July 13, 2020 at 7:00 PM - Board of Education Regular Meeting
| Agenda |
|---|
|
1. Call to Order & Pledge of Allegiance
Rationale:
The mission of Gothenburg Public Schools is to prepare all students within a positive and innovative learning environment. A copy of the open meetings law is posted on the wall of the Board Room and is available to the public. |
|
2. Approve the Agenda
Rationale:
The Board reserves the right to rearrange the order of items as needed. |
|
3. Recognition of Visitors
|
|
3.1. Public Participation
Rationale:
Opportunity for Public Expression:
As a meeting of the Gothenburg Board of Education is a meeting held in public and not a public meeting, visitors should refrain from comments unless recognized by the chair.
Attachments:
()
|
|
4. Hearings
Rationale:
Nebraska School Districts are required to have annual hearings for each of the following areas: Budget (September) Tax Request (September) Student Fees Policy (June) Parental Involvement Policy (June)
Other Hearings may be scheduled as needed. |
|
4.1. Public Hearing to discuss, consider and receive input on Student Fees Policy.
Rationale:
The Board President will declare the Hearing open. 1. Review of Student Fees Policy 2. Review of the amount of money collected from students pursuant to, and the use of waivers provided in, the student fees policies of District #20 for the 2019-20 year. 3. Public comment, information, and input concerning Student Fees Policy. The Board President will declare the Hearing closed.
Attachments:
()
|
|
4.2. Public Hearing to discuss, consider, and receive input on Parent Involvement Policy.
Rationale:
The Board President will declare the hearing open. 1. Review of Parent Involvement Policy (Policy 6400). 2. Public comment, information, and input concerning Parent Involvement Policy. The Board President will declare the hearing closed.
Attachments:
()
|
|
4.3. Public Hearing to discuss, consider and receive input on Standing Committee on American Civics Policy.
Rationale:
The Board President will declare the hearing open. 1. Review of Standing Committee on American Civics Policy (Policy 8153). 2. Public comment, information, and input concerning Standing Committee on American Civics Policy. The Board President will declare the hearing closed.
Attachments:
()
|
|
5. Business Items
|
|
5.1. Action Items
|
|
5.1.1. Consent Agenda
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
|
|
5.1.2. Resolution authorizing the early redemption of the District's Series 2015 General Obligation Refunding Bonds.
Rationale:
The Series 2015 Bonds maturing on December 15, 2020 and thereafter are subject to redemption and prepayment at any time on or after March 16, 2020, |
|
5.1.3. Resolution authorizing the issuance of the District's Series 2020 General Obligation Refunding Bonds in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed Three Million Six Hundred Thousand Dollars ($3,600,000).
Rationale:
To provide funds for the refunding and redemption of the Refunded Bonds, it is necessary and advisable that the District to issue its general obligation refunding bonds in accordance with the provisions of the Reissue Revised Statutes of Nebraska. |
|
5.1.4. Approve the bid from Paulsen Inc. for gutter/downspouts/concrete removal and replacement.
Rationale:
District #20 has consulted with Ryan Stearns from Hewgley and Associates out of North Platte for design of water removal on the East side of the Community building.
Attachments:
()
|
|
5.1.5. Set substitute salaries for the 2020-2021 school year.
Rationale:
Substitute salaries will remain at $110 per day. The rate for substitutes working in the same position for ten consecutive days will also remain at $140 per day. The proposed rates are competitive with schools within the Southwest Conference and within Dawson and Lincoln Counties.
|
|
5.1.6. Set lunch prices for 2020-2021 school year.
Rationale:
Dr. Rhodes and Mrs. Jacobson recommend no increase in lunch prices for 2020-2021. Future evaluation of the program structure may be necessary as we may need to subsidize the program with transfers once again. Federal reimbursement increased due to the summer meal program .
The district will not need to transfer at the end of the fiscal year. |
|
5.1.7. Approval of 2020-2021 Handbooks and Evaluation instruments.
Rationale:
1. A. Faculty Handbook B. Certificated Employee Evaluation Instrument (Reg 4150 A) C. Counselor Evaluation Instrument D. School Psychologist Evaluation Instrument 2. Coach’s Handbook (Attachments include Handbook) B. Para-Educator Evaluation Instrument - Non-Certificated 4. Administrator’s Evaluation Instruments A. Principal Evaluation Instrument B. Activities Director Evaluation Instrument C. Superintendent Evaluation Instrument 5. Volunteer Handbook
Attachments:
()
|
|
5.1.8. Policies
|
|
5.1.8.1. Consideration of proposed policies and revisions to existing policies.
Rationale:
Dawson County School District #20, Gothenburg Public Schools, participates in a policy update and revision process with the Perry Law Firm through Educational Service Unit #10. Justin Knight typically sends proposed revisions upon completion of the legislative session. Due to the Pandemic and the Legislature's pause and reconvening in July Policy updates have been minimal . According to the bylaws of the board, while policies may typically be introduced in one meeting and approved at a second meeting, policies may be approved in a single meeting if necessary. This has become applicable due to the above mentioned situations. Policy 5101 - Student Discipline - This school year, we had several incidents from across the state involving personal safety or security devices, such as pepper spray, tasers and mace. In some cases, these devices were carried by female students claiming for self- protection. In other scenarios, students took these devices out of other students’ backpacks or lockers and used them in the school. To address this apparently emerging trend, we recommend that you add a provision in your Student Discipline policy that (1) students who wish to possess a personal safety or security device on school grounds must obtain prior approval from an administrator; (2) the device must be stored in a secure location during the school day; and (3) the device may not be carried on the student’s person during the school day.
Policy 5103 - Extracurricular Activity - For the same reasons identified with Policy 5101, we recommend adding a reference to personal safety or security devices to your extracurricular code of conduct.
Policy 5406 - Search and Seizure - For the same reasons identified with Policy 5101, we recommend adding a reference to personal safety or security devices to your search and seizure policy.
Policy 5506 - Safe Pupil Transportation Plan - For the same reasons identified with Policy 5101, we recommend adding language to the transportation policy on personal safety or security devices.
Policy 6111 - Classroom Environment - This policy primarily addresses the emerging trend of staff members using essential oils and essential oil diffusers in their classrooms. Students with health issues may be allergic to these oils, or have other health reactions to these oils.
Policy 6117 - Ceremonies - To align with the new Americanism Law, we have updated the references to ceremonies and holidays to be consistent with the statutes.
|
|
5.2. Reports
|
|
5.2.1. Board of Education Reports
Rationale:
Committee Reports (Chair in bold)
Attachments:
()
|
|
5.2.2. Administrative Reports
Rationale:
1. Topic Specific Administrative Reports
2. General Administrative Reports a. Facilities & Transportation (Mr. Holmes) b. Elementary (Mrs. Richeson) c. High School (Mr. Ryker) d. Activities (Mr. Mroczek) e. Special Populations (Mrs. McKenna) f. Teaching and Learning (Mrs. Jonas) g. Superintendent (Dr. Rhodes) |
|
6. Discussion Items
|
|
7. Next Meeting
Rationale:
TBD (2nd Monday of the month)
|
|
8. Adjournment
|
