To view the April 2024 Bond Project Update, please click on the following link:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nxGXDFZgRnMALhR6QK_B8mi_ML-9t3n9/view?usp=drive_link

Fremont High School SkillsUSA State Results

Seven Students Compete

Fremont, Neb. – (Apr. 17, 2024) At this year’s Nebraska State SkillsUSA Conference, Fremont High School took 7 students competing in 5 different competitions. The students were accompanied by Advisors Brad Ryun and Jason Novotny. 

The students competed in cabinetmaking, masonry, photography, pin design, related technical math, welding, and welding sculpture. 

Welding – Corbin Ewing, 12th Grade

Related Tech. Math – Emely Garcia, 11th Grade

Masonry – Bella Garcia, 10th Grade

Cabinetmaking – Isaac Hasemann, 11th Grade

Welding – Landyn Kavan, 12th Grade

Welding Sculpture – Magaly Rios Gonzalez, 12th Grade

Photography – Emmanuel (Indigo) Salas, 12th Grade

Emmanuel (Indigo) Salas won a state championship in photography and will represent FHS as well as the State of Nebraska at the National SkillsUSA Championships in Atlanta, GA in June. 

Landyn Kavan received the silver medal in the welding competition. He will compete at Nationals if the current State Champion is unable to compete. 

Advisor Jason Novotny was voted onto the Nebraska State SkillsUSA Board of Directors.

“The whole team competed very well and represented Fremont in a very positive way,” stated Ryun.

Since 2014, the FHS SkillsUSA Chapter has had 17 State Champions and 32 medalists.

Several FHS graduates competed at the college level for MCC and medaled as well:

Welding:

1st – Denver Fincham

2nd – Porter Chandler

3rd – Kamrin Kavan

Precision Machining:

1st – Brandon Gallo

CNC Programming

2nd – Sam Wulf

If anyone is interested in donating to the organization for the cost to attend nationals, they can contact Ryun at brad.ryun@fpsmail or Jason Novotny at jason.novotny@fpsmail.org or call the school at 402-727-3050.

 

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The mission statement of the Fremont Public Schools is to produce creative, adaptable, productive citizens committed to lifelong learning.

 

 

Fremont Middle School Social Media Rumors

 

Fremont, Neb. – (Feb. 8, 2024) On Thursday, February 8, 2024, at 11:20 am a social media post was made stating that a shooting would occur at 2:00 PM.  

 

The Fremont Police Department responded as did FMS administration. It was determined that the threat was unsubstantiated. This same rumor had been followed up on at least a dozen times in the past 24 hours – each time the same result – not credible.  Other posts were alluding to a firearm at the Middle School, but the investigation showed no weapon at the Middle School at any time.

 

At no point was Fremont Middle School under lockdown. Lockdown notifications will be sent to parents through Remind. Some parents did not understand why, if the building was not in lockdown, the front doors were locked.  FPS has the same protocol at all buildings, once the school day has started all doors are locked and parents must enter through the office or through a door with an electronic lock after being acknowledged by staff to do so.

 

A number of parents came to the middle school to pick up their children.  As parents, you always have the ability to do so.  We appreciate the orderliness and understanding parents displayed acknowledging the reason for the process – to keep all students safe and the building accountable for each student’s whereabouts.

 

The Chief of Police and the FPD are to be commended for their responsiveness and due diligence as they work closely with the school district to ensure the safety of our students and staff.  As previously shared, if you have credible information related to any threat about school safety or harm in any way to a student, staff member or the general public please call the police department immediately.  Posting information to social media only adds to the hysteria – it is not helpful.

 

If you see something, say something! If you know something, tell someone! “This protocol continues to serve our District and community well, keeping everyone safe,” stated Mark Shepard, Superintendent of Schools.  “We appreciate the responsiveness of the FPD in dealing with the situation seriously,” Shepard concluded.

 

Anyone with information regarding the safety of our schools, students, staff or public should contact the Fremont Police Department non-emergency number (402) 727-2677.

 

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The mission statement of the Fremont Public Schools is to produce creative, adaptable, productive citizens committed to lifelong learning.

