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, April 13, 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, April 13, 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 the Daily Record. 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. 

 

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 were accepted at this time. No correspondence was addressed to the Board.

 

3. Approval of Agenda

Motion to approve agenda as presented 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

 

4. Administrative Reports

4.1. Superintendent’s Report

4.2. Financial Report

 

The Board extended congratulations to Dr. Pechous for completing her Doctoral Program. Groteluschen also sought clarification on the kindergarten registration numbers reported after the recent roundup event.

 

5. Consent Agenda

Motion to approve Consent Agenda 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

 

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 

Kim Brandom - exit preschool 3/27/26 

Candace Goree - hire elem sped para 4/1/2026 

Payten Kern - hire ms sped para 3/26/2026

 

6. Old Business

6.1. Committee Updates 

The Negotiations Committee met at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 8th to discuss salary recommendations for classified and administrative personnel. 

 

Buildings and Grounds Committee of the Whole Discussion Items:

• Summer Projects List 2026

o A bid for bus barn expansion was solicited. The bid exceeded the allocated budget. It was requested that this project be moved to our long-term master planning discussion along with the possible review of both the Elementary and High School parking lots to enhance traffic flow.

 

o There have been multiple repairs to the North Gym entrance doors. The district is weighing the cost of continued repairs against a possible full replacement of those original doors.

 

• Energy Loan Progress

o The district has secured an energy loan from the bank for the AHU replacement project and is now waiting for final approval from the Nebraska Department of Energy.

 

• Elementary Roof Warranty Claim

o The Administration is working with the warranty company on a needed repair on the elementary roof.

 

• PTSA Legacy Project Update

o Dr. Poloncic and Mr. Sarka received information from the PTSA regarding future legacy projects. While a significant playground turf project has been considered, it would be a long term goal due to the due to the projected costs.

 

7. New Business

7.1. DC West Staff, Student, and Parent Engagement Survey Results

 

The results of the 2026 Staff, Student, and Parent Engagement Survey were shared with the Board in a summary presentation. II was recommended that we use the parent survey data to hold a feedback session at one of the upcoming superintendent forums to gather more detailed input.

 

7.2. Preliminary Draft Budget Projections for Fiscal Year 2027

 

Dr. Poloncic shared a draft of preliminary budget projections with received estimates in funding for the 2026-2027 school year. The Superintendent and at least one board member will be required to attend a county postcard hearing in June to present the district’s budget information. Therefore, the Finance Committee will meet in early June (or earlier) to review and prepare the budget draft for the upcoming fiscal year.

 

7.3. Master Planning Timeline and Update

Dr. Poloncic shared the timeline and upcoming activities of the Master Planning Process developed by BCDM which includes phases for gathering feedback from students, staff, and the board followed by community engagement.

 

7.4. Approve Classified & Administrative Salaries for the 2026-2027 School Year 

 

The negotiations’ committee met on April 8, 2026 and recommended the attached proposed salary schedule for classified staff and proposed administrator salaries for the 2026-2027 school year. 

 

In addition to the new salaries, the administration proposes the elimination of the classified staff insurance $2500 deductible group option due to low participation and a 5% premium charge for group members. The classified staff insurance offering will join the teacher-certified EHA group offerings of $1000 and $3800 deductibles. 

 

Motion to approve the classified and administrator salaries as presented 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 

 

7.5. Discussion of 2026-2027 Classified Staff Additions 

 

Two additional classified positions were recommended to the Board for consideration. These roles were previously reviewed during the negotiations committee meeting in conjunction with the 2026-2027 classified salary discussions. A District Office Administrative Assistant and Administrative Assistant to the Director of Activities will be placed on the May agenda for formal approval. 

 

7.6. Approve Certificated Staff New Hires for the 2026-2027 School Year 

 

The following certificated staff are recommended for hire by the administration: 

 

Elizabeth Hayes, Elementary 

Kylie Phillips, Elementary Special Education 

Brooklyn Reynolds, Elementary 

Amy Rosenthal, Middle School ELA 

 

Motion to approve Elizabeth Hayes, Elementary Kylie Phillips, Elementary Special Education Brooklyn Reynolds, Elementary Amy Rosenthal, Middle School ELA 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

 

8. Adjournment

Motion to adjourn meeting at 7:47pm Passed with a motion by Jamie Jorgensen 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: O

 

Kristi Trost, Board Secretary

Dr. Melissa Poloncic, Superintendent

 

DOUGLAS COUNTY WEST SCHOOLS APRIL 2026 CLAIMS  

 

