January 13, 2015 at 6:00 PM - Board of Education Regular Meeting

Rationale: 

Notice of the time and place of the Lincoln Board of Education meeting was e-mailed to an extensive list of local and regional news media.  A mailing list is maintained at the Lincoln Public Schools District Office.  A public notice was published in the LINCOLN JOURNAL STAR.

The Lincoln Board of Education is empowered to act on any item listed on the Agenda at any time during the meeting, irrespective of the time or order listed. Pages listed, or further detail, are available upon request. The Open Meetings Act requires and the intention of the Board is that agenda items be sufficiently descriptive to give the public reasonable notice of the matters to be considered at the meeting. The Lincoln Board of Education releases its agenda well in advance of most meetings and desires that all interested persons are fully informed. Any interested person who has a question or needs clarification about the sufficiency of a descriptive item should contact the Office of the Superintendent of Schools.

Rationale:  The attached minutes are intended to accurately reflect the action of the Board at its previous meetings.

Explanation
The minutes have been prepared for Board approval.

Rationale: 

The U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association has named Brett Schuster, the Nebraska Girls Track Coach of the Year.

Explanation
Brett Schuster is the head Track & Field coach, an assistant football coach, and social studies teacher at Lincoln Southwest High School. As such, he has unique opportunities to develop academic and coaching relationships with students during and after school. In fact, he considers that his primary role as a coach:

“First, my role is to ensure that our coaching staff is building positive relationships with our student-athletes so that we can continue to set and maintain high expectations for all of the athletes in our track and field program, both in the classroom and on the track.”

Schuster himself also meets high expectations. His athletic director, Mark Armstrong, commends Schuster for how he goes about his teaching and coaching responsibilities:

"Brett is the utmost professional in everything he does.  He is a true role model for his athletes and they hold both him and his staff in the highest regard.  He is able to connect with the athletes, help them to reach their full potential, and effectively teach those life-lessons that result from participation in athletics.” 

On the track, Schuster’s teams have won the District title the past two years and won the 2014 Class A State Track & Field Meet.

Track & Field has 17 events, each requiring a unique skill set. Throughout it all, Schuster has continued to learn how to teach and how to coach, and when they both happen at the same time:

“If a particular teaching technique proves to be successful in the classroom, then I'll employ it as a coach, and vice versa. Over the course of several years, therefore, many of your teaching and coaching practices become intertwined and are very similar.”

Proposal
That the Lincoln Board of Education adopt the following resolution:  

WHEREAS, Brett Schuster has been named Track & Field Coach of the Year for Nebraska by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association; and

WHEREAS, Schuster is noted for the high standards he sets for himself, his assistant coaches, and his student-athletes; and

WHEREAS, Schuster recognizes the connection between teaching and coaching, the value of building relationships with students and pushing them to reach their fullest potential in the classroom and on the track; and

WHEREAS Schuster serves as a true role model for his athletes and they hold both him and his staff in the highest regard.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Lincoln Board of Education does hereby congratulate Brett Schuster for being named the Nebraska Girls Track Coach of the Year by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association.

Rationale:  In keeping with Policy 8420, a time limit of five minutes will be allotted for any speaker. At the discretion of the Chair, the speaker may be allotted additional time.

Rationale: 

Rationale: 

The Human Resources Division also includes the Office of Risk Management.  As such, in addition to the Lincoln Board of Education approving all contractual agreements with employees, all employee benefit issues, all personnel actions, and all other matters within the scope of the Human Resources Division, as part of the Human Resources Matters agenda; the Lincoln Board of Education also must approve the settlement of Workers’ Compensation claims, take action on tort claims filed against the district, and take action on all other matters within the scope of the Office of Risk Management.

Explanation
This report includes routine Human Resources changes:
   a.  Administrator Certificated Employees:
             Separations – 1
   b.  Certificated Employees:
             Elections – 19
             Re-Elections New Assignment – 6
             Changes of Status – 2
             Leaves of Absence – 4
             Separations – 1
   c.  Substitute Certificated Employees:
             Elections – 20
             Changes of Status – 1
             Separations – 5
   d.  Classified Employees:
             Elections – 24
             Changes of Status – 12
             Leaves of Absence – 2
             Separations – 29
   e.  Approval of a settlement agreement.