 

For more information, please contact:

Hope Pierce

Coordinator of Communications & Public Relations

hope.pierce@fpsmail.org

402-727-3088

 

Rumores en las redes sociales de la escuela secundaria Fremont

 

Fremont, Nebraska – (8 de febrero de 2024)El jueves 8 de febrero de 2024, a las 11:20 a.m. se realizó una publicación en las redes sociales indicando que se produciría un tiroteo a las 2:00 p.m.

 

El Departamento de Policía de Fremont respondió al igual que la administración de FMS. Se determinó que la amenaza no tenía fundamento. Este mismo rumor ha sido repetido al menos una docena de veces en las últimas 24 horas – cada vez con el mismo resultado – no es creíble. Otras publicaciones aluden a un arma de fuego en la escuela secundaria, pero la investigación no mostró ningún arma en la escuela secundaria en ningún momento.

 

En ningún momento la escuela secundaria Fremont estuvo cerrada. Las notificaciones de bloqueo se enviarán a los padres a través de Remind. Algunos padres no entendían por qué, si el edificio no estaba cerrado, las puertas de entrada estaban cerradas con llave. FPS tiene el mismo protocolo en todos los edificios, una vez que el día escolar ha comenzado todas las puertas se cierran con llave y los padres deben ingresar por la oficina o por una puerta con cerradura electrónica después de que el personal les indique que lo hacen.

 

Varios padres vinieron a la escuela secundaria a recoger a sus hijos. Como padres, siempre tenéis la posibilidad de hacerlo. Apreciamos el orden y la comprensión que mostraron los padres al reconocer el motivo del proceso: mantener a todos los estudiantes seguros y al edificio responsable del paradero de cada estudiante.

 

Se debe felicitar al Jefe de Policía y al FPD por su capacidad de respuesta y debida diligencia mientras trabajan en estrecha colaboración con el distrito escolar para garantizar la seguridad de nuestros estudiantes y personal. Como se compartió anteriormente, si tiene información creíble relacionada con cualquier amenaza sobre la seguridad escolar o daño de cualquier manera a un estudiante, miembro del personal o el público en general, llame al departamento de policía de inmediato. Publicar información en las redes sociales sólo aumenta la histeria; no ayuda.

 

¡Si ves algo, di algo! Si sabes algo, ¡díselo a alguien! “Este protocolo continúa sirviendo bien a nuestro distrito y a la comunidad, manteniendo a todos seguros”, afirmó Mark Shepard, Superintendente de Escuelas. “Apreciamos la capacidad de respuesta del FPD al abordar la situación con seriedad”, concluyó Shepard.

 

Cualquier persona que tenga información sobre la seguridad de nuestras escuelas, estudiantes, personal o público debe comunicarse con el número que no es de emergencia del Departamento de Policía de Fremont (402) 727-2677.

 

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La misión de las Escuelas Públicas de Fremont es producir ciudadanos creativos, adaptables y productivos comprometidos con el aprendizaje permanente..

FPS Announces New Executive Director of Human Resources/Elementary Operations

Dr. Jennifer Robinson succeeding Kevin Eairleywine

 

Fremont, Neb. – (Nov. 28, 2023) Fremont Public Schools is announcing the retirement of Kevin Eairleywine and the appointment of Dr. Jennifer Robinson as the Executive Director of Human Resources/Elementary Operations. Eairleywine is retiring after forty years of service to Fremont Public Schools.

 

Eairleywine began his service at Fremont Public Schools in 1984 as a classroom teacher. Throughout his tenure he has served as a teacher, elementary principal, assistant high school principal, assistant middle school principal and special education director. He began as executive director of human resources and elementary operations in 2008.

 

Mark Shepard, superintendent stated, “We appreciate the work Kevin has accomplished at Fremont Public Schools over the past 40 years – his leadership and commitment to FPS and the community will be missed.”  

 

Dr. Robinson rose out of a pool of 16 very quality applicants. She is currently the principal at Norfolk Junior High (grades 7-8) and has served in her current role since 2016. Her previous administrative experience includes assistant principal and principal of Norfolk Middle School (grades 5-6) and Norfolk Junior High (grades 8-9). Dr. Robinson’s teaching experience includes classroom teacher, behavioral interventionist and spanish specialist in Lincoln Public Schools.  

