December 15, 2025 at 5:30 PM - Regular Board of Education Meeting
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1. Call the Meeting to Order
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
LEADERSHIP • SERVICE • SUPPORT Notice of this meeting was given in advance according to State Law 84-1411, by giving notice of the meeting to the public on ESU 7 website www.esu7.org and posted at location of meeting. Notice of this meeting was also given in advance to all members of the Board of Education of Educational Service Unit 7. Availability of the agenda and purpose of the hearing was communicated in the advance notice of the meeting and in the notice to the members of this hearing. All proceedings of the Board of Education of Educational Service Unit 7 were taken while the convened hearing was open to the attendance of the public.
Discussion:
Board Vice President Jack Young conducted the meeting. He called the meeting to order at 5:30 pm.
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1.1. Notification of Open Meetings Law
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
This meeting has been preceded by reasonable advance notice and is hereby declared to be in open session. A copy of the Open Meetings Act is posted in the meeting room.
Attachments:
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1.2. Roll Call
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
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1.3. Absent Board Members
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
Board Members Beth Kabes, Marni Danhauer and Doug Pauley notified of their absences prior to the meeting.
Recommended Motion(s):
Discuss, consider and take all necessary action to approve Board member absences as presented Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
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1.4. Pledge of Allegiance
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
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2. Approval of Agenda
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
The sequence of agenda topics is subject to change at the discretion of the Board.
Recommended Motion(s):
Discuss, consider and take all necessary action to approve the agenda as presented Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
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3. Virtual Conferencing for December 2025, January 2026, February 2026, and March 2026
Rationale:
Nebraska Revised Statute § 84-1411 authorizes virtual meetings for educational service units if the requirements of subdivision (2)(b) are met.
The Board voted to have a virtual conferencing option for the following board meetings: December 2025, January 2026, February 2026 and March 2026. |
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4. Welcome Visitors
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
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5. Public Comment
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
The Board has the discretion to limit the amount of time set aside for public participation.
Citizens wishing to address the Board on a certain agenda item must complete the Request to be Heard Document prior to the start of the board meeting. Citizens wishing to present petitions to the Board may do so at this time. However, the Board will only receive the petitions and not act upon them or their contents. |
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6. Consent Agenda
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
Unless removed from the consent agenda, items identified within the consent agenda will be acted on at one time. If any Board member wishes to discuss an item, it must be removed from the consent agenda at which time the remaining items will be acted upon. Consent Agenda Includes:
Administrator Recommendation: Discuss, consider and take all necessary action to approve the consent agenda as presented.
Recommended Motion(s):
Discuss, consider and take all necessary action to approve the consent agenda as presented Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
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6.1. Minutes
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
This is a consent item.
Attachments:
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6.2. Presentation of Bills #80895 through #81057 totaling $1,130,887.27
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
The summary of bills for the current month total: $1,130,887.27 - Bills #80895 through #81057 General Activity Fund total: No activity this month.
This is a consent item.
Attachments:
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6.3. Excess Lodging
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
Excess Lodging:
This is a consent item. |
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7. Board Spotlight - Psychology
Rationale:
School Psychology Coordinator, Jackie Ternus, will present the School Psychology Spotlight.
Attachments:
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Discussion:
Jackie Ternus presented the spotlight and reviewed the slides on School Psychology. The schools that we don't serve have their own school psychologists employed by that district.
Questions & Answers: What districts don't utilize ESU 7 School Psychology services? Boone Central, Centra City, David City, and Schuyler. Has the search for School Psychologists gotten any better/easier? No, but when we have needed to hire, we've been able to. Jackie cannot speak highly enough of the people on the team. Out of 8 school psychologists, 6 have started at ESU 7 and never left. Dawn wants to thank Jackie publicly for coming to visit her pre-service teachers. What is the difference between Educational Psychologists and School Psychologists? Educational Psychologists typically have a PHD. School Psychologists are only in the school system. What education do you have to be a School Psychologist? Educational Specialist Degree, which is 36 hours beyond a Master's Degree. It is a different degree than a Superintendent but it's the same educational level. How many School Psychologists do colleges produce? University of Nebraska-Kearney has had classes of 17 but currently, class sizes are around 6 to 8. University of Nebraska-Lincoln has produced classes around 10 or 12. UNL is the only school in the state that can get a PHD. |
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8. Treasurer's Report
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
Review the breakdown of the Treasurer's Report.
Administrator Recommendation: Discuss, consider and take all necessary action to accept the Treasurer's Report as presented.