GENERAL FUND

ACH BANK FEE 65.00 

ADVENTURE ENTERPRISES, LLC 6,062.00

ALCOVE ROOFING 750.00

AMAZON CAPITAL SERVICES, LLC 3,138.08

AMERICOM COMMUNICATIONS 845.00 

ASCENT POLE RENTAL 390.00

ATHLETIC.NET 1,578.00

AUL SPECIAL PAY TRUST 5,000.00

AWARDS UNLIMITED INC 401.15 

BALLOON BRIGADE 550.00 

BERGANKDV 16,500.00

BLICK ART MATERIALS 32.16

BORDER STATES INDUSTRIES INC 128.60

BOYS TOWN 900.00

BROOKLYN PUBLISHERS LLC 27.00

BSN SPORTS LLC 467.20

CAPPEL NAPA AUTO SUPPLY - VALLEY    173.44

CASEY’S BUSINESS MASTERCARD 5.56

CITI CARD - COSTCO 1,283.97

CITY WIDE FACILITY SOLUTIONS 6,500.00

CLASSIC SPORTSWEAR & AWARDS 229.40

COX BUSINESS 197.60

CROWN PLAZA HOTEL & RESORTS 458.00

CURRICULUM ASSOCIATES, LLC 486.28 

DAILY RECORD, THE 32.00

DC WEST FOOD SERVICE 1,233.35 DEIDEL, SHERIDAN 50.00

DIETZE MUSIC HOUSE 1,321.33

DISCOVERY EDUCATION, INC 1,299.00 EAGLE SERVICES INC. 405.00

EAKES OFFICE PLUS 899.70

EDUCATIONAL SERVICE UNIT #3 130.00 

EGAN SUPPLY CO 2,427.42

FIBER PLATFORM, LLC 558.62

FIREGUARD LLC 511.00

FIRST STUDENT 5,260.46

GIBSON, TIMOTHY 50.00

GOODWIN TUCKER 1,875.09

HEARTLAND PEST CONTROL 280.00

HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS 1,045.00

HOME DEPOT CREDIT SERVICES 43.16

HOMETOWN LEASING 2,522.27 HORST, LAKMINIE 50.00

HUMANEX VENTURES LLC 18,000.00

HUMBERT, MARGARET 136.50

HY-VEE INC 75.00

INNOVATIVE OFFICE SOLUTIONS, 

LLC 137.60

JOSTENS INC 327.15

JUST FOR KIDS THERAPY INC 5,680.00 JW PEPPER & SONS 378.69 

KNOTT, JAMES 8.00

KV CONSTRUCTION INC 12,111.00

LAZEL INC. 2,195.00

LIFEGUARD MD, INC 133.00

LOVE’S TRAVEL STOPS &  

COUNTRY STORE 1,238.77

LOWE’S BUSINESS ACCOUNT 529.30 

MADISON NATIONAL  

LIFE INS CO IN 3,011.92

MAGIC WRIGHTER, INC. 277.75

MATHESON TRI-GAS INC 100.27

MAX I. WALKER 314.80

MENARDS - ELKHORN 646.08

MIDWEST IMPRESSIONS INC 153.00

MONARCH JOINT VENTURE 987.50

NE COUNCIL OF SCHOOL ADM 405.00

NEBR ASSOCATION OF  

SCHOOL BOARDS 305.00

NEBRASKA TURF PRODUCTS, INC 1,805.44 NSAA DISTRICT II 530.00 

NWEA - 

HOUGHTON MIFFLIN HARCOURT 1,187.50

ODEY’S INC 14,540.40

OMAHA PUBLIC 

POWER DISTRICT 20,841.14

ONE SOURCE 376.50

OVERDRIVE INC 750.00

PERRY GUTHERY HAASE  

& GESSFORD 2,077.25

PETTY CASH 315.63

PLACEK, RYAN 337.70

PLATTEVIEW HIGH SCHOOL 150.00

POWERSCHOOL CORPORATION 4,081.00

PRAIRIE MECHANICAL CORP 5,695.29

PREMIER SPORTS OFFICIALS  

ASSOC 135.00

PRIME HOME DDS 5,429.03

PUBLICATION PRINTING 14.50

QUILL, LLC 341.63

SCHEELS ALL SPORTS, INC 79.00

SECURITY EQUIPMENT INC. 972.00

SPEECH SQUAD, LLC 16,119.00

SULLIVAN, MITCHELL 80.00

SYSCLOUD INC. 2,720.00

SYTSMA, JORDAN 50.00

THOMAS, CYNTHIA 155.45

TK ELEVATOR CORPORATION 953.73

UNIVERSITY OF 

NEBRASKA KEARNEY 125.00

USBANK 4,488.06

VALLEY ACE HARDWARE 918.20

VERIZON 105.14

WASTE CONNECTIONS OF 

NEBR, INC 1,593.87

WATER ENGINEERING INC 317.62

WILLMOTT, JOSHUA 52.00

WOODRIVER ENERGY LLC 17,513.91

XTRA MATH 500.00

ZOOM VIDEO 

COMMUNICATION, INC. 4.67

218,668.83

 

DEPRECIATION

BLAZER ATHLETIC EQUIPMENT 4,234.64

DIETZE MUSIC HOUSE 5,900.00

10,134.64

 

NUTRITION FUND

CASH-WA DISTRIBUTING 11,140.97

HILAND DAIRY 4,278.42

MAX I. WALKER 265.60

ROTELLA’S ITALIAN BAKERY INC 504.39

SYSCO LINCOLN 8,235.06

US FOOD INC 12,805.92

37,230.36

 

SPECIAL BUILIDING FUND LATITUDE SIGNAGE & DESIGN 15,083.11

15,083.11

 

QCPUF

BERINGER CIACCIO  

DENNEL MABREY 3,967.10

OMAHA PUBLIC 

POWER DISTRICT 2,400.00

6,367.10

 

4/28 ZNEZ

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––