other nominations.

2.B. Election of the Vice President of the Board of Education for 2025

Action(s):

Motion Passed:

Mr. Blessing moved that nominations cease and that a unanimous ballot be cast for Paul Hazard. This motion, made by Drew Blessing and seconded by Niki Deeds, Passed.

Niki Deeds: Yea
Amanda Smallcomb: Yea
John Icenogle: Yea
Paul Hazard: Yea
Drew Blessing: Yea
Amy Barth: Yea

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

Discussion:

Mr. Icenogle called for nominations for the office of Vice President of the Board of Education for 2025. Mrs. Barth nominated Paul Hazard for the office of Vice President of the Board of Education for 2025. Mrs. Smallcomb seconded the motion. There were no other nominations.

2.C. Election of the Secretary of the Board of Education for 2025

Action(s):

Motion Passed:

Mr. Hazard moved that nominations cease and that a unanimous ballot be cast for Drew Blessing. This motion, made by Paul Hazard and seconded by Amanda Smallcomb, Passed.

Niki Deeds: Yea
Amanda Smallcomb: Yea
John Icenogle: Yea
Paul Hazard: Yea
Drew Blessing: Yea
Amy Barth: Yea

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

Discussion:

Mr. Icenogle called for nominations for the office of Secretary of the Board of Education for 2025. Mrs. Barth nominated Drew Blessing for the office of Secretary of the Board of Education for 2025. Mrs. Deeds seconded the motion. There were no other nominations.

3. Recognitions

3.A. Recognition of Mrs. Jeana Peterson, Orchestra Teacher at Horizon and Sunrise Middle Schools, as the 2024 Outstanding String Teacher of the Year

Discussion:

Amber Lewis, Horizon Middle School Principal, introduced Jeana Peterson as the 2024 Outstanding Orchestra Teacher of the Year, presented by the Nebraska Chapter of the American String Teachers Association (Nebraska ASTA). She added that Mrs. Peterson exemplifies what it means to be a truly remarkable educator. She inspires her students to explore the power of music and its ability to enrich their lives.
Mrs. Peterson addressed the board and commented on how she is deeply honored to be nominated and selected as the 2024 Nebraska Outstanding Orchestra Teacher of the Year. She stated that public school string programs hold a special place in her heart because that is how she was introduced to the violin when she was in fourth grade. She thanked KPS administrators and educators for valuing music and the arts and said that it is a privilege to be a part of the KPS orchestra program, and she looks forward to seeing it thrive in the future.

3.B. Recognition of Ms. Brooke Boroff, Social Studies Teacher at Hanny Arram Center for Success as the VFW Nebraska Teacher of the Year

Discussion:

Mr. Owens introduced Ms. Brook Boroff as the winner of the local and state VFW Teacher of the Year. Ms. Boroff will be honored at the Nebraska Veterans of Foreign Wars Mid-Winter Conference banquet in Lincoln on January, 31, 2025. She is a social studies teacher at the Hanny Arram Center for Success. Mr. Owens added that Ms. Boroff does a great job of introducing VFW writing contests to the students and teaches them how to have respect for our country.
Ms. Boroff expressed to the Board that she was so grateful for this honor. She feels lucky that she gets to work in such a supportive school. The staff she works with every day make her want to be a better teacher.

3.C. Announcement and Recognition of "Nebraska School Board Member Week," January 26-February 2, 2025

Discussion:

Mr. Mundorf read Resolution 37 which was passed by the 107th session of the Nebraska Unicameral. He thanked the Board of Education on behalf of all of Kearney Public Schools for their tireless efforts, talents, and dedication to the Kearney Public School district. A gift of golden apples with the KPS logo and the board member's name was given to each board member as a token of appreciation.

