MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING

OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION OF

DOUGLAS COUNTY

SCHOOL DISTRICT 28-0015,

a/k/a, DOUGLAS COUNTY WEST COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT

Monday, January 15, 2024

 

The regular meeting of the Board of Education, District #15, in the County of Douglas, in the State of Nebraska, was convened in open and public session on Monday, January 15, 2024 at the Central Office Board Room, 401 South Pine Street, Valley, NE 68064-0378.

 

Following public notification procedures approved by the Board of Education, February 14, 2011, in adherence to 84-1411, notice of the meeting was given in advance thereof by posting such Notice on the exterior front door of the high school, elementary school, middle school, Valley City Hall, First Nebraska Bank, and Foundation One Bank. Notice of the meeting was simultaneously given to all members of the Board of Education. Availability of the agenda was communicated in advance notice and in the notice to the Board of Education of the meeting. All proceedings hereafter shown were taken while the convened meeting was open to the attendance of the public.

 

1. Call to Order

The agenda, listing items for consideration by the Board, is on file in the Superintendent’s office. Other matters may come before the Board and the Board has the right to modify the agenda before the meeting.

 

President - “As I call the meeting to order I wish to inform everyone present that a current copy of the Open Meetings Act is posted on the back wall of the Board Room for your review at any time.”

 

2. Public Communications and Correspondence

Comments from the audience will be accepted at this time. Correspondence addressed to the Board will be presented. There was no public correspondence.

 

3. Approval of Agenda

Motion to approve agenda as presented Passed with a motion by Luke Janke and a second by Elizabeth Mayer.

 

Luke Janke: Yea, Jamie Jorgensen: Yea, Bill Koile: Yea, Elizabeth Mayer: Yea, Jim Tomanek: Yea

 

Yea: 5, Nay: 0

 

4. Administrative Reports

4.1. Superintendent’s Report

4.2. Financial Report

Mr. Koile asked the administration if they had received any feedback regarding the new grading scale.

 

Mr. Koile addressed Mrs. Pechos about her goals listed in her administration report.

 

The Board also said that they were pleased to see the HS athletes joining the elementary students during morning walking club on gamedays.

 

Mrs. Mayer asked for an update on the availability of streaming of monthly board meetings.

 

5. Consent Agenda

Motion to approve Consent Agenda Passed with a motion by Luke Janke and a second by Bill Koile.

 

Elizabeth Mayer: Nay, Luke Janke: Yea, Jamie Jorgensen: Yea, Bill Koile: Yea, Jim Tomanek: Yea

 

Yea: 4, Nay: 1

 

Liz Mayer motioned to amend the November minutes. Motion failed Unseconded with a motion by Elizabeth Mayer.

 

5.1. Approve Minutes

Regular Meeting Date:11/2023

Regular Meeting Date: 12/2023

Special Meeting Date: 01/02/2024

 

5.2. Approve Claims for Payment

5.3. Approve Financial Report

5.4. Approve Classified Staff

 

6. New Business

6.1. Board Election of Officers

Election Procedures per Board Policy 8130:

 

Upon call for nominations for each office by the Chair, nominations shall be made by written or oral ballot. Voting will be by oral or written ballot on all members nominated and repeated until a majority is achieved for a nominee. If no member receives a majority of votes after 5 ballots or 1 hour, the Board member who was the President of the Board during the immediately preceding term shall continue as President. In the event that the previous Board President is no longer a Board member, then the Vice President from the immediately preceding term shall become the President. In the event that both the prior President and Vice President are no longer members of the Board, then the longest tenured Board member shall serve as President. The vote may be taken by secret ballot, but the total number of votes for each candidate shall be recorded in the minutes of the meeting.

 

Dr. Melissa Poloncic, Superintendent, conducted the Presidential election and the new President conducted the remainder of the elections and the meeting.