 

She earned her bachelor of science degree in elementary education from Concordia University-Seward and her masters of education, educational specialist and educational doctorate degrees from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Dr. Robinson has served as the co-facilitator of a masters degree program in curriculum and instruction at Wayne State College. The appointment will be part of the recommended Personnel Report for the December Board of Education meeting. Her duties in Fremont will begin on July 1, 2024. “We are excited – Dr. Robinson will step right in and get to work.  She is a proven leader and is ready for this opportunity,” said Shepard.

 

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The mission statement of the Fremont Public Schools is to produce creative, adaptable, productive citizens committed to lifelong learning.

Fremont Public Schools & Greater Fremont Development Council Receives Grants

Nebraska Department of Economic Development – Developing Youth Talent Initiative

 

Fremont, Neb. – (Sep. 22, 2023) Fremont Public Schools and the Greater Fremont Development Council are pleased to announce they have received two Developing Youth Talent Initiative (DYTI) grants from the Nebraska Department of Economic Development. 

 

The first grant is a DYTI grant for middle school Career and Technical Education (CTE) enhancement. The funds awarded for this grant will be used to equip and implement 7th and 8th grade CTE programming at Fremont Middle School. The Skilled and Technical Sciences program at the Middle School is being revised to expose and prepare students for career opportunities and training being created with the opening of our FHS CTE Center. The grant award is for $200,000.

 

The second grant is a DYTI – Governor’s Emergency Education Relief (GEER) II grant for 7-12th grade Career and Technical Education (CTE). The funds awarded for this grant will be used to equip and implement CTE programming at Fremont High School. The new CTE Center will open in August of 2024 with six labs, exposing students to a variety of careers. The grant award is for $500,000.  

 

“The timing of these grants works well with the preparation, planning and opening of the FPS CTE Center,” stated Scott Jensen, executive director of secondary operations. “During the pre-planning stages of the bond issue, GFDC worked with FPS to meet with local industries and businesses to determine the scope of the bond and programming in the center.”

 

The planning for the CTE Center programming is ongoing.  FPS and Metropolitan Community College have been engaged in this important work.  “The Greater Fremont Development Council has been a partner with FPS on this venture from the beginning; it’s vital to our local economy to help students start exploring their career opportunities early” shared Megan Skiles, president and CEO of GFDC. “When the opportunity was presented to apply for this valuable funding we worked together to complete the application process,” she concluded.

 

The State launched DYTI in 2015 to inspire young Nebraskans to explore careers in manufacturing, information technology, health sciences and other fields where talent is in high demand. Each year, DYTI funding supports partnerships between employers and area schools to provide career-focused instruction and interactive educational experiences for students.

 

“In the end, this grant will allow us to continue to develop and implement programming opportunities in high wage, high skill, high demand areas which have been identified as needs within our community,” stated Mark Shepard, superintendent of schools.

 

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The mission statement of the Fremont Public Schools is to produce creative, adaptable, productive citizens committed to lifelong learning.

Non-Descript Threat Regarding School / Homecoming

 

Fremont, Neb. – (Sep. 15, 2023) Fremont Public Schools were notified by a student of a non-descript threat posted to social media related to school and homecoming activities. The Fremont Police Department was notified immediately and began investigating. Based on their investigation, it has been determined the threat is not credible.

 

A trend of non-descript threats regarding school and homecoming events today, September 15 and tomorrow, September 16 have been posted on social media in several parts of the country this week. We thank the student that brought this post to our attention today. Social media posts with identical threat language have been reported earlier in the day in Indiana, California and Texas.

 

“Fremont Public Schools and the Fremont Police Department take all reports of threats seriously – student, staff and community safety is our top priority,” stated Chief of Police Jeff Elliot.

 

Fremont Public Schools and the Fremont Police Department work together and will continue to investigate all threats as per our standard protocol.

 

As always, if you have information to share with us regarding school safety please reach out.  Our message remains the same, If You See Something, Say something. If You Know Something, Tell An Adult.  Together, we help ensure that our students, schools and community are safe. 

 

“We are fortunate to have a partnership with local law enforcement to keep our schools and the community safe,” shared Mark Shepard, superintendent of schools.

 

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For additional information, please contact:

Hope Pierce

Coordinator of Communications & Public Relations

hope.pierce@fpsmail.org

402-727-3088

 

Amenaza indescriptible sobre el regreso a casa

 

Fremont, Nebraska – (15 de septiembre de 2023) Un estudiante notificó a las Escuelas Públicas de Fremont sobre una amenaza indescriptible publicada en las redes sociales relacionada con la escuela y las actividades de regreso a casa. El Departamento de Policía de Fremont fue notificado de inmediato y comenzó a investigar. Según su investigación, se ha determinado que la amenaza no es creíble.

