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

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.