January 16, 2017 at 5:00 PM - Regular Board Meeting

Rationale: 

The mission of Gothenburg Public Schools, in partnership with the entire community, is to prepare all students within a positive, innovative, learning environment to become lifelong learners in the 21st century. 

A copy of the open meetings law is posted on the wall of the Board Room and is available to the public.

Please stand for the Pledge of Allegiance.

Rationale: 

Dr. Teahon will preside over the realignment of the Board of Education.

 

Board members elected in November, 2016, will read and sign the Oath of Office.

Rationale:  Policy #9120 states that at the January meeting of the Board of Education, a President, Vice-President, and Secretary shall be elected from the membership to a one-year term of office.  Officers in 2016 were Nate Wyatt, President, Amber Burge, Vice President, and Lisa Geiken, Secretary.  Dr. Teahon will accept nominations for offices and conduct the elections.  Kay Streeter has served as Secretary to the Board and will continue to do so if approved.   Randy Waskowiak has served as Board Treasurer and has agreed to continue to so if approved.

Rationale:  Nominations for the office of president will be accepted.  No second is required for nominations.  Paper ballots will be used if more than one board member is nominated.

Rationale:  Nominations for the office of vice president will be accepted.  No second is required for nominations.  Paper ballots will be used if more than one board member is nominated.

Rationale:  Nominations for the office of secretary will be accepted.  No second is required for nominations.  Paper ballots will be used if more than one board member is nominated.

Rationale: 

Kay Streeter, Dawson County School District #20 Business Manager, has served as Secretary to the Board and has agreed to continue in this role approved by the Board of Education.  Mrs. Streeter should be authorized to sign checks for the following funds:

Student Activity

Hot Lunch

Petty Cash

Student Fees

Employee Benefit

Depreciation

Rationale:  Mr. Randy Waskoviak, First State Bank, has served as Board Treasurer and has agreed to continue in the role if approved by the Board of Education.

Rationale:  The adoption of an order of business to guide the preparation of future agenda and conduct of meetings as defined in Policy 9300, Bylaws of the Board – Meetings.  The Table of Contents for Article 8, Internal Board Policy and Article 9, Bylaws of the Board are linked for reference purposes only.

Rationale: 

Board policy #8151, adopted in 2008, requires standing committees in the following areas:

            1.            Negotiations (Personnel)

            2.            Curriculum, Americanism and Staff Relations (Data)

            3.            Transportation and Facilities

            4.            Finance

            5.            Policy

It shall further be the policy of Gothenburg Public Schools that the Superintendent shall appoint the members of the above committees.  The Superintendent will work with the reorganized board and submit standing committees at the February meeting.

A list of the proposed 2017 standing committees and an updated organizational structure are attached. 

Rationale:  Board Policy 8130, Annual Organizational Meeting, also directs the board to approve current Board policies and regulations at the organizational meeting.

Rationale:  The final task required by Annual Organizational Meeting Policy 8130 is the dissemination of conflict of interest policies and forms.  Copies will be distributed during the meeting and linked to the agenda.  Electronic versions of the forms were also sent to board members last week.

Rationale:  The Board reserves the right to rearrange the order of items as needed.

Rationale: 

FFA Officers

Preschool Teachers

Rationale: 

1. Approval of Previous Minutes

2. Approval of the Treasurer's Report

3. Approval of the Warrants / Bills

  a.  Petty Cash

  b.  Student Activity

  c.  Hot Lunch

  d.  Bank Statement

  e.  Summary of Accounts and Receipts

  f.  Monthly Expenditure Report

g. Check Journal

4. Excuse Absent Board Members

5. Consider Option Enrollment Requests- None

Rationale: 

Dawson County School District #20 approved Temporary Early Retirement Incentive Policy #4113 at the December Board Meeting. 

The purpose of the adopted policy was to encourage eligible Certificated Employees who are considering an early-leaving decision to accelerate their retirement plans.  Only certificated employees with a 1.0 FTE and who were at least 55 years of age with a minimum of 14 years in the district were eligible.  Applications were due on January 5th, 2017.  The Board reserved the right to accept or reject any or all applications AND prorate benefit if necessary upon notification of applicants.  The program and policy expire as of January 17th, 2017. 

Mr. Randy Evans has served as the Principal of Gothenburg High School for 21 years.

Mrs. Janet Evans has served as a kindergarten teacher in Dudley Elementary for 18 years.

Mrs. Sherry Damrow has served as a special educator in Gothenburg High School for 16 years.

Mrs. Ligia Peterson has served as a Spanish Teacher in Gothenburg High School for 21 years.

These fine educators have served the Gothenburg Schools and community for a combined 76 years.  Thak you for your service.

 

Rationale:  This item will show up as an agenda item through May.

Rationale: 

The Gothenburg Education Association has ratified the proposed agreement.

Rationale:  Need to set date for Winter Retreat

Rationale:  The first draft of the school calendar is attached.  Discussions were held with the administrative team and Executive Council.

Rationale: 

We will have a brief review of the policy followed by a summary of bullying prevention strategies in the Jr./Sr. High School.  The elementary report was given in December.

 

Rationale: 

        a.  Bullying Report from Junior/Senior High School  (carried over from December)

Rationale:  February 13, 2017:  12:00 Noon