Public Meeting Minutes: September 8, 2025 at 5:30 PM - Public Hearing and Regular Monthly Meeting of the Kearney Public Schools Board of Education

1. Annual Budget Hearing

1.A. Convene Hearing

Discussion:

Hearing convened at 5:30 PM.

1.B. Discussion and Public Input

Discussion:

Meagan Kershner, Kearney Public Schools Director of Finance, presented the proposed budget for the 2025-2026 school year: Kearney Public Schools General Fund Budget in the amount of $83,872,392; the Special Building Fund Budget in the amount of $19,769,231; the Bond Fund Budget in the amount of $18,119,848; the Employee Benefit Fund Budget in the amount of $48,081; the Activity Fund Budget in the amount of $4,500,000; the School Nutrition Fund Budget in the amount of $5,068,263; the Student Fee Fund Budget in the amount of $570,381; the Cooperative Fund Budget in the amount of $327,285; and the Qualified Capital Purpose Undertaking Fund Budget in the amount of $6,946,615.
Mrs. Kershner explained the budget authority, which is certified by the state and limited to $66 million, excluding special education expenses. State aid history was reviewed, showing an almost $90,000 increase, which is insufficient to cover the cost of a teacher with benefits and retirement. Certified property tax authority was discussed, with a total revenue cap of $51 million, increased by $3.6 million to $54.6 million. The assessed valuation has increased drastically over the last three years, with a 10% increase in the current year. Other factors include a continued rise in special education and EL students, current and future building needs, and staffing costs. The proposed budget shows an increase over 2024-2025 spending, with the biggest increase in the special building fund. The tax levy is expected to decrease by almost seven cents. This would be the second year in a row with a decrease of more than five cents. Key points to remember include a budget authority increase by $2.9 million, total compensation increase over $3.7 million, and allowable growth of 5.15%. Our cash on hand will decrease because we will use some of it with this budget. This budget does not require attendance at the Joint Public Hearing.
Board members thanked Mrs. Kershner for all the information she provided and emphasized the need to keep pace with the district's growth.

1.C. Close Hearing

2. Final Property Tax Request Hearing

2.A. Convene Hearing

2.B. Discussion and Public Input

Discussion:

Mrs. Kershner discussed the allowable growth percentage, with 3.15% being real growth and 2% being base percentage increase. The prior tax requests from 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 were reviewed, showing an increase of 3.4%. The proposed tax request allows the district to stay within the allowable growth percentage due to a healthy cash reserve. The proposed tax request amounts to $51,362,507, with a decreasing tax rate and operating budget.
President Icenogle mentioned that the Board appreciates the time and effort put into presenting the budget options and the conservative approach to tax dollars.

2.C. Close Hearing

3. Routine Business

3.A. Call to Order

Discussion: President Icenogle called the meeting to order at 5:41 PM.

3.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.

3.C. Board Meeting Decorum Expectations

3.D. Pledge of Allegiance

3.E. Roll Call

3.E.I. Excuse Absent Board Member

Action(s):

Motion Passed:

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

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

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

3.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.

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

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

4. Recognitions

4.A. Recognition of the KHS Boys Soccer Team and Coach Scott Steinbrook for Receiving the Academic Excellence Award and the National Team Academic Award

Discussion:

Kearney High School Boys Soccer Coach, Scott Steinbrook highlighted the achievements of the soccer team, including a 3.65 overall team GPA and six seniors who are now attending college. There was incredible senior leadership on and off the field. 14 players earned either all-conference or all-state academic recognition. Andrew Petzet is returning this year, who is also being recognized tonight for his involvement in band, which is a unique example of our students who excel in the arts and athletics.
Mr. Steinbrook added that he is very proud of the accomplishments of the team and the returning players who contributed positively to the team GPA.

4.B. Recognition of Kearney High School Student Andrew Petzet for Marching with the Troopers Drum and Bugle Corps who Placed 10th in the World Championships in Indianapolis, Indiana

Discussion:

Kearney High School Band Teacher, Nathan LeFeber, introduced Andrew Petzet and recognized him for his achievements with the Troopers Drum and Bugle Corps, placing 10th in the World Championships. Mr. LeFeber added that in his 20 years of teaching, he has never had a student compete at this high of a level.
Andrew explained the process of auditioning and being contracted for the program. His contract ended in August, but he received an email last week offering him an auto-contract for this year. He is currently undecided if he will participate again for a second year.
Board members congratulated Andrew and complemented him for being involved in multiple actives while maintaining a fantastic GPA.

5. Presentations

5.A. Presentation from Stephanie Green, Kearney High School Librarian, and Jake Oertle, Kearney High School Business Teacher on the KHS Class Intercom Program

Discussion:

Stephanie Green, Kearney High School Librarian, and Jake Oertle, Kearney High School Business Teacher presented information about the KHS Class Intercom program, a student-led, teacher-moderated social media platform.
The program started in 2022, with two different brands: Kearney High School and Kearney Bearcats.
The Kearney High School content includes science experiments, classroom activities, field trips, and fun videos, with a focus on student engagement. The Kearney Bearcats social media highlight KHS athletics.
Metrics show the program's reach, with 5.4 million views and 764,000 individual people reached, and 113,000 interactions on Facebook alone.
The goals for the program include offering a dedicated social media marketing class at KHS and expanding the program to the middle schools.

