.jpg)
Brandow agrees to fill out the remainder of Taylor’s Board term
LAUREL — The Laurel-Concord- Coleridge School Board accepted two resignations and approved three administrative contracts during its Jan. 12 meeting.
The board accepted the resignation of board member Scott Taylor, who had served seven years. Board members thanked Taylor for his dedication to the district.
The board had planned to hold a special meeting Jan. 19 to discuss filling the vacancy. Superintendent Jeremy Christensen said that meeting was later canceled after former board member Rich Brandow agreed to fill the remainder of Taylor’s term, which expires at the end of the year. Brandow is expected to be appointed at the board’s February meeting.
Christensen noted state law requires a new board member to be in place within 45 days of a resignation.
The Jan. 12 meeting also served as the board’s annual reorganization meeting. Jay Hall was re-elected president, Carol Erwin was re-elected vice president and Grant Settje was re-elected secretary. Business manager Megan Greiner was appointed treasurer and recording secretary.
As part of the reorganization, the board named the Perry Law Firm of Lincoln as district legal counsel and designated the Laurel Advocate as the district’s official newspaper. Security Bank was named the district depository.
The board also accepted the resignation of special education teacher Crystal Brummels, effective at the end of the school year. Christensen said he will first determine whether a current teacher is interested in the elementary/ middle school special education position before advertising the opening.
Christensen also told the board he plans to move Bob Parsons into the district’s technology coordinator role on a full-time basis. The position was not filled prior to the start of the 202526 school year, so it was split among Parsons, Eric DePew and an ESU 1 contract for one to two days per week.
Under the new plan, Christensen said the ESU 1 contract would be reduced to one to two days per month. DePew will receive extended contract days to assist Parsons.
Parsons will continue teaching the high school audio/video production course. Christensen said the librarian/ media specialist role will be filled by third grade teacher Denise Kinkaid, who completed coursework and earned her endorsement during the past year. The district will then need to advertise for a third grade teacher to replace Kinkaid.
Christensen also reported the district has one custodial services position to fill following a resignation in late December. He said the district also has a vacant high school paraprofessional position.
Christensen said the district plans to begin advertising soon for a high school administrative assistant. He said he would like to hire someone to begin in April so they can train with longtime assistant Lois Urwiler, who plans to retire June 30.
The board also reviewed and approved contracts for the district’s three principals, approving 3.25% raises for High School Principal Jennifer Van Meter, Middle School Principal Mark Leonard and Elementary Principal Keri Hart. Leonard and Hart’s 2026-27 base salary will be $94,112, while Van Meter’s base salary will be $89,828.
The board also made appointments for nondiscrimination compliance coordinator responsibilities, including Title VI, homeless student liaison and Safe and Drug Free Schools and Communities.
Board policy also requires that board members be provided copies of the code of ethics and conflict of interest policies each January.
Board members also discussed the district’s student school board position and provided direction to Christensen regarding whether the position should continue for the 2026-27 school year. Christensen said the Committee on American Civics has previously reviewed applications, conducted interviews and made a recommendation to the full board for selection.
The next LCC School Board meeting is scheduled for Monday, Feb. 9, at the middle school in Coleridge. Christensen said holding the meeting at the school gives board members an opportunity to interact with students and is traditionally an informative meeting.
