Special Education Teacher Contracts; Policy Updates Allowed by APS Board of Education

Two 2026-2027 special education teacher contracts were approved Monday night, Jan. 12, by the Auburn Public Schools (APS) Board of Education.
Laura Patton has had experience in the Omaha Public Schools and Nebraska City Public Schools. Skye Grafton will return to APS.
Two policy alterations were accepted, both under Business Operations.
One is the procurement plan governing all purchasing activities relating to any aspect of the National School Lunch and Breakfast programs. The other covers internal control procedures which will be utilized for all federal grants. Both update threshholds in agreement with federal requirements.
All items were unanimously approved 6-0.
Survey Questions In Development
Superintendent David Patton informed the board compiling survey questions are in progress. The superintendent continued they will be reviewed by a board committee. It will take about two weeks to complete. Ryan Jones, board member, noted via the evaluation, it is hoped to gain direction and community input.
Intent of the questionnaire is to determine public interest before attempting a bond election. The board has been discussing facility improvements because of continuing increasing enrollment and the need of additional space.
FFA Presentation
Hunter Stevenson, president and Aca Andrew, treasurer of Auburn FFA informed the school board and administrators of the year’s activities to date. They also presented activities which are in progress as well as upcoming events.
The chapter has adopted a mentor/mentee program. Its purpose is to help middle school and freshmen become acquainted with the upperclassmen. The younger students are also encouraged to try new events. It gives them someone to ask questions of besides advisor Brooke Wehrbein. The mentees are assisted in preparing for contests.
The 22 middle school and 30 senior high school members are the highest in the past few years. Membership changes with class sizes.
Laura Osborne Remains Board President
In reorganization, Laura Osborne was elected president; Jones, vice president; Eli Davidson, secretary and Janny Crotty, treasurer. All were chosen unanimously without opposition.
Kellie Fogarty of Auburn State Bank was appointed ex officio to act in place of the treasurer when the treasurer is unable to promptly act on school issues. Legislative action requires a school board to have a board member as treasurer and an ex officio.
All board members were asked to complete conflict of interest forms.
Patton noted he appreciated the time board members dedicate to APS. “All we do is in the best interest of our students,” he added.
Osborne related the board members are “a great group to work with. We come together to discuss what’s best for our students and district,” she stated.
Beth Kernes-Krause thanked the board members for working collaboratively for the benefit of APS students and keeping students at the forefront.
Our Future Is Public is the theme of January’s observance of School Board Recognition Month. Sunday through Saturday, Jan. 25 through 31 will be Nebraska School Board Recognition Week. Both honor volunteer school board members for their leadership in public education. The state celebration is promoted by the Nebraska Association of School Boards.
Administrative Report Highlights
School Improvement and Curriculum: Samantha Wehenkel noted she has been working with the high school counselors on 2026-2027 class offerings. Online and dual credit options for students are being added. Science curriculums to be adopted for the next school year are being studied. She continues working ensuring everything is ready to go for pre-ACT, ACT and National Assessment of Educational Progress testing in March. The Chuck-a-Duck TeamMates fundraiser was successful.
Calvert Elementary: Principal Bristol Wenzl stated participating in the AHS/Calvert mentoring program has increased. In 2024-2025, there were 30 students matched with 24 high school mentors. In 2025-2026, there are 46 students matched with 43 high school mentors. The principal called it “an amazing program that will continue to grow.” Wenzl thanked Autumn Reeves, guidance counselor and Maranda Gerdes, Future Business Leaders of America adviser, on their time, work and organization. During the second semester, Brooklyn Epler of Wayne State College is student teaching with Casie Allen in preschool. The Bulldog Way visit to start transitioning from fifth through sixth grade is scheduled Friday, Feb. 20. In previous years it was in January.
Assistant Principal/Activities: Jason Palmer related middle school girls basketball and boys wrestling practices are starting. Their first competitions will be Saturday, Feb. 7 and Thursday, Feb. 26, respectively. Second semester Esports competition begins the week of Monday, Feb. 2. Games will be: Fortnite, Hearthstone, Madden, Mario Kart, Rocket League (Unified) and Valorant.
February Regular Meeting
The next regular meeting of the APS Board of Education will be Monday, Feb. 9 at 5:30 p.m. in the Central Office boardroom, 1713 J St. in Auburn.