[{"_1":2,"_100":-5,"_101":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6529167,"mediaKeyId","3807097-065f1e0fc10e2f23c0e5bcaa250225d7","parentId",3807097,"title","Norfolk Public Schools details site security upgrades and staff‑recruitment steps as superintendent announces departure","audioSeconds",2184,"startMs",1283000,"endMs",3467000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3807097-065f1e0fc10e2f23c0e5bcaa250225d7&start=1283&end=3467","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3807097-065f1e0fc10e2f23c0e5bcaa250225d7/thumbnail_1283000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6529167/Nebraska/Norfolk-Public-Schools-details-site-security-upgrades-and-staffrecruitment-steps-as-superintendent-announces-departure","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6529167-9de45d41e04d406aa78ac588bc1980db/orig.mp4?Expires=1771164636&Signature=IIdzJ6HvVGWmILhYBMhZEvgJRRtmojmmdgS8M2LF6YekgQJdvb3hvFHcBE7ILd01kePrCuzFHWlwbUKUGT0Pz-ebft9-AYWYeGYfL0Y7JHb7RsPqAJTwfDP78I3kYMP5CmUQ~hEH9VdfeVA2IY8pya8Ga9HuhVKpc1byQPI2dY1d1DpDSKHv0-QnEE495q8LuDlDwjo~R6n-i6WthzTJltyQS0hZf0B4e4k3BlrgTTbRIQzW0UqwR6v5DDW66Pa-wfkFWpsk8zosda7qO6~Ec0gtcrXXs8MJaq1j5Wu301AHpgrWyMh2w-M1Gl9ixmI501RPtCJvuHHkerCcSet2CA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Norfolk Public Schools, NE","date","2025-06-10T12:23:31Z","article","NORFOLK, Neb. — Norfolk Public Schools presented progress on building‑level safety upgrades and plans to improve staff recruitment and retention at the June 9 board meeting, and Superintendent Dr. Jamie Jo Thompson said she will leave the district after 12 years, citing new employment in Rapid City.

Chuck Hughes, who leads student services and the district’s safety team, outlined five safety priorities identified in the district strategic action plan: interior classroom door locks, a secured middle‑school vestibule, access‑control card readers for exterior doors, a culture of safety with consistent procedures and trainings, and improved cybersecurity training including phishing tests.

“We felt that no school shooting has ever happened by locked and closed doors in a classroom,” Hughes said while describing the internal‑locks priority; he reported that classroom doors across the district now have switch or push‑button locks and that most buildings have two to four strategically placed access control points. The middle‑school vestibule is “near completion,” he said, with site work underway.

Other measures described included installing phones in classrooms to initiate the school response protocol (SRP), emergency binders for substitute teachers, increased hallway supervision expectations in larger buildings, and expanded camera coverage where needed. The technology team has installed air gaps and strengthened password and multifactor authentication practices districtwide; a district-developed phishing test is planned for rollout in the fall due to cost.

Angie Baumann, who oversees human resources and accreditation work, reviewed a multi-year recruitment and retention plan with three objectives: community involvement, culture and morale, and recruitment pathways. Actions include a new‑teacher welcome event hosted with the Chamber of Commerce, collaboration with business and higher‑education partners (including a student‑teacher tour proposal and para‑to‑teacher pathways), a PD task force that held a choice‑based professional day, and health-and-wellness activities for staff. The district has used LinkedIn to find candidates but discontinued it after evaluating cost-effectiveness.

“We had some staff talking about not having planned time,” Baumann said, describing a survey the district administered about loss of planning time; the district has responded with a PD task force and building social committees to support staff morale.

Dr. Thompson presented exit‑survey results showing retirement and “other” reasons as the most commonly selected categories for certified staff departures in 2024–25. The superintendent said 11 staff cited retirement; among the “other” responses were spousal relocation and personal career changes. At the district level, staff identified poor benefits and pay as the largest systemic factors contributing to departures. Thompson urged continued attention to benefits, pay and workload balance, and she highlighted high turnover in the special-education department as an area requiring ongoing support.

“After 12 incredibly rewarding years serving as superintendent of Norfolk Public Schools, I would like to express my deepest gratitude …” Dr. Thompson said, announcing her departure and thanking staff and the community.

Why it matters

The safety upgrades change day‑to‑day operations (door hardware, access control and camera placement) and require capital and technology investments; the recruitment and retention work targets an ongoing staffing shortfall that affects classroom coverage, special education and transportation. The superintendent’s planned departure signals a leadership transition the district must manage alongside these operational changes.

