MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL MEETING 

OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION 

OF DOUGLAS COUNTY 

SCHOOL DISTRICT 28-0015, 

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

Monday, July 13, 2026 

 

The special 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, July 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 84-141 l, 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 6:18 PM.

Cole Groteluschen: Present

Kelly Hinrichs: Present

Luke Janke: Present

Jamie Jorgensen: Absent

Elizabeth Mayer: Present

Jim Tomanek: Present

Present: 5, Absent: 1.

 

Attendance Update Taken at 6:22 PM. 

Jamie Jorgensen: Present 

Present: 6. 

Jorgensen arrived at 6:22pm 

 

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 infonn 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. Approval of Agenda

Motion to approve agenda as presented Passed with a motion by Jim Tomanek and a second by Luke Janke. Cole Groteluschen: Yea, Kelly Hinrichs: Yea, Luke Janke: Yea, Elizabeth Mayer: Yea, Jim Tomanek: Yea 

Yea: 5, Nay: 0

 

3. Master Planning Work Session

BCDM Architects were in attendance to facilitate a Board engagement session for Master Planning.

 

4. Adjournment

Motion to adjourn meeting at 6:51pm 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

 

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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, July 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, July 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 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 

 

5. Consent Agenda

Motion to approve Consent Agenda 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

 

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 

Angel White hired as Administrative Assistant for Activities and Athletics Cindy Quang - exit 

Angie Gaver - exit 

Payten Kern - exit

 

6. Committee Business

6.1. Committee Meetings

The American Civics committee (Policy) met on Monday, June 8th and reviewed all proposed policy updates for 2026.

 

6.2. Building and Grounds Committee of the Whole

Agenda items:

• The administration reported that the anticipated Energy Loan from the Nebraska Department of Energy was not secured due to a qualification requirement that was undetermined in the beginning of the application process. A discussion followed regarding alternative funding strategies to meet the project’s financial obligations. The administration proposed utilizing the current QCPUF balance as the primary funding source. If necessary, this balance will be supplemented by allocations from the depreciation fund.

 

• High School Student Council Sponsor, Ms. Cox, presented a proposal for senior pai-king spots where students could purchase and paint designated spaces for $50, with proceeds going to the Student Council. The program would allow seniors to design and paint their spots with specific rules about content and design, with a lottery system to determine spot assignments. The painting would take place over three days using special exterior water-based paint, and the program would be limited to seniors with approximately 80 available spots across the two parking lots. This project was approved and will move forward as a fundraiser for the HS Student Council.

 

7. New Business

7.1. 2026 Board Policy Updates First Reading

The Americanism Committee received the policy updates prior to the July meeting as a first read before advancing to the whole Board for first reading. The first reading of proposed policy changes is for the Board to read in the draft version the changes proposed, ask questions, and discuss before approval at the second reading in August.

 

The proposed Board policy updates come from our legal counsel regarding required policy updates due to state legislation passed in prior sessions. A letter of summary was given to each board member.

 

There was discussion regarding student exit interviews and the option enrollment waitlist policy.

 

7.2. Approve 2026-2027 DC West Student-Parent Handbook

The 2026-2027 DC West Student-Parent Handbook was presented for review and approval. Revisions are proposed by building and district administration.

 

Motion to approve the 2026-2027 DC West Student-Parent Handbook as proposed 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

 

7.3. 2026-2027 Student Fees Hearing and Approval

Annually, the school board shall hold a public hearing on the proposed student fee policy (5416) to meet the requirements of Law 79-2, 134. School lunch and breakfast meal prices are the only proposed changes for the 2026-27 school year.

 

Motion to approve the proposed Student Fees per Board Policy 5416 for the 2026-27 school year 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: 0

 

Motion to approve the proposed Student Fees per Board Policy 5416 for the 2026-27 school year 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: 0

 

7.4. Resolution to Increase Base Growth Tax Request Authority for the 2027 Fiscal Year Budget 

As discussed in the finance committee, DC West Community Schools Board may increase its base growth tax request authority by 6% with at least seventy percent of the Board of Education voting in favor of the increased request. 

 

This increase request was recommended by the administration to be made this year due to student and staffing needs and budgetary obligations. The Board will likely not need to use the entire 6% authority; the remaining unused authority will be added to future years’ calculations.

 

The reason the administration is recommending approval of this in July is to provide an accurate authority amount for budgeting throughout the summer months. The Board will still approve the entire budget and use of this authority in the September hearing and budget approval. 

 

Motion to approve the Resolution to Increase Base Growth Tax Request Authority for the 2027 Fiscal Year Budget as presented Passed with a motion by Luke Janke and a second by Kelly Hinrichs. 

