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 12, 2026

 

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 12, 2026 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, Foundation One Bank and in the Daily Record. Notice of the meeting was simultaneously given to all members of the Board of Education. Availability ofthe 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.

 

Attendance Taken at 7:00 PM.

Cole Groteluschen: Present

Kelly Hinrichs: Present

Luke Janke: Present

Jamie Jorgensen: Present

Elizabeth Mayer: Present

Jim Tomanek: Present

Present: 6.

 

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. No Correspondence addressed to the Board.

 

3. Approval of Agenda

Motion to approve agenda as presented Passed with a motion by Kelly Hinrichs and a second by Cole Groteluschen.

 

Cole Groteluschen: Yea, Kelly Hinrichs: Yea, Luke Janke: Yea, Jamie Jorgensen: Yea, Elizabeth Mayer: Yea, Jim Tomanek: Yea

Yea: 6, Nay: 0

 

4. Administrative Reports

4.1. Superintendent’s Report

4.2. Financial Report

 

5. Consent Agenda

Motion to approve Consent Agenda Passed with a motion by Jamie Jorgensen and a second by Kelly Hinrichs.

 

Cole Groteluschen: Yea, Kelly Hinrichs: Yea, Luke Janke: Yea, Jamie Jorgensen: Yea, Elizabeth Mayer: Yea, Jim Tomanek: Yea

Yea: 6, Nay: 0

 

5.1. Approve Minutes

Regular Meeting Date:

Special Meeting Date:

5.2. Approve Claims for Payment

5.3. Approve Financial Report

5.4. Approve Classified Staff

Amber Woodlee - exit custodial

Kim Humphrey - exit elem para

Veronica Huggins - exit elem para

 

6. Old Business

6.1. Review, Discuss, and Consider Architectural Master Planning Proposals

The Board reviewed planning proposals submitted over the past three months by BCDM, BVH, and APMA. After narrowing the focus to BCDM and APMA, the Board asked that both firms be invited back to the February meeting to continue discussions regarding Master Planning Services.

 

7. New Business

7.1. 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 then the new President conducted the remainder of the elections and the meeting.

 

Dr. Poloncic opened nominations for Board President. Jorgensen nominated Hinrichs.

 

Motion to approve Kelly Hinrichs 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 Jamie Jorgensen and a second by Luke Janke.

 

Cole Groteluschen: Yea, Kelly Hinrichs: Yea, Luke Janke: Yea, Jamie Jorgensen: Yea, Elizabeth Mayer: Yea, Jim Tomanek: Yea

Yea: 6, Nay: 0

 

President Dr. Kelly Hinrichs opened nomination for Board Vice President. Janke nominated Jorgensen.

 

Motion to approve Jamie Jorgensen 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 Luke Janke and a second by Jim Tomanek.

 

Cole Groteluschen: Yea, Kelly Hinrichs: Yea, Luke Janke: Yea, Jamie Jorgensen: Yea, Elizabeth Mayer: Yea, Jim Tomanek: Yea

Yea: 6, Nay: 0

 

President Dr. Kelly Hinrichs opened nominations for Board Treasurer. Janke nominated Tomanek/Mayer nominated Groteluschen.

 

One round of ballot voting was conducted resulting in Jim Tomanek’s election as Board Treasurer with a vote of 4-2.

 

Motion to approve Jim Tomanek 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 Luke Janke and a second by Jamie Jorgensen.

 

Cole Groteluschen: Yea, Kelly Hinrichs: Yea, Luke Janke: Yea, Jamie Jorgensen: Yea, Elizabeth Mayer: Yea, Jim Tomanek: Yea

Yea: 6, Nay: 0

 

7.2. Approval of Committees, Positions, and Designations

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

b. Consider, discuss and take action to select Legal counsel

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

Buildings and Grounds: as a whole

American Civics: Mayer, Groteluschen, Janke

Negotiations: Hinrichs, Jorgensen, Tomanek

Finance: Tomanek, Mayer, Groteluschen

DC West Schools Foundation Board Representative: Hinrichs

MABE Representative: Groteluschen

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

e. 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 Jamie Jorgensen and a second by Kelly Hinrichs.

