May 11, 2020 at 6:00 PM - Board of Education Regular Meeting

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Please stand and join us in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Cognia Standard 1.4:  The governing authority establishes and ensures adherence to policies that are designed to support system effectiveness.
Policy 2008, Board of Education Meetings.

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Cognia Standard 1.4:  The governing authority establishes and ensures adherence to policies that are designed to support system effectiveness.
Policy 2008, Board of Education Meetings.

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A complete copy of the Open Meetings Act is posted on the back wall of the Board of Education meeting room.

Public Comment Sign In Procedure - Anyone wishing to address the Board of Education must submit a written request form, found on the public’s table, prior to Public Comments.

The Board reserves the right to move into closed session to protect the public interest or needless injury to the reputation of an individual for any action item listed on the agenda. The Board may, at its discretion, change the order of the agenda to accommodate unforeseen issues related to an agenda item.

Cognia Standard 1.1:  The system commits to a purpose statement that defines beliefs about teaching and learning, including the expectations for learners.   Policy 2009, Public Participation at Board Meetings.

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The Ralston Board of Education appreciates the public's right to provide public comment.  It is the practice of the Ralston Board to listen to the public comment, without discussion between the public and the Board.  Should you have a question or ask for follow-up from the Board, the Board President will direct the Superintendent to address the requests and provide additional information to you as appropriate.  We ask that you refrain from personal comments about individuals and the use of vulgar or inappropriate language in addressing the Board. 

The board will generally allow a total of 30 minutes for the presentation of all public comments.  Individuals may only speak one time per topic and must limit comments to around three (3) minutes. In the event more than 10 individuals wish to address the board, the 30 minutes will be divided equally between the number of speakers. At the discretion of the Board President or Chair, speakers may be allotted additional time.

At this time the Ralston Public Schools Board of Education will entertain public comment.

Cognia Standard 1.1:  The system commits to a purpose statement that defines beliefs about teaching and learning, including the expectations for learners.   Policy 2009, Public Participation at Board Meetings.

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Consent agenda items include minutes from the April 27th meeting; April Financial Reports, April bills in the amount of $533,870.13 for the General Fund, $114,301.46 for the Depreciation Fund, and $128,906.02 for the Building Fund. Prior to the meeting Linda Richards and Liz Kumru reviewed the bills. 

Recommend the following teacher(s) be hired for the 2020-21 school year:
Melanie Peltz - RHS English.  BA-Austin College, TX; MA-Austin College, TX.  Previous Experience:  Omaha Public Schools 2016-20.
Maria Carabantes - Elementary Counselor.  BA-Concordia College. Previous Experience:  Boys Town 2018-19.

Recommend the following teacher(s) resignations be accepted:
Jeffrey Garst - RHS English

Cognia Standard 1.4:  The governing authority establishes and ensures adherence to policies that are designed to support system effectiveness. Board Policy 2008, Board of Education Meetings.

Cognia Standard 1.7:  Leaders implement operational processes and procedures to ensure organizational effectiveness in support of teaching and learning. Board Policy 3007, Review of Bills.         

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Cognia Standard 1.4 - The governing authority establishes and ensures adherence to policies that are designed to support system effectiveness. Board Policy 2008, Board of Education Meetings.

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Board of Education members will discuss items they have recently observed or attended or items they wish to share with the other members of the Board of Education and the public.

Cognia Standard 1.5 - the governing authority adheres to a code of ethics and functions within defined roles and responsibilities. Board Policy 2002, Reporting to the Public.  

Cognia Standard 1.4  The governing authority establishes and ensures adherence to policies that are desinged to support system effectiveness.  Board Policy 2008, Board of Education Meetings.

Rationale:  Dr. Irwin and Ms. Johnson has been investigating the details of using a communication survey developed by the Nebraska Association of School Board to get feedback on the remote learning provided to students over the last several weeks.  Dr. Irwin and Ms. Johnson will discuss the communication survey with the Board of Education to determine potential next steps.

NASB Communication Survey Example:
https://nasb.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/preview/SV_9H8SfCBm5LPXXCd?Q_SurveyVersionID=current&Q_CHL=preview

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Cognia Standard 1.8 - Leaders engage stakeholders to support the achievement of the system's purpose and direction.  Board Policy 2022, Reporting to the Public.

Rationale:  Mr. Clint Williams, coordinator of our Alternative Education Program, will update the Board of Education on alternative education and the RISE Education Center.  Ms. Melissa Stolley along with Mr. Williams will present information and address any questions from the Board of Education and others.

Board Policy 6010 Special Education

Rationale:  Dr. Cecilia Wilken will provide the Board of Education with an update on Summer Learning Opportunities within Ralston Public Schools.