 

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

Yea: 5, Nay: 1

 

8. Adjournment

Motion to adjourn meeting at 7:48pm Passed with a motion by Jim Tomanek 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

 

Kristi Trost, Board Secretary

Dr. Melissa Poloncic, Superintendent

 

DOUGLAS COUNTY WEST 

COMMUNITY SCHOOL

JULY 2026 CLAIMS

 

GENERAL FUND

ABE’S TRASH SERVICE, INC 465.00

ACTIVATE LEARNING 4,166.20

ACTIVE INTERNET  

TECHNOLOGIES 3,175.00

ALCOVE ROOFING 750.00

AMAZON CAPITAL  

SERVICES, LLC 59,267.86

ARBITER SPORTS, LLC 788.00

BEAR PAW CREEK 70.00

BERINGER CIACCIO 

DENNEL MABREY 1,668.60

BJOREM SPEECH  

PUBLICATIONS, LLC 137.25

BLICK ART MATERIALS 1,835.96

BORDER STATES  

INDUSTRIES INC 713.58

BSN SPORTS LLC 2,435.70

CARDIO PARTNERS INC 758.00

CAROLINA BIOLOGICAL SUPPLY 224.13

CITY OF VALLEY 4,871.60

CITY WIDE FACILITY  

SOLUTIONS 6,500.00

COMMITTEE FOR CHILDREN 9,117.00

CROWNE PLAZA HOTEL 

& RESORTS 154.95

DAILY RECORD, THE 308.66

DEMCO INC 357.41

DIETZE MUSIC HOUSE 356.24

EDUCATIONAL  

SERVICE UNIT #3 3,938.00

EVERYDAY SPEECH 600.00

EYEWORDS, INC 197.89

FAS-BREAK 150.00

FIRST STUDENT, INC 47,696.32

FLINN SCIENTIFIC INC 324.29

FOLLETT CONTENT

SOLUTIONS, LLC 2,351.75

FOLLETT SOFTWARE, LLC 4,839.10

FREMONT ELECTRIC INC 651.27

GEYER INSTRUCTIONAL  

PRODUCTS 146.95

GOODHEART-WILCOX 

COMPANY, INC 694.33

GOPHER SPORT 1,733.04

HARCO ATHLETIC  

RECONDITIONING, INC 1,401.00

HOME DEPOT CREDIT SERVICES 51.00

HOMETOWN LEASING 2,522.27

INSECT LORE 75.98

JAYMAR BUSINESS FORM, INC 731.92

JUST FOR KIDS THERAPY INC 1,420.36

JUST RIGHT READER, INC 12,729.60

KANSAS CITY AUDIO-VISUAL INC 1,395.00

KAPLAN EARLY 

LEARNING COMPANY 1,509.71

LAKESHORE 

LEARNING MATERIALS, LLC 982.98

LEARNING FORWARD 112.00

LEARNING WITHOUT TEARS 340.29

MATHESON TRI-GAS INC 109.72

MAX I. WALKER 314.80

MCGRAW-HILL EDUCATION INC 188.99

MENARDS - ELKHORN 379.82

MENSAH, SOWAH 230.00

MILLARD SPRINKLER INC 804.21

NEBRASKA ASCD 50.00

NEBRASKA TURF PRODUCTS, INC 2,448.34

NORTHERN SPEECH SERVICES 111.84

NORTHWEST FITNESS 703.50

OMAHA WORLD-HERALD 5,840.41

P & H ELECTRIC INC 488.00

PERIPOLE, INC 131.18

PRAIRIE MECHANICAL CORP 7,142.14

PRIME HOME DDS 3,075.98

PRO-ED, INC 308.00

QUILL, LLC 1,398.87

REALLY GOOD STUFF INC 380.06

RMD PROMOTIONS LLC 720.00

SCHLOSSER ENTERPRISES 900.00

SCHOOL HEALTH CORPORATION 719.29

SCHOOL SPECIALTY INC 6,856.09

SEESAW LEARNING INC 4,156.50

SPEECH SQUAD, LLC 2,794.50

SPEED4LIFTS S.L 3,900.00

STAPLES ADVANTAGE 3,374.04

VALLEY ACE HARDWARE 284.93

VERNIER SCIENCE EDUCATION 2,955.02

VOIP SUPPLY, LLC 795.24

WARDS NATURAL 

SCIENCE EST INC 479.31

WASTE CONNECTIONS 

OF NEBR, INC 1,593.87

WAYSIDE PUBLISHING 96.00

WEST MUSIC COMPANY INC 107.84

WOMEN BAND 

DIRECTOR INTERNATIONAL, INC 140.00

ZANER - BLOSER 1,376.54

240,071.22

 

DEPRECIATION

AMAZON CAPITAL 

SERVICES, LLC 1,791.75

BROOKLYN PUBLISHERS LLC 407.00

CONCORD THEATRICALS CORP. 150.08

SCHOOL SPECIALTY INC 2,088.40

4,437.23

 

NUTRITION FUND

BULLER FIXTURE COMPANY 3,094.65

3,094.65

 

QCPUF

BERINGER CIACCIO  

DENNEL MABREY 1,968.75

FLUID MECHANICAL LLC 200,463.24

Fund Number 202,431.99

 

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