 

Cole Groteluschen: Yea, Kelly Hinrichs: Yea, Luke Janke: Yea, Jamie Jorgensen: Yea, Elizabeth Mayer: Yea, Jim Tomanek: Yea

Yea: 6, Nay: 0

 

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

 

Cole Groteluschen: Yea, Kelly Hinrichs: Yea, Luke Janke: Yea, Jamie Jorgensen: Yea, Elizabeth Mayer: Yea, Jim Tomanek: Yea

Yea: 6, Nay: 0

 

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

 

Cole Groteluschen: Yea, Kelly Hinrichs: Yea, Luke Janke: Yea, Jamie Jorgensen: Yea, Elizabeth Mayer: Yea, Jim Tomanek: Yea

Yea: 6, 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 Kelly Hinrichs and a second by Jamie Jorgensen.

 

Cole Groteluschen: Yea, Kelly Hinrichs: Yea, Luke Janke: Yea, Jamie Jorgensen: Yea, Elizabeth Mayer: Yea, Jim Tomanek: Yea

Yea: 6, Nay: 0

 

Motion to select The Daily Record as the newspaper of record Passed with a motion by Luke Janke and a second by Jim Tomanek.

 

Cole Groteluschen: Yea, Kelly Hinrichs: Yea, Luke Janke: Yea, Jamie Jorgensen: Yea, Elizabeth Mayer: Yea, Jim Tomanek: Yea

Yea: 6, Nay: 0

 

7.3. Approval of Interlocal 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. 1 recommend we continue paiticipating 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 Kelly Hinrichs and a second by Jim Tomanek.

 

Cole Groteluschen: Yea, Kelly Hinrichs: Yea, Luke Janke: Yea, Jamie Jorgensen: Yea, Elizabeth Mayer: Yea, Jim Tomanek: Yea

Yea: 6, Nay: 0

 

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

 

Cole Groteluschen: Yea, Kelly Hinrichs: Yea, Luke Janke: Yea, Jamie Jorgensen: Yea, Elizabeth Mayer: Yea, Jim Tomanek: Yea

Yea: 6, Nay: 0

 

7.4. 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.

 

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

 

Cole Groteluschen: Yea, Kelly Hinrichs: Yea, Luke Janke: Yea, Jamie Jorgensen: Yea, Elizabeth Mayer: Yea, Jim Tomanek: Yea

Yea: 6, Nay: 0

 

7.5. Designate Annual Review of Board of Education Policies

According to Board policy 8130, the Board will annually designate a date for annual review of the Board of Education policies. The administration recommends the Summer of 2026 as the designated timeframe for an annual review as new legislation changes and updated policies from legal services will arrive at that time.

 

Motion to appoint an annual review of Board policies in the Summer of 2026 Passed with a motion by Luke Janke and a second by Kelly Hinrichs.

 

Cole Groteluschen: Yea, Kelly Hinrichs: Yea, Luke Janke: Yea, Jamie Jorgensen: Yea, Elizabeth Mayer: Yea, Jim Tomanek: Yea

Yea: 6, Nay: 0

 

7.6. Annual Review of the HVAC Equipment Evaluation

The Board of Education requested an annual review of the HVAC Equipment Life Expectancy report provided by Morrissey Engineering in 2022. This report allows the Board to anticipate upcoming replacement or maintenance needs in the district.

 

7.7. Elementary Continuous Improvement Presentation

Each administrator was asked to prepare a short presentation for the Board on their continuous improvement efforts during the school year. Mr. Alan Sarka, Elementary Principal, presented the information from DC West Elementary to the Board this month.

