Highlights of the Oct. 22, 2024 Lincoln Board of Education meetings

October 22, 2024

Lincoln Board of Education Special Meeting

The Lincoln Board of Education met for a special meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 22, at the Lincoln Public Schools Steve Joel District Leadership Center, 5905 O Street. The special meeting began at 4:30 p.m. After opening the meeting, the Board immediately moved to Closed Session for the purpose of negotiations and collective bargaining. 

Lincoln Board of Education Regular Meeting

The Lincoln Board of Education met for its regular meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 22, 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

Student Vote

Lincoln Public Schools K-12 Social Studies Curriculum Specialist Jaci Kellison joined two students to present about Student Vote.

Student Vote started in 1992 as a partnership with KFOR and Lincoln Public Schools.  The event aims to empower students to be engaged, active, and informed members of their school, community, state, and nation.  Student Vote is held every two years. It initially started using paper ballots, but over the years LPS designed a computer voting system, which we use today. 

This year’s Student Vote Election is scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 30. The purpose of this event is focused on the importance of voting, the types of things citizens get to have a voice in, why your voice matters, and why it’s important to be a part of the democratic process. It is not focused on party platforms or particular views of candidates, particularly at the younger grade levels. Students only need familiarity with what they will see on the ballot in order to participate in the mock election.

East High School senior Gabriel Buggi and Southeast High School ninth grade student Makenna Kroeger spoke about their work as Student Vote District Ambassadors and what they’ve learned during the process.

First reading

Schools and libraries cybersecurity pilot program

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is accepting applications from eligible school districts and public libraries to participate in a three-year pilot program. Participants selected for the program will receive support to defray the costs of eligible cybersecurity services and equipment, while providing the Commission with data to better understand whether and how universal service funds could be used to improve school and library defenses against increasing cyberattacks. 

Staff propose that the district apply for funds through the program to purchase a web filtering and security platform to help maintain online safety and integrity, enabling digital and distance learning by filtering and classifying websites, and monitoring user activity.  

Participation requires a 20% match of the total, which would be covered by funds already budgeted for the 24-25 school year. LPS will apply for approximately $360,000 over a three-year period

Due to the application deadline of the grant, the Board waived the second reading and voted to approve the grant application.

Superintendent update

LPS Superintendent Paul Gausman gave an update to the Board.

First, Gausman recognized and welcomed to the meeting John Neal as the Interim President for the Foundation for Lincoln Public Schools. Neal recently retired from LPS as the Associate Superintendent for Civic Engagement.

Gausman also spoke about The Career Academy career fair held on Oct. 10. The Lincoln Chamber helped to promote the event, and there were 57 companies in attendance with over 800 students participating.

“The Career Academy under the direction of Josh Jones is doing an amazing job of connecting our students with future employers and helping them forge a different path forward,” added Gausman.

Gausman wrapped his report giving an update on recent LPS Interview Days. There is an Educator Interview Fair coming up on Oct. 30, and those interested need to register by Oct. 28. Anyone interested in becoming a teacher, counselor, school psychologist, speech-language pathologist, social worker or school nurse within Lincoln Public Schools are eligible to participate in our Educator Interview Fair.

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 PE strength training classes at Mickle Middle School. 

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