MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING 

OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION 

OF DOUGLAS COUNTY 

SCHOOL DISTRICT 28-0015, a/k/a, DOUGLAS COUNTY WEST 

COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT 

Monday, February 9, 2026

 

The regular meeting of the Board of Education, District #15, in the County of Douglas, in the State of Nebraska, was convened in open and public session on Monday, February 9, 2026 at the Central Office Board Room, 401 South Pine Street, Valley, NE 68064-0378.

 

Following public notification procedures approved by the Board of Education, February 14, 2011, in adherence to 84-1411, notice of the meeting was given in advance thereof by posting such Notice on the exterior front door of the high school, elementary school, middle school, Valley City Hall, First Nebraska Bank, Foundation One Bank and the Daily Record. Notice of the meeting was simultaneously given to all members of the Board of Education. Availability of the agenda was communicated in advance notice and in the notice to the Board of Education of the meeting. All proceedings hereafter shown were taken while the convened meeting was open to the attendance of the public.

 

Attendance Taken at 6:00 PM.

Cole Groteluschen: Absent 

Kelly Hinrichs: Absent

Luke Janke: Present 

Jamie Jorgensen: Present 

Elizabeth Mayer: Present 

Jim Tomanek: Present 

Present: 4, Absent: 2.

Kelly Hinrichs: Present 6:04pm

Cole Groteluschen: Present 6:03pm

Present: 6.

 

1. Call to Order

The agenda, listing items for consideration by the Board, is on file in the Superintendent’s office. Other matters may come before the Board and the Board has the right to modify the agenda before the meeting.

 

President - “As I call the meeting to order I wish to inform everyone present that a current copy of the Open Meetings Act is posted on the back wall of the Board Room for your review at any time.”

 

2. Approval of Agenda

Motion to approve agenda as presented Passed with a motion by Luke Janke and a second by Jamie Jorgensen.

Luke Janke: Yea, Jamie Jorgensen: Yea, Elizabeth Mayer: Yea, Jim Tomanek: Yea

Yea: 4, Nay: 0

 

3. New Business

3.1. Master Planning Presentation from  BCDM Architects 6:00-6:30pm

3.2. Master Planning Presentation from APMA 6:40-7:10pm

 

The Board conducted a work session from 6:00 PM to 7:10 PM focused on the district’s long-term master planning. During the presentations, BCDM and APMA shared their qualifications and vision for serving as the district’s architect moving forward. Each firm provided a detailed overview of their approach to assessing current facilities, planning for future growth, and designing educational spaces. Throughout the presentations, the Board asked questions and discussed how each firm’s planning process would address the district’s future needs.

 

4. Adjournment

Motion to adjourn meeting @7:14pm Passed with a motion by Jamie Jorgensen and a second by Luke Janke.

 

Cole Groteluschen: Yea, Kelly Hinrichs: Yea, Luke Janke: Yea, Jamie Jorgensen: Yea, Elizabeth Mayer: Yea, Jim Tomanek: Yea

Yea: 6, Nay: 0

 

Kristi Trost, Board Secretary

Dr. Melissa Poloncic, Superintendent

 

2/26, 3/5, 3/12 ZNEZ

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MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING 

OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION OF DOUGLAS COUNTY 

SCHOOL DISTRICT 28-0015, a/k/a, DOUGLAS COUNTY WEST 

COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT

Monday, February 9, 2026

 

The regular meeting of the Board of Education, District #15, in the County of Douglas, in the State of Nebraska, was convened in open and public session on Monday, February 9, 2026 at the Central Office Board Room, 401 South Pine

Street, Valley, NE 68064-0378.

 

Following public notification procedures approved by the Board of Education, February 14, 2011, in adherence to 84- 1411, notice of the meeting was given in advance thereof by posting such Notice on the exterior front door of the high school, elementary school, middle school, Valley City Hall, First Nebraska Bank, Foundation One Bank and the Daily Record. Notice of the meeting was simultaneously given to all members of the Board of Education. Availability of the agenda was communicated in advance notice and in the notice to the Board of Education of the meeting. All proceedings

hereafter shown were taken while the convened meeting was open to the attendance of the public.

 

Attendance Taken at 7:15 PМ.