 

Esta semana se ha publicado en las redes sociales en varias partes del país una tendencia de amenazas anodinas con respecto a eventos escolares y de regreso a casa hoy, 15 de septiembre y mañana, 16 de septiembre. Agradecemos al estudiante que nos llamó la atención sobre esta publicación hoy. Más temprano ese mismo día se informaron publicaciones en las redes sociales con lenguaje de amenaza idéntico en Indiana, California y Texas.

 

“Las Escuelas Públicas de Fremont y el Departamento de Policía de Fremont toman en serio todos los informes de amenazas: la seguridad de los estudiantes, el personal y la comunidad es nuestra principal prioridad”, afirmó el Jefe de Policía Jeff Elliot.

 

Las Escuelas Públicas de Fremont y el Departamento de Policía de Fremont trabajan juntos y continuarán investigando todas las amenazas según nuestro protocolo estándar.

 

Como siempre, si tiene información para compartir con nosotros sobre la seguridad escolar, comuníquese con nosotros. Nuestro mensaje sigue siendo el mismo, Si ves algo, di algo. Si sabes algo, díselo a un adulto.Juntos, ayudamos a garantizar que nuestros estudiantes, escuelas y comunidad estén seguros.

 

“Somos afortunados de tener una asociación con las autoridades locales para mantener seguras nuestras escuelas y la comunidad”, compartió Mark Shepard, superintendente de escuelas.

 

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Fremont Public Schools Adopts the 2023-2024 Budget

Hearings & Meeting Held

 

Fremont, Neb. – (Sep. 11, 2023) Fremont Public Schools passed their 2023-2024 Budget on a 6-0 vote during the Board of Education meeting on Monday night. The General Fund budget will decrease by 3.20% from $69,595,949 to $67,370,915. At the same time on the resource side, the District is experiencing a 12.52% increase in assessed valuation. The proposed budget also includes a property tax levy that is being reduced by 8.5 cents, the levy will drop from $1.223 to $1.138.  

 

The levy in the General Fund will now be set at 91.9 cents and the Special Building Fund will be set at 2.5 cents. The levy associated with the Bond Fund is set at 19.3 cents, where the district projected it to be when the voters approved the $123 million bond issue September 14, 2021. 

 

Three sets of Federal allocations called the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSERS) funds were awarded and budgeted in the 2020-2021 budget year and can be expensed through September of 2023.    

 

Fremont Public Schools General Fund budget covers personnel, instruction, transportation and most operating costs. Personnel costs make up 80% of the General Fund. The District budgets the majority of the General Fund expenditures on classroom instruction – approximately 76%.

 

A majority of the budget, 47%, is funded by property taxes. The second-largest revenue source is state aid, which funds 31.% of the budget.

 

The Board of Education aims to maximize our resources while creating an expenditure budget which meets the district’s needs, all while being sensitive to the needs of the district’s patrons. 

The budget incorporates changes due to the negotiated agreement and increases for all employee groups of 3.75%. 

 

Issues affecting FPS finances include increased costs for labor and staffing, cost of supplies and materials, transportation expenses, utility rates, insurance and transportation costs. “Essentially, everything impacting our own personal finances is also creating a challenge for the school district budget,” stated Dr. Brad Dahl, Associate Superintendent.  Additional state sources of revenue were added to help districts be less reliant on property taxes for this fiscal year and helped the district lower their overall levy by 8.5 cents. 

 

The district continues to be efficient with its spending. Fremont Public Schools is ranked 6th out of 244 school districts in Nebraska in per-pupil spending; only 5 districts in the state spend less per-pupil. The district spends $12,081 per-pupil compared to the state average of $15,113.

 

Board of Education President Sandi Proskovec noted, “The budget approved tonight accurately reflects the district’s revenues and expenditures and meets the educational needs of the district while honoring the needs of the community.  Budgeting for FPS is a year-long process and one that is taken seriously with intentionality.”

 

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The mission statement of the Fremont Public Schools is to produce creative, adaptable, productive citizens committed to lifelong learning.