March 26, 2018 at 6:00 PM - Board of Education Regular Meeting/Business
Agenda |
---|
1. Call To Order
Speaker(s):
Board President
Agenda Item Type:
Procedural Item
Rationale:
|
1.1. Pledge of Allegiance
Speaker(s):
Board President
Agenda Item Type:
Procedural Item
Rationale:
Please stand and join us in the Pledge of Allegiance. AdvancED Standard 2.1 - The governing body establishes policies and supports practices that ensure effective administration of the system and its schools. Policy 2008, Board of Education Meetings. |
1.1.1. Roll Call - Excuse Board Members not in attendance
Speaker(s):
Board President
Agenda Item Type:
Action Item
Rationale:
AdvancED 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. |
1.2. Public Comment Sign In Procedure
Agenda Item Type:
Procedural Item
Rationale:
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.
|
1.2.1. Public Comment
Agenda Item Type:
Procedural Item
Rationale:
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. At this time the Ralston Public Schools Board of Education will entertain public comment.
Attachments:
(
)
|
1.3. Consent Agenda (Action)
Speaker(s):
Board President
Agenda Item Type:
Consent Agenda
Rationale:
Consent agenda items include minutes from the March 12, 2018 meeting; resignation letters from Cindy Raders, Resource Teacher, RHS, The Rise, Colleen Cuda, School Psychologist, Wildewood Elementary, Ashley Bartel, 4th Grade, Karen Western, and Lynn Vana, Preschool, Blumfield.
AdvancED 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. AdvancED Standard 1.7 - Leaders implement operational processes and procedures to ensure organization effectiveness in support of teaching and learning. Board Policy 3007, Review of Bills.
Attachments:
(
)
|
2. Board Development and Communication
Agenda Item Type:
Procedural Item
Rationale:
|
2.1. Board Members’ Update
Agenda Item Type:
Information Item
Rationale:
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.
AdvancED 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.
Discussion:
Dr. Irwin attended the NASB Board Meeting last week. Congratulations to Sonia Garcia-Martinez, who won the Chuck Hagel Public Service Scholar Award! Mrs. Gerch said basketball and track are going strong. She invites everyone to shop at HyVee this Saturday as our basketball players are bagging for tips! We need volunteers for HS Track this Saturday, if anyone can make it! Mrs. Rodgers said she was working on the scholarship applications for Score 4 Sports (Service, Courage, Obedience, Respect and Excellence), and someone who exemplifies those characteristics. It was very touching reading the nominations. Mrs. Richards attended Cabaret Night at the HS, which was phenominal. The ASBJ edition just came out, which highlights the MAGNA Awards. Those of you attending the National Conference in San Antonio will see those presented.
|
2.2. Superintendent’s Report
Speaker(s):
Superintendent
Agenda Item Type:
Information Item
Rationale:
Discussion:
Dr. Adler discussed the Heart of Learning Awards invitation. It is a very special event to honor teachers and staff that have demonstrated excellence in education or serving our students and families. A wonderful event! He gave out an Instruction Time handout, and has a recommendation on handling our snow days. We will hold off on any final decisions until the threat of any more snow has passed. We also looked at the instruction time compared to required days in the state. Mrs. Richards asked if we could send her a comparison of how we fall compared to other Metro area districts, and particularly how we fall compared to our Western NE Districts, especially in the area of pre-K programs.
|
2.2.1. Secondary Counseling Services Update
Speaker(s):
Ms. Melissa Stolley
Agenda Item Type:
Information Item
Rationale:
Mrs. Stolley and the Secondary Counselors will provide an update to the Board.
AdvancED Standard 2.5 - Educators implement a curriculum that is based on high expectations and prepares learners for their next levels. Board Policy 6004, Curriculum Development and Assessment.
Discussion:
Stacey Athow, Michael Burling and Jessika Maly presented the Secondary Counseling Services update. They all share in development of Personal/Social, Academic and Career. Ms. Athow has students Q-Z, Mr. Burling has A-G, and Ms. Maly has H-P. Laura Carlow is the College and Career Secretary and Pat Barker is the Counseling Secretary. A yearly master calendar of Counseling Responsibilities was distributed for the Board's review. Their presentation included information on Response Services, Use of Data, Management, Delivery System, Individual Student Planning, Student Services with Grade Level checklists, and Mental Health. Mrs. Richards asked how many times a typical student is seen. Mrs. Athow clarified "typical" to mean the average student with no mental health concerns or additional specialized contact. Three one-on-one, but a total of 5 times (which can include family contacts as well). Time management is always an issue, but that is their goal. FAFSA completion was 54% last year and their goal is 63% this year. Education Quest offers a one on one FAFSA assistant to help families through this process.
