Welcome to our Board Meeting Bulletin series, where we highlight key takeaways from each board meeting to keep our community informed and engaged with the latest developments in our school district.

Inclusive Practices Presentation: Title I principals (Seth Hiveley, Jamie Boyer, Jen Noble, Ami Nichols, and Randy Guthmiller) along with special education teachers and speech language pathologists presented on inclusive practices across their schools. The presentation highlighted the expansion of Unified Sports programs that pair students of different abilities. Presenters also discussed successful inclusive activities like snack or tea carts, various inclusion awareness events celebrated throughout the year, and effective co-teaching models where educators share responsibilities fluidly to support all learners. Several staff members emphasized that their schools maintain a "they're all our kids" philosophy that fosters genuine friendships beyond mere kindness.

2025 Student Technology Purchase Approved: The board approved a $1,062,738 purchase agreement with CDW-G for 3,400 Lenovo Chromebook 100E Gen 4 devices (8GB/64GB) with 4-year warranties and Google Chrome OS Management Licenses. Mr. Moore explained that the district selected the 8GB RAM option (rather than 4GB) since the price difference was only about $14 per device, which will improve device performance and longevity. This annual purchase maintains the district's secondary 1:1 Chromebook device fleet for grades 7-12 and refreshes elementary school devices. Chromebook cases will be purchased separately at a later date.

2025-26 School Calendar Amendment: The board approved amendments to the previously adopted 2025-26 school calendar, identifying additional possible make-up days in case of excessive inclement weather. Dr. Settles noted that attendance on the recent April 21, 2025 make-up day was typical for a Monday, which affirmed the decision to hold class before Memorial Day. The newly designated potential make-up days include February 16, April 3, April 6, May 7 (seniors' last day), and May 8, 2026. These would be considered before using the previously designated make-up days of May 26-28, 2026, with Dr. Settles noting that April 3 would be the last day considered among the new options.

Legislative Update: Mr. Brett Richards reported that the Economic Forecast Committee recently projected a state shortfall exceeding $300 million for the next two years. With only about 20 days remaining in the legislative session, several education bills are being monitored, including a retirement bill that could lower contribution rates for teachers and employers, potentially saving teachers approximately $1,200 annually. The board was also briefed on LB653 (which includes special education option enrollment provisions) and the potential removal of state funding for junior ACT testing in the proposed budget.

Administrative & Superintendent Salary Discussions: The board discussed the administrative salary package for 2025-26 following the teacher negotiated agreement approved in January 2025 (4.69% total package increase). The proposal includes a 4.035% average package increase for certified administrators with a base salary increase from $72,600 to $74,290, and a 3.80% package increase for assistant superintendents. Dr. Rikli's proposed compensation of $273,947.31 represents a 3.605% total package increase, with a total package cost of $341,528.86 and a total budgeted amount of $352,608.85. Dr. Settles noted that among Nebraska's 15 largest school districts, PLCS currently ranks 8th in superintendent salary and 9th in total package despite being the 4th largest district.

These are just a few of the topics discussed during our recent board meeting. For full access to agendas and minutes, please visit our website. Broadcast recordings of the meetings are also available on our YouTube channel.