Steve Bauers

The Board focused on a Strategic Plan update and reviewed several committee reports. Key actions included approving various contracts for professional learning, the Nebraska Technology Initiative, medical consultants, the Results Matter outcomes system, the Grants Management System, and the National Student Clearinghouse. The Board also approved reVISION Action Grants and accepted federal grant funds for school-based and professional mental health services. Furthermore, the Board granted accreditation to public and non-public school systems and Nebraska Educational Service Units for the 2026-2027 period, and approved annual dues for the Education Commission of the States.

The board meeting covered several key topics, including presentations on the Apprenticeship Program, reports on Artificial Intelligence efforts at the Department of Education, and an overview of the Nebraska Teacher of the Year report. Committee reports involved the approval of organizational policies, the allocation of 21st Century Community Learning Centers grant funds, approval of the Rural Health Transformation Project funds, and contracts for the Safe2HelpNE hotline and teacher apprenticeship funding. Additionally, the board approved early childhood grants, professional learning contracts for leaders in the science of reading, and a standards revision project. Actions included approval of teacher waiver requests for school districts, approval of plans of corrections for specific school systems, designation of priority schools, and the adoption of revised regulations for prekindergarten programs. Finally, the board authorized the Commissioner to contract for Nebraska Improvement Grant projects and awarded funding for Comprehensive Literacy State Development.

The board meeting featured a special presentation on the apprenticeship program and a report on Artificial Intelligence efforts at the Nebraska Department of Education. Reports were provided by the Commissioner and the President, with recognition given to educators. The board reviewed and approved various action items, including revisions to organizational policies for the Nebraska Council on Teacher Education, the allocation of grant funds, and several contracts for services like the Safe2HelpNE hotline and professional learning initiatives. Additionally, the board approved teacher waiver requests for multiple public school districts, designated priority schools, adopted revisions to Rule 11 regarding early childhood education grants, and accepted the annual comprehensive financial report audit.

The Board engaged in a work session and business meeting covering a variety of educational policy and administrative topics. Key discussions included chronic absenteeism, a proclamation for the Month of the Military Child, and updates on the Teacher of the Year program. The Board reviewed and acted upon legislative positions regarding reading improvement and school safety regulations. Furthermore, the Board approved a contract for a comprehensive English language proficiency assessment and adopted revisions to teacher certification endorsement regulations. Various school waiver requests, school designations, and grant funding proposals for mental health and preschool development were also discussed, with some grant funding motions failing to pass.

The committee discussed public meeting requirements, including adjustments to process rules to accommodate virtual options. Program updates covered the State Single Audit, recognition of ESEA Distinguished Schools, the discontinuation of the statewide PathwiseK12 contract, and preliminary federal funding allocations for 2026-2027. Additionally, the committee reviewed federal waivers, accountability designation data, and specific updates across various federal programs including Title I, Title II-A, Title III, Title IV-A, Title IV-B, Title V, Title VII-B, and Head Start. Staffing changes within the department were also announced.