Public Meeting Minutes: August 11, 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

Action(s):

Motion Passed:

Move to excuse absent Board member Drew Blessing from the meeting. This motion, made by John Icenogle and seconded by Amanda Smallcomb, Passed.

Drew Blessing: Absent
Niki Deeds: Yea
Amanda Smallcomb: Yea
John Icenogle: Yea
Paul Hazard: 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 Amanda Smallcomb, Passed.

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

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

2. Recognitions

2.A. Recognition of Jason Owens, Principal at Hanny Arram Center for Success, for Being Named the Region IV Outstanding New Principal by the Nebraska State Association of Secondary School Principals (NSASSP)

Discussion:

Jason Owens, Principal at Hanny Arram Center for Success, thanked the Board of Education for recognizing him. He stated that he is really lucky to be working at Hanny Arram with such great teachers because they really make a difference for the kids. Board members commended Mr. Owens on the culture he has created and for helping so many students.

2.B. Recognition of Amber Lewis, Principal at Horizon Middle School, for Being Named the Region IV Middle School Principal of the Year by the Nebraska State Association of Secondary School Principals (NSASSP)

Discussion:

Amber Lewis, Principal of Horizon Middle School, mentioned that it is nice to be recognized along with Mr. Owens and Mrs. Jones. She added that her job is easier because of the work that they do. Board members congratulated Mrs. Lewis on her achievements and the positive impact that she has on her school.

2.C. Recognition of Erin Jones, Assistant Principal at Sunrise Middle School, for Being Named the Region IV Assistant Middle School Principal of the Year by the Nebraska State Association of Secondary School Principals (NSASSP)

Discussion:

Erin Jones, Assistant Principal of Sunrise Middle School, thanked Board members for all of their support. She added that she couldn't do what she does without the support of the Board, the Executive Cabinet, and the entire district team. Board members expressed their gratitude for everything Mrs. Jones does for our students.

3. Presentations

3.A. Presentation from Erikka Rhodes, JAG Career Specialist at Hanny Arram Center for Success about the JAG Program

Discussion:

Erikka Rhodes, JAG teacher at Hanny Arram Center for Success, presented an overview of the JAG program, highlighting the program's successes and goals for the upcoming year. She shared data on student participation, barriers, and achievements, including a success story about a student who graduated early and secured employment. Mrs. Rhodes outlined plans for the upcoming year, including increasing college visits, career fairs, and leadership conferences. She expressed the importance of service learning and community engagement, including plans for a mural project and a mental health initiative.

3.B. Construction Update

Discussion:

Lisa Amen with BD Construction gave an update on the construction projects finishing up and continuing throughout the district.

3.C. Notice of Settlement Claims

Discussion:

Superintendent Jason Mundorf reported on a settlement claim including a student at Kearney High School who sustained an injury in a lab. The settlement was reached for a lump sum of $67,500, paid by Kearney Public Schools' liability insurance. Mr. Mundorf added that settlements of $50,000 or more must be publicly notified, but no vote is required.

4. Public Participation/Comment

Discussion:

One patron addressed the Board.

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 Niki Deeds and seconded by Paul Hazard, Passed.

Drew Blessing: Absent
Niki Deeds: Yea
Amanda Smallcomb: Abstain (With Conflict)
John Icenogle: Yea
Paul Hazard: Yea
Amy Barth: Yea

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

6.A. Approval of Minutes of the July 14, 2025 Regular Meeting and the August 6, 2025 Board Committee of the Whole Meeting of the Board of Education

6.B. Approval of the August 2025 Claims

6.C. Approval of the August 2025 Financial Reports

6.D. Acceptance of the Sunrise Middle School Parent Advisory Committee Annual Self-Audit Report for the 2024-2025 School Year

6.E. Acceptance of the Kearney Band Parents Association Annual Self-Audit Report for the 2024-2025 School Year

6.F. Acceptance of the Park Elementary School PTO Annual Self-Audit Report for the 2024-2025 School Year

6.G. Acceptance of the Kenwood Elementary School PTO Annual Self-Audit Report for the 2024-2025 School Year

6.H. Approval of Kearney High School JROTC Trip to the Pioneer Raider Meet, September 12-13, 2025 in Leavenworth, Kansas

6.I. Recognition of the Kearney Education Association as the Exclusive Bargaining Agent for All Non-Supervisory Certificated Staff in the Kearney Public Schools for the 2027-2028 Contract Year

