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, March 10, 2025

 

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, March 10, 2025 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.

 

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. Correspondence addressed to the Board was presented.

 

DC West Youth Representative, Nick Hummell, Vice President of DC West Youth Spotts, spoke on behalf of the organization regarding the proposed facility use fees.

 

CEO of the Learning Community, Gerald Kuhn, addressed the board.

 

3.  Approval of Agenda

Motion to approve agenda as presented Passed with a motion by Jamie Jorgensen and a second by Kelly Hinrichs, Cole Groteluschen: Yea, Kelly Himichs: 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: Vea, 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

Sara Crawford-Exit Custodial

Nikki Kingham-Exit MS Secretary

Hannah Morrison-Exit Elem Sped para

Susan Harder-Hire Preschool Para

Fernando Hunter-Hire Custodial

Bara Feldhacker-Hire HS Health Para

Chelsea Dembinski-Move to MS Secretary

 

6.  Old Business

6.1.        Committee Reports

The Negotiations Committee of the Board will meet on Wednesday, March 26th, to discuss Classified and Administrative salaries and pay for the 2025-2026 school year.

 

7.  New Business

7.1.        Continuous Improvement Visit Overview

In preparation for the upcoming Continuous Improvement Visit on March 27th-28th, Dr. Marten briefed the Board on preparations, schedule, and the Board’s role during the visit.

 

Groteluschen asked Dr. Marten what our message will be to the external team of school administrators regarding DC West’s test scores.

 

7.2.        Facility Use Discussion

The Board continued discussion on the revision of facility use and the updating of the fees and forms associated. It was discussed that the determination for charging the DC West Youth for the use of facilities was to offset the cost of maintenance/upkeep. The number of requests for usage of the facilities was also the reason for the need to update our facility use form and fees. When members of the Board met with the Youth Organization last month, they requested the Youth Organization give the board a financial impact statement on possible facility usage fees on their organization, as of this meeting the board had not received. The Board would like to continue communication with the Youth Organization and discuss a possible flat fee, per season, rate and have further discussion on financial impact. There was also a request that we look at our smaller conference schools to see what they are charging for facility usage. There was discussion about having the funds from rentals reinvested into the facility used.

 

7.3.        Approve Resolution for Policy 5006 Option Enrollment Capacity

Per policy 5006, option enrollment capacity is determined by the Board of Education. The resolution for appendix 1 to the option enrollment policy was passed in October. The administration recommends the approval of a new resolution dated March 10th in order to use the most updated enrollment information available in determining Option Enrollment acceptance between March 15th and April 1st.

 

It was asked if before accepting option students we vet them to see if they are in SPED/Title or any other programs. It was also noted that if an applicant lies on an option enrollment application per policy, we have the right to deny the application.

 

Motion to approve Resolution of Appendix 1 to Option Enrollment Policy 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

 

7.4.        Approve Certified Position, .5 FTE Instructional Coach

The administration recommends the addition of .5 FTE District Instructional Coach to be paired with the vacant .5 FTE High Ability Learners Teaching position in the Elementary for a full-time position to begin the 2025-2026 school year.

 

Instructional Coach Job Responsibilities:

•   Provide personalized support to teachers, helping them refine instructional practices, adopt new teaching strategies, and improve classroom management.

•   Offers ongoing, job-embedded professional learning tailored to individual teacher needs.

•   Foster a collaborative culture where teachers can share best practices and learn from one another. Mentor novice teachers, helping them transition smoothly into the profession.

•   Benefits for Students:

o   Improved Instruction: Teachers who receive coaching can better implement strategies that lead to increased student engagement, understanding, and achievement, which directly impacts student outcomes.

o   Differentiation: An instructional coach would help teachers better differentiate instruction to meet diverse student needs, from gifted learners to students who require additional support.

o   Use of Data: An instructional Coach assists teachers in using data to inform their instruction, ensuring that teaching is aligned with student learning needs and goals.

•   Collaboration with Administration and Teachers

o   Partnership with Leadership: Work closely with principals and teachers to align coaching efforts with school-wide goals and priorities. This ensures a cohesive approach to improving school performance.

o   Consistency with Vision: Supports the district’s mission of continuous improvement and professional development.

 

Motion to approve the addition of .5 FTE Instructional Coach for the 2025-2026 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

 

7.5.        Approve Certificated Staff Hires for the 2025-2026 School Year

The administration recommends the following for approval of hire to begin the 2025-2026 school year:

 

Meghan Ranslem, Elementary Assistant Principal

Morgan Thompson, Assistant Band & Choir Teacher

 

Motion to approve Meghan Ranslem, Elementary Assistant Principal and Morgan Thompson, Assistant Band & Choir Teacher 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

 

7.6.        Approve Certificated Resignations

The following certificated staff have submitted resignation and retirement at the end of the 2024-2025 school year:

 

Mekenna Haahr, High School Special Education

LeAnn Siekman, Middle School Science (Retirement)

 

Motion to approve Mekenna Haahr’s resignation as High School Special Education Teacher and LeAnn Siekman’s Retirement as Middle School Science Teacher at the end of the 2024-2025 school year 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

 

7.7.        Approve Student Early Completion Plan

DC West junior, Amelia North, has applied for early completion of high school in December 2025 according to Board policy 5206 Early Completion Plan. She has fulfilled all the requirements per policy and the administration would recommend the Board approve her early completion.