Recommended Motion(s):
Discuss, consider and take all necessary action to accept the Treasurer's Report as presented Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
Attachments:
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Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
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9. Reading of Article III, Section 4, F Internal Controls
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Rationale:
From Attorney Justin Knight: "Recently, the micro-purcase and simplified acquisition thresholds were updated in the Federal Acquisition Regulations. To ensure compliance with federal grant awards and for upcoming NDE (Nebraska Department of Education) federal desk audits, we are required to update these new federal thresholds." Procurement: The ESU will use its own documented procurement procedures which reflect applicable State, local, and tribal laws and regulations, provided that the procurements conform to applicable Federal law and the requirement standards imposed by law, including:
Recommended Motion(s):
Discuss, consider and take all necessary action to approve Article III, Section 4, F as presented Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
Attachments:
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Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
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10. New Hire: Natividad Millan Avila, Title 1C Education Program Education Liaison
Rationale:
New Hire: Natividad Millan Avila, Title 1C Education Program Education Liaison for 2025-2026 school year
Administrator Recommendation: Discuss, consider, and take any necessary action to approve the contract for Natividad Millan Avila, Title 1C Education Program Education Liaison for 2025-2026 school year as presented.
Recommended Motion(s):
Discuss, consider, and take any necessary action to approve the contract for Natividad Millan Avila, Title 1C Education Program Education Liaison for 2025-2026 school year as presented Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
Attachments:
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Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
Discussion:
This fills a vacancy from August.
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11. Board Vacancy - District 7
Speaker(s):
Board President or designee
Rationale:
Applications have not been received for the board vacancy in District 7. NEB. REV. STAT. § Section 32-574 states, "Unless otherwise provided by law, all vacancies shall be filled within forty-five days after the vacancy occurs unless good cause is shown that the requirement imposes an undue burden.
District 7 includes the following school districts, Columbus, David City, Lakeview, Schuyler. The term will expire December 31, 2026. Administrator Recommendation:
Attachments:
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Discussion:
We have 0 applications, but 1 person has expressed interest. People who are employed by an ESU 7 school district can still apply.
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12. Administrator's Report General
Speaker(s):
Administrator or Designee
Rationale:
Attachments:
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Discussion:
Professional Development and Print Shop - Director Ericson provided an update on the Regional Literacy Coach hire, CLSD vs. Literacy Law, and printer upgrades and changes in the Print Shop.
Special Education - Director Clay provided an update on the Nebraska Department of Education system error relating to staff reporting, IDEA funding and her day as a Technical Assistant with the Nebraska Department of Education. Tech - Director Ellsworth provided an update on a project Technology Engineer Travis Kassing is working on now that there is a Tier II Help Desk Technician on the team. Administrator Ostmeyer reviewed the attachments below. She also informed the board members of the upcoming election season in 2026 and to notify Secretary to the Board Morgan Morsett on their intent of re-filing. |
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12.1. Goal Update
Speaker(s):
Administrator or Designee
Rationale:
Goal 1: By July 2026, the ESU 7 board will formalize a process to mentor and onboard new board members.
Goal 2: By July 2026, the ESU 7 board will attend at least two professional/personal learning events annually.
Attachments:
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12.2. Services Update
Speaker(s):
Administrator or Designee
Rationale:
Attached Below:
Attachments:
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Discussion:
Administrator Ostmeyer reviewed the SMART information attached and provided to the board members for each of their represented districts.
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12.3. Facilities Update
Speaker(s):
Administrator or Designee
Rationale:
The Administrator will provide a facilities update during this item
Goals:
Discussion:
Last month, Board Member Bob Arp asked about Radon Testing for the ESU 7 campus buildings. Director Ellsworth contacted the Department of Health and Human Services who stated testing is not a requirement for schools because of the fresh air intake in commercial buildings. Administrator Ostmeyer and Director Ellsworth provided updates on the Learning Academy humidity issues and the North Building Emergency Heat installation for the HVAC system. Studies will be completed in the Learning Academy over winter break to determine the fresh air intake into the building and training on the emergency heat system in the North Building will be taking place on December 18, 2025.
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12.4. Personnel
Speaker(s):
Administrator or designee
Rationale:
All Classified/Non Certificated Hires and Resignations under this item. Not an action item.
Discussion:
No personnel updates to report.
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12.5. Legislative Update
Speaker(s):
Administrator or Designee
Rationale:
January 7, 2026, starts the second session of the 109th Legislature. This second session will conclude on or near April 17, 2026. Speaker Arch announced his 60-day schedule. Public hearings will begin on January 20, the Tuesday following the Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday. Full day floor debate will begin on March 3, 2026.