Board Policy 6015 Summer School

Rationale:  Dr. Mark Adler and members of the administrative team will provide a detailed overview of the current response of Ralston Public Schools to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Policy 2022 Reporting to the Public

Rationale:  As a result of school closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Nebraska Department of Education is requiring the submission of a Rule 10 Affidavit by each School District.  The affidavit is attached that Board of Education Secretary, Mrs. Elizabeth Kumru, will sign on behalf of the District.  Administrative Cabinet members will submit this document along with the required Continuity of Learning Plan.

NDE Reopening Guidance Website:
https://www.launchne.com/

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Dr. Adler and Mrs. Richards will update the Board regarding Legislative issues. 

Cognia Standard 1.8 - Leaders engage stakeholders to support the achievement of the system's purpose and direction. Board Policy 2022, Reporting to the Public.

Rationale:  Dr. Jay Irwin will update the Board of Education on items and information that is under consideration with the Nebraska Association of School Boards.

Cognia Standard 1.8 Leaders engage stakeholders to support the achievement of the system's purpose and direction.  Policy 2022 Reporting to the Public.

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Dr. Adler will review the enrollment information with the Board.

Cognia Standard 1.8 - Leaders engage stakeholders to support the achievement of the system's purpose and direction.  Board Policy 2022, Reporting to the Public.

Rationale:  Dr. Rupprecht and members of the Sign Language Interpreters have been negotiating the 2020/2021 SLI employment contract.  Dr. Rupprecht outlined the details of the contract for the Board of Education on April 27, 2020.  The administration asks that the Board of Education approve the 2020/2021 SLI Contract as presented at the May 11th meeting.

Standard 3.7 The system demonstrates strategic resource management that includes long-range planning and use of resources in support of the system's purpose and direction.  Policy 4063 Negotiations Goals and Objectives.

Rationale:  On April 27, 2020, Dr. Adler and members of the administration presented DRAFT plans for Ralston Public Schools to move to a 1:1 Technology Learning Model beginning with the 2020-2021 school year.  More detailed information is outlined below.  This information was sent to all District patrons on April 30, 2020.  Attached is the 1:1 District Technology Initiative Plan.  The administration asks that the Board of Education approval the 1:1 District Technology Initiative Plan and required resources as presented.

Message to District Patrons:
For many years, our District has desired to have a one student
one technology device learning environment. After a
discussion with the Board of Education, plans are being
developed to implement a 1:1 District Technology Initiative.

The comprehensive initiative will include:
• Technology Acquisition (Devices for students)
• Infrastructure Enhancement (Safe, fast, and reliable internet connectivity)
• Professional Development for Staff (training to utilize technology in the best way to enhance
learning)
• Policy Implementation (guidelines and expectations of staff and students)
• Identification of Digital Resources and Software (every device has the proper tools)
• Availability of Internet Connectivity (identify how many students have or will need this at home)

How will this plan be rolled out?
Step 1 = Issue every Ralston High School student a technology device to start the 2020-2021
school year.
Steps 2 and 3 = Further expansion will provide additional technology resources to Ralston Middle School and possibly Ralston elementary schools in future years.

There are many benefits to this 1:1 Technology Initiative. At the top of the list, the District believes is the increased equitable teaching and learning opportunities for students through a blended learning approach. District Officials and the Board of Education still have some things to
figure out on this initiative and more information will be provided in the future.

Rationale: 

The Board and Administration will review proposed policies.

Cognia Standard 1.5 - The governing authority adheres to a code of ethics and functions within the defined roles and responsibilities.  Board Policy 2001, Role of the Board of Education.

Rationale:  Dr. Mark Adler will update the Board of Education on the progress that has been made within the policy review process.  

Rationale:  As we have been reviewing our policies we found two policies with different numbers that addressed the same issue.  We have worked with our policy service and are proposing this DRAFT Policy 5019 which is a combination of what was in place previously.  This DRAFT policy was discussed on March 9, 2020 and now is being presented for approval on May 11, 2020.  The administration recommends approval of Policy 5019 as presented.

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The Board reserves the right to move into closed session to protect the public interest or needless injury to the reputation of an individual for any action item listed on the agenda. The Board may, at its discretion, change the order of the agenda to accommodate unforeseen issues related to an agenda item.

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Supplemental Documents include the following:

Bill Review Schedule - 2020

 

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                Board of Education Meeting - Mon., June 8 - 6:00
                               Virginia Moon Administrative Center

May 14 - RHS Senior Honor Cruise - 7-8:30 pm
June 14 - RHS Graduation -  Ralston Arena (Tentative)
June 20 - RHS Virtual Graduation - 2 pm on Cox YURView Channel 13
July 20 - RHS Graduation - Ralston Arena  - (Tentative) 

                       

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Cognia Standard 1.4:  The governing authority establishes and ensures adherence to policies that are designed to support system effectiveness.  Board Policy 2008, Board of Education Meetings.