November 9, 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 October 12 meeting; October Financial Reports, October bills in the amount of $782,760.66 for the General Fund, and $152,923.75 for the Building Fund. Prior to the meeting Mary Roarty and Jay Irwin reviewed the bills.  Local Substitute Certificate for Brianna Mather. 

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:  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, planning, and operations currently being done by the entire RPS Administrative Team and staff as we continue operations and learning during 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 and 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:  Ms. Melissa Stolley will provide an update to the Board of Education on the District Special Education Program.

Rationale:  Dr. Adler will provide an overview of the upcoming superintendent evaluation process and contract renewal considerations for the Board of Education to consider that will impact the next 2-3 years.

Rationale: 

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.

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 and Mr. Scott Keene will outline the details of the proposed Advanced Bond Repayment Resolution for the Board of Education to consider for approval.  The Advanced Bond Repayment Resolution will allow for the early repayment of general obligation bonds that were used in the renovation of Ralston High School.  The administration asks that the Board of Education approve the Advanced Bond Repayment Resolution.

Rationale:  Mr. Buckingham outlined the details of a desired Memorandum of Understanding between Ralston Public Schools and Baright Public Library for the cooperative use and management of Chromebook technology devices.  The administration asks that the Board of Education approve the MOU as presented.  

Rationale:  Each year in November the Board of Education is asked to consider offering the Voluntary Separation Program to certified staff who meet the qualifications outlined in Board of Education Policy.  The administration asks that the Board of Education approve the Voluntary Separation Resolution as presented.

Board Policy 4055 Voluntary Separation Program
 

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: 

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
ESU 3 Annual Report
Bill Review Schedule - 2020
NDE Rule 47 Approval Letter
Dept. of Education - Local Sub Approval

 

Rationale: 

                  Board of Education Meeting – Mon., November 23 – 6:00 p.m.

                                                 RHS Media Center

                       

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.