[{"_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",6518585,"mediaKeyId","5387850-990d4747a5b76966c44464866fb6be4f","parentId",5387850,"title","Board unanimously approves consent agenda, personnel contract and 2025–26 handbooks","audioSeconds",1671,"startMs",3252000,"endMs",4923000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5387850-990d4747a5b76966c44464866fb6be4f&start=3252&end=4923","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5387850-990d4747a5b76966c44464866fb6be4f/thumbnail_3252000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6518585/Nebraska/Board-unanimously-approves-consent-agenda-personnel-contract-and-202526-handbooks","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6518585-a51b05e12eb150bc6ff45806e9de9250/orig.mp4?Expires=1770985317&Signature=EOzcqmNOAywolMpcLvVECy87v-atiafQIbHGFUEI~4dXHctoU3PxheBoz2G8h7KyFeYAfBWhc88mnG-IjoYiHpFI0QKjPnWP8rLhd5q5iDqL4Q8QB3dGOh5shCYH9n8rXiS3N34QFlhTAoHgAmRdN-ZSw9ZWCcTdpkgAzi3K8~Uj-xkII-Jvatrc8Y~HDGhsmIRQ2totO~6-6MzVh-MvJbV7ywcurpB9Xx3Nbh55ql2-uO~jZuKm0~z4iHL9Zb8k977tBMeKKwMkVNRDdblCMWLCfWdMIGkaCZh3tjbKVMhKpfHN0Ba5DbW0~Djb452irC9UIm6XGzrI0tx3zZ97WA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Norfolk Public Schools, NE","date","2025-07-15T12:02:13Z","article","The Norfolk Public Schools Board of Education voted unanimously on a series of routine approvals at its meeting, including the consent agenda, a personnel contract and the district’s set of 2025–26 handbooks.

Motions and outcomes (all votes recorded as motion carried 6–0): the consent agenda (which included minutes, claims and personnel/contracts); the certified staff handbook; the classified staff handbook; the substitute teacher handbook; the Little Panthers Preschool handbook; the elementary handbook (K–4); the Norfolk Middle School handbook; the Norfolk Junior High handbook; and the Norfolk High School handbook.

Consent agenda and contract: the consent agenda, moved by Patty and seconded by Tom Stanton, included a personnel contract for Brielle Zedeker as a special education teacher (listed as vocational coordinator/adult transition on the contract). District staff said Zedeker holds a bachelor of arts and qualifies for an alternative certificate; she has two years to complete certification required by the district. The consent agenda also included the claims Wilson detailed earlier (general fund $780,429.58; nutrition fund $27,442.16; subsidiary $14,340.05; senior high activity $30,975.87; junior high activity $13,397.24; student fee fund $9,021.55).

Handbooks — key notes from discussion and changes: board members and staff noted the following specifics during handbook review.
- Certified and classified staff handbooks: described as having only minor changes; the certified staff handbook reflects the rescission of a Title I parental‑involvement policy the board previously rescinded.
- Substitute teacher handbook: revised to reflect a change in the Nebraska Department of Education local substitute certificate requirement from 60 credit hours to 48 credit hours (language updated in the handbook).
- Little Panthers Preschool and other handbooks: multiple updates were made to align with changes in law. During discussion the board considered language establishing that an appeal of a suspension may be heard by a three‑member board committee or by the full board; board members debated timing and notice issues before approving the handbooks, and accepted language that allows either the committee or full board to hear appeals when necessary.
- Elementary and higher‑grade handbooks: board members asked for clarifications including how vaccination exemptions are processed and for a consistent electronic‑device loss statement across buildings.
- High school handbook: several board members and a public commenter raised concerns about the district’s target‑based grade conversion chart (noting a conversion that maps a 3.5 to 99, 3 to 98 and then a drop to an 89 at 2.5). The board directed staff to review the conversion and suggested starting the conversation with the curriculum committee.
- Middle school handbook: staff clarified the district’s use of GoGuardian “penalty box” controls for Chromebook misuse and said the penalty box restricts student access to only required instructional sites rather than full web access.

Procedural and personnel notes: board members discussed whether suspension appeals should be expedited via a committee when timelines for events (for example athletic or FFA trips) would make waiting for a regularly scheduled board meeting impractical. Some members argued for full‑board hearings as a matter of deference; others favored a committee process to allow timelier review. The board approved the handbook language as presented; board members said they expect to bring any future procedural refinements back to the board for policy consideration.

