Highlights of the Oct. 8, 2024 Lincoln Board of Education and ESU 18 Regular meeting

October 8, 2024

Lincoln Board of Education Regular Meeting

The Lincoln Board of Education met for its regular meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 8, at the Lincoln Public Schools Steve Joel District Leadership Center, 5905 O Street. 

Special reports, presentations and celebrations of success

Bryan Community Focus Program Principal Denise Craig

The Board recognized Bryan Community Focus Program Principal Denise Craig.

The Nebraska State Association of Secondary School Principals named Craig the Outstanding New Principal for Region 1 last May. This recognition is given to principals within their first five years of the principalship to those that demonstrate enthusiasm for the position by having an impact on students, parents, teachers and peers.

Craig has worked in education since 2005, starting her career at Scott Middle School. Before being named principal at Bryan, she served as the instructional coordinator for four years. Craig has also worked at Lincoln High School and North Star when it had a middle school.

In the nomination for the award, a colleague wrote:

“Within this role, Ms. Craig works with some of the most unique and caring teachers and families within Lincoln Public Schools. Her openness and acceptance of all students serves as the foundation for her school community, and she is truly in the education business to change the lives of her students forever.”

Second reading

NDHHS Youth Mental Health Education funding

Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (NDHHS) Office of Health Disparities is offering grants up to $10,000 per applicant for programs that serve youth at risk and provide education and resources about mental health to increase the number of adolescents who have an adult they can talk with about serious problems.

In the past, LPS has used federal grant funds to implement Hope Squads. Hope Squads is an evidence-based suicide prevention curriculum that uses peer support teams to help students learn about mental health and reduce the risk of suicide. 

Students nominate their peers to participate on the Hope Squad based on traits like being a good listener, concern for others and being easy to talk to. These students become the school’s Hope Squad - teaching and connecting with the entire student body to reduce stigma and change school culture. 

Each secondary school requires an advisor to oversee the program. The grant would help pay for 20 school sponsors, or one for each middle and high school, for their time to lead and coordinate Hope Squads using the curriculum.

The Board voted to approve the grant application.

Board committee reports

Wellness, American Civics, Multicultural Committee

Committee Chair Annie Mumgaard gave an update from the committee meeting earlier in the afternoon. 

Wellness was the focus of this meeting. Board members received an update on pandemic protocols and what lessons were learned from the COVID-19 pandemic. They also learned about nutrition services and the fresh fruit and vegetable program. They then received an update on the addition of schools to the USDA Community Eligibility Provision program.

Superintendent update

LPS Superintendent Paul Gausman gave an update to the Board.

First, Gausman reported that three Lincoln Board members were recognized at the Nebraska Association of School Boards regional meeting. Board member Piyush Shrivastav was recognized with an initial Board Award of Achievement Level II, Board member Lanny Boswell was recognized at Level VII, and Board member Kathy Danek was recognized for attaining the prestigious Level X.

Gausman also took a moment to acknowledge October is National Principal Appreciation month. He thanked the individuals who answered the call to take on these challenging leadership positions.

“Our principals work countless hours serving our students, our families, our staff and our community. Their passion for education and their genuine care for each student shines through in everything they do,” said Gausman. “Their ability to handle challenges with grace and their skill in finding innovative solutions are qualities that truly set them apart.  Thank you, principals. Your impact on our school community is immeasurable, and we are fortunate to have you.”

Gausman ended his report by reminding the community of two upcoming interview days.

On Monday, October 14, those interested in working in the Transportation Department are encouraged to attend the Transportation Interview Day from 12:30 - 4 p.m. at Culler Middle School. Open positions include bus drivers, substitute bus drivers and transportation paras.

Then on Friday, October 18, from 12:30 - 4:30 p.m. LPS will be holding a Classroom Paraeducator Interview Day at the Steve Joel District Leadership Center.

Anyone interested in more information about either of the interview days can find information on the LPS website. While walk-ins are welcome, those interested are encouraged to fill out the application ahead of time to speed up the process.  

Public comment

There were no individuals that addressed the Board during public comment.

Glimpses of LPS

We open every Board meeting with a video that highlights Lincoln Public Schools. Tuesday’s Glimpses featured Dawes Middle School Family and Consumer Science classes as they traveled to ShadowBrook Farm as part of the Farm to School Grant. 

Educational Service Unit 18 Regular Meeting

The Educational Service Unit 18 met for its regular meeting immediately following the Lincoln Board of Education meeting. 

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