APS Allows Entering Professional Service Contract Towards Survey To Indicate Interest in Bond Election

The Auburn Public Schools (APS) Board of Education Monday night, Dec. 8, authorized Superintendent David Patton to enter into a professional service contract not to exceed $25,000.
Plans are to conduct a survey to determine public interest before possibly attempting a bond election. Patton has studied a couple of possible firms. A survey is favored before investing time and effort towards an election.
The board has been discussing facility improvements because of continuing increasing enrollment and the need of additional space.
Additional Action Items
Also approved by the school board were:
--renewing the lease with the Nemaha County Agricultural Society to use Tushla Field for Bulldog baseball. It covers from Feb. 15 through May 15. It will automatically renew annually until one of the parties declines to extend it. Annual rent will be $750. It includes the baseball field and diamond, bleachers, grandstand, restrooms on the east end of the food building, and entrance and parking area. APS may also have access to the kitchen area of the food building on game days for umpire dressing area and the west end of the north food building for meeting which must be scheduled with the Agricultural Society. APS will pay for all utilities used at the premises and permit the Agricultural Society to use the lights at no cost during the Nemaha County Fair.
--authorizing buying a 2017 Bluebird bus not to exceed $45,000. APS has two 2005 Bluebird buses in which parts are no longer available.
--a revised purchasing policy. In purchases up to $15,000, it authorizes the administration to acquire any item specifically budgeted which has a sale price within the established limit.
Annual Financial Literacy Status Report Review
It places APS in compliance with the Financial Literacy Act. Effective with the Class of 2024, a five-credit, semester-long course focused on personal finance and financial literacy is a graduation requirement. It is offered to juniors.
New in the report is the curriculum aligns with the National Standards for Personal Financial Education. It ensures a robust approach to preparing students with the necessary skills and knowledge for financial independence. Nine modules follow the standards directly.
APS staff is contemplating updating the curriculum to determine if there can be improvements. District staff wants to make financial literacy fun and interactive to allow the students to comprehend and enjoy a lifelong skill.
Continued efforts to enhance the program through innovation and community collaboration will strengthen student outcomes.
Committee Hearing
Preceding the regular board meeting was an Policy, Curriculum and Americanism Committee hearing. Samantha Wehenkel, director of school improvement and curriculum, presented an overview of Americanism requirements and basics in APS.
Two Americanism presentations throughout the school year are required by the American Civics Education Bill passed by the Unicameral in 2019.
January Regular Meeting
The next regular meeting of the APS Board of Education will be Monday, Jan. 12, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. at the Central Office board room.
The meeting ended with an executive session to review the superintendent’s evaluation.
Administrative Report Highlights
School Improvement and Curriculum: Wehenkel noted she is preparing platforms for March PreACT and ACT testing. She is also working with the counselors to examine 2026-2027 course offerings, and what additions or changes are needed.
Special Education: Reva Siegel stated three new students have qualified while two have tested out. Alternative assessment 1 percent justification was accepted from state officials. She received great feedback about APS’ processes and data.
Calvert Elementary: Bristol Wenzl, principal, related Bulldog Beginnings afternoon classes continue visits to Good Samaritan Society-Auburn. All first semester formal observations and post-conferences are completed. Second semester formal observations will be scheduled when school resumes for the second semester.
Secondary Principal: Scott Siegel indicated 97.7 percent of semester grades as passing and 84 percent are in the A+ to B- range. Middle school chronic absenteeism is notably lower than at this time last year while high school chronic absenteeism is comparable to the previous year at this time.
Assistant Principal and Activities Director: Jason Palmer reported first speech competition is scheduled Saturday, Jan. 17 at Raymond Central. Middle school girls basketball practice starts in early January while middle school boys wrestling practice gets underway in late January.
Superintendent: Patton noted there has been a lot of deferred maintenance. Need to replace the main water line at the Central Office. Heaters are maintaining well. Compiling various summer projects. District 1 Sen. Robert Hallstrom engaged in discussion with school board members. Beth Kernes-Krause, board member, said she appreciated Hallstrom spending time in APS. The board members want to make sure the state senator understands how they are passionate about what is best for APS students. Jeffrey Gold, University of Nebraska president, plans to visit Auburn Monday, Feb. 17.