2026-2027 Negotiated Agreement Accepted by APS Board of Education

The Auburn Public Schools (APS) Board of Education ratified the 2026-2027 negotiated agreement with the Auburn Education Association Monday night, Feb. 9.
The base pay for the coming school year will be $40,650. It is $39,650 during the current pact. The school board is paying the full premium for health insurance for the Educators Health Alliance Dual Option $1,050 deductible/$3,800 deductible health savings account Blue preferred health coverage and also family (dependent) dental for the PPO: 100 percent A, 80 percent B, 50 percent C coverage-Option 2. Employees can select from the following tiers of coverage: employee; employee and children; employee and spouse; and employee, spouse and children.
“We want what’s best for everybody and take care of our staff the best we can,” noted Ryan Jones, board member.
Computer/Technology Teacher, Driver Education
The addition of a full-time equivalent computer/technology education teacher effective in 2026-2027 was allowed. Superintendent David Patton noted it corresponds with the district’s career technology curriculum. He continued students have shown great interest in the classes.
The instructor will be responsible to provide high-quality instruction in computer science, digital literacy and technology applications aligned with state standards. The position supports students in developing foundational technology skills, responsible digital citizenship, and problem-solving abilities necessary for academic success and future careers.
The 2026 driver education rate will remain at $249. The class is online.
Bank Authorization Resolution, Early Graduation Requests, Policy Revisions
An authorization resolution with Auburn State Bank was approved. Various officials are empowered to act on behalf of APS in exercising granted powers.
Six requests to graduate at midterm of the 2026-2027 year were allowed: David Sharp, Abygail Boyer, Aleigha Handley, Ashlynn Johnson, Gretchen Paschal and Beau Thomas. Their various plans include immediately enrolling in postsecondary education, work to earn money to attend college, taking online classes before attending college or employment.
The process entails students applying, obtaining recommendation letters from teachers and the counselor, and approval from the secondary principal and the school board. Students graduating at midterm are allowed to participate in spring commencement, which requires attending at least one practice.
Updated policies regarding graduation were accepted. Twenty credits in physical education/health are required.
Also approved was the 2026-2027 school calendar. It will be detailed in a separate article. Patton thanked the teacher advisory group in compiling it. He added it helps in the calendar being responsive to the needs of students, staff and the community.
All action items were unanimously approved 6-0.
Facility Needs Questionnaire Being Finalized
Jones indicated a facility needs survey is being nailed down. All registered voters will be contacted to obtain public input before attempting a bond election on facility improvements. The issue has been discussed with ongoing enrollment increases and additional space needs.
Presentation
Tonia Greiner, new program director and site coordinator of the Discovery Opportunity Growth Service (DOGS) Academy, gave an update to the school board and administrators. She noted she is learning how valuable the after school program is to the community. It is among 36 across Nebraska. There are 89 students enrolled and there is a wait list because of staffing issues. 
The 21st Century grant-funded program is designed to support classroom learning. Also, students are able to participate in science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics activities; and unique staff and community-led clubs. There is no cost to all kindergarteners through fifth graders and it runs daily from dismissal through 5:15 p.m. Snacks are provided. Greiner said partnerships include the Auburn Art Club and Nebraska Extension. She continued there are attempts to expand cooperation with the latter. Greiner thanked everyone for their support.
Administrative Report Highlights
School Improvement and Curriculum: Samantha Wehenkel related National Assessment of Educational Progress testing is set for Monday, March 2. Nebraska Student-Centered Assessment System testing in third through eighth grades will be at the end of March and the start of April. Programs are being finalized for 2026-2027. Those include science curriculum, possible financial literacy and updating kindergarten through second grade English language arts.
Special Education: Reva Siegel noted 212 students are being served from birth to age 21 years. There are six newly qualified students, increase in early childhood and two students have tested out.
Calvert Elementary: Bristol Wenzl recognized and thanked Autumn Reeves on being “an exceptional school counselor.” Monday through Friday, Feb. 2 through 6 was Counselors Week. Wenzl continued Reeves “consistently goes above and beyond to support our students, staff and school community, and her impact is felt by all.”
Miscellaneous, March Regular Meeting
Board President Laura Osborne thanked the APS maintenance staff on keeping the buildings clean  while the district has been dealing with incidences of illness.
The Monday, March 9 APS Board of Education meeting will be at 5:30 p.m. at the Central Office, 1713 J St. in Auburn.