December 16, 2013 at 6:30 PM - Board of Education Regular Meeting

Rationale: 

Notice to visitors: If you wish to speak, please obtain a “Request to be Heard” form from the entry table and return the completed form to the table attendant or the Board of Education Director.

The agenda will be kept current and available for public inspection in the office of the Secretary of the Board of Education at the Administrative Building during regular working hours. 

Pursuant to Section 84-1412 of the Nebraska Statutes, the public is hereby informed that a current copy of the Nebraska Open Meetings Act is posted in the Board meeting room on the north wall.

Rationale:  Led by Girl Scout Troop 45402.

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THE UNMC High School Alliance Program-

 

The UNMC High School Alliance is a partnership between the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) and public school districts in the greater Omaha area. The program is designed to offer unique and innovative Science classes to high school juniors and seniors. Alliance students take classes that are not available in the traditional high school setting. Classes are taught in partnership by UNMC faculty and certified high school teachers on the UNMC campus.

 

The Alliance provides students with the opportunity to observe, shadow, and work alongside world renowned health care professionals and researchers at UNMC. Students from participating districts who are interested in pursuing a career in health care or health sciences should strongly consider applying to the UNMC High School Alliance. Many of these classes are eligible for dual enrollment. Ten metro school districts participate.

 

The Omaha Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium Zoo Academy Program.

The Zoo Academy is a unique partnership between the world renowned Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium, Papillion- La Vista Public Schools and Omaha Public Schools to offer unique and innovative classes not available in a traditional high school.

 

Students and teachers from both districts come together in the classroom, the lab and out in the zoo to experience first-hand careers like zoology, genetics, ecology, vet science, horticulture, animal behavior, marine biology, zoo management, business, marketing and more.

Rationale:  Treasurer

The Treasurer's Report for November 2013 is attached for review.

Rationale:  At this time, any Board member may request that any item in the consent agenda be removed from the consent agenda and be considered and voted on separately. 

Rationale:  APPROVAL OF CLAIMS - SCHOOL DISTRICT OF OMAHA

It is recommended that the claims for the School District of Omaha be approved as presented by the central administrative staff.

A.    CLAIMS REPORT A:

All claims submitted excluding those listed in Claims Report B

Rationale:  APPROVAL OF CLAIMS - SCHOOL DISTRICT OF OMAHA CLAIMS REPORT B:

All Claims submitted as potential conflict of interest for members of the Board of Education.

Rationale:  APPROVAL OF CLAIMS - EDUCATIONAL SERVICE UNIT NO. 19

It is recommended that the claims for Educational Service Unit No. 19 be approved as presented by the central administrative staff.

Rationale:  GRANT FUND BUDGET ADJUSTMENTS

It is recommended that the receipts and expenditures of the detailed grant fund budget for the 2013-2014 fiscal year be amended to include the following reimbursable programs:

The Sherwood Foundation Grants and Grants less than $10,000.00 to be amended into the 2013-2014 budgets are available for review in the Board Workroom.

A. SHERWOOD FOUNDATION GRANTS

These budget amendments in the amount of $194,860.00 are for the period beginning September 1, 2013, and ending August 31, 2014.  These amendments represent only that part of the budget that will be expended during the 2013-2014 school year for new programs from the Sherwood Foundation.

This program is 100% reimbursable.

Rationale:  INVESTMENTS - OMAHA SCHOOL EMPLOYEES' RETIREMENT SYSTEM

It is recommended that the following report submitted by the Board of Trustees of the Omaha School Employees' Retirement System concerning investment of retirement funds during the month of November 2013, be adopted.

Rationale:  AUDIT CONTRACT EXTENSION

Central administration staff recommends amending the existing external audit contract with Seim Johnson for the 2014-2016 fiscal years.  The audit will be scheduled for completion by November 5^th each year.  The contract extension costs are as follows:

.                                                                                2014                2015                2016

Douglas County School District                             $124,600          125,800          127,000

Educational Service Unit No. 19                                 11,400            11,500            11,600

Omaha School Employees' Retirement System          14,800            14,900            15,100

KIOS-FM Radio Station                                                 7,200              7,300              7,400

Total Estimated Fees                                                158,000          159,500          161,100

Annual Change                                                            0%                1%                    1%

Out of pocket expenses, primarily printing,

    postage and computer charges not to exceed        1,000             1,000               1,000

.                                                                             $159,000         160,500           162,100
.                                                                             _______________________________  

Rationale:  Cross & Joftus will present information regarding the Omaha Public Schools Needs Analysis completed as part of strategic planning. 

Rationale:  The Omaha 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.