Sidney Public Schools board reviews district finances, staffing needs

Photo Courtesy: Donna Wiedeburg / Sidney Public Schools

SIDNEY, Neb. — Sidney Public Schools administrators discussed the district’s financial outlook and staffing needs during a school board meeting on Monday evening.

Superintendent Andrew Farber addressed the board during an agenda item titled “Discuss District Financials,” highlighting updates to district goals and providing a look at current hiring efforts.

Farber said the district has updated one of its strategic goals to better reflect its academic priorities. The previous goal of “maintain high academic expectations and accountability” has been revised to read “invest in resources that support high academic expectations and accountability.”

Farber told board members the district remains focused on maintaining a fiscally conservative approach to managing its budget.

He also provided an update on staffing, noting the district is currently seeking applicants for several open positions. The openings include multiple Special Education roles as well as three elementary teaching positions.

“Applications typically start rolling in around mid-March,” Farber said.

Farber also discussed potential legislation at the state level that could affect how school districts raise revenue.

He said proposed legislation could place financial limitations on districts’ ability to generate necessary funding, adding that the proposals have drawn significant opposition from public school districts and education organizations across Nebraska.

“It’s something we’ll continue to keep an eye on,” Farber said.

In other business, Sidney High School wrestlers Kaine Hill and Cayson Boltjes were recognized by the board following their appearance at the Nebraska state wrestling tournament.

Boltjes, a sophomore, finished the season with a 37-2 record in the 215-pound division and earned state runner-up honors. The finish marked his second consecutive runner-up placement after also finishing second at the state tournament as a freshman in 2025.

Hill, a junior, competed in the 126-pound weight class and finished the season with a 22-22 record.

Head coach Sweetser praised the pair and the team’s overall effort during the season.

“We have two leaders right here who can lead us next year,” Sweetser said. “It will be nice to have them back. It’s been a great year, and we have a young team.”

Sweetser also thanked the community, school staff and the board of education for their continued support of the wrestling program.

Also during the meeting, Melissa Norgard spoke during the citizen comment portion on behalf of Cheyenne County E3 and shared updates about an upcoming entrepreneurship competition involving Sidney students.

Norgard said the organization is working with teacher Mrs. Fehringer and her entrepreneurship class at Sidney High School. She also recognized Alisha Juelfs and Sarah Sinnett for their assistance with the event over the past two years.

The annual entrepreneurship competition will be held April 17.

“In the morning the students will take part in the competition, and in the afternoon they will present their trade show portion of the event,” Norgard said.

Norgard also announced the addition of a middle school component to this year’s event. She said Sidney Middle School teacher Mr. Colerick has been teaching entrepreneurship, and middle school students will now have a small trade show presence as part of the competition.

Donna Wiedeburg / Sidney Public Schools provided information for this report.