November 11, 2014 at 6:00 PM - Board of Education Regular Meeting

Discussion:  Visitors present were as follows: Jason Speck, Kim Wilson, Janet Sheaffer, Sheryl Clevenger, and Jan Schultz. Steve Wallin arrived at 6:10 pm.

Discussion:  No discussion was noted.

Discussion:  Fall sports are completed and Winter sports are beginning. Already, Chase County Schools (CCS) has had two Junior High wrestling meets at Sutherland and Hershey, with 17 students participating. High School girls started conditioning this week with practice beginning Monday, November 17th. Preliminary numbers for High School- 27 Girls Basketball, 31 Boys Basketball, 15 wrestlers, and 28 for One Act with crew members included. Mr. Hauxwell attended the NSIAAA conference Nov. 8-10th in Kearney. Conference topics of interest included Social Media, “Why We Play” and the potential to provide a deep and lasting positive impact on the students who participate, and Bullying and Sexual Harassment. He noted locker room and travel supervision, facility safety, liability coverage under the Recreation Activity Act, and officiating recruiting were also discussed. The District 5 Meeting is in McCook Wednesday November 12. Hauxwell noted he will be looking at and voting on upcoming proposals, with no major items of note, other than season dates and language.

Discussion:  Elementary Principal, Mrs. Stewart began her report with several highlight videos from within the classroom of students' hands on science learning under the new curriculum, as well as a brief presentation in the classroom by 5th grade teacher, Janet Sheaffer. Stewart mentioned the ELL and Migrant family event held Nov. 6 at CCS was attended by twelve parents and about fifteen children. Stewart added that the RTI team leaders went to an intensive professional development seminar in Des Moines, IA. In addition, fourth grade teachers attended a narrative writing seminar and will be sharing at the next staff meeting. The Elementary assembly to show case student achievement and positive behavior will be held Nov. 21. Stewart has been working on teacher evaluations, using the Nebraskaa Framework for Effective Teaching, which she will continue during November. Other dates she noted was the Veteran’s Day program held November 11, National Young Readers Week Nov. 10-14, November 17, Stewart will take the Principal’s challenge and read to students all day. She mentioned an elementary art mural project and contest Ms. Tomaso has began, the award ceremony she attended for Mrs. Schuller, PE Teacher of the Year, and lastly the Honor Choir performance in Lincoln. In closing, she highlighted that nearly all Elementary teachers were able to meet with 80% or more of their students' parents during Parent-Teacher Conferences. High School Principal Sorensen opened noting that between October 22nd and 30th thirteen high schools teachers attended PLC workshops in Trenton. Subject areas included Industrial Technology, Family Consumer Science, Ag., Foreign Language, English, SPED/Title I, Math, Business and Science. Other professional development included two teachers attended the Fall NETA Conference in Kearney, one attended a state standards math conference, and our music teachers will be attending the Nebraska Music Educators Conference in November. Sorensen noted on the average high school parent attendance at Parent-Teacher Conferences was ap proximately 10-15%, with the exception of junior high teachers, where the percentages were a little higher at 25-30%. Lastly he noted the career fair held November 6th in the CCS gym. Approximately 21 businesses attended, while students in grades 10-12 each spent approximately 30 minutes talking to the presenters regarding potential careers. Lastly, Sorensen sought Board thoughts regarding the possible sale of the Wellington field goal posts after he had been approached by Grand Island Northwest, however, the Board decided they were not interested in the sale.

Discussion:  Student Board Member Jessica Hartman highlighted the new internet is a much appreciated improvement, while expressing continued concern for the student parking lot. Board Member Stromberger inquired as to the surface and Supt. Schoeppey noted it just requires continual, monthly, maintenance. Board Member Smith inquired regarding the National FFA trip, and Hartman highlighted that the Sr Parliamentary Pro and Marketing Plan teams were the first local teams ever to be on the National final four stage.

Discussion:  Supt. Schoeppey began noting the dual credit (DC) courses currently offered at CCS and current enrollments in each. Class offerings include Personal Finance, Art Appreciation, Advanced Biology, Public Speaking, Advanced Welding, Expository Writing, and Intro to Sociology. He further noted advanced classes and related enrollments as follows: Physics, Trig 18, Sr. Math 6, and Chem 7. Schoeppey believes that GPA concern is an issue related as to why students do not take the advanced and or dual credit courses. Discussion has been held regarding weighting the advanced courses. Schoeppey noted such a weighting would also result in determination of one valedictorian and one salutatorian. In regards to the ESU technology recommendations from the last Board meeting, Schoeppey has discussed with Jerel Fortkamp, on-site Allo Consultant, as to what Fortkamp is able to do, verses what will need to be outsourced. At this point, Fortkamp has created 3 networks but to date no filters have been implemented. Filters will be the next phase. Schoeppey gave a brief update on Sch B of the negotiations agreement, noting the committee continues to meet and discuss further. Schoeppey also noted the NASB conference will be next week, and he and two Board members will be in attendance. Lastly, Schoeppey wanted to thank Sandy O'Neil and FBLA for an exceptional Veteran's Day program, congratulate Mr. Vlasin & Mr. Speck for the National FFA success, and Mrs. Schuller and Mr. Zuege, respectively, on a best record for VB and Cross Country ending the season 5th in the state. Smith inquired regarding news on the sale of the BCI bus and Schoeppey noted no interest to date. Stromberger inquired regarding the 5th year program, and Sorensen noted currently one student is in the 5th year program.

Discussion:  Board exited executive session at 8:34 pm and no action was taken.

Discussion:  Meeting was adjourned at 8:35 pm.