6.J. Approval of the 2025-2026 Kearney Public Schools Certified and Classified Staff Handbooks and the 2025-2026 Facilities Handbook

6.K. Second and Final Reading Approval of New and Revised Board Policies -
1340 Community Relations; 4002 Personnel; 5001 Admission Requirements: 5401 Anti-discrimination, Anti-harassment & Anti-retaliation; 3290 Internal Controls; 3730 Procurement Plan; 4030 Transportation Employees & Form A; 5101 Student Discipline-Electronic Devices; 5004 Full-time and Part-time Enrollment; 5201 Promotion and Retention & Repeat Grade Form; 5202 Notification of Rights Under FERPA; 6420 Association Activities; 5503 (new) Foster Care Student Transportation; Rescission of 6260 Title I Parental/Community Engagement in Schools

7. Regular Agenda - Personnel

7.A. 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 Amanda Smallcomb, Passed.

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

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

8. Regular Agenda - Business

9. Regular Agenda - Miscellaneous

9.A. Approval of the Memorandum of Understanding with Central Community College for Dual Credit Classes

Action(s):

Motion Passed:

Move to approve the MOU with Central Community College for Dual Credit Classes, as presented. This motion, made by Paul Hazard and seconded by Amy Barth, Passed.

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

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

Discussion:

Clint Edwards, 6-12 Education Director, noted that there are no changes to this MOU. It is a continuation of the same program and benefits for students.

9.B. Approval of the Memorandum of Understanding with UNK for Dual Credit Classes

Action(s):

Motion Passed:

Move to approve the MOU with UNK for Dual Credit Classes, as presented. This motion, made by Paul Hazard and seconded by Niki Deeds, Passed.

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

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

Discussion:

Board members highlighted the popularity of these programs and the cost savings for students.

9.C. Approval of Kearney Public Schools 2025-2026 Emergency Operations Plan

Action(s):

Motion Passed:

Move to approve of Kearney Public Schools 2025-2026 Emergency Operations Plan, as presented. This motion, made by John Icenogle and seconded by Amanda Smallcomb, Passed.

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

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

Discussion:

Jeff Schwartz, Director of Student Services and Safety, reported that this is the fourth year that the Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) has been required for every school in the state. Each school has an individual EOP specific to their building, and training is done at each site. Board members emphasized the importance of safety and preparedness.

9.D. Set the Date for the Special Budget Retreat Meeting

Action(s):

Motion Passed:

Move to set Monday, August 25, 2025 at 12:00 noon in the first floor conference room of the Administration Building, 320 West 24th St., Kearney NE, for a special budget retreat meeting of the Board of Education. This motion, made by John Icenogle and seconded by Niki Deeds, Passed.

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

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

Discussion:

Mr. Mundorf spoke about the need for a board retreat meeting to focus on the budget for the upcoming year. The date of the Annual Budget Hearing will be decided at the Budget Retreat Meeting on August 25, 2025.

9.E. Discuss Changes to the Elementary Feeder Schools and Their Feeding to Horizon and Sunrise Middle Schools to Balance District 6-8 Enrollment in Future Years. Elementary feeders that will be specifically discussed include Buffalo Hills, Kenwood, and Emerson Elementary Schools.

Discussion:

Mr. Mundorf presented information about possible middle school enrollment options.
Mr. Icenogle introduced the discussion on changes to elementary feeder schools to balance enrollment between Horizon and Sunrise Middle Schools. Many options were discussed, including:
- A sixth and seventh grade site
- A seventh and eighth grade site
- Switching the middle schools that Kenwood Elementary and Emerson Elementary students move to at 6th grade
- Switching the middle schools that Buffalo Hills Elementary and Emerson Elementary students move to at 6th grade
Board members expressed their opinions on the pros and cons of each option, considering factors such as class size, the team concept, staffing, and traffic.
Mr. Icenogle added that now is the time for the community to share their input.

10. Next Meeting

11. Adjournment

Action(s):

Motion Passed:

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

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

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

Discussion:

Meeting was adjourned at 6:49 PM.

Regular Board
Attendance Taken on 8/11/2025 at 5:32 PM
Amy Barth	Present
Drew Blessing	Absent
Niki Deeds	Present
Paul Hazard	Present
John Icenogle	Present
Amanda Smallcomb	Present
Present: 5, Absent: 1

August 11, 2025 at 5:30 PM - Regular Monthly Meeting of the Kearney Public Schools Board of Education

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