Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the School Policy And Governance topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Centura Board adopts state-mandated policies, approves student handbook and renews facilities contract
Summary
At its June 15 meeting the Centura Public Schools Board adopted new state-mandated policies including an AI-use policy and library access rule, approved multiple policy revisions, the 2026-27 student handbook, renewed the Johnson Controls contract and set school meal prices; all motions passed 4-0 with two members absent.
CENTURA, Neb. — The Centura Public Schools Board of Education on June 15 adopted a set of new and revised district policies required by recent legislation, approved the 2026-27 Student/Parent Handbook, renewed a facilities services contract and set school meal prices for next year.
Board action: On a motion by Mark Johnson, seconded by Todd Nitsch, the board adopted three new policies required by recent legislation: Policy 3061 (ACH Originator Policy), Policy 4065 (Staff Use of AI Tools) and Policy 6046 (Right to Access School Library Materials). The board also approved revisions to multiple existing policies covering bidding and procurement, fiscal management for federal funds, communicable disease procedures, employee collective bargaining relations, workplace safety, resignation of certificated staff, compulsory attendance and related items. All votes on policy matters were recorded Yea: 4, Nay: 0, Absent: 2.
Why it matters: Superintendent Dr. Kaela Heneger told the board these policy adoptions respond to recent statutory requirements and district planning, and that the district is updating handbooks and internal procedures to match the changes.
Student handbook and contracts: Principals Beberniss and Brown answered board questions about the proposed 2026-27 Student/Parent Handbook before the board approved it on a motion by Mark Johnson and second by Chelsea Schweitzer. The board also voted to renew the Johnson Controls contract for 2026-2027 (motion by Todd Nitsch, second by Mark Johnson); that motion carried by the same 4-0 margin reported for other votes.
Finances and claims: The board approved the consent agenda, including General Fund claims totaling $674,752.85 (Payables $118,137.83; Payroll $556,615.02), Building Fund claims of $3,420.00 and Depreciation Fund claims of $0.
Meals and budgeting: The board reviewed proposals on how lunch prices are set and approved the recommended school meal prices for the 2026-27 school year (motion by Mark Johnson; second by Chelsea Schweitzer). Dr. Heneger said staff are also exploring grant opportunities to fund kitchen equipment replacements and security upgrades.
Committee updates: Mark Johnson, reporting for the Facilities, Finance and Transportation Committee, recommended continuing the annual Johnson Controls contract and provided an update on the wastewater treatment plant project, which is in the planning and dirt-work staging phase. The committee also discussed a potential athletic trainer position and related contract needs; no formal action on a trainer contract was taken at this meeting.
Next steps: The board set planning and meeting dates for July–September 2026, and scheduled a board retreat for July 16, 2026. The meeting adjourned at 8:00 p.m.
(Reporting based on the Centura Board of Education regular meeting minutes, June 15, 2026.)
