Public Meeting Minutes: March 10, 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: President Icenogle called the meeting to order at 5:30 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

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.

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. Recognitions

2.A. Recognition of Kearney High School Student Emma Heacock for Being Named a 2025 National Merit Scholarship Finalist

Discussion:

Mr. Jeff Ganz, Kearney High Principal, introduced Emma Heacock. He added that Emma works extremely hard, has a great support system, and does numerous things for Kearney High School, which sets her up for success in the future. Emma plans to go to the University of Nebraska at Lincoln and major in biochemistry on the pre-medical track. Board members congratulated Emma on her accomplishments.

2.B. Recognition of Sunrise Middle School Student Aaron Vitales, Who Has Been Selected as Artsonia's Artist of the Week, Grades 7-9, for February 2-8, 2025

Discussion:

Ms. Ana Rodriguez Trejo reported that Artsonia is the largest online gallery of student art. Each week, students are nominated to become artists of the week and the public votes on who gets the recognition. Aaron Vitales received 1,507 votes.

2.C. Recognition of Sunrise Middle School Student Ayla Hollman, as a State Scholastic Art Award Winner and National Qualifier

Discussion:

Ms. Rodriguez Trejo explained that the Scholastic Art Awards have been around since the 30s, and they're one of the most prestigious recognitions student artists can receive. Ayla's Gold Key-winning piece will now advance to the national Scholastic Art Awards competition, where it will compete with top student artwork from across the country.

2.D. Recognition of Kearney High School Students Hannah Betke, Eleanor Bokenkamp, Nellie Clark, Maddison Martin, Emma Harwood, Mia Lindstrom, Giana Mueller, Ariah Perez and Evangelina Wilterding, as State Scholastic Art Award Winners and National Qualifiers

Discussion:

Ms. Charlotte Dvorak, Ms. Katrina Olmstead and Ms. Natasha Hahn, art teachers at Kearney High School, spoke about the qualification process and recognized the students who earned the Gold Key Award for their work, which qualified them for the national competition in New York.

2.E. Recognition of Kearney High School Students Corey Fields and Emma Harwood for their Selection to Participate in the Annual National K-12 Ceramic Exhibition

Discussion:

Ms. Olmstead spoke about the high level of competition at the National Ceramic Exhibition and her pride in the work that her students did.

2.F. Recognition of Kearney High School Students Mia Lindstrom and Addison Jezbera for Receiving the Prestigious Nebraska Young Artists Award

Discussion:

Ms. Hahn spoke about the Nebraska Young Artist award. Mia Lindstrom and Addison Jezbera will visit UNL in April and will both receive a scholarship to UNL.

3. Legislative Update

Discussion:

Mr. Mundorf and Drew Blessing gave an update on the current standing of bills in the Nebraska Legislature.

4. Public Participation/Comment

Discussion:

Patrons addressed the Board and spoke about the possible changes to Board policy 5004 Dual Credit Enrollment.

5. Board Reports

6. Consent Agenda

Action(s):

Motion 1 Passed:

Move to remove item 6D, the second and final reading of revised Board policy 5004 Dual Credit Enrollment from the consent agenda. 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

Motion 2 Passed:

Move to approve the consent agenda, 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.

6.A. Approval of Minutes of the February 10, 2025 Regular Meeting and the March 5, 2025 Board Committee of the Whole Meeting, of the Board of Education

6.B. Approval of the February Claims

6.C. Approval of the February Financial Reports

7. Approval of the Second and Final Reading of Revised Board Policy 5004 Dual Credit Enrollment

Action(s):

Motion Passed:

Move to table the second and final reading of revised Board policy 5004 Dual Credit Enrollment until the April 9, 2025 Board Committee of the Whole Meeting. 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: Nay
Amy Barth: Yea

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

Discussion:

Drew Blessing moved to approve the second and final reading of revised Board policy 5004 Dual Credit Enrollment, as presented. Motion failed for lack of a second.
Board members reviewed the timeline for approving revisions to Board policy 5004, considering factors such as the ongoing legislative session and the current high school class registration period.
The policy currently states that for part-time students, the maximum enrollment for middle and high school students is no more than two classes (around 20 credits) during the semester. But there wasn't much oversight or concern about the consequences of not following through, so it never became an issue. However, there is now some fear and confusion, especially with discrepancies in student registrations and counselors seeking clearer guidance on the matter. The revised policy would limit part-time high school students to no more than 24 credit hours per semester.
Board members discussed the need for more information before approving the revisions to Board policy 5004.

8. Regular Agenda - Personnel

8.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 Amanda Smallcomb 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.