 

Dr. Poloncic opened nominations for Board President. Janke nominated Koile

 

Motion to approve Bill Koile as Board President to serve a term of one year, or until the person’s successor is elected and qualified Passed with a motion by Jim Tomanek and a second by Luke Janke.

 

Luke Janke: Yea, Jamie Jorgensen: Yea, Bill Koile: Yea, Elizabeth Mayer: Yea, Jim Tomanek: Yea

 

Yea: 5, Nay: 0

 

President Bill Koile opened nominations for Vice President. Jorgensen nominated Janke

 

Motion to approve Luke Janke as Board Vice President to serve a term of one year, or until the person’s successor is elected and qualified Passed with a motion by Jamie Jorgensen and a second by Bill Koile.

 

Luke Janke: Yea, Jamie Jorgensen: Yea, Bill Koile: Yea, Elizabeth Mayer: Yea, Jim Tomanek: Yea

 

Yea: 5, Nay: 0

 

President Bill Koile opened nominations for Treasurer. Janke nominated Jorgensen Motion to approve Jamie Jorgensen as Board Treasurer to serve a term of one year, or until the person’s successor is elected and qualified Passed with a motion by Bill Koile and a second by Jim Tomanek.

 

Luke Janke: Yea, Jamie Jorgensen: Yea, Bill Koile: Yea, Elizabeth Mayer: Yea, Jim Tomanek: Yea

 

Yea: 5, Nay: 0

 

6.2. Approval of Committees, Positions, and Designations

Consider, discuss and take action to elect Recording Secretary of the BOE

Consider, discuss and take action to select Legal counsel

Consider, discuss and take action to elect Committees as determined by the BOE

 

Buildings and Grounds:

Janke/Jorgensen/Tomanek

American Civics:

Janke/Tomanek/Koile

Negotiations:

Tomanek/Mayer/Hinrichs

Finance:

Jorgensen/Mayer/Hinrichs

DC West Schools Foundation Board Representative:

Hinrichs

MABE Representative:

Koile

 

Consider, discuss and take action to select Depository bank(s)

Consider, discuss and take action to select District newspaper(s) of record

 

Motion to approve Kristi Trost be appointed as Board Secretary to serve a term of one year, or until the person’s successor is elected and qualified Passed with a motion by Bill Kaile and a second by Luke Janke.

 

Luke Janke: Yea, Jamie Jorgensen: Yea, Bill Kaile: Yea, Elizabeth Mayer: Yea, Jim Tomanek: Yea

 

Yea: 5, Nay: 0

 

Motion to appoint Perry, Guthery, Haase & Gessford, P.C., L.L.O. as Legal Counsel Passed with a motion by Bill Kaile and a second by Jamie Jorgensen.

 

Luke Janke: Yea, Jamie Jorgensen: Yea, Bill Kaile: Yea, Elizabeth Mayer: Yea, Jim Tomanek: Yea

 

Yea: 5, Nay: 0

 

Motion to appoint Board members to committees as determined by the Board of Education Passed with a motion by Bill Kaile and a second by Luke Janke.

 

Luke Janke: Yea, Jamie Jorgensen: Yea, Bill Kaile: Yea, Elizabeth Mayer: Yea, Jim Tomanek: Yea

 

Yea:5, Nay:0

 

Motion to select First Nebraska, Foundation One, and First Citizens Bank as the depository banks and the officers of President, Vice President, and Treasurer as approved signers of accounts Passed with a motion by Bill Kaile and a second by Jamie Jorgensen.

 

Luke Janke: Yea, Jamie Jorgensen: Yea, Bill Kaile: Yea, Elizabeth Mayer: Yea, Jim Tomanek: Yea

 

Yea:5, Nay:0

 

Motion to select The Daily Record as the newspaper of record Passed with a motion by Bill Kaile and a second by Jamie Jorgensen.

