Stephanie Ware

The meeting included a review of statute 79-724 by the Committee on American Civics and an acceptance of public comment on the topic of American Civics. The committee reviewed several policies, including Policy 2002, Policy 6012, Policy 6032, and Policy 6041. An overview of the K-12 Social Studies curriculum was presented, noting the district's purchase of a new curriculum at the start of the 2021-2022 school year. The board discussed the requirement for 8th and 12th grade students to take the civics portion of the naturalization test.

The board meeting included discussions and actions on several key items. The 2025-2026 Southern Public Schools Budget and the 2025-2026 Property Tax Resolution were both approved. A presentation was given on possible future facilities projects, including estimated bids. An overview of the sale of QCPUF Bonds was also discussed.

The meeting included a curriculum report, a review of superintendent search input, and updates on budget and future facility projects. Public comments were received. The board approved proceeding with the development of drawings and bid documents for potential gymnasium building, renovations to the Elementary school and practice track. They also approved general fund, special building fund, depreciation fund, and qualified capitol purpose undertaking fund claims. An update was provided on facility projects, including the electric bus recall, robot turn painter, kitchen repairs and the HVAC project at the High School. The board also discussed personnel items, including deleting Policy 4040. The elementary principal reported on enrollment, parent teacher conferences, interest in starting a PTO, teacher inservice, lockdown drill and staff conferences. The secondary principal reported on homecoming, career opportunities, testing, parent teacher conferences, fall softball and winter basketball, and enrollment. The superintendent provided an update on the New Hope Facility. The board approved a contract with Apptegy and discussed option enrollment applications.

The meeting included discussion and action on various financial items, including the approval of general fund, special building fund, depreciation fund, and qualified capitol purpose undertaking fund claims, as well as lunch & activity claims. Facility and technology updates were provided. Reports were given by the student board member, elementary principal, secondary principal, and superintendent. The board considered and approved an out-of-state travel request for the FFA National Convention, discussed superintendent search planning, and approved Policy 5003 regarding the admission of part-time students. They also approved option enrollment applications and held executive sessions to discuss personnel evaluations and a possible real estate purchase.

The meeting included a roll call, a notice regarding the Nebraska Open Meetings Act, and a segment for hearing support, opposition, criticism, suggestions, or observations related to the proposed Southern Public Schools Budget for the 2025-2026 School Year.