November 8, 2021 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 October 25th meeting; October Financial Reports, October bills in the amount of $642,382.22 for the General Fund, and $1,880.00 for the Building Fund. Prior to the meeting Mary Roarty and Jay Irwin reviewed the bills. 

Local Substitute Certificate for Emma Lallman.

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.

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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. Jason Buckingham and Mr. Scott Keene will visit with the Board of Education about various options for the advanced repayment of outstanding general obligation bonds.

Rationale:  Mrs. Jesse Tvrdy and members of the Ralston High School administrative team along with Dr. Cecilia Wilken will provide an overview of the school improvement plan for Ralston High School.

Rationale:  Mrs. Melissa Stolley will provide an update on the District Special Education Program and address questions from the Board of Education.

Rationale:  Dr. Cecilia Wilken will provide an overview of the calendar development process and share a DRAFT of the 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 District Calendars for the Board of Education to review and provide feedback on prior to being distributed for feedback from stakeholders.  

Rationale:  Mr. Jason Buckingham will provide recently submitted bids for the purchase of a District Bus.  Mr. Buckingham will outline the details of the submitted proposals and make a recommendation to the Board of Education for action at the November 22nd meeting of the Board of Education.  Mr. Buckingham will also address any questions or concerns from the Board of Education.

Attached are two bids each for two different special education buses we are considering purchasing.  The funding for the purchase of these two vehicles would come from American Rescue Plan Funds  from the US Dept. of Education.

Rationale:  Dr. Mark Adler and other members of the administrative team will provide an update of the current instructional environment within Ralston Public Schools.  An update of the current Health and Safety protocols will also be provided to the Board of Education as it relates to the management of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Rationale:  Dr. Adler, Mr. Buckingham, and members of the administrative will provide an update to the Board of Education on the progress of various projects in motion with the 2021 Future Ready Ralston Bond Initiative.

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Dr. Adler 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:  Mrs. Robin Richards 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. Cecilia Wilken 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:  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
 

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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.

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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:

ESU 3 Annual Report
Bill Review Schedule - 2021

 

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                  Board of Education Meeting – Mon., November 22 – 6:00 p.m.           

State Conference - November 17-19 - CHI Center

                       

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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.