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.

Leadership Cohort Presentation: Five members of the district's Leadership Cohort presented to the board on the recently completed 18-month program, which wrapped up in April 2026 with 17 participants from across the district. The program, led by Dr. Kati Settles and co-facilitated by Gretchen Kalkowski, gave educators opportunities to develop leadership skills through guest speakers, shadowing experiences, mock interviews, a visit to the Nebraska Legislature, community closet volunteering, and the creation and delivery of personalized learning sessions for staff. Over 50 in-person hours were logged, and participants could earn UNO leadership credit. Of the 17 members, five have already moved into leadership roles. Survey results showed 100% of participants felt better prepared for leadership and would recommend the program to colleagues. Applications for the next cohort will open in fall 2027.

Driver Education Contract Approved: The board approved the district's annual contract with ESU 3 to provide driver education for students in 2026-27. ESU 3 supplies the instructor, vehicles, insurance, and all behind-the-wheel training. The program includes 20 hours of classroom instruction and 3-4 hours of behind-the-wheel training. The cost of $475 per student, paid directly by families, remains unchanged from last year.

Bond Project Update: Brett Richards provided the board and community with a progress update on the 2023 bond facility improvement projects. Several projects are now complete, including improvements at Hickory Hill, Terra Heights, Trumble Park, Parkview Heights, YATP, both high school additions, baseball and softball fields, and security film and fencing at many locations. The new Lincoln View Elementary is substantially complete, with staff moving in July ahead of the start of the school year. Papillion Middle is well ahead of schedule, Bell and Portal are over halfway done, and Walnut Creek is progressing quickly. Patriot will begin construction this summer. A ribbon cutting for Lincoln View is being planned closer to the school year.

Personnel Policy Review: Dr. Settles presented several proposed updates to the district's 4000 Series personnel policies for board discussion. Key changes include a new policy formalizing guidelines for internet searches during the hiring process, an update to the resignation policy that aligns the contract release date with the March 15 intent-to-return deadline, and consolidation of the tutoring policy into the existing non-school employment policy. Any changes will come back for formal board action at the June 8 meeting.

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.