The Crisis Response team, school counselors and Arbor Family all add additional support after group presentations (where students might require additional counseling services). Mrs. Richards said that if there are computerized systems needed, that could help the staff do their work and allow more time with students, then they would like to hear about those. They are trying to work with students in elementary and MS to identify any areas of concern with mental health issues early. Ms. Athow said "This gives them the tools in their tool belts as they approach HS."
Attachments:
(
)
|
2.2.2. Seymour Improvement Plan Update
Speaker(s):
Ms. Jody Blessen
Agenda Item Type:
Information Item
Rationale:
Ms. Jody Blessen, Principal at Seymour Elementary, will provide an School Improvement Plan update to the Board.
AdvancED Standard 2.5 - Educators implement a curriculum that is based on high expectations and prepares learners for their next levels. Board Policy 2.5, Curriculum Development and Assessment.
Discussion:
Ms. Blessen, Principal at Seymour Elementary provided an update on the School Improvement Plan and the data associated with that. They have been focusing strongly on Goal #3 "All students will be safe, respectful and responsible" as this will lead to better growth in other areas. Character is so important to Ralston, and it is very important to us at Seymour.
Attachments:
(
)
|
2.2.3. AdvancED Overview
Speaker(s):
Dr. Mike Rupprecht
Agenda Item Type:
Information Item
Rationale:
Dr. Rupprecht will provide an overview of the AdvancED process.
AdvancED Standard 1.1 - The system commits to a purpose statement that defines beliefs about teaching and learning, including the expectations for learners. Board Policy 1003, Purpose and Direction Statement.
Discussion:
Dr. Rupprecht provided an overview of the revised AdvancED Standards. Every 5 years AdvancED implements changes to their accreditation standards. Two and Five Year Accreditation Cycles were reviewed. Those taking the ELEOT Training included: Laura Prochaska, Linsey Kelly, Katie Rasgorshek, Robin Yzaguirre, Michelle Kelsey, and Mindy Podraza.
Attachments:
(
)
|
2.2.4. Elementary Principal Search Process
Speaker(s):
Dr. Mark Adler/Dr. Mike Rupprecht/Ms. Cecelia Wilken
Agenda Item Type:
Information Item
Rationale:
Dr. Adler and Dr. Rupprecht will provide an update on the Elementary Principal Search process.
AdvancED Standard 1.5 - The governing authority adheres to a code of ethics and functions within defined roles and responsibilities. Board Policy 2001 - Role of the Board of Education and Legal Status.
Discussion:
Dr. Adler discussed the Elementary Principal search process that will be taking place this week to fill the 3 positions we have open in the District. There are 10 people being interviewed, but 20-25 applied for the position. They will have 1 hour with Administrators conducting the formal interview, 1 hour touring all three schools and then 1 hour with teacher interviews. By the end of the week we would like to have it down to five.We have had some very qualified applicants.
Mrs. Richards said that we need the applicants to know our leadership is expected to engage with the Board in a strategic way such as Ms. Blessen did during the Seymour School Improvement Plan. It is a challenge to learn how to communicate to the Board, but we encourage that.
Attachments:
(
)
|
2.2.5. Government Relations Update
Speaker(s):
Dr. Mark Adler
Agenda Item Type:
Information Item
Rationale:
Dr. Adler and Mrs. Richards will update the Board regarding Legislative issues.
AdvancED Standard 1.8 - Leaders engage stakeholders to support the achievement of the system's purpose and direction. Board Policy 2022, Reporting to the Public.
Discussion:
Mrs. Richards discussed the latest legislative updates with the Board. It is day 49 of 60.
She was asked to sit on the Governor's Task Force for School Safety.
Attachments:
(
)
|
2.2.6. Enrollment Update
Speaker(s):
Dr. Mark Adler
Agenda Item Type:
Information Item
Rationale:
Dr. Adler will review the enrollment information with the Board.
AdvancED Standard 1.8 - Leaders engage stakeholders to support the achievement of the system's purpose and direction. Board Policy 2022, Reporting to the Public.