4. Presentations

4.A. Presentation By Meredith Johnson, Principal of Emerson Elementary, on Core Connections

Discussion:

Merdith Johnson, Principal at Emerson Elementary School, introduced herself to the Board and thanked them for their time and service to Kearney Public Schools. Mrs. Johnson explained that the idea of Core Connections was started while she was in college learning about leadership and with the help of Sara Kucera, 3rd grade teacher at Emerson, they were able to bring it to Emerson. Core Connections provides community resources for families and strengthens parent involvement. Teachers and staff at Emerson partner with the UNK Education Department and parents are taught how they can support their students at home, both academically and socially. Through events scheduled at the school, parents are taught strategies about routines, nutrition, budgeting, dental hygiene, etc. This has really enhanced connections with families and increased parent engagement. Mrs. Johnson told the Board that she is very passionate about Emerson Elementary and is proud of the teachers and students she works with every day.

5. Legislative Update

Discussion:

Mr. Mundorf reported that the legislature has conveyed and determined their chair positions. Members started introducing their bills last Thursday, January 9, 2025, and will conclude on January 23, 2025. The state budget started 432 million dollars short to meet current obligations in tax cuts that are promised. Senators are working on bills to generate revenue. There is also a lot of talk about a complete cell phone ban in schools.
Mr. Blessing updated the Board on a few education related bills that the NASB Legislation Committee is watching. He will continue to follow legislation and will keep the Board updated in the coming months.

6. Public Participation/Comment

Discussion:

Mike Kelliher addressed the board and requested the Board to consider improvements to the HAL program (High Ability Learners), specifically in the middle school grades. His kids have been bored in school, especially in math class, and he would like to see more focus on challenging the top 10% of students. He would be willing to help fund or raise funds for an accelerated learning program or some kind of real and meaningful HAL program. He knows teachers are overworked and underpaid, and he would like to offer his assistance in whatever way possible.

7. Board Reports

8. 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 Amy Barth, Passed.

Niki Deeds: Yea
Amanda Smallcomb: Yea
John Icenogle: Yea
Paul Hazard: Yea
Drew Blessing: Yea
Amy Barth: Yea

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

8.A. Approval of Minutes of the December 9, 2024 Regular Meeting and the January 8, 2025 Board Committee of the Whole Meeting

8.B. Approval of the January 2025 Claims

8.C. Approval of the January 2025 Financial Reports

8.D. Approval of the Check Signing Authority for 2025 for the Kearney Public Schools at Nebraskaland Bank as President and Secretary of the Board of Education, and Dr. Chris Loofe and Jenae Dahlstedt

8.E. Approval of the Second and Final Reading of Revised Board Policy 3290 Internal Controls

9. Regular Agenda - Personnel

9.A. Acceptance of Resignations and Retirements

Action(s):

Motion Passed:

Move to accept, with regret, the retirement and resignations as presented. This motion, made by Paul Hazard and seconded by Niki Deeds, Passed.

Niki Deeds: Yea
Amanda Smallcomb: Yea
John Icenogle: Yea
Paul Hazard: Yea
Drew Blessing: Yea
Amy Barth: Yea

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

Discussion:

Dr. Herrmann stated that Lori Moore has been with Kearney Public Schools for 35 years and 2 years with another school, so a total of 37 total years in public education.

9.B. Approval of the Employment of Certificated Staff

Action(s):

Motion Passed:

Move to approve the employ the certificated staff at Kearney Public Schools for the 2025-2026 school year as presented. This motion, made by Drew Blessing and seconded by Amanda Smallcomb, Passed.

Niki Deeds: Yea
Amanda Smallcomb: Yea
John Icenogle: Yea
Paul Hazard: Yea
Drew Blessing: Yea
Amy Barth: Yea

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

9.C. Approval of the Employment of Administrative Staff

Action(s):

Motion Passed:

Move to approve Jenn True as PK-5 Education Director, Sheila Sanford as the Director of Nutrition and Food Service, Taylor Peters as Principal at Park Elementary School, and Connor Williams as Principal at Meadowlark Elementary School, starting the 2025-2026 school year. This motion, made by Drew Blessing and seconded by Paul Hazard, Passed.

Niki Deeds: Yea
Amanda Smallcomb: Yea
John Icenogle: Yea
Paul Hazard: Yea
Drew Blessing: Yea
Amy Barth: Yea

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

Discussion:

Mr Blessing has heard a lot of great feedback about the new principals and about Mrs. True as the PK-5 Education Director. He is looking forward to seeing all of them succeed.