Votes at a glance (each motion recorded in the meeting minutes):
- Consent agenda (includes claims and personnel/contracts): motion by Patty, second by Tom Stanton — approved 6–0.
- Certified staff handbook: motion by Tom Stanton, second by Steve McNally — approved 6–0.
- Classified staff handbook: motion by Patty, second by Steve McNally — approved 6–0.
- Substitute teacher handbook: motion by Tom Stanton, second by Patty — approved 6–0.
- Little Panthers Preschool handbook: motion by Patty, second by Tom Stanton — approved 6–0.
- Elementary (K–4) handbook: motion by Patty, second by Terry — approved 6–0.
- Middle school handbook: motion by Patty, second by Tom Stanton — approved 6–0.
- Junior High handbook: motion by Patty, second by Terry — approved 6–0.
- High School handbook: motion by Tom Stanton, second by Patty — approved 6–0.

Board members said they will follow up on grading‑conversion concerns with the curriculum committee, clarify consistent language about electronic devices across buildings and provide further information on how specific penalties apply in PE and other classes. The approved contract and handbooks take effect for the 2025–26 school year unless otherwise noted.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Norfolk Public Schools NE Board Meeting 7/14/2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Norfolk Public Schools Board unanimously approved the consent agenda, one personnel contract and the district’s set of 2025–26 handbooks at its regular meeting; votes on each item were 6–0.","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},6518593,"Norfolk Public Schools details MTSS, PBIS and data plan to raise student achievement",690,292000,982000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5387850-990d4747a5b76966c44464866fb6be4f&start=292&end=982","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5387850-990d4747a5b76966c44464866fb6be4f/thumbnail_292000.jpg","/articles/6518593/Nebraska/Norfolk-Public-Schools-details-MTSS-PBIS-and-data-plan-to-raise-student-achievement","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6518593-17cf27cc536008cb49c024457f354d38/orig.mp4?Expires=1770985317&Signature=EzMncFkuIUtbVG4ANLoHanXK74hYiMQXw-xTHILLolaf0lhFGuzLP6fjvJ6K0achnUkpjXbUG6vQkbPt7U8K-sS14ao~58cRAqZIabpiwQg6nVGhpUgRaTEJCpRjNK-mM5mWMSAV6QrZaGVR-q5zuQ~Pf2J23BkskrHLu4jM0MpQVz3Xhd~~1sYS53GSJcJV~ThpdD3M9tbUDhUGGPkXJQMbKToIQfKbS3~~yZ2Q8AANTX-x3IO3kyOoq6wxap0Uv461DYXS63IHtQ8Duz91gxEbP~iF~yAl~jWoDYPKqZrXPkmERNa6X6-CCn61RJCsop7NqbROfbu6dSdZ~jxkJA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Jared Oswald, director of teaching and learning for Norfolk Public Schools, told the Board of Education that the district is pursuing two linked strategic goals: by 2026 the district will meet or exceed the state average on state student achievement assessments, and by 2027 the district will have districtwide systems of academic, behavioral and mental‑health supports in place.

The presentation focused on how multi‑tiered systems of support (MTSS) for academics and Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) for behavior fit together. \"We are very strong in our implementation of tier 1 and tier 2 supports,\" Oswald said, describing a three‑tier model: universal (tier 1) instruction and supports, targeted (tier 2) interventions such as check‑in/check‑out, and a tier 3 of intensified supports that the district is still developing.

Oswald said NPS has worked with the Nebraska MTSS team under a state personnel development (SPEDIG) grant to train staff and refine systems; teams returned this summer for additional support. At the elementary level, MTSS teams meet on a six‑week cycle to identify students needing extra help. He said secondary scheduling makes the same cadence harder to maintain, so targeted work often occurs within teacher teams or when counselors are asked to coordinate supports.

On behavior supports, Oswald described check‑in/check‑out used commonly in K–8 and a more in‑depth check‑and‑connect mentoring model at the high school. He said the district will continue work this year to formalize tier‑3 protocols for students requiring intensive help.

Oswald also reviewed state assessment trends. He said Norfolk’s NCAS results have trended upward over three years in ELA, math and science, with a recent decline in math from 59% proficient to 56% proficient that the district will monitor. He said ACT results dipped in 2022–23 and showed some recovery last year; compared with peer districts Norfolk is slightly behind in several areas and is prioritizing math instruction.

Oswald described plans for communicating results to stakeholders: yearly release of NCAS and ACT scores after state embargo, typically with a district press release in October. He said staff professional development tied to MTSS and PBIS will include opportunities to attend the NEMTSS summit in Kearney.