 

Luke Janke: Yea, Jamie Jorgensen: Yea, Bill Kaile: Yea, Elizabeth Mayer: Yea, Jim Tomanek: Yea

 

Yea: 5, Nay: 0

 

6.3. Approval of lnterlocal Agreement and Cooperative NJUMP is an interlocal pool created for public agencies to purchase natural gas and related services. This joint energy purchasing consortium is sponsored by the Nebraska Association of School Boards (NASB). The district has saved by participating in the NJUMP program. It was recommended we continue participating in the interlocal agreement.

 

The District participates in a cooperative with other districts around the state for PowerSchool, which is our student information system we use for student records, lunch, grades, attendance, etc. As a part of the cooperative, we have buying power, access to professional development for our staff and real-time support by local personnel of the cooperative. It was recommended the Board approve continuation of the cooperative.

 

Motion to approve DC West’s continued participation in the Southeast Nebraska PowerSchool Cooperative Passed with a motion by Jamie Jorgensen and a second by Bill Kaile.

 

Luke Janke: Yea, Jamie Jorgensen: Yea, Bill Kaile: Yea, Elizabeth Mayer: Yea, Jim Tomanek: Yea

 

Yea: 5, Nay: 0

 

Motion to approve DC West’s continued participation in the NJUMP lnterlocal Agreement Passed with a motion by Jamie Jorgensen and a second by Bill Kaile.

 

Luke Janke: Yea, Jamie Jorgensen: Yea, Bill Kaile: Yea, Elizabeth Mayer: Yea, Jim Tomanek: Yea 1

 

Yea:5, Nay:0

 

6.4. Approval of Current Board Policies and Regulations

Per policy 8130, the Board will annually approve the current Board policies and regulations. Board policies may be found publicly on our website.

 

The board will take the Option Enrollment policy# 5006, to policy committee for further discussion

 

Motion to approve the current Board policies and regulations Passed with a motion by Luke Janke and a second by Bill Kaile.

 

Luke Janke: Yea, Jamie Jorgensen: Yea, Bill Kaile: Yea, Elizabeth Mayer: Yea, Jim Tomanek: Yea

 

Yea:5, Nay:0

 

1.0 FTE Middle/High School Librarian/Middle School High Ability Learner Teacher (would allow for a full-time Teacher Librarian at the Elementary)

1.0 FTE High School Math Teacher

 

Mr. Travis, MS Principal, stated that the additional Middle/High School Librarian/Middle School High Ability Learner Teacher would be beneficial to our core teachers for enrichment/collaboration purposes.

 

Dr. Kerns, Elementary Principal, stated that having a full-time media teacher would offer a common planning time for his staff

 

Mr. Knott, HS Principal, said that with the increasing numbers in math, an addition High School Math teacher would help him maintain low class sizes in the High School.

 

6.10. Approve Amendments to Existing Contracts

The amendments to current contracts with BCDM Architects and Rainwood Development Partners, formerly Tetrad Property Group, as Owner’s Representative are being presented to the Board for their approval as we engage in the design, construction, installation, equipping, and furnishing of the DC West sports complex project. The administration recommends the approval of both amendments and acknowledges that both entities are presenting a lower fee since the last project. The amendments are attached for Board review. Rainwood Development Partners at 1.5% of the Total Project Budget BCDM Architects at 6.4% of the Construction Budget

 

Motion to approve Amendment 2 with Rainwood Development Partners as Owner’s Representative for the DC West sports complex project as presented Passed with a motion by Jamie Jorgensen and a second by Luke Janke.

 

Elizabeth Mayer: Nay, Luke Janke: Yea, Jamie Jorgensen: Yea, Bill Koile: Yea, Jim Tomanek: Yea

 

Yea: 4, Nay: 1

 

Motion to approve Amendment to the Professional Services Agreement with BCDM Inc. as Architect for the DC West sports complex project as presented Passed with a motion by Jamie Jorgensen and a second by Luke Janke.