Attachments:
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Discussion:
Administrator Ostmeyer attended a Legislative Preview on December 10, 2025 hosted by the Nebraska Council of School Administrators. The biggest takeaway is there is a $471 million shortfall predicted and on February 27, 2026, there will be a meeting of the Economic Forecasting Board that will have more information.
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13. Committee Reports
Speaker(s):
Committee Chair
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13.1. Budget Committee Report
Speaker(s):
Budget Committee Chair
Rationale:
Reports of Budget Committee activities and discussion will take place during this item.
Committee Recommendation:
Discussion:
Committee Chair Dawn Lindsley reported the committee met after the board meeting last month.
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13.2. Negotiations Committee Report
Rationale:
The Negotiations Committee met on December 8, 2024. The Negotiations Committee recommends a 4.5% total package increase for the 2026-2027 Negotiated Agreement with the ESUEA negotiated staff. The increase includes $817 on the base, raising it to $40,409, and increasing the board's portion of health insurance paid from 75% employee/child, which is $15,985.62 to 80% of employee/child, which is $17,051.33.
Committee Recommendation: Discuss, consider, and approve a 4.5% total package increase for the 2026-2027 Negotiated Agreement with the ESUEA negotiated staff. This includes $817 on the base, raising it to $40,409, and increasing the board’s portion of health insurance paid from 75% employee/child which is $15,985.62 to 80% of employee/child, which is $17,051.33.
Recommended Motion(s):
Discuss, consider, and approve a 4.5% total package increase for the 2026-2027 Negotiated Agreement with the ESUEA negotiated staff. This includes $817 on the base, raising it to $40,409, and increasing the board's portion of health insurance paid from 75% employee/child which is $15,985.62 to 80% of employee/child, which is $17,051.33 Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
Discussion:
The 4.5% total package results in a $157,357.44 increase. This money is received from contracts, so the cost to the levy is $0. The ESUEA is only made up of certificated staff. Out of the 34 members of the ESUEA, all of them take health insurance except six.
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13.3. Administrator Evaluation Committee Report
Speaker(s):
Administrator Evaluation Committee Chair
Rationale:
Nine of eleven board members responded to the Chief Administrator evaluation. The Administrator Evaluation Committee met with Administrator Ostmeyer on December 11, 2025, to discuss the results. Administrator Evaluation Committee member Amy Blaser will provide any additional update.
Evaluation Timeline: - August: Evaluation Committee Chair and Administrator review Evaluation Tool and Evaluation Policy/Procedures. - September: Full Board is provided a paper copy of the evaluation questions. - October: Administrator sends digital evaluation and evaluation resources to the Evaluation Committee Chair in the first week of October. The chair then forwards on to the full Board for completion by the October Board Meeting. The Board will send their completed evaluation tool to the Evaluation Committee prior to the October Board Meeting. The Administrator completes the Evaluation Tool as a self-assessment and sends it to the Evaluation Committee Chair on or before October 31. - November: Committee Chair will send the completed Administrator self-assessment to the full Board after November 1. The Evaluation Committee compiles results of the full Board's completed evaluations prior to the November Board Meeting. - December: The Evaluation Committee meets prior to the December Board Meeting to review with the Administrator the results of the evaluation. Report to the full Board in December Board Meeting following Closed Session requirements with the Administrator present. - January: Confirm Evaluation Committee members. The Administrator provides the Evaluation Committee with goals and shares with the Board at the January Board Meeting.
Attachments:
()
Discussion:
The Evaluation Committee met with Administrator Ostmeyer on December 11, 2025. The committee requests 100% evaluation completion moving forward.
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13.4. Administrator Intent to Extend
Speaker(s):
Administrator or designee
Rationale:
As per the Chief Administrator’s contract, the Administrator shall, between Dec 1 and Dec 31 of the contract year, give the President of the Board the "Administrator's Note of intent to extend," which is a written notice that the Administrator intends to extend the contract which allows the Board of Education to renew this contract for a period up to three years and make adjustments on the annual total compensation each year of the contract.
Attachments:
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14. Conference Report
Speaker(s):
Conference Attendees
Rationale:
Conference Attendees will report on their learnings.
State Education Conference:
Discussion:
Board members Jack Young, Bob Arp, Don Graff, Dawn Lindsley and Clark Lehr shared their learning from both conferences. Topics discussed included eliminating phone usage in the classrooms, ESU representation on the full NASB Board of Directors, and Artificial Intelligence developments.
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15. Adjournment
Speaker(s):
Board President or Designee
Discussion:
Board Vice President Jack Young adjourned the meeting at 7:20 pm.
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