 

Motion to approve the early completion plan for Amelia North per Board policy 5206 Passed with a motion by Elizabeth Mayer and a second by Kelly Himichs.

 

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 @8:13 Passed with a motion by Jamie Jorgensen and a second by Jim Tomanek.

 

Cole Groteluschen: Yea, Kelly Himichs: 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 FEBRUARY 2025 CLAIMS

 

GENERAL FUND                   

4N6 FANATICS LLC        250.00

ACKLIE, DEANNA            20.64

APPLE COMPUTER INC             178,394.82

ARROW STAGE LINES              1,440.00

BLAIR COMMUNITY SCHOOLS           75.00

BORDER STATES INDUSTRIES INC    36.25

BOYS TOWN                  6,000.00

BSN SPORTS LLC            1,323.43

CASEY’S BUSINESS MASTERCARD     204.43

CINTAS CORP                271.89

CMC NEPTUNE, LLC                 2,700.00

CONESTOGA HIGH SCHOOL              84.00

CONTROL TEMP, INC.             302.40

COX BUSINESS              191.35

CROUCH RECREATIONAL        

DESIGN INC         404.00

DAILY RECORD, THE               269.99

DAVID CITY PUBLIC SCHOOL            91.00

DC WEST FOOD SERVICE                  59.20

DOUGLAS COUNTY TREASURER        1,290.85

DUNN, LOGAN               18.67

EDUCATIONAL SERVICE UNIT #3      5,996.20

EGAN SUPPLY CO           757.77

ELKHORN ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION   150.00

ENGINEERED CONTROLS, INC 300.00

FIREGUARD LLC             490.00

FIRST STUDENT             38,026.42

FREMONT ELECTRIC INC                  92.06

GILES, DARBY                80.00

HEARTLAND PEST CONTROL    260.00

HOMETOWN LEASING             2,522.27

HUGHES TREE SERVICE           2,857.14

JW PEPPER & SONS                 60.98

KIEWIT LUMINARIUM              40.00

KV CONSTRUCTION INC          1,096.40

LOVE’S TRAVEL STOPS &        

COUNTRY STORE           1,803.72

MADISON NATIONAL     

LIFE INS CO IN              2,914.04

MAGIC WRIGHTER, INC.          236.50

MARKING REFRIGERATION, INC        2,427.50

MENARDS - ELKHORN             166.38

METHODIST PHYSICIANS CLINIC      0.00

MILLARD WEST HIGH SCHOOL 209.00

MORRISSEY, RICHARD            300.00

NEBRASKA METHODIST COLLEGE     150.00

NEBRASKA RURAL         

COMMUNITY SCHOOLS ASSOC 220.00

OMAHA PUBLIC    

POWER DISTRICT 21,173.70

OMAHA WORLD-HERALD         2,700.00

ON TO COLLEGE            7,295.00

P & H ELECTRIC INC               705.00

PITNEY BOWES BANK,   

INC PURCHASE POWER           954.80

PRAIRIE MECHANICAL CORP    4,707.00

PREMIER SPORTS OFFICIALS ASSOC 165.00

REMM, KYLIE                 80.00

RMD PROMOTIONS LLC           3,600.00

SOFTWARE UNLIMITED, INC.   441.00

STANZEL’S MOW & SNOW LLC 25,438.13

THUNDERBIRDS FORENSICS   

BOOSTER CLUB             108.00

USBANK               1,764.96

VALLEY ACE HARDWARE         501.31

VALLEY WATERLOO       

BUSINESS ASSOC           85.00

VERIZON              90.12

WINSUPPLY COMMERCIAL      

CHARGE               232.57

WOODRIVER ENERGY LLC       15,968.30

ZONES OF REGULATION, INC, THE    220.00

ZOOM VIDEO       

COMMUNICATION, INC.           2.33

                  340,816.52

 

NUTRITION FUND                        

CANTEEN REFRESHMENT        

SERVICES             231.31

CASH-WA DISTRIBUTING         8,919.51

CHESTERMAN CO           515.39

CINTAS CORP                436.41

HILAND DAIRY               3,786.42

ROTELLA’S ITALIAN BAKERY INC      282.22

SYSCO LINCOLN             3,410.23

US FOOD INC                 9,098.38

                  26,679.87

 

3/28            ZNEZ

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