APS Board of Education Accepts Victoria Clauson Resignation

The resignation of Victoria Clauson, fourth grade teacher, was accepted Monday night, March 9 by the Auburn Public Schools (APS) Board of Education. 
Clauson was in her first year at APS. She is expecting and has decided to be a stay-at-home mother.
“This decision has not come easy. I have truly loved being part of this school community--working alongside such supportive colleagues, learning from incredible mentors, and building relationships with my students and their families. This year has helped shaped me both professionally and personally. I am so grateful for the opportunity to have taught here,” Clauson noted in her resignation letter.
She expressed a desire to stay connected by substitute teaching when possible, remaining involved in the school community and indicated it would be a privilege to return in the future when able, should an opportunity arise.
“She’s been a great teacher. She’s welcome to come back. We appreciate our staff very much,” Superintendent David Patton proclaimed.
The superintendent continued teachers are being asked to indicate their intentions to return.
Various Purchases Allowed
Acquisition of a number of items were approved by the school board.
--Two are upgrading technology, one $19,822.88 from CDW-Government on Aruba wireless access point and $16,484.16 from Sterling Computers Corporation on firewall. The costs to APS in both instances are under the E-Rate program. The Universal Service Schools and Libraries Program, administered by the Universal Service Administrative Company for the Federal Communications Commission, provides discounts of 20 to 90 percent on telecommunications, internet access and internal connections to eligible kindergarten through 12th grade schools and libraries. It aims to make high-speed broadband affordable for digital learning.
--An $89,899.93 proposal from Wilson Restaurant Supply, Inc. Equipment Services on two each tilting skillet braising pans and combi ovens, both gas. They are replacing food service equipment which is beyond its useful life.
--not to exceed $84,640 from Facility Advocates on ductwork replacement above the middle/senior high band room and repairs of five rooftop units, attempting to get as much out of the units as possible.
--not to exceed $23,515 from Kidwell on a Telecor intercom system at Calvert Elementary School.
--not to exceed $57,199 from Masters Transportation on a nine-passenger 2023 Ford van. Vans with capacity of 10 or more passengers are being phased out because of governmental regulations.
Additional Action Items
Also approved by the board were:
--The 2026-2027 Bulldog Beginnings calendar. The first and last days of preschool, respectively, will be Monday, Aug. 17 and Tuesday, May 18. Pre-kindergarteners attend Mondays through Thursdays. Dates of home visits, music program, field trips and graduation are to be determined.
--The early graduation request of Sierra Morrow. She plans to work at Good Samaritan Society (GSS)-Auburn fulltime to save money to attend college.
All action items were unanimously approved 6-0.
Community Input Sought
No time has been determined, but the telephone survey regarding APS facility needs is nearly ready. Information will be presented on social media, the district’s website and the Nemaha Valley Observer.
“We definitely want people’s voices to be heard,” noted Laura Osborne, board president.
“We want community input to help us move forward. It will help guide us on meeting the needs of our district,” Ryan Jones, board member, stated.
APS is dealing with continuing increasing enrollment and needs of additional space.
JAG Student Presentation
The school year to date in APS’ Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) program was chronicled by Hunter Stevenson and Nora Jacobitz.
Five students attended the Nebraska Career Development Conference. Stevenson placed first in Employability Skills and Career Preparation. Karlito Holthus-Hunt was third in Employability Skills. Both will compete at Salt Lake City in April.
Other highlights have included: attending the initial youth summit at Kearney, fishing with GSS-Auburn residents, community service projects such as assisting the Auburn Backpack program, career fair, and a career and college exposition.
The program also encompasses college visits, job trips, team building in class and a Shark Tank presentation. The APS program averages 45 to 55 students from all four high school grades. Numbers vary depending upon class schedules. JAG helps increase life skills including how to apply for jobs and tips in resume writing. The APS chapter is among 80 statewide.
Administrative Report Highlights
School Improvement and Curriculum: Samantha Wehenkel related National Assessment of Educational Progress testing “went great.” Nebraska Student-Centered Assessment System testing in third through eighth grades will begin Wednesday, March 25 at the elementary and middle school level. English Language Proficiency Assessment for the 21st Century has been completed with qualifying students. An additional science curriculum is being reviewed before acquisition. Tonia Greiner was awarded a small grant for the Discovery Opportunity Growth and Service program.
Special Education: Reva Siegel reported Educational Service Unit 4 staff was host of a Targeted Improvement Plan workday Wednesday, March 18. Nebraska Department of Education staff discussed the new format and reminded all about expectations when writing it.
Calvert Elementary: Bristol Wenzl noted Title I annual meeting/Family Engagement Night is Thursday, March 26. Kindergarten parent information night is Monday, March 30. Both are at 6 p.m. Twelve Peru State College (PSC) teacher candidates are participating in the PSC/Calvert Spring Mentorship Program and are visiting the elementary school three half days.
Activities: Jason Palmer stated spring Esports season is going well and the students are enjoying it. The Valorant and Mario Kart teams are doing well. Some of the new games are providing new and different opportunities and experiences for APS students. Spring state Esports championships are at Doane University at Crete in mid-April.
Other
A thank you was received from Jeffrey Gold, University of Nebraska (NU) president, following the program honoring students achieving perfect ACT scores and awarding Presidential Scholarships. The NU president praised the energy and camaraderie among students and called APS “unique.”
The Monday, April 13 APS Board of Education meeting is scheduled at 5:30 p.m. at the Central Office board room, 1713 J St. in Auburn.