5.B. Presentation from Sergeant J.C. Small with the Kearney Police Department on the 2024-2025 Annual SRO Update

Discussion:

Sergeant J.C. Small of the Kearney Police Department provided an update on the SRO program, highlighting the district's comprehensive safety measures. The district works with multiple agencies for multi-jurisdictional responses in case of emergencies.
Building safety audits are conducted internally, and threat assessment teams are in place at both the building and district levels.
The SRO program focuses on education and counseling, with 286 reports in the last year, 77% of which were resolved without criminal consequences.
Kearney Police Department is committed to finding the right person to serve as the 4th SRO for Kearney Public Schools.

5.C. Construction Update

Discussion:

Kent Cordes with BD Construction gave an update on the construction projects continuing throughout the district.

6. Public Participation/Comment

Discussion:

Patrons addressed the Board.

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 Paul Hazard and seconded by Amanda Smallcomb, Passed.

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

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

8.A. Approval of Minutes of the August 11, 2025, Regular Meeting, the August 25, 2025, Special Budget Retreat Meeting and the September 3, 2025, Board Committee of the Whole Meeting of the Board of Education

8.B. Approval of the September 2025 Claims

8.C. Approval of the September Financial Reports

8.D. Approval of Kearney High School JROTC Trip to the Ozark Raider Meet, September 26-27, 2025 in Marshfield, Missouri

8.E. Approval of Kearney High School JROTC Trip to the Waynesville Raider Meet, October 3-4, 2025 in Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri

8.F. Approval of Kearney High School JROTC Trip to the Smith-Cotton Raider Meet, October 10-11, 2025 in Sedalia, Missouri

8.G. Approval of Kearney High School JROTC Trip to the Air Capitol Raider Meet, October 17-18, 2025 in Wichita, Kansas

8.H. Approval of Kearney High School JROTC Trip to the Truman Raider Meet, April 17-18, 2026 in Independence, Missouri

8.I. Approval of Kearney High School JROTC Trip to the Black Hills Raider Meet, April 24-25, 2026 in Rapid City, South Dakota

9. Regular Agenda - Personnel

10. Regular Agenda - Business

10.A. Adoption of Budgets for the Kearney Public Schools for the 2025-2026 School Year

Action(s):

Motion Passed:

Move to adopt the Kearney Public Schools General Fund Budget in the amount of $83,872,392; the Special Building Fund Budget in the amount of $19,769,231; the Bond Fund Budget in the amount of $18,119,848; the Employee Benefit Fund Budget in the amount of $48,081; the Activity Fund Budget in the amount of $4,500,000; the School Nutrition Fund Budget in the amount of $5,068,263; the Student Fee Fund Budget in the amount of $570,381; the Cooperative Fund Budget in the amount of $327,285; and the Qualified Capital Purpose Undertaking Fund Budget in the amount of $6,946,615, for the 2025-2026 school year. This motion, made by Amanda Smallcomb and seconded by Niki Deeds, Passed.

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

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

Discussion:

President Icenogle mentioned that the budget was discussed thoroughly at the September 3, 2025, Committee of the Whole meeting and many questions were answered at that time.

10.B. Approval of Property Tax Request for the 2025-2026 School Year

Action(s):

Motion Passed:

Move to approve the Resolution to set the property tax request for the General Fund be set at $45,353,535; the Bond Fund be set at $7,070,707; the Special Building Fund be set at $6,008,972 and the Qualified Capital Purpose Undertaking Fund be set at $1,263,965 with the total property tax request be set at $59,697,179, for the 2025-2026 school year. This motion, made by Drew Blessing and seconded by Paul Hazard, Passed.

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

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

11. Regular Agenda - Miscellaneous

11.A. First Reading Approval of Revised Board Policy

Action(s):

Motion Passed:

Move to approve the first reading of revised board policy 3290 Internal Controls, as presented. This motion, made by John Icenogle and seconded by Niki Deeds, Passed.

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

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

Discussion:

Superintendent Mundorf explained the need to update Board Policy 3290 Internal Controls, due to legal guidance from the school attorney and the Nebraska Department of Education, which requires usual and customary rates for travel expenses under federal grants. Dr. Mundorf also clarified that all KPS professional development expenses under Title II-A are generally paid from the general fund, not federal grants.

12. Next Meeting

13. Adjournment

Action(s):

Motion Passed:

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

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

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

Discussion:

Meeting was adjourned at 6:55PM.

Regular Board
Attendance Taken on 9/8/2025 at 5:43 PM
Amy Barth	Absent
Drew Blessing	Present
Niki Deeds	Present
Paul Hazard	Present
John Icenogle	Present
Amanda Smallcomb	Present
Present: 5, Absent: 1

September 8, 2025 at 5:30 PM - Public Hearing and Regular Monthly Meeting of the Kearney Public Schools Board of Education

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