Clark Enersen Named APS Performance Criteria Developer On Proposed Facility Alterations

Monday night, July 13, the Auburn Public Schools (APS) Board of Education selected Clark Enersen as performance criteria developer for potential facilities additions, renovations and maintenance projects. It involves a $15,000 prebond basic services fee.
The prospective projects entail classrooms, secured entrance, performing arts center and gymnasium.
Ryan Jones, chair of the board’s Buildings, Grounds and Transportation Committee, said three bids were obtained, all of which were good. Jones continued Clark Enersen has worked with representatives of schools within the scope and size of APS, many of which are within close driving distance. Board President Laura Osborne noted Jones did a great job explaining factors.
A performance criteria developer is a licensed professional or firm hired by an project owner to draft technical requirements, requests for proposals and evaluation metrics for design-build projects.
Cody Wickham, senior vice president and public finance backer with DA Davison, presented to the board preceding the choice of performance criteria developer. He will help devise bond issue language and send a couple of drafts before the board’s Thursday, Aug. 13 regular meeting. Once the bond issue resolution is adopted, it will need to be filed with Nemaha County Clerk Diane Johnson by Tuesday, Sept. 1. The Buildings and Grounds Committee will meet Wednesday, Aug. 5.
Wickham continued he has worked on successful bond elections, will organize groups to help support the effort and assist in coordinating community meetings. DA Davison representatives will attend to talk about the financial impact. He indicated APS is honing in on a good plan process emphasizing educational purposes.
Beth Kernes Krause, board member, stated the school board wants to have as many opportunities as possible for the public to ask questions.
Bonds of 25 and 30 years will be considered. Jones asked the impact of an extra five years. Wickham replied 20 year bonds were the previous standard. He added the trend is towards 30 year bonds, as interest will decrease through refinancing over time.
Nutrition Prices Increasing
Breakfasts and lunches will cost an additional 10 cents across the board while milk will increase five cents.
During the 2026-2027 school year, breakfast will be $2.70 for kindergarten through 12th grade and it will remain $2.90 for adults. Lunch will be $3.70 in kindergarten through fifth grade, $3.95 in sixth through 12th grade and $4.75 adults. Milk is 60 cents.
The 2025-2026 costs were: breakfast, $2.60 and $2.90; lunch, $3.60, $3.85 and $4.65 and milk 55 cents.
Grant Brueggemann, Policy, Curriculum and Americanism Committee, related the new rates will help keep up with inflationary pressures. Kernes Krause added APS is in the middle with comparable schools on meal costs. 
Budget Base Growth Percentage
A resolution was adopted allowing APS to increase the budget up to an additional 6 percent above the base growth percentage or maximum amount as permitted by law. Jones noted it is for the protection of patrons of the district who pay taxes. APS has never gone up 6 percent but the resolution is approved in case it is needed.
Compressors, Fruit/Vegetable Bar
Proposals from Facility Advocates not to exceed $19,425; $19,425 and $19,487; respectively; were accepted to purchase and install multizone compressor replacement rooftop units at the senior high school.
A bid not to exceed $12,160 was allowed from Wilson Restaurant Supply to acquire a five tray fruit and vegetable bar at Calvert Elementary School. Eli Davidson, Budget, Finance and Claims Committee chair, said it will allow more flexibility on what fruits and vegetables can be offered.
2026-2027 Handbooks
The school board approved the following 2026-2027 handbooks: certified staff, classified staff, Calvert Elementary student, secondary student and student-parent activity. There were minor alterations including some resulting from Unicameral action.
Kernes Krause stated she appreciated the work of the administrative team and staff in keeping the handbooks up to date over the years.
Also accepted were the code of conduct and an extracurricular activity discipline policy.
All action items were unanimously accepted 6-0.
Other
Superintendent David Patton indicated good progress is being made on summer projects.
Ken Burgert of Julian thanked the board on meeting in APS’ other cities and villages. The July 13 meeting was at the Julian Community Building.
The Aug. 13 regular board meeting will be at the APS Central Office boardroom at 1713 J St. in Auburn. The date change was made because of the 2026 Nemaha County Fair.