Cole Groteluschen: Present

Kelly Hinrichs: Present

Luke Janke: Present

Jamie Jorgensen: Present

Elizabeth Mayer: Present

Jim Tomanek: Present

Present: 6.

 

1. Call to Order

The agenda, listing items for consideration by the Board, is on file in the Superintendent’s office. Other matters may come before the Board and the Board has the right to modify the agenda before the meeting.

 

President - “As I call the meeting to order I wish to inform everyone present that a current copy of the Open Meetings Act is posted on the back wall of the Board Room for your review at any time.”

 

2. Public Communications and Correspondence

Comments from the audience were accepted at this time. The Board received a Thank You note from the family of Cheryl Eckerman.

 

3. Approval of Agenda

Motion to approve agenda as presented Passed with a motion by Luke Janke and a second by Cole Groteluschen. Cole Groteluschen: Yea, Kelly Hinrichs: Yea, Luke Janke: Yea, Jamie Jorgensen: Yea, Elizabeth Mayer: Yea, Jim Tomanek: Yea

Yea: 6, Nay: 0

 

4. Administrative Reports

4.1. Superintendent’s Report

4.2. Financial Report

 

5. Consent Agenda

Motion to approve Consent Agenda Passed with a motion by Luke Janke and a second by Jim Tomanek.

Cole Groteluschen: Yea, Kelly Hinrichs: Yea, Luke Janke: Yea, Jamie Jorgensen: Yea, Elizabeth Mayer: Yea, Jim Tomanek: Yea

Yea: 6, Nay: 0

 

5.1. Approve Minutes

Regular Meeting Date:

Special Meeting Date:

5.2. Approve Claims for Payment

5.3. Approve Financial Report

5.4. Approve Classified Staff

Izabella Bryson- Exit Preschool Para 2/2/2026

Tara Brokaw - Hire Elementary Para 01/20/2026

Mia Monaghan - Hire Preschool Para 02/02/2026 

Riley Alexander - Hire Elementary Para 02/04/2026 

Norma Wallace - Hire Food Service 02/04/2026

 

6. Old Business

6.1. Review, Discuss, and Consider Architectural Master Planning Proposals

The Board reviewed, discussed, and considered the architectural master planning proposals submitted by BCDM and APMA, which were previously presented during the special meeting. Discussion focused on comparing the respective price points, community engagement plans and previous work with BCDM.

 

Motion to authorize the Superintendent to move forward with BCDM in the professional services agreement process.

Passed with a motion by Kelly Hinrichs and a second by Jim Tomanek.

Elizabeth Mayer: Nay, Cole Groteluschen: Yea, Kelly Hinrichs: Yea, Luke Janke: Yea, Jamie Jorgensen: Yea, Jim Tomanek: Yea

Yea: 5, Nay: 1

 

7. New Business

7.1. Discuss, consider and take all necessary action with regard to possible approval and authorization to sell and transfer an approximately 1-acre tract of real estate generally near 25808 Bennington Road and located in Section 8, Township 16 North, Range 10 East of the 6th P.M., Douglas County, Nebraska

 

The Board reviewed an update regarding a specific parcel of land discovered to be under the legal ownership of DC West Community Schools. Following a contact from a patron’s legal counsel, it was determined that an 1884 deed which was previously overlooked and is not reflected in the Douglas County GIS-serves as the definitive record of ownership. The District’s claim to the land is established through a succession of mergers beginning in 1966 with the merger of District 35 into District 23, followed by the 2001 merger of District 23 into Valley District 33, and concluding with the 2005 merger of Valley and Waterloo to form the current DC West District 15. Because the property of a merged district legally vests in the surviving entity, DC West is the confirmed owner of the parcel. Rawhide/Bevington, the owner of all surrounding ground, has requested that the District convey the parcel to them. Legal counsel has advised that a direct conveyance is not permissible, as the Nebraska Department of Education maintains that school districts may not give property away. Consequently, the land must be transferred through a formal sale. A motion was presented to authorize the Superintendent and the Board President to negotiate the terms of this sale and execute the necessary quitclaim transfer documents to finalize the transaction.

