[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6106139,"mediaKeyId","2784386-612610c8f42f0c530b6b45cff804e5c4","parentId",2784386,"title","RISE program presentation: alternative‑education team highlights student wins, enrollment and supports","audioSeconds",244,"startMs",1976000,"endMs",2220000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2784386-612610c8f42f0c530b6b45cff804e5c4&start=1976&end=2220","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2784386-612610c8f42f0c530b6b45cff804e5c4/thumbnail_1976000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6106139/Nebraska/RISE-program-presentation-alternativeeducation-team-highlights-student-wins-enrollment-and-supports","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6106139-f2026d5ad883e569369a629b5f98346c/orig.mp4?Expires=1771173208&Signature=PUnl6lDLZO8aFdC80-XDaCiyCNaGDUF4y5KrBb8gWHdUn3ZhbPhnlCSBnboj05HbK0B63dc2Pi2UiwGGtqPcMamzaRwt-GeGsO42PsWLyHJorEQcqA7Pzdmx0tMs3oUUV2TaUkfQN0tAMNlERhJTzqqKWOjj97IhLEVXRIOpLwuE5xKFxjyrCP-JklAiUi9WmlzqbL7HaOuQPGZFte5LSz4Z4PYXvA1n~~983BorlSJEfdMs7IYYTAGu9la3MpWAAebE1TgNABIqIQpto4yJi9~DTsI-WZ3OXFVoGU80oYL2cgWrW3AWjoHFmH48wC4s3wQVnh9nBo7xNst86kWi~w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Ralston Public Schools, NE","date","2025-03-27T00:48:33.323Z","article","Tyler Barna, who runs the RISE program, told the Ralston Public Schools Board of Education on March 24 that the alternative‑education program focuses on credit recovery, attendance supports and individualized plans to help students finish high school.

Barna said RISE had 68 different students enrolled at some point this school year and a roster of 34 at the time of his presentation. He described the program as “relationship based” and said staff work with families to create extended graduation plans and to transition students back into the high school when appropriate.

Barna said the program uses Edgenuity for curriculum delivery and that the model is mastery‑based: students who engage with the platform and complete work can regain credits and return to their home school. He described outcomes from this year: three students have graduated after working through the program (including a long‑term student who has now taken a UPS job), several more are on track to graduate and a number of students have returned to the comprehensive high school after credit recovery at RISE.

Direct quote from the presentation: “Our mission statement here is to engage every student in targeted program that fosters hope, creates positive outlook, and build pathways to college and career opportunities.” — Tyler Barna, RISE program lead.

Staffing and supports
Barna said special‑education support is available through a district special‑education teacher assigned to RISE, and credited Kyle Kikta (special education teacher) for increased in‑program services compared with previous years. Barna said behavior referrals for RISE students have fallen and attributed that to a supportive, small‑group setting and strong staff‑student relationships.

Enrollment and outcomes
- Students served this school year (cumulative): 68
- Roster at time of presentation: 34 (with two additional enrollments noted as imminent)
- Graduated students this school year: 3 (including several long‑term students who completed extended plans)
- Students on track to graduate: 6 (reported)

Barna said the program also provides transition services for students who need an alternative to the comprehensive high school because of attendance issues, anxiety or disciplinary placement; RISE staff work to return students to their home school when possible and to provide longer‑term supports when needed.

