By Allison Peck
North Platte, Neb. - The North Platte Public School Board of Education accepted Superintendent Dr. Todd Rhodes’ resignation during a special meeting Friday evening, January 23, following extensive public comment that included sharp criticism of board conduct and district leadership instability.
The meeting drew a large crowd, with community members filling the boardroom and speaking at length before the board took any action.
Board members unanimously approved the agenda and excused Cindy O’Connor, who was absent due to being out of the country.
Public comment sharply criticizes board behavior
During public comment, Shreya Agrawal, a North Platte resident, spoke first, noting the unusually large turnout.
“What that tells me is these people are sending a very clear message,” Agrawal said. “This is an important meeting. The public cares about what happens to our school district and they care about what happens to our superintendent.”
Agrawal referenced the board’s code of conduct and accused some members of failing to follow it.
“People notice patterns,” she said. “They pay attention to how decisions are made and they care whether public processes are being followed in a way that builds trust for this board.”
She alleged that some board members were discussing decisions outside of public meetings.
“It seems that members are talking outside the board meeting. They’re deciding how they’re going to vote beforehand,” Agrawal said. “They’re not independently thinking and they’re voting as a block.”
Agrawal said those patterns were eroding public trust.
“These patterns are eroding public trust. Trust matters,” she said. “Processes matter not because policies require it. It’s because our community deserves to understand how and why decisions are being made.”
She also voiced support for Dr. Rhodes, apologizing for what she described as ongoing board behavior.
“No one should have to come to work every single day and deal with that,” Agrawal said. “I appreciate everything that you have done for this school district.”
Teacher warns district reputation is suffering statewide
Another speaker, Britney McDaniel, a North Platte graduate, parent, and district teacher, delivered an emotional plea for board members to work together.
“I’m just a teacher trying to do my best in a district where staffing is tight and money is tighter,” McDaniel said.
She warned that the board’s public behavior has damaged the district’s reputation beyond North Platte.
“Teachers, both old and new, who are looking for new positions are being told by professors and friends alike to avoid this district like the plague,” McDaniel said. “Frankly, Nebraska is watching.”
McDaniel said teachers are burned out and frustrated by budget constraints.
“They’re spending their own money on Expo markers and Kleenex as an absolute bare necessity,” she said. “Month after month because they know the budget is in the negative times infinity.”
She criticized ongoing board infighting.
“All we watch is this board month after month after month argue,” McDaniel said. “You just sit here and gang up on each other and fight and never think about what is best for the students and teachers and the people of this community.”
McDaniel closed by urging board members to recommit to the district’s stated values.
“Remember that you were elected to make all of this better,” she said. “Do better. Be better.”
Board accepts resignation, says it was voluntary
Following public comment, the board entered closed session under the Nebraska Open Meetings Act to discuss personnel matters related to Dr. Rhodes’ resignation. The board returned to open session at approximately 7:09 p.m.
A motion was then made to accept Dr. Rhodes’ resignation effective June 30, 2026.
Board President Emily Garrick emphasized that the resignation was voluntary and not requested by the board.
“This came from Dr. Rhodes and this is his wishes to be done at the end of the school year,” Garrick said.
Garrick also addressed speculation surrounding the resignation.
“This was not requested,” she said. “This came from Dr. Rhodes.”
Several board members said they were surprised and saddened by the resignation and acknowledged strained relationships at the board level. Members said they hope to improve collaboration moving forward, noting that frequent leadership turnover is not healthy for staff or students.
The board unanimously approved the motion to accept the resignation.
Policy discussion and adjournment
The board later held a discussion on electronic records access, specifically the district’s use of Google Vault and Policy 3023, raising concerns about privacy, documentation, and access controls. No action was taken.
A second closed session was held to discuss alleged staff misconduct. No action followed that discussion.
The meeting adjourned at approximately 7:53 p.m.
Dr. Rhodes will continue to serve as superintendent through the end of the 2025–26 school year.