Highlights of the 11/14 Lincoln Board of Education regular meeting

The Lincoln Board of Education met for its regular meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 14, at the Lincoln Public Schools Steve Joel District Leadership Center, 5905 O Street. 

Special reports, presentations and celebrations of success

Taylee Nelson - Zeman Elementary School

Tonight, the Board recognized Taylee Nelson, fourth-grade teacher at Zeman Elementary School.

The Nebraska Association of Teachers of Mathematics named Nelson the 2023 Rookie Teacher of the Year. Established in 2000, this award recognizes teachers in their first three years of teaching who demonstrate outstanding work in the area of mathematics.

Nelson has taught for three years, and recently published an article in the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics journal Mathematics Teacher: Learning & Teaching PK-12 titled "Vulnerability in Our Collective Work as Educators".

Second reading

Policy 3760 - Safe Driving Record Standard for Drivers

The Board of Education periodically reviews and revises policy to align with current practices or requirements.

The Safe Driving Records Standard for Drivers sets forth a standard for pupil transportation vehicle drivers.  One of the requirements for obtaining a pupil transportation operator’s permit is that the person has a record of satisfactory driving as determined by Lincoln Board of Education policy.

Revisions to Policy 3760 are recommended by the Board Planning Committee to more closely align with Human Resources Policy 4790.

The Board voted to approve the changes.

Informational items and reports

Superintendent Update

LPS Superintendent Paul Gausman provided an update during the meeting. 

Gausman reminded the community that they still have an opportunity to provide feedback on the 2024-2029 LPS Strategic Plan draft. They can complete the survey on the website, or request a facilitator to come to their community meeting.

The Southwest High School volleyball team received a shout out from Gausman for winning their first ever state championship trophy. 

Gausman finished his update by recognizing the generous contributions of LPS staff during the 2023 United Way and Combined Giving Campaign. This year, staff raised approximately $105,000.

The top five elementary school fundraisers were Morley, Huntington, Clinton, Arnold and Roper; the top two middle school fundraisers were Lefler and Schoo; and the top two high school fundraisers were North Star and Southeast.

The top 10 fundraising schools and departments included:

• Superintendent’s executive team
• LPS Student Services Department
• LPS Instruction Division
• North Star High School
• Lefler Middle School
• LPS HR Department
• Morley Elementary School
• Huntington Elementary School
• Schoo Middle School

There were a number of schools and departments that met the goal of at least 40% staff participation or more:

• Fredstrom Elementary
• Don Sherrill Education Center
• Huntington Elementary
• Kloefkorn Elementary
• Rousseau Elementary
• Arnold Elementary
• Campbell Elementary
• Clinton Elementary
• Adams Elementary
• Hartley Elementary
• Wysong Elementary
• Bay High Focus Program
• Zeman Elementary
• Maxey Elementary
• Brownell Elementary
• Holmes Elementary
• Dawes Middle School
• Superintendent’s office
• Steve Joel District Leadership Center custodial team
• LPS Accounting
• LPS Communications Deptt
• LPS Instructional Division
• LPS Purchasing Department
• TeamMates of Lincoln
• ESU 18

Public comment

There were three individuals that addressed the Board during public comment. You can watch the public comment as part of the full meeting video here.

Glimpses of LPS

We open every Board meeting with a video that highlights Lincoln Public Schools. Tuesday’s Glimpses featured a visit by StarCare to the Bryan Health Services Focus Program at Northwest High School. 

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