Public Meeting Minutes: November 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 Amanda Smallcomb, Passed.

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

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

2. Recognitions

2.A. Recognition of Park Elementary School being named a Blue Ribbon School

Discussion:

Taylor Peters, principal of Park Elementary, shared the school's achievement of being named a Blue Ribbon School by the US Department of Education. The award recognized the school's academic excellence, consistent academic growth, and strong commitment to closing achievement gaps.
Mrs. Peters highlighted the collaborative teaching practices, positive school culture, and data-driven instruction used at Park Elementary.
The school celebrated the award with a special day, including sugar cookies and bounce houses, reflecting the pride and joy of the school community.

2.B. Recognition of Deb Schauer for Receiving the Champion for Disability Employment Award from the Nebraska VR, a State Agency within the Department of Education

Discussion:

Sara Paider, KPS Special Education Director, introduced Deb Schauer and recognized her as the recipient of the Champion for Disability Employment award from Nebraska VR, a state agency within the Department of Education. Mrs. Schauer was honored for her outstanding commitment to the Project SEARCH program, which supports students with disabilities in developing valuable job skills.
Mrs. Paider also noted that Mrs. Schauer dedicated 30 years to KPS as a special education teacher.
Mrs. Schauer shared that the program’s first intern secured employment within just one month of Project SEARCH launching. She invited the community to visit the program and to volunteer to help interview the interns to help them gain familiarity and confidence for future job interviews.

2.C. 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 Paul Hazard and seconded by Drew Blessing, Passed.

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

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

Discussion:

President Icenogle read a resolution to support military students and families, emphasizing the unique needs of military children. The resolution aims to establish a trained point of contact to support military families and connect them to community and school resources.

3. Presentations

3.A. Presentation by Michelle Dutcher, Kenwood Elementary School Principal, on their Partnership with Brookestone Gardens

Discussion:

Michelle Dutcher, principal of Kenwood Elementary, discussed the partnership with Brookstone Gardens to foster intergenerational relationships. The partnership involves fifth-grade leaders reading with residents, enjoying social activities, and participating in events like bingo and crafts.
Mrs. Dutcher expressed interest in expanding the program to include high-ability learners and individuals from the Peterson Center.

3.B. Announcement of "American Education Week"

Discussion:

President Icenogle announced that next week, November 17-21, 2025, is American Education Week.
On Tuesday, November 18th, Kearney Public Schools and UNK will co-host a reception for new staff members and members of the community at UNK from 4:00 to 5:30 PM. Other activities will be conducted in the school buildings to observe this special week.

3.C. Construction Update

Discussion:

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

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 John Icenogle and seconded by Niki Deeds, Passed.

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

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

6.A. Approval of Minutes of the October 13, 2025, Regular Meeting and the November 5, 2025, Committee of the Whole Meeting of the Board of Education

6.B. Approval of the November 2025 Claims

6.C. Approval of the November 2025 Financial Reports

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

6.E. Acceptance of the Northeast Elementary Parent Advisory Committee Annual Self-Audit Report for the 2024-2025 School Year

6.F. Acceptance of the Bryant Elementary Parent Advisory Committee Annual Self-Audit Report for the 2024-2025 School Year

6.G. Second and Final Reading Approval of Revised 1000 Section of Board Policies

6.H. Approval of Kearney High School FCCLA Trip to the National Leadership Conference, July 6-10, 2026, in Washington, D.C.

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 Amy Barth, Passed.

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

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

Discussion:

Dr. Melissa Herrmann, Director of Human Resources, announced the resignations and retirements, noting the significant tenure represented among many of these departing employees.

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 2026-2027 school year as presented. This motion, made by Amanda Smallcomb and seconded by Paul Hazard, Passed.

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

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

Discussion:

Dr. Herrmann shared that Rosa Lopez Moore will be leading the TLC program at Kenwood Elementary School. She is the first KTOM student to come full circle through the program, and it is very exciting seeing its impact come to fruition.
Rosa is also very enthusiastic about stepping into this role.

8. Regular Agenda - Business

9. Regular Agenda - Miscellaneous

9.A. Approval of the Kearney High School Choral Department Performance Tour

Action(s):

Motion Passed:

Move to approve the KHS Choral Department performance tour of Austria, Slovenia and Italy from May 27-June 5, 2027, with no direct cost incurred by the school district. This motion, made by Drew Blessing and seconded by Paul Hazard, Passed.

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

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

Discussion:

Clayton Moyer, music teacher at Kearney High School, presented the proposed performance tour for the choral department, including Austria, Slovenia, and Italy. The tour would involve 40-55 students and include performances in various locations, including St. Mark's Basilica and the Youth in Music Festival.
The students going on the trip will start the process of obtaining their passports and fundraising to cover all of their expenses.

9.B. First Reading Approval of Revised 2000 Section of Board Policies

Action(s):

Motion Passed:

Move to approve the first reading of the revised board policies, as presented. This motion, made by John Icenogle and seconded by Amanda Smallcomb, Passed.

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

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

Discussion:

Superintendent Mundorf introduced the first reading of the revised 2000 section of board policies, which includes updates to administrative roles, job descriptions, and evaluation procedures.

9.C. First Reading Approval of Board Policy 5410 Wand Detectors

Action(s):

Motion Passed:

Move to approve the first reading of Board Policy 5410, as presented. This motion, made by Amanda Smallcomb and seconded by Amy Barth, Passed.

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

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

Discussion:

Dr. Mundorf reviewed the proposed new policy and the implementation of wand detectors in schools, highlighting their importance in enhancing building safety.
Jeff Schwartz, Director of Student Services and Safety, commented on the importance of clear communication regarding the wand detectors with parents and staff.

9.D. Approval of the 2026-2027 School Calendar

Action(s):

Motion Passed:

Move to approve the 2026-2027 school calendar as presented. This motion, made by John Icenogle and seconded by Amanda Smallcomb, Passed.

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

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

Discussion:

Dr. Mundorf presented the proposed 2026-2027 school calendar, detailing the start and end dates, holidays, and professional development days. The calendar has gone through a process of review by various groups and committees.

9.E. Conduct a Performance Evaluation of the Superintendent

Discussion:

Board members expressed their appreciation for Superintendent Mundorf's leadership, communication, and forward-thinking approach. They also acknowledged the challenges of balancing day-to-day operations with long-term planning and the importance of teamwork and collaboration.
Dr. Mundorf emphasized that the district’s success relies on teamwork, not just the superintendent, highlighting the importance of a proactive and forward-thinking board. He praised the board for making difficult but beneficial decisions and expressed deep gratitude for the dedication and talent of district leaders, school staff, and teachers, recognizing their collective effort in making the schools a great place to learn, work, and live.

10. 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 Drew Blessing, Passed.

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

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

Discussion:

The Board moved to closed session at 6:27 PM.

11. Return to Open Session

Discussion:

The Board returned to open session at 7:38 PM.

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.

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

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

Discussion:

Meeting was adjourned at 7:39 PM.

Regular Board
Attendance Taken on 11/10/2025 at 5:31 PM
Amy Barth	Present
Drew Blessing	Present
Niki Deeds	Present
Paul Hazard	Present
John Icenogle	Present
Amanda Smallcomb	Present
Present: 6, Absent: 0

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

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