 

Elizabeth Mayer: Nay, Luke Janke: Yea, Jamie Jorgensen: Yea, Bill Koile: Yea, Jim Tomanek: Yea

 

Yea: 4, Nay: 1

 

6.11. Approved Proposed Changes to the Negotiated Agreement for the 2024-2025 & 2025-2026 School Years

The Board was presented a document that outlined the recommendation from the negotiations’ committee, administration, and DCWEA for proposed changes to the negotiated agreement for the 2024-2025 & 2025-2026 school years.

 

Motion to approve changes to the negotiated agreement as presented for the 2024-2025 & 2025-2026 school years Passed with a motion by Luke Janke and a second by Bill Koile.

 

Luke Janke: Yea, Jamie Jorgensen: Yea, Bill Koile: Yea, Elizabeth Mayer: Yea, Jim Tomanek: Yea

 

Yea: 5, Nay: 0

 

6.12. Discuss, consider and take all necessary action with regard to selecting the Construction Management at Risk method of construction delivery for a new multi-sport activities complex project under the Political Subdivisions Construction Alternatives Act.

 

The Board was presented a timeline for the CM@Risk process, the recommended method of construction for the new sports complex. The series of agenda items and motions allow DC West Community Schools to engage in the selection process and bring a Construction Management partner onboard during the design phase of the project which is crucially important for the success of the project and our typical practice in construction projects.

 

MOTION that the Board of Education for this School District should and does hereby select the Construction Management at Risk construction delivery method pursuant to the Nebraska Political Subdivisions Construction Alternatives Act (the “Act”) and Board policy for a new multi-sport activities complex project, to include a softball field, a baseball field, a football field with competition running track, associated bleachers and press box, concessions/restrooms/storage, and a parking lot with lighting (the “Project”) on property owned by the School District along N. 264th Street, and hereby delegates to and directs the Board President, Superintendent of Schools, or designee of either, along with selected legal counsel, to initiate and carry out all actions necessary to comply with the requirements of the Act, including but not limited to the development and issuance of a Request for Proposals for the position of Construction Management at Risk for the Project; provided that letters of interest are waived and shall not be required. Passed with a motion by Bill Koile and a second by Luke Janke.

 

Elizabeth Mayer: Nay, Luke Janke: Yea, Jamie Jorgensen: Yea, Bill Koile: Yea, Jim Tomanek: Yea

 

Yea: 4, Nay: 1

 

6.13. Discuss, consider and take all necessary action with regard to adopting the Construction Management at Risk selection criteria and the evaluation point values for a multi-sport activities complex project. This agenda item adopts and approves the Construction Manager at Risk selection criteria and evaluation weights for a new multi-sport activities complex project (the “Project”):

 

No. Selection Criteria                 Percent Value

The financial resources of the construction manager to complete the Project

2.5%

The ability of the proposed personnel of the construction manager to perform

25%

The character, integrity, reputation, judgment, experience, and efficiency of the construction manager

15%

The quality of performance on previous projects

20%

The ability of the construction manager to perform within the time specified

15%

The previous and existing compliance of the construction manager with laws relating to the contract

2.5%

The ability and resources of the construction manager to recruit qualified contractors for the Project

5%

The construction manager’s proposed efforts schedule and fee for the Project

15%

TOTAL (Not more than 100%).      100%

 

Motion that the Board of Education for this School District should, and does hereby adopt and approve the Construction Manager at Risk selection criteria and evaluation weights for a new multi-sport activities complex project (the “Project”) as presented Passed with a motion by Bill Koile and a second by Jamie Jorgensen.

 

Elizabeth Mayer: Nay, Luke Janke: Yea, Jamie Jorgensen: Yea, Bill Koile: Yea, Jim Tomanek: Yea

 

Yea: 4, Nay: 1

 

6.14. Discuss, consider and take all necessary action with regard to appointing members to the Construction Management at Risk selection committee for a new multi-sport activities complex project.

