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.

ELA Curriculum Update: Principals from several district elementary schools shared an overview of the district's first year of full implementation of its new English Language Arts curriculum. The presentation covered the five pillars of the science of reading and how the curriculum builds literacy skills systematically from preschool through the upper grades, with content spanning literature, science, and social studies themes that deepen year over year. Instructional coaches also joined the presentation. Board members responded enthusiastically, with several sharing firsthand observations from their own children and families that the curriculum is generating stronger engagement and curiosity in students.

Property Purchase Approved: The board approved the purchase of a townhome property at 210-220 W. Sherman Street, adjacent to the district's Technology Center and Central Office, for $250,000 plus closing costs. Assistant Superintendent Brett Richards presented the acquisition as a strategic move to secure land for future district needs, including potential technology center expansion, professional development space, and climate-controlled hardware storage. The property is currently occupied by tenants under existing leases, which the district will honor. Funding comes from the district's Special Building Fund.

Tax Appeal Agreement: The board approved an agreement with Sarpy County related to a property tax appeal filed by JDHQ Hotels (owners of the Embassy Suites and Courtyard properties in La Vista). After an appraisal process, the county determined the hotel properties had been overvalued for tax years 2022 through 2025, resulting in the district's share of a larger refund obligation totaling approximately $825,000. Rather than absorbing that loss in a single lump sum, the board approved joining the county's resolution, which allows the hotel to receive a property tax credit spread over future years. This approach gives the district more time to plan for the reduced tax revenue.

Legislative Session Recap: Tim Gay of Catalyst Public Affairs provided the board with a recap of the 2026 Nebraska legislative session. Among the highlights: a bill that would have required third graders to pass a reading test before advancing to fourth grade (LB 1050) did not advance, in part due to advocacy efforts from Dr. Rikli, Brett Richards, and educators statewide. A proposed spending lid bill (LB 1219) also did not pass, though Gay noted that property tax limitation measures are likely to resurface in future sessions. Several other education-related bills did pass, including changes to K-2 suspension procedures and substitute teacher certification requirements. The district will review the session's outcomes for any needed updates to board policy.

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.