Proposal
That the Board approve the Human Resources items presented in the attachment(s).*


*The information in the attachment(s) may be protected by privacy legislation until the Board of Education takes action on the staff recommendations.  Therefore, this attachment(s) is not included in agenda materials provided the public and the news media.  Any information in the attachment(s) that is not protected by privacy legislation, however, is available for public inspection from the Associate Superintendent for Human Resources upon request.

That the Board is approving the Human Resources items attached with the information as presented or as on file with official district records and documents relating to each such item, or in such other form as may be approved by the Associate Superintendent for Human Resources, or her designee, and that the Board hereby authorizes the Associate Superintendent for Human Resources, or her designee, to transact and complete each such item approved hereby, and to sign, execute, and deliver necessary documents or contracts, and to take or cause to be taken any and all other action as may be necessary to complete each such item of transaction as contemplated, for and on behalf of this school district

Rationale: 

At each meeting, the Board of Education is asked to approve certain items of routine business of the school district.      

Explanation
The items included in routine business for this meeting are:  

a.  REGULAR CLAIMS – Claims for the period ending January 13, 2015, were previously provided.                

Federal Tax ACH Deposit of $5,269,421.76.                

State Tax ACH Deposit of $717,959.39.                

Procurement Card ACH Transfer of $164,243.87.                

Office Depot ACH Transfer of $15,329.89.                

Retirement ACH Transfer of $4,288,704.59.                

Vendor ACH Transfer of $37,497.12. 

b.  PAYROLL FOR RATIFICATION – Payroll for the periods ending December 9, December 15, and December 26, 2014, in the amount of $13,949,196.59. 

c.  GIFTS – Approval for the gifts listed on the attached gift report.       

d.  BIDS/CONTRACTS/OTHER ROUTINE BUSINESS – Bids/contracts/other routine business will be presented for approval for the cost of exam fees for students in the International Baccalaureate program; architectural/engineering professional services for Secure Entrances projects; playground equipment, rubber tile, and installation for the Infant Toddle Programs at Lincoln High, Northeast, North Star, and Bryan; kitchen equipment and installation for The Career Academy; Voice-Over-IP phone connectivity; Wireless Network Infrastructure; network switches and stacking modules; items to be listed for auction; and any other bids/contracts/routine business as presented.      

Proposal
That the Lincoln Board of Education approve the following items of routine business:

a.  The regular claims for period ending January 13, 2015.  

b.  Payroll for the periods ending December 9, December 15, and December 26, 2014.  

c.  Gifts for Beattie, Eastridge, Saratoga, and the district.  

d.  Bids/contracts/other routine business for the cost of exam fees for students in the International Baccalaureate program; architectural/engineering professional services for Secure Entrances projects; playground equipment, rubber tile, and installation for the Infant Toddle Programs at Lincoln High, Northeast, North Star, and Bryan; kitchen equipment and installation for The Career Academy; Voice-Over-IP phone connectivity; Wireless Network Infrastructure; network switches and stacking modules; items to be listed for auction; and any other bids/contracts/routine business as presented.  

Rationale:  On February 25, 2014, the Board adopted a resolution to accept option students for the 2014-15 school year.  Applications have been received from students requesting that they be accepted as option students for the 2014-15 school year.  Staff recommends that the students referred to in this agenda item be accepted for enrollment as they are in compliance with the Board resolution of February 25, 2014.      

Explanation
Staff has examined the applications of the students included in this proposal.  The students meet one of the criteria set forth by the Board in its resolution of February 25, 2014.  Staff recommends approval of these applications.      

Proposal
That the Board adopt the following resolution:   WHEREAS the students who have been assigned student numbers 401165, 280601, and 280599 (for purposes of confidentiality, assigned numbers are being used) meet one or more of the criteria of the Board resolution of February 25, 2014, with regard to such option students;  

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the aforementioned students be accepted as option students on the condition and with the express understanding that all programs, all classes and all buildings of assignment, except as otherwise required by law, shall at all times and from time to time during attendance at Lincoln Public Schools be determined solely by Lincoln Public Schools.  