What’s next

Administrators said the middle‑school vestibule and remaining exterior‑door hardening steps will continue over the summer; the district plans to implement the phishing test in the fall. HR indicated further work on a business‑education engagement committee and a student‑teacher tour day to improve recruitment; the board will receive routine updates and contract postings this summer as positions are advertised.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Norfolk Public Schools NE Board Meeting 6/9/2025","oneSentenceSummary","District presenters described completed and planned school safety improvements and a multi-part staff retention and recruitment strategy; Superintendent Dr. Jamie Jo Thompson also shared exit‑survey findings and announced she will leave the district after 12 years.","taxTitle","NORFOLK PUBLIC SCHOOLS, School Districts, Nebraska","taxId",54457,"location","Nebraska","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6529172,"Parents ask for more time to review revised parental‑involvement policy at Norfolk Public Schools hearing",347,674000,1021000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3807097-065f1e0fc10e2f23c0e5bcaa250225d7&start=674&end=1021","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3807097-065f1e0fc10e2f23c0e5bcaa250225d7/thumbnail_674000.jpg","/articles/6529172/Nebraska/Parents-ask-for-more-time-to-review-revised-parentalinvolvement-policy-at-Norfolk-Public-Schools-hearing","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6529172-f8639c7a9639aca9b0054c304ef81c22/orig.mp4?Expires=1771164636&Signature=MqzwdttnsRA367DMy2xEgTqxExvgtvc9pkcemi4MI2zIrQK86S4h86N~dqdZMJXPyqDynEhTeaL~1M9I8yCPu5v8aNgHxt7NHRreGr6YroSDaGly8c~5gx1MNLWLKBm3Wxdm1WjJPO4JF-Y9rNYs2tq7IJMWmbZiXTfUwlI0~grOU96D83vr0SYTSDruXCpxp2EyHDdRd4AuW1YVLkyhtlzozKnFgvg~3-jG1yiIYk7tXMf~So~ec~m-GsbMxHUT49E7li32PPeSspuCBdf6LJ~mhQGNPiqYhp8J2jzWfnVhVwXuJ7smhqwqvIOkqI8zaRH~6uDu5Dqed0Ntk-L2sw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","NORFOLK, Neb. — At the Norfolk Public Schools Board of Education’s public hearing on the district’s parent‑involvement policy, several residents asked that the board delay action so more parents could review proposed changes tied to recent legislative updates.

Dr. Jamie Jo Thompson, superintendent, opened the hearing and described the required elements of the policy, saying it “contains all requirements of the statute, including how the school district will provide access to parents concerning textbooks, tests, and other curriculum materials” and that the policy on the agenda had been revised to reflect new statutory language.

Jan Haberman, who identified her address as 204 East Phillip, told the board she had only recently seen the agenda and requested more time for parents to study proposed changes. “I just found out about this hearing on, I think, Saturday, Friday, when I took some time to look at the minutes or the agenda,” Haberman said. She asked the board to table the policy so “others parents have time to look at it.”

Another resident, Peggy Hoffman of Norfolk, referenced Nebraska statutes and urged the board to ensure the policy is consistent with constitutional protections. “I was just looking at state statutes, chapter 43 in the state statutes for juveniles. And there’s two responsibilities. So I’m not sure what your policy change is going to be, but I think we need to be respectful of our constitution as well,” Hoffman said.

Board members and administration replied that the parent‑involvement hearing is held annually and that the hearing had been advertised in the Norfolk Daily News. The superintendent also noted the agenda includes a revised policy intended to update statutory language. The public‑comment portion for other topics was kept separate and the hearing closed after no additional speakers came forward.

Why it matters

The parent‑involvement policy (board policy 6400) governs several parental rights and district obligations, including access to instructional materials, monitoring course content, and notification about surveys. Changes are prompted by recent Nebraska legislation; because the policy affects parents’ rights and notification procedures across the district, residents and the board discussed community review and timing.

What’s next

The administration said the policy will be on the board’s agenda for future consideration and that the district conducts a parent‑involvement hearing each summer. The policy committee recommended revisions to align the document with updated statute language; the board will take action on revised policies as scheduled in upcoming meetings.","At a public hearing on the district’s revised parental‑involvement policy, residents asked the board to delay final action to allow wider review; the administration said the hearing is an annual requirement and the policy will be revisited next summer.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6529178,"Norfolk Public Schools board approves pay changes, meal-price increase and policy updates",5153,395000,5548000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3807097-065f1e0fc10e2f23c0e5bcaa250225d7&start=395&end=5548","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3807097-065f1e0fc10e2f23c0e5bcaa250225d7/thumbnail_395000.jpg","/articles/6529178/Nebraska/Norfolk-Public-Schools-board-approves-pay-changes-meal-price-increase-and-policy-updates","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6529178-4be9e57a7ece1bacaf2db049a6707875/orig.mp4?Expires=1771164636&Signature=XRJ0fx6D~0pPWNOspEaonCSiJ1~yFb58OBTfCInpK7sCsX~EM-M31y1VrPjQ39vsMCehl590DMNpMnIoKMvwnGptJqxAaqrgpnX0B0ADB4ACua2USeqXLZ9M15Z-QII8GP9SglDrHetvn2LdKl2Fms-TDjT7ki15ufMkSGlRGAmarYVEYY0DFYAT~VMZ0msKkCkVSIflr1jXyL6hJjgxFEFZ7B3yqQtKZ9Sn4nl92E9pwDj8rpsPQRjHh6gcgAQ-JI6eBCMrEqdAY5Qo0UE879TJWGjWRqkNOfBQarr4YSjWkkyC0jAL31vZT5F2lWbCfw3XrfPV6lz6BYLhQXi9Jw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","NORFOLK, Neb. — The Norfolk Public Schools Board of Education on June 9 approved a set of staffing, compensation and policy changes intended to address bus-driver shortages, district staffing structure and state-directed policy updates.

