BENNINGTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS

DOUGLAS COUNTY

SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 59

BOARD OF EDUCATION

REGULAR MEETING

MONDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2023 6:00 P.M.

BENNINGTON DISTRICT BOARD ROOM

 

Posting Information:  Notice published in the Daily Record on 12/08/2023.  Notice of meeting posted on the District website.  Agendas posted at all Bennington Public School buildings three days prior to the meeting date.  

 

Attendance Taken at 5:54 PM. Jeremy Dick: Present, Tim Dreessen: Present, Kara Neuverth: Present, Kristi Ryan: Present, Steve Shannon: Present, Allyson Slobotski: Present.

 

I. Call Meeting to Order- President Allyson Slobotski called the meeting to order at 6:00 P.M., noting the Open Meetings Act is posted on the south wall of the Board Room. 

 

II. Public Forum- One member of the public was present to speak.  

 

III. Consent Agenda (Note: Items on the consent agenda are considered routine and will be enacted under one motion. There will be no separate discussion of these items at the meeting unless a Board Member requests an item removed from the agenda for separate action.)

Approval of Agenda,  Approval of Minutes of the Monday, November 13, 2023- Regular Meeting, Presentation of December Bills for Approval and Payment, Personnel:  Resignation(s) and Hiring of Personnel

MOTION PASSED:  Motion to approve the consent agenda as presented, passed with a motion by Tim Dreessen and a second by Jeremy Dick.  Jeremy Dick: Yea, Tim Dreessen: Yea, Kara Neuverth: Yea, Kristi Ryan: Yea, Steve Shannon: Yea, Allyson Slobotski: Yea

 

December 2023 Personnel Notes- Certificated Staff Hire:  Lauren Gearhart- 4th grade teacher at Stratford Elementary.  Carlee Watson- Kindergarten teacher at Heritage Elementary, Jillian Myers- special education teacher at Pine Creek Elementary, Laura Scow- elementary music teacher Pine Creek Elementary, Laura Plank, 7th grade teacher at Bennington South Middle School, Ross Berggren, math teacher at Bennington High School,  Andrew Lechtenberg- industrial technology teacher at Bennington High School.  Support Staff Hire: Lynne Lurvey- accounts payable clerk, Zavaire Ingram- IT associate. Certificated Staff Resignations: Justin Klute, Lauren Powell, Tom Schumacher, Tonya Eurek.  Classified Staff Resignations: Nancy Sibbernson, Kiernan Rider, Josh Claussen.  Administrative Staff Resignations: Dr. Dee Hoge is retiring from Bennington Schools as our Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction.  

 

IV. Items Removed from the Consent Agenda for Separate Action- No items were removed from the Consent Agenda

 

V. Reports

V.A. Administrative Reports: Elementary- Katie Lethcoe, Middle School - Renee Rucker, High School - Greg Lamberty/Cody Bobolz, Student Services - Dan Bombeck, Operations - Matt Blomenkamp, CIA - Dee Hoge, Superintendent - Aaron Plas presented reports to the Board.  

 

V.B. Committee Report(s): Building/Finance and Curriculum Committees reviewed minutes from their previous meetings.  The Policy Committee did not meet. 

 

V.C. Coordinator Report- Foundation- Director Blake Thompson presented the Board with information regarding the Foundation’s upcoming events, projects, goals, and accomplishments.  

 

V.D. Spotlight Report- Freshman Success- Dr. Lamberty and Mr. Bobolz presented the Board with information regarding freshman study halls, supports and curriculum, MTSS and PST programming, and future plans. 

 

V.E. Lobbyist Report- None

 

VI. Unfinished Business- None

 

VII. New Business

VII.A. Discuss, Consider, and Take Action on District Purchases- Bids were reviewed by the Building/Finance Committee and is unanimously recommending the approval of these purchases.

MOTION PASSED:  Motion for approval of the purchase of track equipment not to exceed $30,300, passed with a motion by Allyson Slobotski and a second by Tim Dreessen.  Jeremy Dick: Yea, Tim Dreessen: Yea, Kara Neuverth: Yea, Kristi Ryan: Yea, Steve Shannon: Yea, Allyson Slobotski: Yea

 

VII.B. Discuss, Consider, and Take Action on Curriculum and Personnel Proposals- The Curriculum Committee is unanimously recommending the approval of these proposals. The committee will review the remaining 42 proposals and rank them for future additions as funds are released from the Building/Finance Committee.

MOTION PASSED:  Motion to accept the recommendations by the Curriculum Committee for 2024-25 curriculum and personnel proposals #27- paraprofessional training, #32- separate MS girls wrestling teams, #29- MS Play Production II, #31- BMS Leadership Academy, #46- Change basic math progression, #10- Adjust trigger system for MS T&L and PE, and #50- Increase summer strength pay, as outlined in the November 27, 2023, Curriculum Committee Report and pending 2024-25 budget approval, passed with a motion by Kara Neuverth and a second by Jeremy Dick.  Jeremy Dick: Yea, Tim Dreessen: Yea, Kara Neuverth: Yea, Kristi Ryan: Yea, Steve Shannon: Yea, Allyson Slobotski: Yea

 

VII.C. Review District Wellness Report- Dr. Hoge provided an update to the Board of Education about the District’s Educators Health Alliance (EHA) Wellness Program. 