 

This agenda items outlines the members of the CM@Risk selection committee as:

(a) Member(s) of the School District’s Board of Education:

Dr. Melissa Poloncic, Superintendent of Schools

(b) Member(s) of the School District’s administration or staff:

Jamie Jorgensen

Luke Janke

Jim Tomanek

(c) The School District’s architect or engineer:

Casey Painter, or designee, BCDM Architects

(d) Any person(s) having special expertise relevant to selection of a construction manager under the Nebraska Political Subdivisions Construction Alternatives Act who is not employed by the School District, and who shall not be employed by or have a financial or other interest in a construction manager who has or may have a proposal being evaluated:

Alex Henery, or designee, Rainwood Property Group

(e) A resident(s) of the territory served by the School District, other than an individual included in (a) through (d) above, who is not employed by the School District, and who shall not be employed by or have a financial or other interest in a construction manager who has or may have a proposal being evaluated:

A volunteer from the community engagement session.

 

MOTION that the Board of Education for this School District should and does hereby appoint the following persons to the Construction Manager at Risk Selection Committee to evaluate the proposals received from firms in response to the Request for Proposals for a new multi-sport activities complex project as presented Passed with a motion by Bill Koile and a second by Luke Janke.

 

Elizabeth Mayer: Nay, Luke Janke: Yea, Jamie Jorgensen: Yea, Bill Koile: Yea, Jim Tomanek: Yea

 

Yea: 4, Nay: 1

 

7. Adjournment

Motion to adjourn meeting at 7:51 pm Passed with a motion by Jamie Jorgensen and a second by Bill Koile.

 

Luke Janke: Yea, Jamie Jorgensen: Yea, Bill Koile: Yea, Elizabeth Mayer: Yea, Jim Tomanek: Yea

 

Yea: 5, Nay: 0

 

Kristi Trost

Board Secretary

 

Dr. Melissa Poloncic

Superintendent

 

DOUGLAS COUNTY WEST SCHOOLS

JANUARY 2024 CLAIMS

 