 

Motion that the Board of Education of this School District approves the sale and quitclaim transfer to Rawhide Creek Reserve, LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company (“Buyer”), of the approximately 1.0 acres of real propertyoriginally acquired by School District No. 35, predecessor in interest to this School District, generally near 25808 Bennington Road and generally located in Section 8, Township 16 North, Range 10 East of the 6th P.M., Douglas County, Nebraska, the purchase price payable by the Buyer, and approving any recommended or necessary real estate purchase, sale and transfer documents for the sale and quitclaim transfer of such real property to the Buyer, and further delegates authority to the Board President or Superintendent of Schools to negotiate any sale and quitclaim transfer documents as determined in the best interest of the School District, and to sign, execute and deliver such finally negotiated documents and to cause to be delivered a quitclaim deed and other closing documents to the Buyer, all on behalf ofthe School District Passed with a motion by Jamie Jorgensen and a second by Luke Janke. 

Cole Groteluschen: Yea, Kelly Hinrichs: Yea, Luke Janke: Yea, Jamie Jorgensen: Yea, Elizabeth Mayer: Yea, Jim Tomanek: Yea

Yea: 6, Nay: 0

 

7.2. Informational Update of the Food Service Management Company RFP Process and Timeline 

Dr. Poloncic informed the Board about the possibility of hiring a Food Service Management Company for the upcoming school year and shared the initial RFP process and timeline. The Board requested that any potential selection prioritize staff retention and keeping lunch prices steady. Dr. Poloncic noted that a parallel job posting for Food Service Director will be run alongside the RFP process until a final decision is made on the best path forward. 

 

7.3. Informational Update of a Proposed House Build Collaborative 

Dr. Poloncic provided information regarding a proposed house-building project involving a partnership between DC West, The Builder Foundation, and a local homeowner. It was noted that MOBA (Metropolitan Omaha Builders Association) has a foundation dedicated to bridging construction work within schools, and this project presents an opportunity for the district to be part of their next build. 02/18

 

7.4. DC West Middle School Continuous Improvement Presentation 

Dr. Kerns presented on Continuous Improvement at DC West Middle School.

 

7.5. Resignation of Certificated Staff

    Amber Axline is resigning her fifth grade teaching position as she and her family are moving. Motion to approve the resignation of Amber Axline, 5th grade teacher, at the end of the 2025-2026 school year Passed with a motion by Luke Janke and a second by Jamie Jorgensen. 

Cole Groteluschen: Yea, Kelly Hinrichs: Yea, Luke Janke: Yea, Jamie Jorgensen: Yea, Elizabeth Mayer: Yea, Jim Tomanek: Yea

       Yea: 6, Nay: 0

 

8. Adjournment

Motion to adjourn meeting @8pm Passed with a motion by Jim Tomanek and a second by Cole Groteluschen. 

Cole Groteluschen: Yea, Kelly Hinrichs: Yea, Luke Janke: Yea, Jamie Jorgensen: Yea, Elizabeth Mayer: Yea, Jim Tomanek: Yea

Yea: 6, Nay: 0

 

Kristi Trost, Board Secretary 

Dr. Melissa Poloncic, Superintendent

 

DOUGLAS COUNTY WEST SCHOOLS JANUARY 2026 CLAIMS

 