10. Regular Agenda - Business

11. Regular Agenda - Miscellaneous

11.A. Board Committee Assignments for 2025 - Committee on American Civics and
Negotiations Committee

Action(s):

Motion Passed:

Move to appoint Amy Barth, Niki Deeds, and Amanda Smallcomb to the Committee on American Civics; and John Icenogle, Paul Hazard, and Drew Blessing to the Negotiations Committee, for 2025. This motion, made by Drew Blessing and seconded by Amanda Smallcomb, Passed.

Niki Deeds: Yea
Amanda Smallcomb: Yea
John Icenogle: Yea
Paul Hazard: Yea
Drew Blessing: Yea
Amy Barth: Yea

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

12. Closed Session

Action(s):

Motion Passed:

Move to enter closed session for the purpose of conducting a strategy session in regard to negotiations for the 2025-2026 school year. This motion, made by Paul Hazard and seconded by Amy Barth, Passed.

Niki Deeds: Yea
Amanda Smallcomb: Yea
John Icenogle: Yea
Paul Hazard: Yea
Drew Blessing: Yea
Amy Barth: Yea

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

Discussion:

The Board moved to go into closed session at 6:20pm.

13. Return to Open Session

Action(s):

Motion 1 Passed:

Move to enter closed session for the purpose of conducting a strategy session in regard to negotiations for the 2025-2026 school year. This motion, made by Paul Hazard and seconded by Amy Barth, Passed.

Niki Deeds: Yea
Amanda Smallcomb: Yea
John Icenogle: Yea
Paul Hazard: Yea
Drew Blessing: Yea
Amy Barth: Yea

Motion 2 Passed:

Move to return to open session. This motion, made by Paul Hazard and seconded by Amanda Smallcomb, Passed.

Niki Deeds: Yea
Amanda Smallcomb: Yea
John Icenogle: Yea
Paul Hazard: Yea
Drew Blessing: Yea
Amy Barth: Yea

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

Discussion:

The Board returned to Open Session at 7:23pm.

14. Closed Session

Action(s):

Motion Passed:

Moved to closed session for the purpose of conducting a strategy session with respect to a real estate purchase. This motion, made by Amanda Smallcomb and seconded by Amy Barth, Passed.

Niki Deeds: Yea
Amanda Smallcomb: Yea
John Icenogle: Yea
Paul Hazard: Yea
Drew Blessing: Yea
Amy Barth: Yea

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

Discussion:

The Board moved to go into closed session at 7:24pm.

15. Return to Open Session

Action(s):

Motion 1 Passed:

Move to return to open session. This motion, made by Paul Hazard and seconded by Amanda Smallcomb, Passed.

Niki Deeds: Yea
Amanda Smallcomb: Yea
John Icenogle: Yea
Paul Hazard: Yea
Drew Blessing: Yea
Amy Barth: Yea

Motion 2 Passed:

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

Niki Deeds: Yea
Amanda Smallcomb: Yea
John Icenogle: Yea
Paul Hazard: Yea
Drew Blessing: Yea
Amy Barth: Yea

Motion 3 Passed:

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

Niki Deeds: Yea
Amanda Smallcomb: Yea
John Icenogle: Yea
Paul Hazard: Yea
Drew Blessing: Yea
Amy Barth: Yea

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

Discussion:

The Board returned to Open Session at 7:27pm.

16. Next Meeting

Discussion:

Meeting was adjourned at 7:28pm.

17. Adjournment

Action(s):

Motion Passed:

Move to adjourn the meeting. This motion, made by Paul Hazard and seconded by Niki Deeds, Passed.

Niki Deeds: Yea
Amanda Smallcomb: Yea
John Icenogle: Yea
Paul Hazard: Yea
Drew Blessing: Yea
Amy Barth: Yea

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

Discussion:

Meeting was adjourned at 7:28pm.

Regular Board
Attendance Taken on 1/13/2025 at 5:32 PM
Amy Barth	Present
Drew Blessing	Present
Niki Deeds	Present
Paul Hazard	Present
John Icenogle	Present
Amanda Smallcomb	Present
Present: 6, Absent: 0

January 13, 2025 at 5:30 PM - Regular Monthly Meeting of the Kearney Public Schools Board of Education

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