Dan Petsch, Director of Buildings and Grounds for Grand Island Public Schools, gave a presentation at the Feb. 12 Board of Education meeting about improvements to video security systems at 12 buildings in the school district. (Carol Bryant, Central Nebraska Today)
GRAND ISLAND – The Grand Island Public Schools Board of Education unanimously approved by an 8-0 vote improvements to video security systems at 12 buildings.
The Board approved low bids submitted by CEI Security and Sound. The cost of security cameras is $1,561,266. An alternative cost is $1,388,838. Cost for vape detection is $116,033, with an alternative cost of $106,232.
Dan Petsch, Director of Building and Grounds, gave a short presentation about the video security improvements. They will be made at seven elementary schools, one middle school, Indra House, Islander Annex, Kneale Administration Building, and O’Connor Learning Center.
Carrie Kolar, Chief of Human Capital Management, gave a report about the 2026-2027 staffing plan. She said that principals were contacted to submit proposals in December 2025, then district leadership reviewed the proposals. The additional staff positions in the plan are: two FTE teachers at schools to be determined ($174,000), a computer science teacher (required by Nebraska Department of Education), ($87,000), benefits for an intervention specialist ($5,500), and two assistant principals at elementary schools ($193,000). The intervention specialist benefits go with the position funded by a Nebraska Crime Commission grant of $459,500. The Board of Education voted 8-0 to approve the staffing plan.
Superintendent Matt Fisher said that Grand Island Central Catholic wanted to be included in a unified track program. That request was approved by an 8-0 vote.
The Board voted 8-0 to approve an annual contract with ESU 10 for special education services. This is renewal of the contract.