Ending
Board members praised the graduation stories and asked staff to provide a timeline for moving the RISE program into the newly leased site at 8527 Park Drive. Operations staff said final lease paperwork and move logistics will be reported back to the board before July occupancy.
","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","RPS Board of Education Meeting - March 24, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","RISE program lead Tyler Barna told the Ralston board that RISE served 68 students at some point this year and had 34 on its roster at the time of the March 24 presentation, and presented graduation and credit‑recovery outcomes.","taxTitle","RALSTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS, School Districts, Nebraska","taxId",76452,"location","Nebraska","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6106144,"Board approves K–8 math curriculum purchase and leases new RISE site",744,8180000,8924000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2784386-612610c8f42f0c530b6b45cff804e5c4&start=8180&end=8924","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2784386-612610c8f42f0c530b6b45cff804e5c4/thumbnail_8180000.jpg","/articles/6106144/Nebraska/Board-approves-K8-math-curriculum-purchase-and-leases-new-RISE-site","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6106144-0db7235499d6e35a0c0652fbd130bbbc/orig.mp4?Expires=1771173208&Signature=EAtL6uWbt7-g5io6f2tRK9KLxeW59tuibRUQTCeIWr8lrAGNVH4qhkoW171HIS2wun2Ykz79HmRrCXxrC0WeI~4HVtN~l-C6QEepmjWx5H3FgLEtYWjPCKrYMF7SVktEwkGFUFkrQRb35endogmLiOEuhnuz1DzFPd7Vjj3ORf6vWGLPXkUGkVx6lyUYBkXPMZdUrVoCnPJwg6IhcwT0RcqskCHwMWSB3mO1u9Gt9T~b6ljGiqDwAY41N-pbM3~ePakrxSEB4iMDM6TYk~oJV0WTCN1ExQBVOZddE4wIAcEdtvCQMZhG7MnXAhhHC8oGJTrK7~xnQJ6Va36F~Ml1Og__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Ralston Public Schools Board of Education on March 24 approved two major operational moves: a $450,787.63 purchase of a K–8 math curriculum from Savvas and a three‑year lease for the district’s RISE alternative education program at 8527 Park Drive.

Board members voted unanimously on both items. The Savvas curriculum purchase was presented following a year‑long pilot and review by district teachers; the lease for the RISE program was presented as a replacement for the district’s prior off‑site location and emphasizes proximity to Ralston High School and ADA‑compliant facilities.

Why it matters: The curriculum purchase is a multi‑year instructional investment that will change classroom materials and teacher training for kindergarten through eighth grade. The new RISE site, a short walk from the high school, is intended to reduce transportation burdens and give program staff easier access to district resources and to students who split time between RISE and the high school.

Details on the purchases and votes
- K–8 math curriculum: Motion to approve the purchase of K–8 math curriculum from Savvas in the amount of $450,787.63; motion carried unanimously. Teachers who piloted materials across buildings recommended Savvas based on classroom observations, student feedback and coach reviews. The district plans phased training for teachers this summer and monitoring in year one to guide implementation.
- RISE lease: Motion to approve the lease of 8527 Park Drive for the RISE program as presented (three‑year term noted in staff presentation); motion carried unanimously. The space includes two ADA‑compliant restrooms, existing office furniture that the district will inherit at no additional cost and an open floor plan the RISE staff said fits their needs.

Discussion highlights and next steps
District leaders said teacher pilots evaluated both Savvas and an alternative (HMH/Into Math). Staff reported that Savvas provided clearer scaffolding and matched instructional shifts the district prioritized; the board asked for an implementation plan that lists “must‑do” uses and optional resources so teachers can phase into the new materials. The board approved the purchase contingent on the regular budget and implementation planning process.

On the RISE lease, administrators noted the space required no district‑funded build‑out beyond routine cleaning and minor cosmetic work; the landlord will not require the district to bring the building up to code at district expense. Staff said being within walking distance of the high school should reduce transportation scheduling conflicts and help program staff remain connected to district services.

Votes at a glance
- Purchase: K–8 math curriculum (Savvas). Amount: $450,787.63. Vote: unanimous (Aye: Miss Rorty; Missus Crass; Missus Richards; Missus Coomer; Miss Huff). Outcome: approved.
- Lease: 8527 Park Drive for RISE program. Term: staff recommended three years. Vote: unanimous (Aye: Missus Coomer; Miss Rorty; Missus Huff; Missus Richards; Missus Krauss). Outcome: approved.

Board members asked staff to return implementation and training timelines to the board (math adoption) and to provide a district contact for the RISE site move so the board can track opening and any required code/permitting items.

