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, May 11, 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, May 11, 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 will be accepted at this time. Correspondence addressed to the Board will be presented.

 

3. Approval of Agenda

Motion to approve agenda 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

 

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 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

 

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 

Candace Goree -hire Elem sped para

 

6. Old Business

6.1. Building and Grounds Committee of the Whole

Discussion items:

• Master Planning Update

o Dr. Poloncic updated the Board regarding the initial Student Visioning Session held on May 8th. The session included a collaborative group of Elementary, Middle, and High School students, along with representatives from BCDM Architects.

• High School House Project Update

• Energy Loan Update

o The energy loan was officially approved with a $500,000 limit. It was recommended that the remaining balance of $107,250 be funded through the QCPUF.

• Elementary Roof Update

o Following a site assessment, it was determined that a full roof replacement is required due to significant wind damage. The project will be fully funded through a combination of insurance proceeds and warranty coverage.

 

7. New Business

7.1. HAL Presentation

Kelsey Nabity and Logan Dunn provided a presentation to the Board regarding the High Ability Learners (HAL} Program. The presentation focused on the updates made to the HAL Program Handbook for the 2026-2027 school year.

 

7.2. Approval of New Classified Staff Positions 

 

The Board reviewed the administration’s recommendation to add two new classified positions for the 2026-2027 school year: a District Administrative Assistant (12-month) and an Administrative Assistant for Athletics and Activities (10-month). This proposal was originally introduced during the April Board meeting. 

 

The Board engaged in a discussion regarding an email that was sent to Board members from a community member. Several members raised questions and sought clarification on the concerns voiced in the correspondence. Administration addressed these inquiries, providing further context on the roles and how they fit into the district staffing plan. 

 

District Administrative Assistant (12 month) 

Administrative Assistant for Athletics and Activities (10 month} 

 

Motion to approve the addition of District Administrative Assistant and Administrative Assistant for Athletics and Activities beginning the 2026-2027 school year Passed with a motion by Jamie Jorgensen and a second by Luke Janke. 

 

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

Yea:5, Nay: 1 

 

7.3. Approval of Extra Duty Positions 

 

As mentioned in previous Board reports, Mr. Travis, the Director of Activities and Athletics, recommended the addition of Head and Assistant Girls High School Wrestling Coaches for the 2026-2027 school year at the same rate of pay as Boys Wrestling. 

 

Motion to approve the addition of two extra duty positions; Head and Assistant Girls High School Wrestling for the 2026-2027 school year 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 

 

Note: Subsequent to the vote, it was identified that the position is for the Middle School. A formal Motion to Amend Something Previously Adopted will be presented at the June meeting to correct the record. 

 

7.4. Food Service Management Company 

 

The Request for Proposals (RFP) for a Food Service Management Company concluded on April 28, with bids submitted by Lunchtime Solutions and OPAA!. A committee of six DC West employees who work directly with food services reviewed and scored the proposals, and their formal recommendation and final scoring were presented to the Board. During the report, the Board was informed that both companies expressed a willingness to consider all current district staff for employment and it was further noted that no employee will experience a reduction in pay. Detailed discussions regarding the exit plan for staff were conducted during the executive session. 

 

At this time, the Superintendent seeks authorization from the Board to gain approval from the Nebraska Department of Education and move forward with contract negotiations with the selected company. The Superintendent would then provide a finalized contract for Board review in June. 

 

Motion to authorize the Superintendent to gain approval from the Nebraska Department of Education and move forward with contract negotiations with the selected company 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 

 

7.5. Authorize the Superintendent to Sell, Dispose, or Recycle Materials 

 

The administration requests authorization to the Superintendent to sell, dispose, or recycle miscellaneous curriculum items and library books at the end of the school year. 

 

Motion to authorize the Superintendent to sell, dispose, or recycle miscellaneous curriculum items and library books at the end of the school year 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 

 

8. Executive Session

The Board may enter into closed session at any time to discuss any matter for which a closed session is lawful and appropriate.

 

We have legal matters that need to be handled in closed session. 

 

Before the Board can enter closed session, a motion must be made in agreement with Statute 84-141 O by the Board to discuss topics such as personnel, negotiations, and legal matters. 

