November 22, 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 November 8th meeting.

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.

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Joe Kohout, Dr. Adler, and Mr. Buckingham 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. Adler and the Administrative Team will update the Board of Education on the progress to date within the District Strategic Plan.  

Rationale:  Dr. Cecilia Wilken will provide an update to the Board of Education on the progress and next steps as Ralston Public Schools addresses Educational Equity.

Rationale:  Mr. Jason Buckingham will present recently submitted proposals from various companies that are interested in providing copier service for the District.  Mr. Buckingham will outline the parameters used in receiving the proposals as well as make a recommendation for approval.  The administration would ask that the Board of Education consider approval of the recommended copier vendor at the December 13th meeting of the Board 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.

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.

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The Ralston High School Student Handbook allows for a student to make an early graduation request of more than one semester to the Board of Education for approval.  As part of that process the student and their parents must attend the Board of Education Meeting to answer any questions that may come about.  Any request by a student must also be supported by the High School Principal.  Annabel Bailey, a junior in good standing, has made application for a two semester early graduation and that has been supported by Principal Jesse Tvrdy.  It is the recommendation of the Administration that the Board of Education approve this request with successful completion of all graduation requirements by the end of the 2021-2022 school year.

Rationale:  As a result of the successful bond election on October 12, 2021, the administration recommends that the Board of Education approve the District #54 General Obligation Bond resolution not to exceed $40,000,000 and approving certain terms and conditions of the sale, to begin planning and construction activities included in the Future Ready Ralston Bond initiative.  At the November 8th meeting of the Board of Education, Scott Keene, the District's Bond Advisor, outlined the details of approving a general obligation bond resolution and the strategies to be used in financing included projects over time.
 

Rationale:  Mr. Jason Buckingham provided an overview of recently submitted bids for the purchase of a District Bus at the November 8th meeting of the Board of Education.  The administration recommends the submitted low bids from Omaha Truck for the purchase of two District Busses.

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.

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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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The Board of Education will move into Executive Session to discuss contract negotiations.

Cognia Standard 1.4 - The governing authority establishes and ensures adherence to policies that are designed to support system effectiveness.  Board Policy 2021, Executive Meetings.

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Supplemental Documents include the following:

Food Service Report
Bill Review Schedule - 2021

 

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                  Board of Education Meeting – Mon., December 13 – 6:00 p.m.

                                    Virginia Moon Administrative 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.