GENERAL FUND

ACH BANK FEE 64.75

ADVENTURE ENTERPRISES, LLC 1,976.00

AMAZON CAPITAL SERVICES, LLC 1,527.65

APPLE COMPUTER INC 255,659.69

ARROW STAGE LINES 6,430.00

AWARDS UNLIMITED INC 2,759.99

BEST CARE EMPLOYEE 

ASSIST PROGRAM 4,440.80

BORDER STATES INDUSTRIES 

INC 85.20

BOYS TOWN 4,500.00

BSN SPORTS LLC 7,174.77

CAPPEL NAPA AUTO SUPPLY - 

VALLEY 17.99

CASEY’S BUSINESS MASTERCARD 8.75

CENTER FOR RESPONSIVE 

SCHOOLS, INC 11.00

CITY OF VALLEY 845.75

CITY WIDE FACILITY 

SOLUTIONS 13,136.37

CLEVER 1,685.79

CMC NEPTUNE, LLC 2,700.00

COMPLETE COMMUNICATION, LLC 240.00

COX BUSINESS 198.08

DAILY RECORD, THE 789.32

DC WEST FOOD SERVICE 1,403.15

DIETZE MUSIC HOUSE 461.62

EDUCATIONAL SERVICE UNIT #3 75.00

EGAN SUPPLY CO 2,519.37

ELECTRONIC SOUND INC 992.50

ELKHORN AUTOMOTIVE, INC 4,862.10

ELKHORN PUBLIC SCHOOLS 45.00

FIBER PLATFORM, LLC 1,117.24

FIREGUARD LLC 4,290.55

FIRST STUDENT 9,524.66

FREMONT SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL 96.00

GILES, DARBY 80.00

HELM SERVICE 598.00

HOMETOWN LEASING 2,522.27

HY-VEE INC 80.00

JUST FOR KIDS THERAPY INC 4,881.25

JW PEPPER & SONS 64.25

LOUISVILLE HIGH SCHOOL 150.00

LOVE’S TRAVEL STOPS & 

COUNTRY STORE 568.05

MACKIN EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES 277.36

MADISON NATIONAL LIFE 

INS CO IN 3,026.79

MAGIC WRIGHTER, INC. 245.75

MATHESON TRI-GAS INC 257.62

MAX I. WALKER 230.95

MENARDS - ELKHORN 485.88

METRO COMMUNITY 

COLLEGE BOOKSTORE 974.74

NASB ALICAP 1,600.00

NEBR ASSOCATION OF 

SCHOOL BOARDS 5,912.00

NEBR STATE BANDMASTERS 

ASSOC 197.00

NEBR STATE FIRE MARSHAL 

AGENCY 360.00

NEBR STATE FIRE MARSHAL

 AGENCY 120.00

NEBRASKA CHORAL 

DIRECTORS ASSOCIATION 70.00

NEBRASKA RURAL COMMUNITY 

SCHOOLS ASSOC 100.00

OMAHA PUBLIC POWER 

DISTRICT 21,737.32

ONE SOURCE 509.00

PAPER 101 4,318.80

PECHOUS, NICOLE 976.65

PETTY CASH 60.00

PITNEY BOWES BANK, 

INC PURCHASE POWER 1,016.00

PRAIRIE MECHANICAL CORP 4,800.00

PRIME HOME DEVELOPMENTAL 1,998.68

RAYMOND CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL 71.00

REMM, KYLIE 80.00

SCHOOL PSYCH AI 164.89

SECURITY EQUIPMENT INC. 3,213.70

SPEECH SQUAD, LLC 16,220.25

STANZEL’S MOW & SNOW LLC 18,443.52

SUBURBAN SCHOOLS PROGRAM 4,738.54

SULLIVAN, MITCHELL 320.00

UNIVERSITY OF NEBR 

OMAHA - CEHHS 100.00

UNO BOCH FESTIVAL / 

UNIVERSITY OF NE OMAHA 200.00

VALLEY ACE HARDWARE 67.76

WASTE CONNECTIONS OF 

NEBR, INC 1,593.87

WATER ENGINEERING INC 317.62

WAYNE STATE COLLEGE 90.00

WOODRIVER ENERGY LLC 11,412.79

ZOOM VIDEO 

COMMUNICATION, INC. 3.50

444,894.89

 

DEPRECIATION

BLAZER ATHLETIC EQUIPMENT 194.69

MATHESON TRI-GAS INC 644.64

839.33

 

NUTRITION FUND

AMAZON CAPITAL SERVICES, LLC 47.48

BULLER FIXTURE COMPANY 3,895.00

CASH-WA DISTRIBUTING 16,261.61

CHESTERMAN CO 572.42

HILAND DAIRY 4,117.60

MAX I. WALKER 204.60

ROTELLA’S ITALIAN BAKERY INC 299.77

SYSCO LINCOLN 11,988.70

US FOOD INC 13,355.70

50,742.88

 

SPECIAL BUILIDING FUND

BOYD JONES CONSTRUCTION CO    15,000.00

 

QCPUF

BERINGER CIACCIO DENNEL

MABREY 1,992.01

 

2/26, 3/5, 3/12 ZNEZ

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