DOUGLAS COUNTY

WEST COMMUNITY SCHOOL

PUBLIC NOTICE

BOARD OF EDUCATION

REGULAR MEETING

 

Date:

Monday, January 12, 2026

 

Time:

7:00 PM

 

Location:

Central Office Board Room

401 South Pine Street

Valley, NE 68064-0378

 

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT THE BOARD OF EDUCATION OF DOUGLAS COUNTY WEST COMMUNITY SCHOOL, DISTRICT #15, will meet in Regular Session at 7:00 PM on Monday, January 12, 2026. The meeting will be open to the public.

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.

 

Kristi Trost

Secretary

Board of Education

 

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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, December 15, 2025

 

The regular meeting of the Board of Education, District #15, in the County of Douglas, in the State ofNebraska, was convened in open and public session on Monday, December 15, 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 7:02 PM.

Cole Groteluschen:         Present

Kelly Hinrichs:                Absent

Luke Janke:                   Present

Jamie Jorgensen:           Present

Elizabeth Mayer:            Present

Jim Tomanek:                Absent

Present: 4, Absent: 2.

 

Attendance Update Taken at 7:11 PM.

Kelly Hinrichs:       Present

Present: 5, Absent: 1.

Kelly Arrive at 7:11 pm.

 

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

No comments from the audience were received. The Board received a Thank You note from Kim Humphrey.

 

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, Luke Janke: Yea, Jamie Jorgensen: Yea, Elizabeth Mayer: Yea

Yea: 4, 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 Luke Janke and a second by Cole Groteluschen.

 

Cole Groteluschen: Yea, Luke Janke: Yea, Jamie Jorgensen: Yea, Elizabeth Mayer: Yea

Yea: 4, 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

Kayli Praus - Middle School hire

 

6.  Old Business

6.1.  Committee Updates

The following committees met:

 

Negotiations: Met December 12th - Negotiations committee met and settled with DCWEA. Once DCWEA membership is able to vote on the offer, the agreement will be brought to the Board for review and approval. Buildings and Grounds: Met December 15th -Reviewed HV AC project bids and discussed upcoming projects.

 

6.2.  Final Budget DC West Athletic Complex

Alex Henery, Owner’s Rep from RDP, was in attendance to review the final budget of the Athletic Complex Project. The project concluded on time and under budget. RDP will continue to work through some signage items as well as closing out bank documentation/processes for the DC West Athletic Complex.

 

7.  New Business

7.1.  Master Planning Presentation by Alley Poyner Macchietto Architecture

A team from APMA (Alley Poyner Macchietto Architecture) presented their proposal for Master Planning services to the Board.

 

7.2.  2025 Audit Review from BerganKDV

A representative from BerganKDV presented an overview of the 2025 Annual Audit for DC West Community Schools. The audit showed no weaknesses in internal controls and compliance with the adopted budget. Board Member Mayer asked about regulations for spending funds raised by student organizations.

 

7.3.  Approve and Award Air Handling Unit Contract

Three closed bids were received on Tuesday, December 9th, for the AHU Replacement Summer Project. The Board received a document reviewing all three bids received as well as a recommendation from BCDM for the low bid from Fluid Mechanical, LLC in the amount of$607,250. The estimated budget for this project was $875,000, A representative from Morrissey Engineering was available at the meeting to answer any questions. Dr. Poloncic will continue to research the utilization of fill energy loan for the funding of this project.

 

Motion to award the contract for the AHU replacement project to Fluid Mechanical, LLC in the amount of $607,250 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

Yea: 5, Nay: 0

 

7.4.  DC West 2025 Achievement and AQuESTT Results

Dr. Dawn Marten, Director of Learning, presented the DC West Achievement Results and AQuESTT Ratings from 2025 to the Board.

 

7.5.  Approve the 2026-27 & 2027-28 School District Calendars

A calendar committee consisting of 20 staff members, parents, and a Board member recommended the presented school district calendars for the 2026-27 & 2027-28 school years to the Board for their approval.

 

Motion to approve the school district calendars for the 2026-27 & 2027-28 school years as presented 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

Yea: 5, Nay: 0

 

7.6.  Approve Replacement Vehicle Purchases

A 2026 Ram Promaster 10 Passenger Van ($70,016) was ordered when we purchased one in August. In addition, a Ram Promaster 15 Passenger Van ($63,139) was also available at the dealership due to another company ordering it in error. Both vans meet our student transportation needs and federal guidelines and it was recommended both be purchased. It was recommended general funds be used for one vehicle and the depreciation fund for the other. Two of the high mileage, non-compliant vans will be traded in as part of this transaction.

 

Motion to approve the purchase of two Ram Promaster Vans as presented and authorize the Superintendent to trade in two vehicles as part of the transaction Passed with a motion by Kelly Hinrichs and a second by Luke Janke.

 

Cole Groteluschen: Yea, Kelly Hiurichs: Yea, Luke Janke: Yea, Jamie Jorgensen: Yea, Elizabeth Mayer: Yea

Yea: 5, Nay: 0

 

7.7.  Superintendent 2025 Goals Presentation

Dr. Poloncic made a presentation of the progress and accomplishments of her 2025 Superintendent Goals & targeted areas of evaluation to the Board for their consideration in her evaluation to be conducted at the end of the meeting.

 

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. The Superintendent Evaluation was handled in closed session.

 

Before the Board can enter closed session, a motion must be made in agreement with Statute 84-1410 by the Board to discuss topics such as personnel, negotiations, and legal matters.