 

7.8. Approve Certified Staff Retirement

Rhonda Jonas has submitted a letter of retirement from her elementary teaching position at the end of the 2025-2026 school year. The administration recommends the Board approve the request for retirement.

 

Motion to approve the retirement of Mrs. Rhonda Jonas, elementary teacher, at the end of the 2025-2026 school year Passed with a motion by Kelly Hinrichs and a second by Elizabeth Mayer.

 

Cole Groteluschen: Yea, Kelly Hinrichs: Yea, Luke Janke: Yea, Jamie Jorgensen: Yea, Elizabeth Mayer: Yea, Jim Tomanek: Yea

Yea: 6, Nay: 0

 

7.9. Approve Certified Extra Duty Positions for Girls Golf

Jeremy Travis has requested that Girls Golf be added in the Fall of 2026 DC West High School Athletic offerings. Mr. Travis has recommended the addition of a Head Girls Golf Coach and Assistant Coach if the numbers hold at the amount that attended the interest meeting. The percentage paid will be the same as the boys golf positions.

 

Motion to approve the addition of Head and Assistant Girls Golf extra duty positions beginning the 2026-2027 school year Passed with a motion by Luke Janke and a second by Jamie Jorgensen.

 

Cole Groteluschen: Yea, Kelly Hinrichs: Yea, Luke Janke: Yea, Jamie Jorgensen: Yea, Elizabeth Mayer: Yea, Jim Tomanek: Yea

Yea: 6, Nay: 0

 

7.10. Approve Annual Technology Equipment Replacement on Four Year Cycle

Sandi Kerkhoff, Director of Technology, has presented a purchase of our annual technology replacement within a four-year cycle to maintain updated technology devices for our staff and students and our one-to-one program. It was recommended the Board approve this already budgeted expense, so our teclmology staff can work on transitioning devices this spring.

 

Motion to approve the technology purchase of devices and cases in the amount of $262,197.89 Passed with a motion by Jamie Jorgensen and a second by Kelly Hinrichs.

 

Cole Groteluschen: Yea, Kelly Hinrichs: Yea, Luke Janke: Yea, Jamie Jorgensen: Yea, Elizabeth Mayer: Yea, Jim Tomanek: Yea

Yea: 6, Nay: 0

 

7.11. Approved Proposed Changes to the Negotiated Agreement for the 2026-2027 & 2027-2028 School Years

The Board received documents outlining the recommendation of the negotiations’ committee, administration, and DCWEA for proposed changes to the negotiated agreement for the 2026-2027 & 2027-2028 school years.

 

Motion to approve changes to the negotiated agreement as presented for the 2026-2027 & 2027-2028 school years Passed with a motion by Kelly Hinrichs and a second by Jim Tomanek.

 

Cole Groteluschen: Yea, Kelly Hinrichs: Yea, Luke Janke: Yea, Jamie Jorgensen: Yea, Elizabeth Mayer: Yea, Jim Tomanek: Yea

Yea: 6, Nay: 0

 

8. Adjournment

Motion to adjourn meeting at 8:25 pm Passed with a motion by Kelly Hinrichs and a second by Luke Janke.

 

Cole Groteluschen: Yea, Kelly Hinrichs: Yea, Luke Janke: Yea, Jamie Jorgensen: Yea, Elizabeth Mayer: Yea, Jim Tomanek: Yea

Yea: 6, Nay: 0

 

Kristi Trost, Board Secretary

Dr. Melissa Poloncic, Superintendent

 

DOUGLAS COUNTY WEST SCHOOLS

DECEMBER 2025 CLAIMS

 

