Highlights of the November 11 Lincoln Board of Education regular meeting

November 11, 2025

The Lincoln Board of Education held its regular meetings on Tuesday, Nov. 11, at 6:00 p.m. at the Lincoln Public Schools Steve Joel District Leadership Center, 5905 O Street. 

Special reports, presentations and celebrations of success

Maggie Scott - Lux math teacher

Maggie Scott, math teacher at Lux Middle School, has been named 2025 Rookie Teacher of the Year by the Nebraska Association of Teachers of Mathematics. This award was established in 2000 to honor rookie mathematics teachers who demonstrate outstanding teaching in their beginning years of teaching.

Scott has taught for two years, and continues to find new and innovative ways to engage students in their math lessons. 

Lux Principal Duane Dohmen wrote, "I think the biggest factor is Maggie’s passion. She was made to teach. As a result, she is able to advocate, relate and care for all students. It is important for all students to have equal access and for all students to learn. She has built a community of learners, and she has created a positive culture of learning. This is what teaching and learning is supposed to look like."

LPS math coordinator Becky Evans added, "Maggie’s thoughtfulness and self-reflection translate into the classroom, with each lesson intentionally planned to capture the intrigue of her students while maintaining high academic expectations. Her passion for learning and mathematics is infectious in her classroom."

You can watch a highlight of the presentation for Scott here. 

First reading

Newly annexed property - school attendance areas

The Board of Education assigns school attendance areas to property newly annexed to the City of Lincoln. This action establishes school attendance areas prior to the sale of residential lots, allowing purchasers to know what schools their children will attend.

The proposal assigns the newly annexed area of Highland View to Kooser Elementary School, Schoo Middle School and North Star High School.

The Board will vote on the proposal at the next meeting.

Maintenance Building Project at southeast activities complex

Staff recommended the lowest responsible bid from Genesis Contracting Group for $549,000 to build a maintenance building for equipment on the southeast activities complex grounds located next to Standing Bear High School.

Due to construction timelines, the Board waived second reading and voted to approve the bid.

Second reading

Education Quest College Access grant application

EducationQuest Foundation awards College Access Grants through a competitive application process every other year. All Nebraska public and private high schools are eligible to apply if approved or accredited to issue a high school diploma. High schools are funded for four years and may use grant funds to develop and support college access activities. Previous College Access Grant recipients may reapply two years from the last year of funding.

This is a grant that all LPS high schools apply for. This is the year for Northeast High School and Bryan Community to apply. 

The Board held a second reading and voted to approve the grant application.

Informational items and reports

Safe and Successful Kids Interlocal Board

Board member Annie Mumgaard gave a brief summary of the Safe and Successful Kids Interlocal Board meeting held on Thursday, Nov. 6. A brief presentation from the meeting will be given to the full Board of Education at the regular meeting on Nov. 25.

Superintendent update

Superintendent John Skretta kicked off his update recognizing and thanking veterans. 

“In particular, I think it’s appropriate as a public school district for us to acknowledge that the core components of our mission would never be attainable without the vigilant defensive democracy that veterans have demonstrated throughout America’s history,” added Skretta. “Specifically, our mission focuses on ensuring students are prepared for success and careers, lifelong learning and civic engagement.”

Skretta also thanked the Board members for their service in supporting school visits. Just this week, Mumgaard joined Skretta at Goodrich Middle School, Board President Bob Rauner visited Lefler Middle School, and Board Member Mara Krivohlavek toured the Bay High Focus Program.

Public comment

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

Glimpses of LPS

We open every Board meeting with a video that highlights LPS. Tuesday’s Glimpses featured the Calvert Elementary first grade students and their families releasing butterflies during their science unit about traits.

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