Two public commentators addressed the board during the Aug. 28 Committee of the Whole meeting.

Kenzie Lohmer, speaking as president of the North Platte Education Association, asked the board to maintain the district's current staff dress policy, Core Policy 4041, which the association characterizes as "smart casual" and said has allowed staff to wear jeans. "The current dress code is making a positive difference in morale," Lohmer said, summarizing a 2024 membership survey she said showed strong support among certified staff for the policy change. She told trustees the change cost the district nothing and helped teachers connect with students, especially in early-childhood classrooms where being able to sit on the floor matters.

Shreya Aggarwal, who identified herself as a North Platte parent, said the first weeks of the school year had been positive for her children and thanked administrators and staff for preserving services despite federal funding uncertainty. Aggarwal urged trustees to consider adding an at-large board seat so the board would have an odd number of members and avoid tie votes. "A flip of a coin should not be the decider for some of the most challenging and important decisions," she said, referencing Nebraska statutory process and noting that adding an at-large position would require a board recommendation and must be done in an odd calendar year to appear on the next statewide general-election ballot.

Board members thanked both speakers and said they would follow up on the policy and the parent's suggestion about board composition.