 

Motion to enter in Executive Session 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 

 

8.1. Reconvene to Regular Session 

 

9. Adjournment

 

Motion to adjourn meeting at 8:47pm 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

 

Kristi Trost, Board Secretary

Dr. Melissa Poloncic, Superintendent

 

DOUGLAS COUNTY WEST SCHOOLS

MAY 2026 CLAIMS

 

GENERAL FUND

ABE’S TRASH SERVICE, INC 300.00

ACH BANK FEE 65.25

ACT, INC 1,073.00

ADVENTURE ENTERPRISES, 

LLC 1,874.00

AKRS EQUIPMENT SOLUTIONS 

INC 12,100.00

ALCOVE ROOFING 1,300.00

AMAZON CAPITAL SERVICES, 

LLC 781.47

APPLE COMPUTER INC 4,895.00

BLAZER ATHLETIC EQUIPMENT 162.00

BORDER STATES INDUSTRIES INC 1,729.56

BOYS TOWN 900.00

BSN SPORTS LLC 1,254.91

CASEY’S BUSINESS MASTERCARD 237.02

CDW GOVERNMENT LLC 634.00

CITI CARD - COSTCO 141.48

CITY OF VALLEY 2,505.15

CITY WIDE FACILITY SOLUTIONS 6,500.00

COMPLETE COMMUNICATION, LLC 160.00

COX BUSINESS 197.26

CROWN PLAZA HOTEL 

& RESORTS 199.00

DAILY RECORD, THE 322.66

DAKTRONICS INC 612.50

DC WEST FOOD SERVICE 1,860.80

DIETZE MUSIC HOUSE 123.76

DISCOUNT TIRE 570.60

EAGLE SERVICES INC. 530.00

EDUCATIONAL SERVICE UNIT #3 248.23

EGAN SUPPLY CO 824.56

FIBER PLATFORM, LLC 558.62

FIRST STUDENT, INC 11,700.73

FLINN SCIENTIFIC INC 20.68

FREMONT ELECTRIC INC 861.00

HEARTLAND PEST CONTROL 325.00

HOMETOWN LEASING 2,522.27

HORACE MANN LEAGUE 

OF THE USA 175.00

HOWIES ATHLETIC TAPE 1,300.78

HY-VEE INC 210.00

INSECT LORE 50.94

JOSTENS INC 969.05

JUST FOR KIDS THERAPY INC 4,686.00

LOVE’S TRAVEL STOPS 

& COUNTRY STORE 1,665.57

MACKIN EDUCATIONAL 

RESOURCES 2,550.80

MADISON NATIONAL 

LIFE INS CO IN 3,055.03

MAGIC WRIGHTER, INC. 254.50

MARCIA BRENNER ASSOCIATES, 

LLC 750.00

MATHESON TRI-GAS INC 109.72

MAX I. WALKER 314.80

MENARDS - ELKHORN 134.73

MENSAH, SOWAH 3,819.98

METAL DOORS &  

HARDWARE CO 858.00

MIDWEST SOUND & 

LIGHTING INC 100.00

MILLARD NORTH HIGH SCHOOL 155.00

NE COUNCIL OF SCHOOL ADM 585.00

NEBR DEPARTMENT 

OF EDUCATION 15.00

NEBRASKA GAME AND 

PARKS COMMISSIONS 51.21

NEBRASKA METHODIST COLLEGE 97.50

ODEY’S INC 900.00

OMAHA PUBLIC 

POWER DISTRICT 21,524.49

OMAHA WORLD-HERALD 6,776.18

ONE SOURCE 303.50

PAPER 101 4,913.56

PERRY GUTHERY HAASE 

& GESSFORD 760.00

PLATTEVIEW HIGH SCHOOL 150.00

PRAIRIE MECHANICAL CORP 1,485.00

PUBLICATION PRINTING 3,151.43

RAYMOND CENTRAL 

HIGH SCHOOL 274.70

RENAISSANCE LEARNING, INC 11,211.08

SELECT CONSTRUCTION, LLC 100.00

SPEECH SQUAD, LLC 20,432.25

STANZEL’S MOW & SNOW LLC 5,292.50

STEMFINITY, LLC 45.98

STONEBROOK EXTERIOR 890.00

TEAM BUILDR 1,500.00

VALLEY ACE HARDWARE 172.88

VERIZON 105.14

WASTE CONNECTIONS OF NEBR,  

INC 1,593.87

WATER ENGINEERING INC 317.62

WOODRIVER ENERGY LLC 8,990.11

YUTAN HIGH SCHOOL 50.00

ZOOM VIDEO  

COMMUNICATION, INC. 5.82

170,945.23

 

NUTRITION FUND

CASH-WA DISTRIBUTING 14,551.06

CHESTERMAN CO 266.00

EGAN SUPPLY CO 866.86

HILAND DAIRY 5,073.43

MARCIA BRENNER ASSOCIATES, LLC 750.00

MAX I. WALKER 265.60

ROTELLA’S ITALIAN BAKERY INC 604.75

SYSCO LINCOLN 15,194.77

US FOOD INC 12,996.92

50,569.39

 

BOND FUND

BOKF, NA 285,375.00

 

5/22 ZNEZ

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––