Discussion:
Dr. Adler discussed the latest enrollment information. At this point we have started to deny some Option Enrollment requests due to capacity issues. There are some grades where we are already stressed in numbers. We are at 20%, where we usually are at 15%. Dr. Irwin asked what our strategy is when we deny families. Mrs. Wilken said we try to always offer an alternative building, if they request a building at capacity. However, some situations don't allow that.
Attachments:
(
)
|
3. Standards Based School Improvement
Agenda Item Type:
Information Item
Discussion:
Dr. Rupprecht discussed the questions on Policy 3038 - Certification Fees. He surveyed the staff to ask about what types of certification fees they might have. Applied arts, guidance and SLIs were the primary ones. He put a sentence to limit the yearly allocation to $2,000. This amount should cover the people who responded to the survey. It should support the staff members growth, but doesn't put an undue burden on the District. Having this in place is initially important to the Board, and we can revisit it next year. Mrs. Rodgers asked if this amount will be incorporated into the budget line items, and Mr. Buckingham said yes. It helps to have our staff know what is covered and what is not.
Policy 5008 - Pregnant and Parenting Students - this is the annual review of this policy, but it has some recommended changes. If we are ok with the changes, Dr. Adler will present it at the next meeting for approval. Changes need to be in force by May 1. |
3.1. 2018-2019 Negotiated Agreement (Action)
Speaker(s):
Dr. Michael Rupprecht
Agenda Item Type:
Action Item
Rationale:
The 2018-2019 Negotiated Agreement is presented for approval by the Board.
AdvancED 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 and Legal Status.
Attachments:
(
)
|
4. Policy Review
Agenda Item Type:
Procedural Item
Rationale:
|
4.1. Policy 3038 - Certification Fees - Review
Speaker(s):
Dr. Michael Rupprecht
Agenda Item Type:
Procedural Item
Rationale:
The Board will continue to review Policy 4055 - Certification Fees. Dr. Rupprecht will supply further information on this policy.
AdvancED Standard 1.4 - the governing authority establishes and ensure adherence to policies that are designed to support system effectiveness. Board Policy 1002, Creation and Amendment of Board of Education Policies.
Discussion:
Dr. Rupprecht discussed the questions on Policy 3038 - Certification Fees. He surveyed the staff to ask about what types of certification fees they might have. Applied arts, Guidance and SLIs were the primary ones. He added a sentence limiting the yearly allocation to $2,000. This amount should cover the people who responded to the survey. It should support the staff members growth, but doesn't put an undue burden on the District. Having this in place is initially important to the Board, and we can revisit it next year if the amount needs to increase. Mrs. Rodgers asked if this amount will be incorporated into the budget line items, and Mr. Buckingham said yes. It would help the staff to know what is covered and what is not.
Attachments:
(
)
|
4.2. Policy 5008--Pregnant or Parenting Students
Speaker(s):
Dr. Mark Adler
Agenda Item Type:
Procedural Item
Rationale:
The Board will review Policy 5008- Pregnant or Parenting Students. Dr. Adler will discuss changes to this policy based upon changes made to law during the legislative session.
AdvancED Standard 1.4 - the governing authority establishes and ensure adherence to policies that are designed to support system effectiveness. Board Policy 1002, Creation and Amendment of Board of Education Policies.
Discussion:
Policy 5008 - Pregnant and Parenting Students - this is the annual review of this policy, but it also has some recommended changes that need to be in force by May 1. If we are ok with the changes, Dr. Adler will present it at the next meeting for approval.
Attachments:
(
)
|
5. Executive Session Disclosure
Agenda Item Type:
Procedural Item
Rationale:
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. |
6. Pre-Adjournment Information and Activities
Agenda Item Type:
Action Item
|
6.1. Announcements
Agenda Item Type:
Procedural Item
|
6.2. Board of Education Supplemental Meeting Information
Agenda Item Type:
Procedural Item
Rationale:
Supplemental Documents include the following:
Attachments:
(
)
|
6.3. Future Board Calendar
Agenda Item Type:
Information Item
Rationale:
NSBA National Conference - April 7-9, 2018 - San Antonio, TX
|
6.4. Adjourn
Agenda Item Type:
Action Item
Rationale:
AdvancED Standard 1.4 - The governing authority adheres to a code of ethics and functions within defined roles and responsibilities. Board Policy 2008, Board of Education Meetings. |