During public comment a resident urged the district to set goals higher than the state average and questioned the district’s target‑based grade conversion chart. A board member proposed a data retreat so the board could review more of the district’s assessment data in depth; Oswald and others supported narrowing the focus to key metrics that show whether MTSS is working.

Board members asked for follow‑up on several items Oswald raised, including a clearer plan for tier‑3 interventions and additional teacher feedback after the NEMTSS summit.

The presentation concluded with board questions; Oswald said he and district leaders will return with more detailed goals and a communication plan for assessment data.","Jared Oswald, director of teaching and learning for Norfolk Public Schools, told the Board of Education that the district is pursuing two linked strategic goals: by 2026 the district will meet or exceed the state average on state student achievement assessments, and by 2027 the district will have districtwide systems of academic, behavioral and mental‑health supports in place.",{"_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},6518590,"District finance report warns of $3 million drop in equalization aid and uncertain federal grants",441,1822000,2263000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5387850-990d4747a5b76966c44464866fb6be4f&start=1822&end=2263","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5387850-990d4747a5b76966c44464866fb6be4f/thumbnail_1822000.jpg","/articles/6518590/Nebraska/District-finance-report-warns-of-3-million-drop-in-equalization-aid-and-uncertain-federal-grants","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6518590-1d49410af4087a8f7f20187e1212e21c/orig.mp4?Expires=1770985317&Signature=HqkKqGedR63wkaci7fB6j6HVFXypif4mMgD03Ol9nnuuzcWJOcru7R28x6BdyUE9JiA9xS7SSANYe30sbN8LpxLclTt1bK1FfWKIvL7h-Xkqlo5irmfEijQ2Rs1Q4R9RDULLrCUGdQoXR4siODEbEXLdGGRjGul6XCNuc3~DtCYgUnps8FjNaezHXFd7sKone4qmWZB4TyIaiB9~0xsd1OJ2ZBKKqaqNzcgbu28MJoOOvhAoQeO50FYxb1E1L92ZBAenWuQ5BRBQaO-zo-5c~sopLhjPDgNus4FoKNL8pqNWs2S~1mnr1eZ~gvqkyD8vnufSImtLMjtcn4cDu5q~aw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Eric Wilson, director of finance and facilities for Norfolk Public Schools, told the board the consent agenda included claims and then outlined budget issues the district expects as it closes FY2024–25 and plans for 2025–26.

Wilson listed claims by fund: general fund $780,429.58; nutrition fund $27,442.16; subsidiary fund $14,340.05; special building fund $300 (amount appears truncated in the record); senior high activity fund $30,975.87; junior high activity fund $13,397.24; student fee fund $9,021.55. He said these claims had been reviewed earlier by the finance and facilities committee.

Wilson said the state paid the annual property tax credit directly to the district in April rather than when taxpayers pay in August, which made current‑year receipts look larger though the funds belong to taxpayers. He noted ESSR (COVID) projects closed out last year produced revenue this fiscal year because of timing differences between expenses and reimbursements.

On 2025–26 impacts, Wilson said the district expects a large decrease in state equalization aid — approximately $3,000,000 — caused by a higher valuation last year combined with a district levy near $0.90 while the state calculates aid using a $1.00 levy reference. \"A large valuation increase with the lower levy resulted in a decrease in state fund,\" he said.

Wilson also reported several federal grants were temporarily on hold, naming in the meeting record \"Title 20 first century ELL migrant\" (as reported), and said the district’s Aftershock program and multiple ELL programs could be affected if grants are not awarded.

Wilson said salary negotiations for 2025–26 had produced a $1,600,000 increase and that the district had already approved more than $700,000 in cuts to the 2025–26 budget. He outlined the timeline: official property valuations will not be known until Aug. 20; final closeout of FY2024–25 will be at the August board meeting; a formal budget and tax hearing is expected in early–mid September and the budget must be submitted to the state by Sept. 30.

Board members discussed the mechanics of how the state calculates equalization aid and the effect of the district’s levy level on aid amounts. Wilson and board members said they will continue to monitor grant announcements and valuation figures as they become available and return to the board with updated numbers.","Eric Wilson, director of finance and facilities, told the board the district expects about a $3,000,000 decrease in state equalization aid for 2025–26 and that some federal grants supporting ELL and after‑school programs are currently on hold.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Board unanimously approves consent agenda, personnel contract and 2025–26 handbooks

Norfolk Public Schools details MTSS, PBIS and data plan to raise student achievement

District finance report warns of $3 million drop in equalization aid and uncertain federal grants