February 12, 2024 at 6:00 PM - Board of Education Regular Meeting/Business

Rationale: 

Patrons can watch the Ralston Public Schools Board of Education Meeting by following the link below.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCo8VrugRaRJ-0GL1Cg8BlBA

Rationale: 
Please stand and join us in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Cognia Standard 8:  The governing authority demonstrates a commitment to learners by collaborating with leaders to uphold the institution's priorities and to drive continuous improvement.
Policy 2008, Board of Education Meetings.

Rationale: 

Cognia Standard 8:  The governing authority demonstrates a commitment to learners by collaborating with leaders to uphold the institution's priorities and to drive continuous improvement.
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 2:  Learners' well-being is at the heart of the institution's guiding principles such as mission, purpose, and beliefs.
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 2:  Learners' well-being is at the heart of the institution's guiding principles such as mission, purpose, and beliefs.
Policy 2009, Public Participation at Board Meetings.

Rationale: 

Consent agenda items include minutes from the January 22nd meeting;  January Financial Report, January bills in the amount of $462,192 for the General Fund, and $2,585,445.79 for the Special Building Fund. Prior to the meeting Samantha Willey and Katie Krause reviewed the bills.  Local Substitute Certificates for Tyler Albers, Danielle Calpin, Emily Reddel, Malia Johnson, and Amaya Brodine.

Recommend the following teachers be hired for the 2024-25 school year:
Thea Jobst - RMS - English.  BA-UNO.  Former student teacher and sub at RMS.
Miki Valenta - RHS - Family Consumer Science.  BA-UNO, UNL-61 graduate hours.  Previous experience: Weeping Water (2019-2024); Lincoln Public Schools (2018-2019).
Bethany Palser - Seymour - 3rd grade.  BA-UNK, MA-Grace University.  Previous experience: Council Bluffs Public Schools (2016-2024)
Tucker Bloomquist - Mockingbird - 5th grade.  BA-UNO.
Riley Seifert - Wildewood - 6th grade.  BA-Wayne State.

Recommend the following resignations be accepted:
Zach Deleski-Taylor - RHS - English
Taylynn Tipton - Seymour - 3rd grade
Katie Rupe - RHS - Psych
Katie Drake - RMS - Science
 

Cognia Standard 8:  The governing authority demonstrates a commitment to learners by collaborating with leaders to uphold the institution's priorities and to drive continuous improvement. 
Board Policy 2008, Board of Education Meetings.

Cognia Standard 11:  Leaders create and maintain institutional structures and processes that support learners and staff members in both stable and changing environments.
Board Policy 3007, Review of Bills.         

Rationale: 

Cognia Standard 8:  The governing authority demonstrates a commitment to learners by collaborating with leaders to uphold the institution's priorities and to drive continuous improvement.
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 8:  The governing authority demonstrates a commitment to learners by collaborating with leaders to uphold the institution's priorities and to drive continuous improvement. 
Board Policy 2008, Board of Education Meetings.

Rationale: 

Cognia Standard 2:  Learners' well-being is at the heart of the institution's guiding principles such as mission, purpose, and beliefs. 
Board Policy 2022, Reporting to the Public.

Rationale:  There has been a growing trend in many high schools across the nation to discontinue the recognition for Valedictorian, and instead to recognize outstanding academic achievement differently.  Ryan and Stacy will present the recent trends and issues with the system currently in place at RHS.

Rationale:  Mr. Buckingham, and members of the administrative team 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:  Update of our most recent Ralston Schools Foundation (RSF) meeting.

Rationale:  Dr. Aaron Bredenkamp will provide an overview of the District Financial Report for the month.  Dr. Bredenkamp will address any questions that the Board of Education members may have about any part of the financial statements.  

 

Cognia Standard 8:  The governing authority demonstrates a commitment to learners by collaborating with leaders to uphold the institution's priorities and to drive continuous improvement. 
Board Policy 2008, Board of Education Meetings.

Cognia Standard 11:  Leaders create and maintain institutional structures and processes that support learners and staff members in both stable and changing environments.
Board Policy 3001, Budget

Rationale: 

Mr. Buckingham will update the Board regarding Legislative issues. 

Cognia Standard 2:  Learners' well-being is at the heart of the institution's guiding principles such as mission, purpose, and beliefs.
Board Policy 2022, Reporting to the Public.

Rationale:  Mrs. Elizabeth Kumru will update the Board of Education on items and information that is under consideration with the Nebraska Association of School Boards.

Cognia Standard 2:  Learners' well-being is at the heart of the institution's guiding principles such as mission, purpose, and beliefs.
Policy 2022 Reporting to the Public.

Rationale: 

Mr. Buckingham will review the enrollment information with the Board.

Cognia Standard 2:  Learners' well-being is at the heart of the institution's guiding principles such as mission, purpose, and beliefs.
Board Policy 2022, Reporting to the Public.

Rationale:  Jason Buckingham will provide information to the Board of Education on the Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) to complete the renovation of Ralston Middle School.  District officials have worked with the Weitz Company to develop the GMP along with professionals from BCDM Architects.  

The administration recommends the approval of the GMP outlined in the attached documents.

Rationale:  A public bidding was conducted for the flooring replacement project at Karen Western.  Advertisements were published, a pre-bid meeting was conducted, and a public opening all occured. 

Rationale:  Request was made to amend the language of Policy 5037, attached is the updated version with the suggested changes made.

 

Rationale: 

The Board and Administration will review proposed policies.

Cognia Standard 8:  The governing authority demonstrates a commitment to learners by collaborating with leaders to uphold the institution's priorities and to drive continuous improvement.
Board Policy 2001, Role of the Board of Education.

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Supplemental Documents include the following:

Bill Review Schedule - 2024

 

Rationale: 

Board of Education Meeting - Mon., February 26 - 6:00 p.m.

February 15 - 3:30 - 5:00 pm - Elementary Intramural Basketball Showcase - RHS
February 23 - 12:45 - Seymour Elementary Recognition Event
April 6-8 - NSBA National Conference - New Orleans
April 27 - 10:00 - 2:00 pm - RHS Auto Show
April 28 - May 1 - Federal Advocacy Fly-In - Washington, DC
May 19 - 2:00 pm - RHS Graduation Ceremony
June 12-13 - School Leaders and Law Conference - Kearney, NE                

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: 

The administration recommends the Board of Education move into executive session to discuss legal matters.


Cognia Standard 8:  The governing authority demonstrates a commitment to learners by collaborating with leaders to uphold the institution's priorities and to drive continuous improvement.
Board Policy 2021, Executive Meetings.

Rationale: 

Cognia Standard 8:  The governing authority demonstrates a commitment to learners by collaborating with leaders to uphold the institution's priorities and to drive continuous improvement. 
Board Policy 2008, Board of Education Meetings.