Ending
District staff said teacher training and initial implementation support for the math curriculum will begin this summer; the RISE program team expects to occupy the new site in July, subject to final lease paperwork and routine move logistics.","At its March 24 meeting the Ralston Public Schools Board of Education approved the district purchase of a K–8 math curriculum from Savvas for $450,787.63 and authorized a three‑year lease for a new RISE program location at 8527 Park Drive. Both motions passed unanimously.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6106129,"Presenter outlines Nebraska legislative priorities, budget outlook and bills the district is monitoring",83,622000,705000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2784386-612610c8f42f0c530b6b45cff804e5c4&start=622&end=705","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2784386-612610c8f42f0c530b6b45cff804e5c4/thumbnail_622000.jpg","/articles/6106129/Nebraska/Presenter-outlines-Nebraska-legislative-priorities-budget-outlook-and-bills-the-district-is-monitoring","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6106129-d8f56628f0b3fc600e851166dda122fb/orig.mp4?Expires=1771173208&Signature=aeYG0vVD~OzMOEp51mT0VvFMgq0-VDO~4Yv4WZ39mICQFsZBWb5RAtvNxCGOaH-ZH8X7IlQTtgkokRSSRivc0VqZ83HriDWBMqP8fF8Mbw7dHe3KLDQATYFhLRI0wCLaP2IavLk7oEvGOYRARGmdp6MYEavBNUaAsH8wyy0UbXyYox9-Qne8UH6KxitWwBU3EwC7cTEuBgqRqwLZmUgInxE8HAKpMD6OIDcJJfsUES6gAZY9iTOQoovg38lqetzy8duG2NYW634ARsUcmvkjSvY8Pfq8S9fNdzzWLEDZ5xzmJEqXUYAv99A1YHGBKVkW6~v2gOgaRgTNuvAmn6jmmQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A presenter who identified himself as Joe updated the Ralston Public Schools Board of Education on March 24 about developments at the Nebraska Legislature, including a revised state revenue forecast and a series of bills being prioritized by leadership.

Joe told the board the Nebraska Economic Forecasting Board initially reported a favorable uptick — “an increase in the forecast of about a hundred and $65,000,000” — but a subsequent Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP) miscalculation reduced that gain and left the Appropriations Committee facing a larger shortfall. He said the miscalculation increased the projected budget gap by roughly $90 million and pushed the committee back toward a $200–250 million shortfall.

“We were making such good business friends, and then had that news,” Joe said about the committee’s reaction to the revised FMAP estimate.

Bills and priorities Joe described the legislature’s priority process (each senator can name one priority bill; the speaker names many of the session priorities) and listed bills the district is watching because they could affect school finance, personnel or student services. Items mentioned included:
- LB 415 — technical changes tied to last year’s paid‑sick‑leave ballot initiative (subject to filibuster at the time of the briefing).
- LB 258 — change to minimum wage application for 14‑ and 15‑year‑old workers (also likely to be filibustered).
- LB 303, LB 440 (Education Leave and Support Act), LB 538 (training/discrimination policy), LB 653 (special education reimbursement changes) and LB 645 (school retirement changes).
- Revenue bills (LB 169 and LB 170 referenced) that would expand sales tax to certain services and other items and could be used to fund education proposals such as LB 303.

Joe also flagged other bills being monitored: proposals related to limits on ad valorem taxes and bills addressing abuse by school employees and changes to juvenile court jurisdiction related to habitual truancy.

Why it matters: Joe said the combination of the forecast change and the prioritization process means only a limited set of bills will move forward before the budget deadline; several education‑related measures could require additional revenue if they advance.