 

Motion to enter in Executive Session 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

Yea: 5, Nay: 0

 

8.1.  Reconvene to Regular Session and Adjournment

Motion to Reconvene to Regular Session and Adjourn at 9:06pm 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

Yea: 5, Nay: 0

 

Kristi Trost, Board Secretary

Dr. Melissa Poloncic, Superintendent

 

DOUGLAS COUNTY WEST SCHOOLS DECEMBER 2025 CLAIMS

 

GENERAL FUND                   

A-1 FLAGS, POLES & REPAIR   948.20

A1 COMPLETE SERVICES INC   735.00

ACH BANK FEE               70.25

AMAZON CAPITAL         

SERVICES, LLC      2,505.51

AMERICAN HEART

ASSOCIATION, INC.                148.00

AMERICAN VOLLEYBALL

COACHES ASSOC            95.00

BENNINGTON HIGH SCHOOL   175.00

BERNINA SEWING CENTER               49.47

BOOKWORM, INC, THE            2,153.31

BORDER STATES INDUSTRIES INC    31.35

BOYS TOWN                  11,700.00

BREAKFIELD, VERNON            325.00

BSN SPORTS LLC           728.29

CASEY’S BUSINESS MASTERCARD     8.75

CINTAS CORP                536.05

CITI CARD - COSTCO              139.10

CLASSIC SPORTSWEAR & AWARDS   770.00

CONSORTIUM FOR        

SCHOOL NETWORKING            25.00

COX BUSINESS              397.00

DAILY RECORD, THE               319.99

DC WEST FOOD SERVICE         1,376.41

DIETZE MUSIC HOUSE            625.52

DIGITAL DOT SYSTEMS, INC.   1,467.00

EDUCATIONAL SERVICE

UNIT #2      34,204.17

EDUCATIONAL SERVICE UNIT #3      2,475.00

EGAN SUPPLY CO           3,599.02

ELECTRONIC SOUND INC         2,390.00

ENGINEERED CONTROLS, INC  3,925.00

ESU COORDINATING COUNCIL 1,070.10

FIBER PLATFORM, LLC            558.60

FIREGUARD LLC             1,205.55

FIRST STUDENT             52,729.57

GARAGE DOOR SERVICES INC 835.00

GOODWIN TUCKER                 1,105.42

HAYS, DAN           172.00

HEARTLAND CHAMPIONSHIP, LLC     585.00

HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS           389.85

HOME DEPOT CREDIT SERVICES       85.70

HOMETOWN LEASING             2,522.27

HY-VEE INC          80.25

IT’S YOUR POTTERY                105.00

JUST FOR KIDS THERAPY INC  4,260.00

JW PEPPER & SONS                 97.74

KABES, CHRIS                96.00

KANSAS TURNPIKE AUTHORITY        5.94

KEYMASTERS OF GREATER     

OMAHA INC 263.88

LIBRARY STORE INC               62.41

LOVE’S TRAVEL STOPS &        

COUNTRY STORE           1,352.55

MADISON NATIONAL     

LIFE INS CO IN              2,877.55

MAGIC WRIGHTER, INC.          273.75

MARKING REFRIGERATION, INC        1,839.50

MATHESON TRI-GAS INC         1,146.62

MENARDS - ELKHORN             859.37

NE COUNCIL OF SCHOOL ADM 149.00

NEBR ASSOCATION OF  

SCHOOL BOARDS           388.00

NEBRASKA AIR FILTER, INC     7,612.68

NEBRASKA COACHES ASSOC    360.00

NEBRASKA METHODIST COLLEGE      21.50

NEBRASKA TURF PRODUCTS, INC      1,027.54

OMAHA PUBLIC    

POWER DISTRICT 22,266.01

OMAHA WORLD-HERALD         6,948.00

ON TO COLLEGE            7,295.00

ONE SOURCE                 491.45

OVERFIELD, AMANDA              92.00

P & H ELECTRIC INC               375.00

PERRY GUTHERY HAASE

& GESSFORD                 72.00

PERRY, SANDY              3.86

PITNEY BOWES GLOBAL         

FINANCIAL  SERVICES            96.00

PRAIRIE MECHANICAL CORP    300.00

PUBLICATION PRINTING         78.45

RETIREMENT PLAN CONSULTANTS    400.00

SCHLOSSER ENTERPRISES       700.00

SCHOOL SPECIALTY INC          43.82

SEDIVY, BRUCE             220.00

SPEECH SQUAD, LLC               14,397.75

STANZEL’S MOW & SNOW LLC 14,245.57

STEVE WEISS MUSIC               603.90

SWEETWATER SOUND, LLC     256.00

UNIVERSITY OF   

NEBRASKA KEARNEY      125.00

USBANK               4,269.52

VALLEY ACE HARDWARE         691.96

VERIZON              210.28

VEX ROBOTICS INC                 528.80

WASTE CONNECTIONS  

OF NEBR, INC                1,593.87

WATER ENGINEERING INC      353.66

WAYNE STATE COLLEGE          50.00

WINSUPPLY COMMERCIAL CHARGE   494.72

WOODRIVER ENERGY LLC       2,461.11

ZOOM VIDEO       

COMMUNICATION, INC.  14.04

                  235,738.50

                          

DEPRECIATION                   

MATHESON TRI-GAS INC         401.90

 

NUTRITION FUND                        

CANTEEN REFRESHMENT SERVICES  152.37

CASH-WA DISTRIBUTING        12,782.73

CHESTERMAN CO           624.88

CINTAS CORP                861.60

HILAND DAIRY               7,989.57

ROTELLA’S ITALIAN BAKERY INC      402.50

SYSCO LINCOLN             5,742.83

US FOOD INC                 6,598.11

                  35,154.59

                          

SPECIAL BUILIDING FUND                   

FIRST CITIZENS BANK             971,105.61

                          

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