Rationale:  *The Lincoln Board of Education is empowered to act on any item listed on the Agenda at any time during the meeting, irrespective of the time or order listed. Pages listed, or further detail, are available upon request. The Open Meetings Act requires and the intention of the Board is that agenda items be sufficiently descriptive to give the public reasonable notice of the matters to be considered at the meeting. The Lincoln Board of Education  Board releases its agenda well in advance of most meetings and desires that all interested persons are fully informed. Any interested person who has a question or needs clarification about the sufficiency of a descriptive item should contact the Office of the Superintendent of Schools.

Rationale: 

The Human Resources Department works with several different employee groups with unique requirements for employment.  As a result, the Human Resources Department maintains several different pools of employee candidates that represent the unique nature of the professional characteristics of these different groups.  The existing policy mentions a single pool of employees, so the language needs to  be revised to match the uniqueness of the candidate pools.

Explanation
The revised Policy 4300 recognizes the multiple candidate pools maintained by the district.

Proposal
That the Board discuss the proposed changes to Policy 4300.

Rationale: 

Early notification programs have been identified as effective ways to determine staffing needs and staffing flexibility, especially when faced with either a large number of potential hires or an uncertain labor market.  While not a required annual program, the option of an early notification program would provide the Human Resources staff the advanced notice they need to make critical decisions early in the hiring process that would be impossible if staff notification did not occur until mid-March, which is well past the prime hiring season.

Explanation
The revised Policy 4620 puts a Human Resource tool in place that can be used when specific circumstances arise and early notification of staff retirements will play a critical role in securing sufficient numbers and quality of instructional staff.

Proposal
That the Board discuss the proposed changes to Policy 4620.

Rationale: 

As the district continues to grow, many staff within the district must provide support or services to more geographically disparate buildings and those needs may change throughout the year.  The revision in this policy would allow the Associate Superintendent for Human Resources to authorize travel reimbursement stipends those other groups who face travel requirements similar to administrators in meeting the needs of staff and students across the district.

Explanation
The revised Policy 4650 provides the option to the Associate Superintendent for Human Resources to offer travel reimbursement to other groups beyond administrators if it is appropriate and warranted.

Proposal
That the Board discuss the proposed changes to Policy 4650.

Rationale: 

Over time, policies can become out of date and need to be revised to reflect new conditions in the schools. The language that has been added to this policy dealing with staff interactions with others captures new media of communication that are regularly used by staff.

Explanation
The revised Policy updates the Policy 4750 to reflect the new electronic means of staff communication, including the use of social media.

Proposal
That the Board discuss the proposed changes to Policy 4750.

Rationale: 

Over time, policies can become out of date and need to be revised to reflect new language used in the field of Human Resources. The language that has been added to this policy dealing with staff interactions with students clarifies the importance of the boundaries necessary for a positive and effective teacher and student relationship.

Explanation
The revised Policy 4780 highlights the importance of professional boundaries necessary for successful teacher and student relationships.

Proposal
That the Board discuss the proposed changes to Policy 4780.

Rationale: 

The district seeks to provide an environment in which administrators, teachers, and staff can discover and transmit the knowledge and wisdom which will help to improve the quality of education. The rights of the district and individuals concerning production, ownership, and use of inventions, patentable and copyrightable materials, or other intellectual property or proprietary materials are important to make clear to all parties.

Explanation
The revised Policy 4865 clarifies Work for Hire conditions for employees.

Proposal
That the Board discuss the proposed changes to Policy 4865.

Rationale: 

The 21^st Century Community Learning Centers (CLCs) federally-funded grant program provides grants to eligible schools for the purpose of creating or expanding Community Learning Centers.  The primary purpose of 21^st Century funds is to provide students with academic enrichment opportunities designed to complement their regular academic program.  All CLC services are provided during non-school hours or periods when school is not in session.  The Community Learning Centers programs and activities are designed to build on the capacity of community partners and neighborhood schools.  Each site is to have an academic focus to assist participating students in meeting state and local academic achievement standards.  Families of students served may also receive services in areas which support family literacy, health, other family support services, and childcare.