Ending
Board members questioned the likelihood of some bills overcoming a filibuster and asked about timelines. Joe noted the Appropriations Committee must have a budget on the floor by April 29 under legislative rules and the governor’s desk by May 15, which frames the timing for any finance‑related changes.
","A presenter identified only as Joe briefed the board on the Nebraska Legislature’s schedule, a recent budget forecast revision tied to Medicaid FMAP calculations, and a list of prioritized bills affecting labor, education and taxation that the district is monitoring.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6106134,"Students and staff pitch Turtle Creek community garden to board as hands‑on CTE and food‑security project",420,2804000,3224000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2784386-612610c8f42f0c530b6b45cff804e5c4&start=2804&end=3224","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2784386-612610c8f42f0c530b6b45cff804e5c4/thumbnail_2804000.jpg","/articles/6106134/Nebraska/Students-and-staff-pitch-Turtle-Creek-community-garden-to-board-as-handson-CTE-and-foodsecurity-project","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6106134-0a4c30070b86d10bf330348fa99d28bb/orig.mp4?Expires=1771173208&Signature=oERku3U-YlVbD-ATTNexGfaXHJlTJlPzRook6n0ViT8L8xePEFu6LTsOsQXlkLTHd1SaFve0U9EBvcosWWq7esT3iqY1CvLU~JnurW68v3VD2qyJKmWzz8MlegQ-Oow1Lr7Hbn6Cl4Ap023HybR5bOBtoFQLU1K1AOF9V5Xbd8wLSPMMRQ-USYHpRGQCZ8n2IKW7TiwAcyQgEByoJ7t5mSxzSpuw6HBzGFTIPgAKXjNS1Vj4t83MYlZhba92e0DdUduLo2bF4GvkEFONwFIklyJgB~i8FBvXRvU-os3M3YoawWVZXoSCUkkcsGEIi8WU-U94wuElfDNy4Ezr7qLPcQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Carly Schmidt, a school psychologist for Ralston Public Schools, and student FFA members outlined a community garden and adopt‑a‑bed proposal at Turtle Creek during the March 24 board meeting.

Schmidt said the project began as a social‑justice practicum and expanded into a proposal to convert an existing Turtle Creek planting bed near the baseball fields into an expanded community garden. The project would provide CTE (career and technical education) and applied learning opportunities for high‑school students, food for families in need, and community service and volunteer hours.

Key project elements
- Site: Turtle Creek bed near the new baseball fields (walking distance from Ralston High School).
- Model: Families apply to adopt a raised bed for one year; successful families would be trained and could grow produce for household use, with overflow produce available to local food banks or the district food pantry.
- Partners: Presenters cited Saint Leo’s (community garden experience), BigGarden (nonprofit support and potential seed funding), Douglas County Farm Bureau and the local public library (seed library donations).
- Year‑one costs and funding: Presenters listed several small grants as targets and said some partners had pledged in‑kind donations (mulch, seedlings, volunteer labor). Becklin (high‑school woodshop) offered to build beds and structures with students.

Operational issues discussed
Presenters and board members discussed water access and maintenance: Schmidt said one daytime watering run required roughly 600 gallons and that access to a closer water hookup would reduce staff time. Staff also raised theft concerns; presenters proposed signage, a combination of sponsor beds and some open beds for passersby to reduce theft pressure.

Why it matters: Schmidt framed the garden as both a classroom and community resource that addresses local food‑access gaps. She cited a USDA report used in their planning and connected the garden to social‑emotional learning, leadership and hands‑on CTE experience for students.

Direct quote from presentation: “Ralston is considered a food desert…and what that statistic comes from, I have a USDA report up there…they take average income… the majority of them cannot walk within a mile to get fresh fruit.” — Carly Schmidt, school psychologist.

Next steps
Project leaders asked the board for general support and permission to pursue grants and partnerships; several board members and staff offered follow‑up connections (extension office, BigGarden and other local partners). Presenters said they would apply for grants due in May and hoped to pilot workshops in January and break ground in fall of the next school year.

Ending
Board members praised the community and educational value of the proposal and offered district staff help connecting to potential grantors and volunteers; presenters will return with grant applications and a refined budget if they obtain district permission to pursue external funding.","School psychologist Carly Schmidt and FFA students presented a proposal to create community garden beds at Turtle Creek, proposing partnerships with local nonprofits, year‑one costs and a plan to assign beds to families in need; presenters said grants and local partners could fund initial construction and ongoing support.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

RISE program presentation: alternative‑education team highlights student wins, enrollment and supports

Board approves K–8 math curriculum purchase and leases new RISE site

Presenter outlines Nebraska legislative priorities, budget outlook and bills the district is monitoring

Students and staff pitch Turtle Creek community garden to board as hands‑on CTE and food‑security project