Nebraska / School Districts / GRAND ISLAND PUBLIC SCHOOLS
After convening in executive session to discuss negotiations, the board approved proposed changes to the 2025–26 negotiated agreement with the Grand Island Education Association and to the superintendent's contract as presented.
Nebraska / School Districts / GRAND ISLAND PUBLIC SCHOOLS
The board accepted the resignation of board member Josh Sykes, who is leaving the community. Applications to fill the vacancy will open immediately with a Feb. 9 deadline and an appointment expected at the Feb. 12 regular meeting, within the 45-day statutory window.
Nebraska / School Districts / GRAND ISLAND PUBLIC SCHOOLS
The board approved an E‑Rate wireless award to CDWG (GIPS portion not to exceed $200,000), a $248,500 equipment purchase for the GISH cooling tower, and a $1,948,784.62 wired network upgrade to Hamilton Information Systems. Motions passed unanimously or by majority as recorded.
Nebraska / School Districts / GRAND ISLAND PUBLIC SCHOOLS
The board approved new Policy 84-63 to formally govern use of static and body-worn video surveillance across district buildings and by security staff. The district previously deployed cameras but had not adopted a written policy.
Nebraska / School Districts / GRAND ISLAND PUBLIC SCHOOLS
At its Jan. 8 reorganization meeting the Grand Island Public Schools Board elected Hank McFarland as president (4–3 written ballot) and Josh Hawley as vice president (7–0). The board also reviewed operating principles and required members to acknowledge the code of ethics.
Nebraska / School Districts / GRAND ISLAND PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Dr. Amanda Levos told the board that Grand Island Senior High submitted 10 applications for the Nebraska Seal of Biliteracy and all 10 were awarded (three gold and seven silver). The district plans to expand assessment pathways and integrate the seal into transcripts.
Nebraska / School Districts / GRAND ISLAND PUBLIC SCHOOLS
The Grand Island Public Schools Board authorized the superintendent to finalize a lease-purchase agreement with Apple Inc. for about 1,000 staff devices (roughly $808,000), with a capped annual payment of $350,000 and a term not to exceed seven years.
Nebraska / School Districts / GRAND ISLAND PUBLIC SCHOOLS
The board convened in executive session to discuss negotiations and the superintendent's contract and later reconvened; the board reported no actions resulting from the closed-session discussion that night.
Nebraska / School Districts / GRAND ISLAND PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Mitchell Rouse presented finalists and the overall winner for the superintendent's holiday-card contest: elementary finalist Maria (Howard), middle-school finalist Gabriela (Walnut Middle), and overall winner Layla (freshman at GISH); winners were recognized and photographed.
Nebraska / School Districts / GRAND ISLAND PUBLIC SCHOOLS
The board considered draft policy 92-11 (annual report), revisions to memorial guidance (95-01), and a new video-surveillance policy (84-63) covering mounted and body-worn cameras; board members questioned whether recordings are protected under FERPA and staff said the attorney will review.