Yutan Public Schools board ratifies negotiated agreement, approves policy package and enrollment limits

YUTAN, Neb. — The Yutan Public Schools Board of Education on Feb. 9 ratified a negotiated agreement with the Yutan Education Association and approved routine district business, including policy updates and enrollment caps for the 2026–27 school year.

President Adam Wacker presided over the meeting at the Yutan High School media center. After routine roll call and approval of the agenda, the board approved the consent agenda, which included the Jan. 12 meeting minutes and the treasurer’s report. The votes on routine items were unanimous among those present: five yes, zero no, with one member absent.

In business items, the board reviewed and approved a set of policy updates covering admissions, foreign exchange students, enrollment of expelled students, pregnant or parenting students, adult education, immunizations, physical and visual evaluations, testing and assessment, and homeless-student procedures. Board member Judy Daniell moved to approve the policies; Bill Hancock seconded and the motion passed on roll call 5–0 (Gary Hollst was absent).

The board voted to continue its annual membership in the Nebraska Association of School Boards. The membership was approved on a motion by Eric Wilke, seconded by Judy Daniell, at a cost of $4,722.

The board also adopted an Option Enrollment resolution setting numeric capacities by grade and building for the 2026–27 school year. The motion to approve the resolution was made by Judy Daniell and seconded by Eric Wilke; the roll call vote was 5–0 in favor, with one absence.

Administrators submitted written reports from building principals, the activities director, the student services director and the superintendent; Katie Thompson joined the meeting to showcase elementary staff work through the district’s "Data Digs" initiative, which the board highlighted as a positive instructional practice.

The board voted to enter closed session, citing statute authorizing discussion of collective bargaining. The board entered closed session at 7:36 p.m. and exited at 7:52 p.m. Following the closed session, the board ratified the negotiated agreement between Yutan Public Schools and the Yutan Education Association for the 2026–27 school year on a motion by Judy Daniell, seconded by Eric Wilke; the roll call vote was Yes 5, No 0, Absent 1.

The meeting adjourned at 7:54 p.m. The next regular meeting is scheduled for Monday, March 9, 2026 at 6:15 p.m. in the high school media center.