Explanation
This 21^st Century CLC grant application is a continuation funding grant for the Calvert Elementary, Park Middle, and North Star High CLC schools.  The identified schools have specific needs which are in line with the goals of the 21^st Century grant process and have successfully achieved stated outcomes in the first-time grant award.  Community partners that have been identified to serve as the CLC lead agency and to assist in the planning and service provision include:  Lincoln Parks & Recreation, Boys & Girls Club of Lincoln/Lancaster County, and Malone Community Center.  These community partners and others are essential to the successful delivery of quality expanded learning opportunities for students.  The continuation grant will build on the success these sites have experienced over the past five years.  Successes have included consistently meeting the grant attendance objectives and performance data on NeSA indicates students in expanded learning (ELO) programs meet or exceed in reading and math at a higher percentage than non-attending ELO students.  Expanded learning opportunities will include homework / academic support, enrichment activities, recreation and leisure, character education and development, and service learning as well as activities to support nutrition and healthy lifestyles.

Other CLC success includes the continued partnership between school- and community-based organizations to improve alignment of activities to the school day curriculum, strengthening professional development, and sharing responsibility and accountability for program quality.  It is projected that approximately 470 students will be impacted by the CLC opportunities at these three sites.

The following program goals will guide the program design and delivery:

Goal 1: Improve student learning performance in one or more core academic areas.

Goal 2: Increase social benefits and improve behavior.

Goal 3: Increase family and community involvement in schools.

Proposal
That the Board of Education discuss the submission of this federally-funded grant application to the Nebraska Department of Education.  The total grant amount over a five year period is projected to be $720,000. The 100% match requirement is met through existing support.

Rationale: 

The 21st Century Community Learning Centers (CLCs) federally-funded grant program provides grants to eligible schools for the purpose of creating or expanding Community Learning Centers.  The primary purpose of 21st Century funds is to provide students with academic enrichment opportunities designed to complement their regular academic program.  All CLC services are provided during non-school hours or periods when school is not in session.  The Community Learning Centers programs and activities are designed to build on the capacity of community partners and neighborhood schools.  Each site is to have an academic focus to assist participating students in meeting state and local academic achievement standards.  Families of students served may also receive services in areas which support family literacy, health, other family support services, and childcare.

Explanation
This 21^st Century CLC grant application is a second continuation funding grant for the Arnold Elementary, McPhee Elementary, Norwood Park Elementary, and Dawes Middle CLC schools. The identified schools have specific needs which are in line with the goals of the 21^st Century grant process and have successfully achieved stated outcomes in the first continuation grant award.  Community partners that have been identified to serve as the CLC lead agency and to assist in the planning and service provision include: Lincoln Housing Authority, Lincoln Parks & Recreation, Northeast Community Center, and Nebraskans for Civic Reform.  These community partners and others are essential to the successful delivery of quality expanded learning opportunities for students.  The continuation grant will build on the success these sites have experienced over the past five years.  Successes have included consistently meeting the grant attendance objectives and performance data on NeSA indicates students in expanded learning (ELO) programs meet or exceed in reading and math at a higher percentage than non-attending ELO students.  Expanded learning opportunities will include homework / academic support, enrichment activities, recreation and leisure, character education and leadership development, and service learning as well as activities to support nutrition and healthy lifestyles.

Other CLC success includes the continued partnership between school- and community-based organizations to improve alignment of activities to the school day curriculum, strengthening professional development, and sharing responsibility and accountability for program quality.  It is projected that approximately 360 students will be impacted by the CLC opportunities at these four sites.

The following program goals will guide the program design and delivery:

Goal 1: Improve student learning performance in one or more core academic areas.

Goal 2: Increase social benefits and improve behavior.

Goal 3: Increase family and community involvement in schools.

Proposal
That the Board of Education discuss the submission of this federally-funded grant application to the Nebraska Department of Education.  The total grant amount over a five year period is projected to be $704,700. The 100% match requirement is met through existing support.

Rationale: 

The Lincoln Board of Education has recognized the Lincoln Education Association (LEA) as the exclusive bargaining agent to negotiate salary, fringe benefits, and working conditions for members of that employee group.  The negotiation teams, representing LEA and Lincoln Public Schools, have reached a tentative agreement for the 2015-16 year and the LEA has approved the tentative agreement.

Explanation
The proposed agreement calls for a 3.25 percent total package increase for 2015-16.  This settlement is within the parameters set by the Board of Education.  Included in the package increase are all district costs including the district’s contributions to health insurance, state retirement, and Social Security.

