Yutan Public Schools board adopts 2026-27 calendar, approves policies and staff pay increases

YUTAN, Neb. — The Yutan Public Schools Board of Education on March 9 adopted the district’s 2026-27 school calendar, approved multiple policy updates and accepted two certified staff resignations, and authorized increases to classified staff wages following a closed-session discussion of collective bargaining.

Board President Adam Wacker called the meeting to order at 6:20 p.m. in the Yutan High School media center. On routine votes taken during the session, the board unanimously approved an item to excuse the absence of board member Bill Hancock, approved the meeting agenda and the consent agenda (which included the Feb. 9 minutes and the treasurer’s report), and affirmed the monthly policy package presented by the superintendent.

The board approved new or revised policies numbered 5036 (Lockers), 5037 (Student Internet and Computer Access), 5039 (Fundraising Activities), 5040 (Work Permits), 5041 (Student Government), 5042 (Bulletin Boards) and 5043 (School Sponsored Publications) on a motion by Judy Daniell, seconded by Gary Hollst; the motion passed by roll call with five members voting yes and one absent.

The board adopted the proposed 2026-27 school calendar, presented by the superintendent and developed with administration and staff input, on a motion by Eric Wilke, seconded by Judy Daniell. The calendar accounts for instructional time, teacher contract days, inservice and traditional holidays; the motion passed by roll call (Yes: Daniell, Hollst, Ridder, Wacker, Wilke; Absent: Hancock).

The board accepted the resignations of Mrs. Coleman and Ms. Wibben, effective at the conclusion of the 2025-26 school year. The motion to accept the resignations was moved by Judy Daniell and seconded by Dan Ridder and carried by roll call vote.

The board entered closed session to discuss collective bargaining negotiations after a motion by Gary Hollst and a second from Dan Ridder. The body entered closed session at 7:23 p.m. and returned at 7:36 p.m. Following the closed-session discussion, the board approved increases to classified wages and salaries for 2026-27 — including an increase to the starting wage and a percentage increase to general wages and salaries — with a stated cap on total increases not to exceed $24,000. The motion was moved by Gary Hollst, seconded by Dan Ridder, and approved by roll call.

The board also noted administrative reports had been submitted from the elementary and high school principals, the activities director and the student services director. No public comments were recorded for this meeting. The board set its next regular meeting for April 13, 2026 at 6:15 p.m. in the high school media center and adjourned at 7:36 p.m.

Votes at a glance: - Excuse absence of Bill Hancock — Moved: Judy Daniell; Second: Gary Hollst; Vote: Yes 5, Absent 1; Outcome: Approved. - Approve meeting agenda — Moved: Gary Hollst; Second: Dan Ridder; Vote: Yes 5, Absent 1; Outcome: Approved. - Approve consent agenda (Feb. 9 minutes, treasurer’s report/claims) — Moved: Gary Hollst; Second: Eric Wilke; Vote: Yes 5, Absent 1; Outcome: Approved. - Approve policies 5036, 5037, 5039, 5040, 5041, 5042, 5043 — Moved: Judy Daniell; Second: Gary Hollst; Vote: Yes 5, Absent 1; Outcome: Approved. - Adopt 2026-27 school calendar — Moved: Eric Wilke; Second: Judy Daniell; Vote: Yes 5, Absent 1; Outcome: Approved. - Accept resignations of Mrs. Coleman and Ms. Wibben (effective end of 2025-26) — Moved: Judy Daniell; Second: Dan Ridder; Vote: Yes 5, Absent 1; Outcome: Approved. - Enter closed session for collective bargaining — Moved: Gary Hollst; Second: Dan Ridder; Vote: Yes 5, Absent 1; Outcome: Approved. - Approve classified wage and salary increases for 2026-27 (cap not to exceed $24,000) — Moved: Gary Hollst; Second: Dan Ridder; Vote: Yes 5, Absent 1; Outcome: Approved.

The meeting record notes that notices were published in the Wahoo Newspaper on Feb. 27, 2026 and posted at district locations and online on March 4, 2026.