 

VII.D. Discuss, Consider and Take all Necessary Action on a Resolution calling for a Special Bond Election to be held on March 12, 2024, to submit to the qualified voters of the District for their approval or rejection, the issuance of General Obligation School Building Bonds, in an amount NOT TO EXCEED $119,000,000, for the purpose of constructing, acquiring, and improving District facilities, which shall include a new high school building and related facilities, and for providing the necessary furniture, technology, and apparatus for such building, facilities and additions- Paul Greiger, from DA Davidson, and Curtis Johnson, from DLR Group, were in attendance Monday to review the resolution and bond levy estimates.  The bond resolution and bond language will appear as a special election in March 2024, in which the ballots will be due on March 12, 2024, a new high school located at 180th and Military Avenue. The costs include construction of a 252,500 square foot facility.

MOTION PASSED:  Motion to approve the bond resolution as presented, passed with a motion by Steve Shannon and a second by Jeremy Dick.  Jeremy Dick: Yea, Tim Dreessen: Yea, Kara Neuverth: Yea, Kristi Ryan: Yea, Steve Shannon: Yea, Allyson Slobotski: Yea

 

VII.E. Review and Discuss Evaluation of the Superintendent- Board policy states the board will conduct an ongoing evaluation of the superintendent’s skills, abilities, and competence. 

No action on this item, discussion only. 

 

VII.F. Executive Session to Discuss Certificated Staff Negotiations - The Negotiations Committee and BEA worked towards a potential agreement for the 2024-25 school year.

MOTION PASSED:  Motion to enter closed session at 7:46 p.m. to hold a strategy session regarding collective bargaining as an executive session is clearly necessary for the protection of the public interest, passed with a motion by Tim Dreessen and a second by Kristi Ryan.

Jeremy Dick: Yea, Tim Dreessen: Yea, Kara Neuverth: Yea, Kristi Ryan: Yea, Steve Shannon: Yea, Allyson Slobotski: Yea

The Board entered into Regular session at 8:05 p.m.

 

VII.G. Discuss, Consider, and Take Action on 2024-25 Negotiated Agreement- The Board has reached a tentative agreement with BEA and unanimously recommend approval by the Board of Education.

MOTION PASSED:  Motion to approve the Negotiated Agreement for the 2024-25 school year between the Bennington Board of Education and the Bennington Education Association, passed with a motion by Jeremy Dick and a second by Tim Dreessen.  Jeremy Dick: Yea, Tim Dreessen: Yea, Kara Neuverth: Yea, Kristi Ryan: Yea, Steve Shannon: Yea, Allyson Slobotski: Yea

 

VIII. Time and Date of Next Regular Meeting- Regular Meeting: January 8th - Regular Board Meeting @ 6:00PM - District Office

 

IX. Adjournment- Motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:06 p.m. made by Allyson Slobotski.  All in favor.

 

Jodi McCoy- Board of Education Secretary

 

12/11/23 Bennington Public Schools Claims Board Report

 

Vendor Name                 Amount

BOND FUND                

BOK FINANCIAL             $4,280,574.51

     

DEPRECIATION           

ELECTRONIC SOUND INC                                     $15,900.00

     

