Votes at a glance: Norfolk Public Schools board approves student fees, contract renewals and personnel actions

NORFOLK, Neb. — The Norfolk Public Schools Board of Education voted on a slate of routine and substantive items at its May meeting, including adoption of the 2025–26 student fees, contract renewals for nutrition and transportation services, updated substitute pay rates and personnel actions.

The board approved the consent agenda and a series of individual action items by recorded roll-call votes. All recorded motions carried 6–0.

Key outcomes

- Student fees (2025–26): The board reaffirmed policy 5416 and approved attachment B setting fees for the 2025–26 school year. Motion carried 6–0; motion recorded as by Dr. Patty Goebbels with a second by Steve McNally. The district presented fee receipts and expenditures for 2023–24 through April and said fee revenues collected through April totaled $61,593.70; disbursements were $50,870.81, leaving a student fee fund cash balance of $530,497.72 as of April 30, 2024.

- Second and final reading of business operations board policies (3230–3580): The board approved the second and final reading of policies related to business operations. Motion carried 6–0.

- Sale of surplus technology and maintenance items via community garage sale: Approved; motion carried 6–0. The district said items will include outdated desktops, Chromebooks, projectors, iPads, maintenance equipment and other end-of-life items; unsold items will be recycled or disposed of.

- Substitute teacher rates for 2025–26: The board approved increases to substitute daily pay (a $5 increase to the daily rate and $2 to the long‑term substitute rate). Motion carried 6–0.

- Renewal of nutrition services contract with LSI (Lunchtime Solutions, Inc.): One-year renewal for 2025–26 approved; contract includes a 1% increase for cost and materials. Motion carried 6–0. The district said the renewal was reviewed and approved by the Nebraska Department of Education Nutrition Services and that this is the final year of a five‑year contract before bid process.

- Renewal of transportation contract with Aero Stagelines: One-year renewal for 2025–26 approved; the contract includes a 4% increase in transportation costs (district estimate: approximately $70 increase for trips to Omaha and Lincoln, round trip). Motion carried 6–0. District staff said Aero has provided reliable service and helps address local bus‑driver shortages.

- Cancellation of contract for Megan Lovejoy: The board approved cancellation of contract for staff member Megan Lovejoy following prior executive-session discussion; the district’s attorney recommended the action and Lovejoy did not request a hearing within the allotted timeframe. Motion carried 6–0.

- Interim superintendent contract for Bill McAllister: After executive session and contract revisions, the board approved a contract for Bill McAllister to serve as interim superintendent. Motion carried 6–0.

Votes at a glance (recorded details)

- Consent agenda: Motion to approve (mover not specified on the public transcript line where the motion was offered), vote recorded "Motion carried, 6 0." The board recorded three conflict-of-interest disclosures and corresponding abstentions on specific claims before voting on the remainder of the consent items.

- Student fees (policy 5416 and attachment B): Motion by Dr. Patty Goebbels; second by Steve McNally. Vote: 6–0.

- Business operations policies (3230–3580), second/final reading: Motion by Tom Stanton; second by Cindy Booth. Vote: 6–0.

- Sale of surplus items (community garage sale): Motion by Steve McNally; second by Dr. Patty Goebbels. Vote: 6–0.

- Substitute rates (2025–26): Motion by Steve McNally; second by Tom Stanton. Vote: 6–0.

- LSI renewal (nutrition services): Motion by Dr. Patty Goebbels; second by Tom Stanton. Vote: 6–0.

- Aero Stagelines renewal (transportation): Motion by Terry Bauer; second by Steve McNally. Vote: 6–0.

- Cancellation of contract (Megan Lovejoy): Motion by Terry Bauer; second by Patty Goebbels. Vote: 6–0.

- Interim superintendent contract (Bill McAllister): Motion by Tom Stanton; second by Patty Goebbels. Vote: 6–0.

Why it matters

The approvals set district fees and vendor services for the 2025–26 school year, incorporate modest cost increases in nutrition and transportation contracts, and finalize key personnel changes including approval of an interim superintendent. The board flagged a forthcoming bidding process for nutrition services next winter and noted continuing operational challenges such as bus‑driver shortages and the district’s capital needs.

What’s next

Board members and staff said they will continue budget work over the summer as state legislative outcomes and county valuations are finalized. The district noted the 2025–26 budget must be submitted by Sept. 30, 2025.