August 24, 2020 at 6:00 PM - Board of Education Regular Meeting

Rationale: 

As President Johnson calls the Board of Education Meeting to order, she will inform everyone in attendance of the Ralston Public Schools Board of Education Meeting COVID-19 Guidelines.  Copies of these guidelines are available to all visitors and have been posted on the door of the Media Center.

Rationale: 
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.

Rationale: 

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

Rationale: 

Consent agenda items include minutes from the August 10th meeting.

Recommend the following teacher be hired for the 2020-21 school year:
Tyler Meuret - RHS Music - One year contract.

Recommend the following resignation be accepted:
Tyler Meuret - RHS Music

Recommend approval for an increase from a .5 to a 1.0 FTE for Charlotte Lasley-Casson.

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.         

Rationale: 

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.

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.

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: 

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: 

The District Legislative Committee will update the Board regarding Legislative issues.  Further, District lobbyist, Mr. Joe Kohout, will provide a final overview of the 2020 legislative session.

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. Adler will provide an additional overview and recent update of the planning for the Ralston Public Schools Return to Learn Protocol.  The information and document that will be presented is a compilation of the work and planning currently being done by the entire RPS Administrative Team as we prepare for the opening of school and learning for the 2020-2021 School Year.  The RPS Return to Learn Protocol was approved by the Board of Education on July 13, 2020.  With continuously changing elements within our community, the Return to Learn Protocol may require changes on a regular basis.  All changes and adjustments will be communicated and reviewed with the Board of Education.  Dr. Adler the the Administrative Team will update the Board of Education on recent changes to the RPS Return to Learn Protocol.

Board Policy 2022 Reporting to the Public

Rationale:  Mr. Jason Buckingham will provide the Board of Education a comprehensive look at the 2020/2021 District Budget.  Mr. Buckingham will outline important components to the District Budget and field any questions that are presented.  This will be the third discussion on the 2020/2021 District Budget.

Board Policy 3001 - Budget

Rationale:  Dr. Adler worked with the Board of Education to outline the process and present the information to conduct the Superintendent Evaluation.  The Board of Education members were asked to complete the evaluation prior to the August 24th Meeting of the Board of Education.  On August 24th the Board of Education and Dr. Adler will review the results of the Superintendent Evaluation in open session.

Policy 4057 Superintendent Evaluation

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.

Rationale: 

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:  Mr. Jason Buckingham will discuss details and current financial positioning to execute a general fund transfer to the depreciation fund through Board of Education action.  Mr. Buckingham will ask the Board of Education to approve a Depreciation Fund transfer in the amount of $500,000

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 3001 Budget.

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. Michael Rupprecht has reviewed all draft changes to the 2020-2021 Ralston Public Schools Staff Handbook.  Any suggested changes have been included.  Dr. Rupprecht has also added in new requirements for Title IX.  The Administration asks that the 2020-2021 Ralston Public Schools Staff Handbook be approved as presented.

Rationale:  Dr. Adler and the Administrative Team will discuss suggested changes to Policy 6005 Academic Credits and Graduation Requirements.  The suggested temporary changes are the result of challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic.  Dr. Adler will recommend adjustments to graduation requirements for the Class of 2021.

Rationale:  Dr. Michael Rupprecht will provide the Board of Education with two DRAFT policies that address recent changes in Title IX.  Dr. Rupprecht will take feedback from the Board on possible changes and implement those changes for approval of the identified policies at the September 14th Meeting of the Board of Education.  Dr. Adler will also review Policy 4051 Staff and District Social Media Use

Title IX Policy Review

• Policy 2006--Complaint Procedure
• Policy 3057--Title IX
• Policy 4051--Staff and District Social Media Use

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.

Rationale: 

Supplemental Documents include the following:

Food Service Report
NSEA Appreciation Letter
Bill Review Schedule - 2020

 

Rationale: 

                  Board of Education Meeting - Mon., September 14 - 6:00 p.m.
                                    Virginia Moon Administrative Center

Sept. 12 - Homecoming
Sept. 24 - NASB Facilities and Construction Workshop
Oct. 14 & 15 - NASB Labor Relations Conference
Oct. 26 - Sweet Treat Night - RHS - 6-7:30 pm
Nov. 18-20 - State Education Conference
                       
 

                       

Rationale: 

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.