GENERAL FUND CHECKING          

360 COMMUNITY SERVICES                   $9,085.23

ABE’S TRASH SERVICE, INC                    $3,252.36

ACCESS SYSTEMS          $454.95

AHMADZAI, WANA         $90.00

AMAZON CAPITAL SERVICES                    $7,054.22

ARBOR FAMILY COUNSELING                    $9,498.75

Austin, Marc                   $54.37

Backlund, Kellie              $41.13

BENNINGTON AUTO INC $61.78

Blevins, Cole                  $332.09

BLIZZARD BOYS LLC       $160.00

Blocher, Theodore          $13.36

Blomenkamp, Matthew   $145.11

Bottorff, Alexandria        $28.62

Bouaphakeo, Ann           $89.74

BOUND TO STAY BOUND BOOKS       $729.36

BPS NUTRITION SERVICES                     $1,108.95

CAPSAN       $339.12

Christensen, Jamie         $82.53

COMMERCIAL ICE CONTROL                   $1,592.50

CONTROLLED RAIN        $2,066.00

COX BUSINESS              $1,308.25

CRCC          $6,512.25

CUBBY’S, INC                 $13,758.41

CULLIGAN   $39.00

DAILY RECORD, THE      $379.33

DH PACE COMPANY        $1,049.71

DIETZE MUSIC HOUSE, INC              $203.52

DOUGLAS COUNTY SHERIFF                  $62,512.40

DR OXYGEN SCIENCE     $450.00

Edens, Jeremy               $24.89

EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH

IN ACTION, LLC                                      $3,771.14

ELECTRICITY, LLC          $2,794.09

Emary, Rachel                $232.65

EMBASSY SUITES LINCOLN                     $2,074.00

EMBI TEC    $206.00

EMERALD LAWN & LANDSCAPE              $20,450.00

Engel, Olivia                  $20.17

ESU 3          $40,981.68

FIBER PLATFORM, LLC    $2,372.11

FIRST STUDENT, INC     $46,222.92

Fisher, Molly                  $9.43

Fitzgerald, Abby             $42.90

FLINN SCIENTIFIC CO.   $46.65

FOLLETT CONTENT

SOLUTIONS, LLC                                 $2,231.12

FRAN SOLOMON

SPEECH SERVICES, LLC  $4,712.10

GADE, JACQUELYN         $3.53

GOODWILL INDUSTRIES, INC                      $2,950.00

GRAINGER   $817.82

Gutz, Stacy $98.25

Guynan, Nicole               $114.16

HEARTLAND FOUNDATION                      $12,540.00

Hoge, Denise                 $388.30

HOME DEPOT PRO, THE $10,622.51

HY-VEE INC $1,312.55

I3 BANK      $80.00

INTERSTATE POWER

SYSTEMS, INC               $2,072.61

J.W. PEPPER & SON, INC                  $167.99

Johanek, Jay                  $94.98

JUST FOR KIDS THERAPY INC                 $23,868.00

Kanger, Madisen            $33.65

Kienbaum, Angela          $29.34

KIEWIT LUMINARIUM     $630.00

Kiger, Emily                   $75.19

Knott, Barbara               $94.32

Korbel, Alysha                $86.46

Kramer, Brittany             $25.94

LANG DIESEL INC          $106.91

LEARNING FORWARD NEBRASKA      $450.00

LEONARD, STEPHANIE   $4,503.60

MADONNA SCHOOL        $12,120.78

MAPLE 85 PREMIUM

LANDSCAPE MULCH CENTER             $177.00

Matland, Charles            $74.67

Mattson, Tara                $47.82

METROPOLITAN

UTILITIES DISTRICT      $21,896.00

MITCHELL, JASON          $393.79

Mitchell, Millie                $25.09

MMC MECHANICAL

CONTRACTORS, INC       $12,996.10

Morrison, Tyler               $32.36

NCS PEARSON, INC        $258.64

NEBRASKA ASSOC.

OF SCHOOL BOARDS      $820.00

NEBRASKA SAFETY CENTER              $100.00

Norton, Megan               $46.50

ODEYS INC  $4,744.50

OFFICE DEPOT, INC       $176.79

Ohlson, Calena               $21.16

OMAHA WORLD-HERALD, THE          $99.00

ONE SOURCE                 $468.00

OPPD          $65,680.00

Panning, Emily               $215.50

PERRY LAW FIRM           $6,167.87

Plas, Aaron $235.80

PORT-A-JOHNS INC        $275.00

PRESTO-X    $712.00

PRIME SECURED, INC     $2,832.50

PRO-ED, INC                  $613.80

Reinwald, Alexander       $53.71

ROSE THEATER              $325.00

RTG BUILDING SERVICES, INC                $85,000.00

SCHMITT MUSIC            $360.00

Sempek, Adam               $68.12

SHORT ELLIOTT

HENDRICKSON, INC       $4,454.50

Sindelar, Kathryn            $169.08

SOUNDTRAP US INC       $516.75

Spilker-Kinning, Jessica   $336.60

STERICYCLE, INC           $751.00

Stryker, Jordyn               $23.58

SUPER DUPER PUBLICATIONS           $79.85

THEATRICAL MEDIA SERVICES INC   $150.00

THINK SOCIAL PUBLISHING, INC.     $393.60

Thoendel, Shannon         $68.12

TK ELEVATOR CORPORATION           $179.55

TOKEN FOR TOYS          $120.00

TRANE US INC               $2,589.00

US BANK     $12,238.18

USIC LOCATING SERVICES, LLC        $58.28

VERIZON     $703.07

VISITING NURSE HEALTH SERVICES  $340.00

VOSS, DOUGLAS            $848.88

WAYNE STATE COLLEGE $125.00

WEST MUSIC                 $25.55

WHITE CASTLE ROOFING                            $3,210.00

WOBBLEWORKS, INC     $199.00

Young, Norise                $90.52

     

QSC BONDS - NLAF     

COMPUTERSHARE

TRUST COMPANY, NA     $3,195,580.00

     

QSC BONDS -SAVINGS                 

COMPUTERSHARE

TRUST COMPANY, NA     $1,004,420.00

     

SPECIAL BUILDING FUND - CHECKING

DLR GROUP $2,250.00

DOUGLAS COUNTY TREASURER           $32,143.34

HAUSMANN

CONSTRUCTION, INC     $20,000.00

OLSSON ASSOCIATES     $2,575.25

 

12/22          ZNEZ

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