November 10, 2025 at 6:00 PM - Regular Board of Education Meeting

Discussion:  The meeting was called to order by Board President, Greg Trautman, at 6:00 p.m.

Discussion:  Jennifer Sibal presented to the board. She presented each team and state medalists with certificates from the board. She went on to discuss, in more detail, how each fall sport competed this season. She also mentioned we have many more activities that are just finishing up, that we can't wait to celebrate soon!

Discussion:  John Wiedeman and Jon Hutchison presented to the board about Gering Middle School. Mr. Wiedeman talked about their theme for the year: "Welcome to the Show!" Then he went on to discuss some of the student opportunities they offer, like Clowns, which is a modern day D.A.R.E. program, and FCA. Mr. Hutchison talked about how their state data has increased 20% over the last 5 years. They have really focused on student schedules and staff connections with kids to help increase student growth. Mr. Wiedeman then talked about how each student learns differently and so does his staff, and sometimes they have to shift to make sure we are being inclusive in all students' learning. Currently, they are doing a study during their PLC time on the book "Explicit Instruction." This has been a great study for their staff and has really started making an impact in their building. The goal is to ensure high levels of learning, and not just covering content. He then talked about their goals as a building for the school year, which include, goal setting, student/staff connections, guiding coalition, and attacking absenteeism. He then finished by briefly talking about the bond issue that we will be pursuing a year from now and getting lots of community and staff input. 

Discussion:  Kory Knight presented to the board. She went over the financial literacy that is included in our curriculum. Personal finance is a requirement to graduate, and we currently have 63 students enrolled for fall and 54 for the spring. 

Discussion:  Greg Trautman presented to the board. He talked about how we have started the negotiation process with GEA and that they gave a presentation to staff at a recent professional development. He also discussed that we have partnered with Fresh Foods to get food donations for families that have been affected by the SNAP program and government shut down. The pup pack program has also helped with this issue as well. He then mentioned that there is a new policy regarding ADA regulation for websites. This means we will need to make some changes for better access for all public viewing. He also talked about our state data. The results are still embargoed, but we should know here soon. 

Discussion:  Bryan Barrett presented to the board. He talked about how we had to get a new auditor this year and that the audit went very well. He mentioned that insurance rates have been sent our for next year, and they will increase 7.2%. We are hoping to get bids for our track in January. They have started working on the auditorium at the high school and the roof is complete at Lincoln, and they have started working on the Northfield roof this week. 

Discussion: 

Dr. Regan presented to the board.
"It’s a night of celebration! We’re here to recognize a full season of individual and team achievements — and tonight, we’re also celebrating national recognition for our school community. Four years ago, Jennifer and I attended a C4K meeting with industry partners from across the Panhandle region. We listened as local businesses, childcare providers, and community agencies spoke passionately about the childcare shortage crisis — a challenge that continues to impact our rural workforce and place an overwhelming financial burden on families. Around that same time, GPS was fortunate to receive a School and Community Engagement Grant. We identified childcare as a key piece of the puzzle — an opportunity to use our school’s resources to help meet a critical community need. As part of the grant, we were required to collaborate with local agencies to enhance community service. The Nebraska Children and Families Foundation was immediately excited by our proposal: an educational childcare program during the summer months to support working parents year-round.

Thanks to a strong partnership with the YMCA, that program was a tremendous success. In fact, it was so successful that the state awarded us additional grant funding to expand our efforts — allowing us to enhance our before- and after-school care programs and extend services to non-school days as well. Of course, this success did not happen in isolation. It has taken deep collaboration and shared vision — from Jesse N. at Lincoln Elementary, to Trevor Tiechrob and his team at the YMCA, to our own student camp leaders, to Jennifer Sibal and her leadership in community engagement, and to countless teachers and staff who continue to make this initiative thrive. This project is a shining example of what happens when a community comes together — when trust, partnership, and a commitment to serve create real, lasting impact for families.

So on Wednesday or Thursday, as you watch the CBS Evening News, take a moment to feel proud — proud of your district, proud of your community, and proud of the difference we’re making for families across our region."

Discussion:  Bryan Barret - Great to see all the student success tonight!
Matt Kautz - Great seeing all the kids. Thanks to Mr. Wiedman and Mr. Hutchison for presenting. Thanks to Kory and happy to see personal finance is offered to students. Thanks to central office staff for all their work behind the scenes.
John Maser - Thanks to John and Jon!
Greg Trautman - Great to celebrate kids tonight. Thanks to all who came and showed support tonight.  

Discussion:  The meeting was adjourned at 7:01 p.m.