August 4, 2014 at 6:30 PM - Board of Education Meeting Agenda

Due to the retirement of Judy Potter, the board must authorize the use of her signature on all warrants that are approved as part of board action for August.  Starting in September, the warrants will be signed by the new Board Secretary.

Administrative Recommendation:  The administration recommends that the Board approve all warrants issued in the month of  August of this year which bear the facsimile signature of the Secretary of the Board of Education authorized during the immediate preceding term of office by this Board are hereby ratified, confirmed, and validated.

Notice of the hearing and a summary of the proposed budget were published in accordance with Nebraska statutes.  The proposed budget was developed to meet the needs of 10,150 students. Staffing represents approximately 86% of the current expenditure budget.   The remainder of the budget is allocated for the implementation of curriculum, textbooks, supplemental materials and technology, and to address the rising fixed costs.

A copy of the Notice of Budget Hearing and Budget  Summary is attached.

Anyone interested in addressing the Board regarding the proposed budget is asked to come to the podium, state their name and address, followed by their input limited to five minutes.

Every year, the Board must approve a budget authorizing a maximum budget authority to be submitted to the Nebraska Department of Education.

Administrative Recommendation:  The administration recommends that the Board approve the 2014-2015 budget as presented.  The budget presented requires a tax levy of 12.75 cents, an increase of 2.75 cents from the 2013-2014 budget.

At the end of each fiscal year, funds must be transferred to various accounts or expended outside of the regular Board approval process in order to pay encumbered expenses and ensure that all funds have adequate allowances at the beginning of the next fiscal year.  Due to the fiscal year ending at the end of August, the Board is being asked to grant the Board Treasurer the needed authority to make these necessary transfers and expenditures.

Administrative Recommendation:  Move that the Board Treasurer, in consultation with the Assistant Superintendent, and Superintendent, be granted the authority to make necessary transfers to close out the 2013-2014 fiscal year.

Bellevue East Art teacher Tim Bogatz was recently recognized by the Art of Education as one of the 11 Most Influential ‘Dudes’ in Art Ed.

To learn more about the educators and read Tim’s blog – East Art Room, visit www.theartofed.com and view the June 23, 2014 entry.

The Bellevue Public Schools offers a variety of summer programs for students, each program serving its own purpose.  As the district expands summer programs, the staff is proactive to ensure each program continues to meet the intended purpose.

 The elementary summer school program is designed to provide enrichment and remediation opportunities for students in an environment where content is delivered in a variety of creative ways. This year’s MAP data assisted teachers in guiding instruction to students. Elementary summer school was held June 2 through June 20 at each elementary school; 65% of the elementary/preschool students attended summer school.   Participation has remained stable over the last three years.

 Secondary summer school was held at each of the five schools June 2-21.   Students entering seventh grade participated in middle school summer school as opposed to elementary summer school, a successful change from previous years.  High school summer school consists of ninth grade transition, credit acquisition and credit recovery.  Approximately 31% of middle school and high school students participate in the program.   The Chap Center also offered summer programming for students.

Math, science and technology camps were held for three weeks, June 23- July 11, and served 177 students entering sixth and seventh grades with a limited enrollment. Student enrollment was slightly less than 2013. Students participating in the camp were taught by BPS educators with the intent of expanding student opportunities and critical thinking.   The fee for the camp increased in 2014 from $25 to $50 per child, per week.

Summer Jump Start is a cooperative effort between the Bellevue Public Schools and the Sarpy/Douglas Counties Learning Community.  The purpose of the program is to provide targeted instruction in reading, writing and math to students who may be at a socio-economic disadvantage.  Students entering kindergarten at all elementary schools are eligible based upon teacher recommendation and qualification. 399 students participated in the three-week program held during summer school.

Finally, Day Camp is a field-trip based summer program offered to all Bellevue Public Schools’ students exiting kindergarten through sixth grade and is housed at the Lied Activity Center June 24-August 2.  The fee increased from $115 in  2013 to $140 in 2014. Enrollment in Day Camp this year was lower than previous years.

August 5            New Teachers Luncheon, Offutt Air Force Base Patriot Club, 11:30 am

August 8            All-Staff General Session, Bellevue East Auditorium, 10 am & 12:15 pm

August 8            BPS Expo, Bellevue East Cafeteria, 10:45 am - 12:45 pm

August 11          Recognition Luncheon, Welcome Center, 12:00 noon

September 4      Bellevue Chamber Annual Dinner, 5 pm