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.

Budget Amendment for Construction Projects: The Board conducted a public hearing and approved an amendment to the 2024-25 Special Building Fund budget, increasing it from $33,058,561 to $68,058,561. This $35 million increase accommodates an accelerated construction schedule for bond projects approved by voters in the 2023 bond election. The district underestimated construction expenditures for the current fiscal year as 12 projects are progressing ahead of their original timelines.

This amendment requires no additional taxes beyond what voters already approved, as the funding comes from the existing bond authorization. The increased budget provides authority to spend up to the amended amount through August 31, 2025, when the 2025-26 budget takes effect. The accelerated pace of construction demonstrates efficient project management and favorable construction conditions.

Technology Purchases: The Board approved the purchase of 1,000 Chromebook cases for $21,470 through CDW-G as part of the district's ongoing technology refresh cycle. These cases will protect the Lenovo 100E Gen 4 Chromebooks used by freshman students in the district's 1:1 technology program. The purchase ensures devices remain protected throughout their lifecycle, supporting effective learning environments.

The district also discussed plans for elementary iPad purchases to continue updating student devices across all grade levels. This represents the next phase of the technology refresh cycle, maintaining modern learning tools for students in kindergarten through second grade. The Technology Department anticipates bringing a purchase recommendation for board approval at the June 23 meeting.

Legislative Update: Tim Gay from Catalyst Public Affairs provided an update on the concluded 89-day legislative session. The most significant development was the creation of a school financing review commission to evaluate Nebraska's TISA (Tax Equity and Educational Opportunities Support Act) funding formula. This commission will include education stakeholders and examine the state's approach to school funding.

Several education-related bills passed requiring district policy updates, including enhanced requirements for behavioral and mental health training for staff, updated electronic communication device policies, and protections for military family enrollment. The session concluded with ongoing budget challenges at the state level, as 25% of the state budget now goes toward property tax relief programs, creating sustainability concerns for future funding.

Policy Updates: The Board approved amendments to multiple Personnel Policy 4000 series policies. Key changes include adding references to the district's non-discrimination procedures, updating behavioral and mental health training requirements, clarifying travel approval processes, and refining employee absence and military leave provisions. These updates align district policies with current state and federal regulations while maintaining clear guidelines for employees.

The Board also began its annual review of Policy 6000 - Instruction series. Any recommended changes will be discussed at the June 23 meeting, with potential action at the July 14 board meeting.

These highlights represent key topics discussed during our recent board meeting. For complete meeting details, agendas, and minutes, please visit our website. Meeting recordings are also available on our YouTube channel @PLCSchools.