Proposal
That the Board of Education consider and discuss the proposed negotiated agreement for the 2015-16 school year with the Lincoln Education Association.

Rationale: 

Rationale: 

Each year a joint LPS/LEA committee, composed of parents, Board members, education association leaders, teachers and administrators, recommends a student calendar for the Board’s consideration. This year, in addition to the Calendar Committee, the Board’s Student Learning Committee reviewed the recommended calendar.  The calendar that is coming before the Board is coming forward with the recommendation of both Board committees.  It has been the practice of the Board to adopt calendars more than a full calendar year before it is in place.

Explanation
As in previous years, the Calendar Committee has followed Board approved student calendar primary and secondary variables to design and recommend a student calendar that meets the Calendar Committee’s purpose statement, “The school calendar demonstrates the district’s commitment to learning.  It is based on sound instructional considerations and priorities ensuring the continuity, efficiency, and effectiveness of teaching and learning.  LPS established the following calendar variables to be considered by the Lincoln Public Schools Calendar Committee in devising the student calendar.”

The Calendar Committee received input from the Community Curriculum Council, a district parent group with a representative from each school, and from a staff survey.  Additionally, this year, the Student Learning Committee reviewed the calendar and provided feedback prior to recommending it to the full Board.  The perspective of the Student Learning Committee was important to ensure that the recommended calendar is focused on student outcomes while still being responsive to the needs of the community.

Rationale:  The Board of Education Technology Committee is bringing forth a proposed resolution for the purpose of directing staff to develop a technology implementation plan within existing funding parameters, providing for appropriate staffing, proposing sufficient professional development, and providing greatly expanded access to technology district-wide all in support of student learning.      

Explanation
The Board of Education Technology Committee brings forth a resolution to guide the implementation of the Lincoln Public Schools Technology Plan.      

Proposal
That the Board approves the proposed resolution.  

Rationale:  Nebraska received State Personnel Development Grants Program funds from the U.S. Department of Education. State Personnel Development Grants Program provides funds to assist states in reforming and improving their systems for personnel preparation and professional development in early intervention, education, and transition services in order to enhance results for children.      

Explanation
Everett Elementary School is applying for a Nebraska Personnel Development Grant for up to $9,630 for the 2014-15 school year. The grant will fund the NDE approved activities focusing on behavior. Funds will support stipends for non-contract hours of staff development planning, data analysis, continued monitoring and evaluation of implementation of positive behavior supports.      

Proposal
That the Board discuss the submission of the Nebraska State Personnel Development Grant application for up to $ $9,630 for a one-year period beginning October 1, 2014.    

Rationale: 

At the second Board meeting of the month, information regarding the district’s monthly financial report is presented.  Because there was only one Board meeting in December, 2014, the November, 2014, report is presented at the first Board meeting in January, 2015.      

Explanation
The monthly financial report for the month ending November 30, 2014, is attached.      

Proposal
Information item; no Board action required.  

Rationale:  Wednesday, January 14, TCA Joint Board Meeting, 11:00 am, SCC Lincoln Campus
Friday, January 16, MLK Breakfast, 7:30 am, Embassy Suites Downtown
Wednesday, January 21, GNSA, 9:30 am, NCSA
Tuesday, January 27, Board Meeting, 6:00 pm, LPSDO

Rationale:  In keeping with Policy 8420, a time limit of five minutes will be allotted for any speaker. At the discretion of the Chair, the speaker may be allotted additional time.

Rationale: 

Explanation
At this point, it is appropriate for the Board to meet in closed session for one of the stated matters and/or any other permissible closed session matters in compliance with the law.

Rationale:  The Lincoln Board of Education is authorized by state statute to hold closed sessions.  Closed sessions may be held when clearly necessary for the protection of the public interest or for the prevention of needless injury to the reputation of an individual.  Reasons that meet this standard include but are not limited to:  (a) strategy sessions with respect to collective bargaining, real estate matters, pending litigation, or litigation which is imminent as evidenced by communication of a claim or threat of litigation to or by the public body; (b) discussion regarding deployment of security personnel or devices; (c) investigative proceedings regarding allegations of criminal misconduct; (d) evaluation of the job performance of a person when necessary to prevent needless injury to the reputation of a person and if such person has not requested a public meeting; and (e) legal advice.