May 11, 2026 at 6:00 PM - Regular Board of Education Meeting
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1. GPS Board of Education Information
More Information:
The meeting agenda will be kept current and available for public inspection in the office of the Secretary of the Board of Education at the Central Office during regular working hours.
District Vision: Gering Public Schools provides a collaborative community, inspiring excellence and innovation in teaching and learning to empower student growth and leadership in school and life. District Mission: Gering Public Schools exists to equip today's learners with the skills necessary to be tomorrow's leaders. The Open Meetings Act requires and the intention of the Board is that agenda items be sufficiently descriptive to give the public reasonable notice of matters to be considered at the meeting. The Board of Education releases its agenda well in advance of most meetings and desires that all interested persons are fully informed. Any interested person who has a question or needs clarification about the sufficiency of a descriptive item should contact the Office of the Superintendent of Schools. If anyone in attendance is interested in addressing our Board, you are welcome to do so. We simply request that you complete the appropriate form and turn it in to us now, so that you may be recognized during the 'Patron Comment' section of our meeting. These forms are located by the entry doors of the meeting room. Agenda items are subject to reordering at the discretion of the board president. Board members may request specific agenda item(s) be moved to a different place on the agenda. Please attend the entire meeting to ensure you hear discussion on a particular agenda item. |
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2. Opening Procedures
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2.1. Call to Order
More Information:
The Board of Education reserves the right to enter into Executive Session for the protection of the public interest, or the prevention of needless injury to the reputation of an individual, and if the individual has not requested a public meeting.
Discussion:
The meeting was called to order by board president, Greg Trautman, at 6:01 p.m.
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2.2. Roll Call
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2.3. Pledge of Allegiance
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2.4. Open Meetings Act
More Information:
Pursuant to Section 84-1412 of the Nebraska Statutes, the public is hereby informed that a current copy of the Nebraska Open Meetings Act is posted in the Board meeting room on the north wall.
Notice of this meeting was published in the Star Herald on Thursday, May 7th, 2026. |
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3. Consent Agenda
More Information:
At this time, any Board member may request that any item in the consent agenda be removed from the consent agenda and be considered and voted on separately.
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3.1. Minutes from the previous month's board meeting(s)
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3.2. Approval of Claims/Bills
Fund Amount
01 General $292,588.22 03 Employee $209.00 05 Activity $40,624.72 06 School Nutrition $101,975.25 08 Special Building $402,715.43 12 Student Fee $4,006.46 Fund Totals: $842,119.08
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3.3. Board Policy Adoption
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3.3.i. First Reading of Board Policies
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3.3.ii. Second Reading of Board Policies
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3.4. Personnel Items
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3.4.i. Certified Staff Contract(s)
Steve Land - GMS, Industrial Arts
Abigail Ankomah - GHS, Art Teacher Stacy Baker - GHS, ELA Teacher Calvert Switzer - GHS, Band Instructor Crystal Palser - Interim Curriculum Director Kelly Tofflemire - Ed. Tech Specialist (260 days) |
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4. Celebration of Excellence
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4.1. Student Success - Jennifer Sibal
FFA DECA FCCLA Nationals - Mariella Myers HOSA Speech Presidential Scholar - Trinity Hedman
Discussion:
Jennifer Sibal honored several clubs and their achievements over the course of the school year.
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5. Reports & Discussions
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5.1. Board Committee Report: Curriculum & Personnel
Discussion:
Greg Trautman presented to the Board and shared that the district is currently in the process of reviewing building handbooks. He also discussed proposed salary increases for classified staff and administrators for the 2026-27 school year. He also announced that Crystal Palser will serve as the Interim Curriculum Director for the 2026-2027 school year, and that the district is currently advertising for an Interim Dean position at the high school. In addition, he noted that the district is exploring an increase in substitute pay rates.
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5.2. Board Committee Report: Business & Facilities
Discussion:
Bryan Barrett presented to the Board and shared that the district has been in discussions with First Student regarding the transportation contract for the upcoming school year. He reported that construction on the auditorium is progressing very well and is expected to be completed this fall. Also, demolition of the track has begun, noting that this is an exciting project the district looks forward to completing. In addition, he reviewed several remaining projects at the middle school, including the replacement of the gym floor. The district is currently awaiting material samples and will continue to report updates. He also shared that the recent air quality testing conducted at the middle school returned with results that determined air quality is good and consistent with outdoor air. |
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5.3. Superintendent's Report
Discussion:
Dr. Regan presented to the board. She stated how exciting it is to see all the student accomplishments tonight! She is so thankful to all staff and students for working hard till the end of the school year. She also wanted to say thanks to everyone involved in all the facilities updates over the course of the year. Looking forward to graduation on Saturday!
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6. Public Comments: 204.12
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7. Action Items
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7.1. Discuss, consider, and take action to approve a salary increase of 3.78% for the 2026-27 school year for Classified Staff and Administrators.
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7.2. Discuss, consider, and take action to approve the addendum to the Employee Handbook for Administrators for the 2026–28 school years.
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7.3. Discuss, consider and take all necessary action to approve a resolution authorizing the district to issue its Qualified Capital Undertaking Fund Pledge Bonds and related matters.
Discussion:
Andy Forney provided clarity to the board on our funding options for the track replacement project.
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8. Board Comments
Discussion:
Bryan Barrett - Love all the celebrations tonight. It's great to see a variety of clubs that our students can take part in. Lots of facility projects are happening throughout the district. Looking forward to graduation on Saturday.
John Maser - No comment Matt Kautz - Excited about the track project being started. Always good to see the kid's accomplishments. Shout out to all the sponsors who helped this year. Thanks to Andy for being here tonight. Josh Lacy - Thanks to Andy and the kids for all their accomplishments. Excited about the track. Greg Trautman - Lots of projects happening, but happy that we can use our existing funds. We have a great culture here at Gering. Freshman feel very included with the upper classman. Thanks to all our staff. |
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8.1. Tentative Upcoming Board Meeting/Event Dates
More Information:
Future Board Meetings:Work Session: Mon, June 1st, 2026 @ 12:00 p.m. (Central Office)Regular Meeting: Mon, June 8th, 2026 @ 6:00 p.m. (Freshmen Academy) Tentative Committee Meeting Dates:Personnel & Curriculum Committee: Mon, June 1st, 2026 @ 11:00 a.m. (Central Office)Policy Review Committee: Thurs, June 4th, 2026 @ 4:00 p.m. (Central Office) Finance & Facilities Committee: Thurs, June 4th, 2026 @ 4:30 p.m. (Central Office) Upcoming Event Highlights:Graduation: Saturday, May 16th @ 10:00 a.m. |
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9. Adjourn
Discussion:
The meeting was adjourned at 6:35 p.m.
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