GENERAL FUND

ACH BANK FEE 65.00

ALDANA, MARCO 80.00

AMAZON CAPITAL SERVICES, LLC 1,682.62

AMERICAN LIFT & SIGN SERVICE 270.00

AMPLIFY EDUCATION, INC 6,564.80

BOOKWORM, INC, THE 1,887.90

CASEY’S BUSINESS MASTERCARD 8.75

CITY OF VALLEY 1,520.50

CRETE HIGH SCHOOL 100.00

DC WEST FOOD SERVICE 1,142.25

DIETZE MUSIC HOUSE 858.00

EDUCATIONAL SERVICE UNIT #3 7,465.88

EGAN SUPPLY CO 9,059.89

FIRST NEBRASKA BANK-VALLEY 25.00

FIRST STUDENT 77,227.26

FREMONT ELECTRIC INC 850.00

GILES, DARBY 80.00

GIMKIT, INC 1,000.00

GOODWIN TUCKER 2,382.77

H & H MOTORS

PAPILLIONS LLC 62,016.00

HEARTLAND PEST CONTROL 260.00

HOMETOWN LEASING 2,522.27

HY-VEE INC 75.00

JUST FOR KIDS THERAPY INC 4,047.00

JW PEPPER & SONS 386.28

LIFEGUARD MD, INC 462.00

LOVE’S TRAVEL STOPS &

COUNTRY STORE 1,147.43

MADISON NATIONAL

LIFE INS CO IN 3,061.11

MAGIC WRIGHTER, INC. 198.00

MATHCOUNTS FOUNDATION 450.00

MATHESON TRI-GAS INC 307.98

MAX I. WALKER 225.80

MENARDS - ELKHORN 1,241.53

MIDWEST MOVEMENT 170.00

MILLARD SOUTH HIGH SCHOOL 160.00

MILLARD WEST CHEER, INC 120.00

MONARCH JOINT VENTURE 968.75

NE COUNCIL OF SCHOOL ADM 120.00

NEBR DEPT OF MOTOR VEHICLES 100.00

NEBRASKA CHORAL

DIRECTORS ASSOCIATION 70.00

NORRIS HIGH SCHOOL 93.00

OMAHA PUBLIC

POWER DISTRICT 21,197.97

OMAHA WORLD-HERALD 2,799.00

ONE SOURCE 79.00

PAPILLION LAVISTA HIGH SCHOOL 69.00

PAPILLION LAVISTA SOUTH

HIGH SCHOOL 299.00

PERRY GUTHERY HAASE

& GESSFORD 5,935.00

POWERSCHOOL GROUP LLC 3,346.88

PRAIRIE MECHANICAL CORP 4,391.00

REMM, KYLIE 80.00

RIXSTINE RECOGNITION 41.36

SPARQDATA SOLUTIONS INC 2,700.00

SPEECH SQUAD, LLC 13,608.00

STAPLES ADVANTAGE 171.09

STONEBROOK ROOFING, INC 559.00

SULLIVAN, MITCHELL 80.00

USBANK 5,534.86

VALLEY ACE HARDWARE 317.33

VERIZON 105.14

WALMART COMMUNITY 7.86

WASTE CONNECTIONS

OF NEBR, INC 1,593.87

WATER ENGINEERING INC 317.62

WAYNE STATE COLLEGE 570.00

WOODRIVER ENERGY LLC 7,056.75

ZOOM VIDEO

COMMUNICATION, INC. 7.02

ZTRIP - WHC NE, LLC 1,358.70

262,698.22

 

DEPRECIATION

H & H MOTORS

PAPILLIONS LLC 56,639.00

MATHESON TRI-GAS INC 334.50

REVOLUTION WRAPS, LLC 4,711.07

61,684.57

 

NUTRITION FUND

CASH-WA DISTRIBUTING 8,362.88

CHESTERMAN CO 718.04

HILAND DAIRY 3,566.45

MAX I. WALKER 204.60

ROTELLA’S ITALIAN BAKERY INC 548.64

SYSCO LINCOLN 5,437.23

US FOOD INC 8,767.85

27,605.69

 

QCPUF

A & D TECHNICAL SUPPLY CO INC 95.00

BERINGER CIACCIO

DENNEL MABREY 61,108.53

61,203.53

 

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