September 10, 2013 at 6:00 PM - Board of Education Regular Meeting

Discussion:  Those present included the following: Cathy Hanna, Connie Thompson, Kim Wilson, Sheryl Clevenger. Nick Schultz arrived at 6:42pm. Jason Speck arrived at 7:30pm. Lynn Rinehart arrived at 7:45pm.

Discussion:  Supt. Schoeppey briefly highlighed the bill to Watchpoint noting it represents approximately half of security updates and upgrades to be performed throughout campus. Stromberger inquired regarding the approximate $5k increase in the bill payable to Reading Wonders over what the Board originally approved. Supt. Schoeppey and Principal Stewart noted the additional cost was due to an increase in enrollment and the original order was not adequate at some grade levels as well as a few miscellaneous items such as cards to complement the core materials.

Discussion:  No comment

Discussion:  Mr. Hauxwell began noting the successful refinish of both the elementary & high school gyms floors, however, he highlighted that now the bleachers will need to be re-adjusted and maintained. He mentioned strong numbers in fall sports as follows: HS football 36, Softball 20, Volleyball 24, Cross Country 17 split 6 girls and 11 boys. He also noted there are 6 JH athletes participating in this first season of JH cross country. He highlighted the weeks upcoming activities and closed noting that Leslie Nordhausen has been a strong assistant addition to helping with the 27 JH volleyball players. Following the report, a brief discussion was held surrounding activity transportation noting two recent driver shortages, due to family illnesses, so administrators have been covering. Stromberger inquired as to what the issue is with getting more drivers and Supt. Schoeppey noted he had no interest in two weeks of the employment ad running. One substitute driver just finished her requirements, which will help some but the shortage will continue in the short term. Mr. Hauxwell also noted the new activity bus is back up and running well.

Discussion:  Elementary Principal Stewart noted she has been working toward completing a new elementary report card, as part of the transition from Reading Mastery standards to NE State standards, updating of lock down procedures, as well as a lunchroom and bus riding procedure and behavior guide for students. In addition, she has been performing daily walk throughs for teacher observations in conjunction with initiating a peer teacher observation program as well. Principal Stewart noted her recent attendance at the ESU15 Principal meeting and IEP and SAT meetings. She highlighted September events including Ms. Tomaso's receipt of the NATA K-12 Art Educator of the Year Award Sept 20, PT conferences Sept. 24 & 25, fourth & fifth grade field trip Sept. 17 to the Fox Theater in McCook, and the Reading Wonders (RW) in service held Sept 4. Stromberger inquired regarding the transition of the new reading program. Principal Stewart noted she is excited about the dynamics of the RW program and its potential. She said the teachers have done a great job implementing thus far and she is looking forward to seeing student development within the program. In regards to the adequacy of the RW in service, Mrs. Stewart said it was a good follow up to the beginning of the year and noted the trainer indicated he will be available for further training and/or follow up if needed. HS Prinicipal Sorensen discussed the first time open house held August 22 for students 7-12 noting he received positive feedback from parents, however, would like to coordinate with back to school elementary night and/or coaches meetings in the future. He noted total HS enrollment at 291 and that the recent tornado drill held Sept. 5th was executed very smoothly. He introduced Ms. Cathy Hanna who gave a brief presentation to the Board regarding her family & consumer science department. She highlighted current class offerings and current strong enrollments.

Discussion:  Board welcomed Cassie Burpo. She noted appreciation of the Board's decision to waive the yellow slips. She briefly discussed the activities of FCCLA, FFA, FBLA, and Student Council as the year has been kicked off.

Discussion:  Dr. Schoeppey noted the start of school has gone very smoothly. He noted an appreciation for the in general positive attitude that exists in the building. It has been a very busy time and the attitude has been fueled by the early success we have seen thru various activities. The only concern he noted is the shortage of drivers regarding transportation. He presented first level Board pins to Meeske, Haarberg and Olsen from the NASB meeting that he and Stromberger had recently attended. He mentioned the November 20-22 state Board meeting requesting interest in order to make reservations as soon as possible. Reeves & Olsen presented the potential for rural transportation pick-up and drop offs to possibly shorten existing routes.

Discussion:  Mrs. Schultz inquired regarding bonds and it was noted they represent outstanding debt on the pool/field with approximate term remaining of 20 years, however, it is the Board's intent to pay off fully within the next year. Discussion noted the adequacy within the proposed budget for construction and maintenance required on the current campuses. Discussion also highlighted that with the increase in property tax valuations, the impact on the levy is an overall decrease, however, the proposed levy will still provide adequate cash reserves pending a future economic downturn.

Discussion:  Levy proposed at .81 this year, decreasing approximately .10 from a .91 in the prior year as a result of the increase in property valuations.

Discussion:  Report is a good summary of district data for the prior year. Smith noted our schools free & reduced lunch program percentage is well below the states average. He then inquired regarding the adequacy of the schools' procedures for circulating the free & reduced lunch enrollment paperwork. Procedures discussed were considered adequate notification for the program's optional enrollment. Olsen also noted the continual increase in ELL numbers and the potential for monitoring additional instructional demand within that program. Attachment is currently not open to the public as information contained within the report is still under a State embargo until some of the data has been finalized. The entire report will be made public in approximately two weeks.

Discussion:  Supt. Schoeppey suggested that CCS Board facility committee meet with the City Council facility committee to arrive at a recommendation to propose back to the entire Board. The Board discussed the current maintenance costs of the Wellington facility as well as other capital improvement costs projected to maintain the Wellington facility in the relative short term. Strand inquired regarding what legally can be done and Supt Schoeppey noted that legal counsel has said the Board cannot give away - an attempt has to be made to receive fair market value. Discussion was also held succinctly regarding the disposal of two, one acre land lots that had been previously entitled to CCS.

Discussion:  Meeting adjourned at 8:04pm