GENERAL FUND

360 COMMUNITY SERVICES              2,737.54

4 THROWS.COM                              1,016.00

ACH BANK FEE                                 61.75

AMAZON CAPITAL SERVICES             3,286.98

APPLE INC                     1,199.00

ARROW STAGE LINES                       1,649.00

AWARDS UNLIMITED INC                 35.60

BEST CARE EMPLOYEE

ASSIST PROGRAM                            263.79

BOYS TOWN                  16,500.00

BROMM & ASSOCIATES  14,900.00

BROWN, CORBIN                              925.00

BSN SPORTS LLC                             4,801.58

CANOPY SUPPORTIVE SERVICES       8,689.80

CINTAS CORP                                  332.04

CITY OF VALLEY                              638.10

COMMONWEALTH ELECTRIC

COMPANY                      3,634.00

COX BUSINESS                                196.15

CREIGHTON PREP HIGH SCHOOL      320.00

DAILY RECORD, THE                         259.32

DC WEST FOOD SERVICE                 696.54

DIETZE MUSIC HOUSE                      481.90

EDUCATIONAL SERVICE UNIT #3      6,022.10

EGAN SUPPLY CO                             340.90

ELKHORN FENCE LLC      12,115.00

ENGINEERED CONTROLS                  4,200.00

FIBER PLATFORM, LLC                     560.78

FIREGUARD INC                              1,021.65

FIRST CITIZENS BANK                      16.00

FIRST NEBRASKA BANK-VALLEY        25.00

FIRST STUDENT             46,521.28

FREMONT ELECTRIC INC                  656.00

GOODWIN TUCKER                          443.75

HAMPTON INN KEARNEY                                    537.00

HEARTLAND PEST CONTROL             240.00

HUMANEX VENTURES LLC                 2,100.00

INFOSAFE SHREDDING INC              90.00

JAYMAR BUSINESS FORM, INC          325.89

JUST FOR KIDS THERAPY INC           9,021.75

LAKESHORE LEARNING

MATERIALS, LLC                              9.48

LINCOLN SOUTHEAST

HIGH SCHOOL                                 23.00

LOVE’S TRAVEL STOPS &

COUNTRY STORE                             1,413.19

M-F ATHLETIC COMPANY                  464.60

MACKIN EDUCATIONAL

RESOURCES                   229.97

MADISON NATIONAL LIFE

INS CO IN   3,711.18

MAGIC WRIGHTER E-SERVICE           201.25

MATHESON TRI-GAS INC                  37.44

MCGRAW-HILL EDUCATION INC        12.44

MECHANICAL SALES INC                  5,439.50

MENARDS - ELKHORN                      1,586.01

METAL DOORS & HARDWARE CO      355.00

METRO COMMUNITY COLLEGE

BOOKSTORE                                    1,539.44

MIDWEST MOVEMENT                      160.00

MILLARD SPRINKLER INC                 2,094.40

NATIONAL RESTAURANT

SOLUTIONS, LLC                              180.00

NEBR ASSOCATION OF

SCHOOL BOARDS                             110.00

NEBRASKA RURAL COMMUNITY

SCHOOLS ASSOCIATION                   220.00

NEBRASKA SAFETY CENTER              100.00

NIELSEN, CINDY                               17.37

NINEMIRE, RUSSELL                          24.00

NSAA DISTRICT II                            60.00

OMAHA PUBLIC POWER DISTRICT      19,310.73

ONE SOURCE                                   174.88

PAPER 101                    2,812.00

PERRY GUTHERY HAASE

& GESSFORD                                   3,178.80

PRAIRIE MECHANICAL CORP             1,523.50

PRIME SECURED                              4,305.63

READING WAREHOUSE                     141.15

SCHOOL HEALTH CORPORATION      461.70

SHEPPARD’S BUSINESS

INTERIORS INC                               5,473.32

SPARQDATA SOLUTIONS INC            2,600.00

STANZEL’S MOW & SNOW LLC           13,870.75

STEVE WEISS MUSIC                        105.80

STRIV, INC.                   251.10

TAP SPACE                    38.00

UNIVERSITY OF NEBR

OMAHA - CEHHS                              0.00

UNO BOCH FESTIVAL /

UNVERSIRY OF NEBRASKA OMAHA    100.00

VALLEY ACE HARDWARE                  278.82

VERIZON                       180.24

VISITING NURSE

HEALTH SERVICES                           472.50

WALMART COMMUNITY                    319.94

WASTE CONNECTIONS

OF NEBR, INC                                  1,140.39

WATER ENGINEERING INC               302.50

WAYNE STATE COLLEGE                   100.00

WELLS FARGO BANK                        1,081.31

WINSUPPLY COMMERCIAL CHARGE   146.16

WOODRIVER ENERGY LLC            16,901.35

XTRA MATH                   200.00

ZOOM VIDEO

COMMUNICATION, INC.  9.45

240,329.48

 

DEPRECIATION

BERINGER CIACCIO

DENNEL MABREY           6,035.99

BOYD JONES CONSTRUCTION CO       151,540.96

MARKING REFRIGERATION               9,650.00

MEDCO SUPPLY COMPANY                4,131.25

PUSH-PEDAL-PULL                           1,600.00

172,958.20

 

NUTRITION FUND

AMAZON CAPITAL SERVICES             275.78

CASH-WA DISTRIBUTING                 7,610.65

CHESTERMAN CO                             628.31

CINTAS CORP                                  679.32

HILAND DAIRY                                4,521.70

ROTELLA’S ITALIAN BAKERY INC       419.74

SYSCO LINCOLN                              5,787.75

US FOOD INC                                  4,322.13

24,245.38

 

SPECIAL BUILIDING FUND

FIRST CITIZENS BANK                      16.00

 

1/25            ZNEZ

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