8.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 Amy Barth 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:

Paul Hazard asked for an update on the current number of open potions at KPS. Dr. Melissa Herrmann reported that there has been a noticeable decrease in candidate pools statewide, including in Kearney, but the community’s appeal and strong local partnerships, particularly with UNK, help attract and fill positions. Last year, there was a large hiring class due to many retirements and resignations, with 63 new hires. This year, however, the hiring class is expected to be much smaller, with around 35 new hires.

8.C. Approval of the Employment of Administrative Staff

Action(s):

Motion Passed:

Move to approve Dr. Kent Edwards as associate superintendent, starting 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.

8.D. Ratification of Negotiated Agreement with 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 2025-2026 school year as presented. This motion, made by John Icenogle 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. Chris 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 $40,000 to $40,700
- Increase district contribution for family insurance from $5,900 to $8,300
- Total compensation increase of 4.86%
- Under or right at midpoint within array (legally must be between 98% and 102%)
- Adding 5 FTE
Dr. Herrmann discussed the following additional changes:
- Increase in extra-duty positions
- Increase in hourly pay for activity workers
- Increase in pay for teacher coverage rates
- Contract language changes

8.E. Approval of Classified, Classified-Exempt and Administrative Employee Compensation for the 2025-2026 School Year

Action(s):

Motion Passed:

Move to approve an average increase in total compensation of 5% for classified and classified-exempt employees, and an average increase in total compensation of 3.0% for administrative employees in Kearney Public Schools. 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.

Discussion:

Dr. Chris Loofe reviewed proposed salary increases for classified, classified-exempt and administrative employees, as follows:
- 5% increase for classified employees: custodial, food service, paraprofessionals, administrative assistants
- 5% increase for classified-exempt employees: nurses, social workers and various directors
- 3% increase for administrative employees: central office and building leadership
Drew Blessing added 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.

9. Regular Agenda - Business

9.A. Approval of a 5-Year Request for Proposal from Family Physical Therapy for Athletic Training Services in Kearney Public Schools beginning June 1, 2025 and expiring May 31, 2030.

Action(s):

Motion Passed:

Move to approve the 5-year request for proposal from Family Physical Therapy for athletic training services in Kearney Public Schools beginning June 1, 2025 and expiring May 31, 2030. 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:

Dr. Loofe explained that currently, we’re working with Family Physical Therapy, led by Mr. Greg Dahlgren. As the contract is expiring, Dr. Loofe initiated a proposal process, sending out requests on February 5, with submissions due by February 28. We received three proposals, with two companies responding: Family Physical Therapy combined with New West Sports Medicine, and Schrock Medical. After reviewing the proposals, negotiations and lengthy conversations, New West and Family Physical Therapy was chosen. Annually, starting in September, New West will donate $5,000 to Kearney Public Schools and cover the cost of concussion testing for student-athletes. They will also provide a sideline physician for home varsity football games and offer weekly physician services at the high school. The agreement with Family Physical Therapy is for $9,600 annually, and with New West’s $5,000 donation, the district's contribution will be $4,600 per year, due in September.
Dr. Loofe added that Mr. Hogue works diligently to secure financial support from the community for our activities and athletics programs, and there's confidence that he will successfully recruit advertisers to help offset the cost of these services.
Amy Barth commented that she appreciates that Family Physical Therapy is also dedicating one athletic trainer to serve Sunrise and Horizon Middle Schools.

10. Regular Agenda - Miscellaneous

10.A. Approval of the Proposed Student Fees for the 2025-2026 School Year

Action(s):

Motion Passed:

Move to approve the proposed student fees for the 2025-2026 school year. This motion, made by Drew Blessing and seconded by John Icenogle, 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. Loofe outlined the proposed student fees for the 2025-2026 school year. The proposed increases are as follows:
- Band and orchestra instrument rental fee: $5 increase
- School meals: .10 cent increase
- Cheer and dance uniforms: $100 increase
- Admission fees to school dances: $10 increase
Paul Hazard added that the cheer and dance teams have many opportunities to fundraiser to help pay for their uniforms.
Dr. Loofe stated that as far as school lunches go, parents are encouraged to apply for free and reduced lunches for their children.

11. Next Meeting

12. Adjournment

Action(s):

Motion Passed:

Move to adjourn the meeting. This motion, made by John Icenogle 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:

Meeting was adjourned at 7:09 p.m.

Regular Board
Attendance Taken on 3/10/2025 at 5:33 PM
Amy Barth	Present
Drew Blessing	Present
Niki Deeds	Present
Paul Hazard	Present
John Icenogle	Present
Amanda Smallcomb	Present
Present: 6, Absent: 0

March 10, 2025 at 5:30 PM - Regular Monthly Meeting of the Kearney Public Schools Board of Education

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