The board voted unanimously, 4-0, to approve adjustments to the 2025-26 classified hourly pay schedule, create a combined district transportation position, raise student meal prices to offset the end of a federal allowance and adopt or read multiple policy changes prompted by new state and federal requirements.

The changes include a targeted pay incentive for route bus drivers, a reorganization that combines special education and maintenance transportation coordinator duties into a single district transportation coordinator (projected savings about $55,000 annually), and a 30-cent average lift in paid lunch prices to cover the loss of a federal supply-chain allowance estimated at roughly $100,000 to the district’s nutrition fund.

Votes at a glance

- Excuse Board Member Terry Bauer (agenda: roll call). Outcome: approved (4-0).
- Excuse Board Member Brenda Carhart (absence). Outcome: approved (4-0).
- Approve consent agenda (includes personnel contract for Theresa Goodrich, special‑education co‑teacher). Outcome: approved (4-0).
- Approve 2025–26 classified hourly pay schedule (includes bus-driver/CDL incentives). Outcome: approved (4-0).
- Approve combining two transportation coordinator roles into one classified salary position (estimated annual savings ~$55,000). Outcome: approved (4-0).
- Approve 2025–26 student meal prices (PK–6 lunch $3.25→$3.55; grades 7–12 lunch $3.35→$3.65; breakfast districtwide $1.75→$2.05). Outcome: approved (4-0).
- Reaffirm policies reviewed annually by statute (policy numbers 5008 attendance, 5415 anti-bullying, 5417 school wellness, 6370 multicultural education). Outcome: approved (4-0).
- Approve reading of policy 5423 (student searches and handheld devices). Outcome: approved (4-0).
- Approve reading of policy 5507 (foster-care student transportation). Outcome: approved (4-0).
- Approve reading of policy 6113 (electronic communication devices and cell phones). Outcome: approved (4-0).
- Approve reading of policy 6931 (behavioral intervention and classroom management). Outcome: approved (4-0).
- Approve reading of multiple revised policies that reflect recent state/federal law changes (see authority list). Outcome: approved (4-0).
- Rescind policies 1211 (Title IX procedures), 5103 (tribal regalia) and 6410 (combined Title I parent/family engagement policy) consistent with attorney and NDE recommendations. Outcome: approved (4-0).

Board process and vote record

For items showing “Motion carried 4-0,” the recorded board members voting yes were Cindy Booth, Dr. Patty Gubels, Steve McNally and Tom Stanton. Terry Bauer and Brenda Carhart were recorded as excused. Where motions and seconds were named in the transcript, motions were moved and seconded by board members (examples: several motions were moved by Dr. Gubels and seconded by Cindy Booth; other motions were moved by Patty Gubels and seconded by Steve McNally). The meeting used roll call votes where required.

Why it matters

The classified pay changes and the transportation reorganization are intended to address persistent staffing shortages (especially bus drivers and special-education transportation). The meal-price increase is a direct response to the end of a federal supply-chain allowance and is intended to stabilize the nutrition fund. The policy updates and rescissions are largely clerical and compliance actions tied to recent Nebraska legislative changes and attorney/NDE guidance; some items (for example, the electronic devices and behavioral-intervention policies) will be further detailed in student handbooks and codes of conduct.

What the board recorded

Minutes and the finance packet attached to the meeting show the district’s claims by fund: General fund $292,002.81, Nutrition fund $760.99, Cooperative fund $525.22, Subsidiary fund $32,171.72, Depreciation fund $228,295.83, Special building fund $5,089.02, Senior high activity fund $36,131.88, Junior high activity fund $912.33, Student fee fund $1,148. These claims were reviewed earlier by the Finance and Facilities committee.

Next steps

Several policy readings approved at the meeting will be published in staff and student handbooks; the board scheduled a reading of finalized handbook-related language and plans to approve related conduct consequences at its July meeting. The rescinded policies will be replaced by administrative rules or templates as recommended by attorneys or the Nebraska Department of Education.

","At its June meeting, the Norfolk Public Schools Board of Education approved changes to classified pay, student meal prices and a package of policy readings and rescissions; all formal votes passed 4-0.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Norfolk Public Schools details site security upgrades and staff‑recruitment steps as superintendent announces departure

Parents ask for more time to review revised parental‑involvement policy at Norfolk Public Schools hearing

Norfolk Public Schools board approves pay changes, meal-price increase and policy updates