October 11, 2016 at 6:00 PM - Board of Education Regular Meeting

Discussion:  President Olsen called the meeting to order at 6:00 pm.

Discussion:  Pres. Olsen led assembly in pledge of allegiance.

Discussion: 

President Olsen directed the assembly’s attention to the Open Meetings Act.

Discussion:  Ms. Ferguson inquired as to handbook clarification regarding community service and other graduation requirements specifically related to gpa calculation. Supt. Lefdal responded noting further written clarification will be forthcoming and communicated to parents.

Discussion:  Cross Country Districts this week in Ogallala on Thursday at the West Wind Golf Course. The district meet will begin at 3:00 PM with C-4 V-Girls, 3:30 PM B-4 V-Girls, 4:00 PM C-4 V-Boys and B-4 V-Boys at 4:30 PM. There will be 10 teams competing in our C-4 District. Please note the cutoff for class D this year was 138 and Chase Co was at 140, causing us to move up to class C. The State JH Cross Country Championships were held in Omaha this last Sat. Oct 8th. Jordan Jablonski placed 7th out of 155 in the open division with a time of 12:57.60. It was a great experience for Jordan and I would like to thank Jonathon Beverly for making the trip to Omaha and taking the time to be there to help Jordan out. SPVA Volleyball Tour. is Sat. Oct. 15th at Ogallala, with SPVA utilizing a central location. Chase County is #1 seed and will have a bye first round, playing the winner of Perkins Co. and Bridgeport at 11:30 AM. Games will be played in the new Prairie View gym and in the city auditorium. Hauxwell continues to seek opportunities younger athletes to play; Oct. 10th, 9th/10th volleyball went to Sutherland for a  quad with Sutherland, Chase Co., NPSPs and McCook. JH Wrestling is quickly approaching. Chad Oxford, Chase Co. Fair Board, has been contacted regarding use again of the 4-H Building and if not we will use Wellington gym. Lastly, still assessing the lights in the auditorium in preparation for hosting play production in November.

Discussion:  On behalf of both himself and Prin. Odens, Prin. Scheel updated the Board noting they are working on consistent, curriculum standards K-8 and implementing the NDE "Checks for Learning" to identify quarterly gaps in learning. Last week he, Mr. Gerhartz and Prin. Odens attended NETS conference with 6 staff that were new hires from the last two years. Scheduled for Nov 4 they will present for all staff. Depended communication and improved instructional culture were highlights of note, as well as continuing to incorporate more technology in the classroom. Member O'Neil inquired as to how the middle school was going and Prin. Scheel noted the weekly teacher meetings have resulted in honest discussions where logistics continue as one of the most consistent concerns, however, the energy in that building, and collaboration and student to student interaction has been such a positive. Scheel clarified for Member Stromberger there is no cost for Checks for Learning, and though it is available down to 3rd grade, he and Odens will focus starting 5-8 and will hold off on 9-12 to see where ACT assessment clarification falls out. Scheel added Checks for Learning will be used as a demonstration of proficiency, targeted quarterly, aligning with state standards. Member Smith inquired regarding use of Chromebooks, and Scheel noted they are holding up better than the Macs that are still in circulation, as Mr. Gerhartz continues to assess Macs for repair. Supt. Lefdal noted Chase Co. Schools will certify Mr. Gerhartz as a Lenova/Chromebook tech as has been recommended in order to best manage the devices in house.

Discussion:  Student Board Member, Josie Peterson was present and briefly introduced herself. She noted currently student council is planning the Homecoming dance. She mentioned that bells were of a concern but that Administration has since remedied. Supt. Lefdal noted in her absence, alternates Rylee Christensen and Caine Haarberg will be present at the meeting.

Discussion: 

Supt. Lefdal noted communication continues to be a concern and he is continually looking to improve. Lefdal has been working with city reps on a few issues including new dirt for all of the fields and then a working agreement between the city and the school for maintenance, upkeep and improvements on shared facilities such as the softball field, pool and Wellington field. Supt. Lefdal and Board discussed the Wellington facility and future options of a sale and/or lease. He mentioned finalizing the majority of fall State reporting, including the CDC reports (See attached document for full list.) In addition, District has been working on NCLB/Title Grants, Title I Accountability, Sped IDEA, LEP/Poverty and finishing MOE (Maintenance of Effort) issues from 14/15 school year. Clarifying Lefdal noted the District did not make MOE sped spending in 14/15, falling short approx. $46,000. The District worked with auditors to reclassify some expenses. Our auditors will then amend our AFR (Annual Financial Report) and drafted a letter stating their approval addressed to the state. Through this due diligence, it appears as though no refund will be required. Lefdal highlighted in order to keep staff members feeling “in the loop" that he will be sending weekly information emails out to communicate better with everyone. In addition, he is looking at a few programs that allow better communication from staff, community, board, etc.(thoughtexchange). Lefdal returned from DALI (District Administrators Leadership Institute) conference, after having been invited to participate in this national conference in San Antonio. The conference picked up all of the expenses to attend. Lefdal participated with 70 superintendents from across the country noting it was an amazing opportunity... the discussion and networking opportunities were tremendous. Lefdal mentioned a couple of speakers have been scheduled for student body presentations including the return of DeMoine Adams and a speaker from McCook on dating violence. Lefdal has been finalizing our Rule 10 requirements and will have that finished prior to Nov. 1st. A discussion was held regarding the lack of lights in the HS parking lot, which had shut off pending construction. Olsen expressed safety concerns and Lefdal responded noting he will research temporary options. Thursday, Oct. 6th and 7th the external audit was completed. The auditors suggested some internal improvements for efficiency and effectiveness that Lefdal will look to implement. In all, the audit team was a great group to work with and he appreciated the time they took to make our school better. A bus company came and looked at the Vanhool, noting they are not interested in a purchase but would take it as a trade-in. No amounts were discussed. This will require further discussion in the transportation committee. The building and grounds committee said there is a soil compaction issue being resolved with the addition construction. Also committee business is the District continues to assess and work with PTO on playground equipment improvement, review safety security plan and consider external door and camera/security system operations. In addition, the auditorium lights are out, believed to be a circuit board failure. The best plan of action is still being assessed. District enrollment has increased to 640. Lastly, lunchroom management is still in highlighted consideration but Lefdal noted changes have resulted in a much better student flow through this limited space.

Discussion:  Discussion was held regarding both options. Members expressed the importance of on-going maintenance of the system but wanted to consider the costs more fully both with and without an overriding service agreement therefore action was tabled. 

Discussion:  Reservations have been made at the conference hotel. Members should finalize plans with Supt. Lefdal.

Discussion:  Board reviewed a working draft lease agreement option. Facility committee member O'Neil noted several alternatives for Wellington exist including lease vs. sell as well as how to sell need to be considered. Building Committee, City and Fire Dept. and other vested interested parties will plan to meet for further discussion.

Discussion:  The Wellness and Safety/Security plan standard was passed by the State Dept. in June. Supt. Lefdal noted the process will include an initial questionnaire, committee establishment, concerns identified, State Dept. will approve plan, once approved the plan will be audited and then execution of the plan will be audited.

Discussion: 
Brief discussion was held resulting in meetings remaining second Tuesday of the month.

Discussion:  Meeting was adjourned at 7:30 pm.