November 9, 2026 at 6:00 PM - Regular Board of Education Meeting

Discussion:  The meeting was called to order by board president, Greg Trautman, at 6:03 p.m.

Discussion:  Jennifer Sibal presented to the board. Unfortunately, several activities could not attend, but she highlighted the excellent season our volleyball team had! The other groups will be highlighted on another date. 

Discussion: 

Jon Hutchison and John Wiedeman presented to the board. Jon provided an update on the efforts being made to address student tardiness and absenteeism at Gering Middle School. Attendance support groups have been established for students identified as chronically absent during the previous school year. These students meet weekly with counselors or the school psychologist, and incentives have been implemented to encourage improved attendance. The school has also strengthened its tardy policy to promote greater student accountability throughout the school day.

Staff continue to monitor and evaluate the best approaches to addressing attendance concerns, including expectations surrounding student activities and events such as dances. An emphasis has been placed on building relationships with students to better understand the underlying reasons for tardiness and absenteeism and to provide appropriate support.

They also expressed their sincere gratitude to the Gering community for supporting the new middle school bond. They shared how much the community's support means to the staff and students and expressed excitement about moving forward with the next steps in bringing the new middle school project to life.

Discussion: 

Tracy Wiese presented to the board. She went over how Andy Forney spoke on the next steps if the Middle School Bond passes. We will need to join NEBA and enter into the lease purchase agreement. She also went over a new lunch incentive the high school would like to implement next semester. Lastly, she went over our enrollment data from the last several years. Gering’s enrollment is trending up!

Discussion: 

Josh Lacy presented to the board. He went over the information Andy Forney provided on the NEBA financing process and discussed the next steps now that the bond has passed. He discussed how they reviewed 2026-27 budget to date and provided an update on the district’s current cash flow. The annual audit has been completed and submitted to the state. The district received an unqualified opinion, indicating that no significant issues or concerns were identified.

He then provided updates on several facility projects throughout the district. The GHS Auditorium project is nearing completion, with only a few remaining lighting items to be addressed. A ribbon-cutting ceremony is scheduled for November 30 at 6:15 p.m., prior to the One Act performance. The high school chiller was inspected and appears to be functioning properly. The district will continue exploring options for a sound-dampening kit to help reduce the noise.

Track construction continues, with fencing scheduled to begin next week. Work is also progressing on the press box and garage, and the district is exploring options for adding electricity to the new structures. At Gering Middle School, the insurance adjuster is assisting with preparing an RFP for bids to remove and replace the gym floor. Abatement will be necessary, and the district is considering an anchored floor rather than a floating floor. The timeline is TBD.

Additional updates included gathering installation quotes for the GHS gym videoboard, while the football scoreboard will be installed by the district’s maintenance staff. The district is also gathering quotes for new bathroom flooring at Geil and Northfield. The board approved staff meals for Thanksgiving.

Discussion: 

November 3, 2026, will forever be a monumental day for Gering Public Schools. It was the day that 60% of Gering voters marked their ballots IN FAVOR of the Gering Middle School bond. It is a day we will remember for years to come.

I will never forget the faces and reactions of our middle school staff when Jennifer, John, Jon, and I met with them bright and early on November 4. Their smiles stretched from ear to ear, and the gratitude and humility they expressed said everything. They are excited about what lies ahead over the next couple of years, but more importantly, they are relieved to know that our middle school students will soon have a learning environment that better meets their needs, provides comfortable temperatures throughout the year, and supports teaching and learning in the way our students and staff deserve.

To our GMS staff, thank you for your patience, flexibility, and continued commitment to our students throughout this process. We know the wait has not always been easy. A much-improved facility is on the horizon, and before long, you will see the results of this community's investment. Until then, keep showing that Gering grit and giving our students your very best. They deserve it, and so do you!

There are so many thank-yous that need to be shared. First, to our Board of Education, thank you for believing in this project and having the courage to move it forward. Without your support and willingness to engage in this work, we would not be where we are today.

To our community advocates, especially the Say Yes to GMS committee, thank you for putting yourselves out there on behalf of our students and schools. From writing letters of support and distributing mailers to putting up yard signs and checking in to see where help was needed, your commitment and advocacy made a difference.

To our project partners at JEO, Sampson Construction, and D.A. Davidson, thank you for sharing your knowledge, expertise, and guidance along the way. Your partnership has been invaluable in helping us move this project forward.

And, most importantly, to the voters of Gering, thank you for saying yes! Your support gives us the opportunity to replace a 70-year-old building and make an investment that reaches far beyond the walls of a school. This is an investment in our students, our staff, Gering Public Schools, and the future of our entire community.

I also want to recognize Jennifer Sibal, John Wiedeman, and Jon Hutchison. For nearly two years, they have dedicated countless hours to conversations, listening sessions, presentations, and making information available to our community, both in person and through extensive online resources. Their commitment to this project and willingness to engage with our community have been instrumental in getting us to this point.

Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, thank you to our students. To the generations of students who have walked the halls of Gering Middle School, thank you for being part of its story. You have helped shape the building, the memories, and the traditions that make GMS special. You have reminded us time and again of our why. To our current and future GMS students, we cannot wait for you to experience a new facility alongside the outstanding staff who make Gering Middle School such a special place.

The next semester will bring plenty of excitement as we move further into the design phase of the project. There is much work ahead, and we look forward to sharing updates with our community as plans take shape. We will continue to keep everyone informed about the project's progress and anticipated timelines as we work toward groundbreaking for Phase One.

November 3 was about more than passing a bond. It was about a community coming together, believing in its schools, and investing in the generations of students who will walk through the doors of Gering Middle School for years to come. Thank you, Gering, for believing in our students and our future!

Discussion:  The board discussed Dr. Knight’s evaluation and the evaluation process. Because she is currently serving in her interim year, she will undergo two evaluations. Greg and Tracy met with Dr. Knight prior to the meeting to review the evaluation results with her. Her key strengths included community relations, policy, and a strong growth mindset. Areas identified for continued growth focused primarily on gaining a deeper understanding of the school district’s budget and its financial operations.

Discussion:  The board discussed three options regarding the superintendent position: reopening the superintendent search, extending Dr. Knight’s interim contract for another year, or appointing her as the permanent superintendent. Following discussion and consideration of feedback received from both the community and staff, the board concluded that appointing Dr. Knight as the permanent superintendent would be the best decision for the district.

Discussion:  The board went into executive session at 6:59 p.m. They returned at 7:19 p.m.

Discussion:  Josh Lacy - Thanks to the all the people here tonight and for all the work done on the bond! We did things the right way.
John Maser - It was great to see our bond reach a multi-generational community! Blown away by the vote turn out. Thanks to Dr. Knight and Jenn.
Bryan Barrett - It's been fun celebrating volleyball all year and the bond passing. It's been a great month! 
Tracy Wiese - Thanks to John, Jon, Jenn, and the Say Yes Committee for all the time they have put into the bond! We're doing all we can to work on facilities throughout the district. Congrats to Dr. Knight.
Greg Trautman - Thank you GMS! The bond passing is a huge accomplishment! 

Discussion:  The meeting was adjourned at 7:27 p.m.