December 11, 2023 at 5:00 PM - Board of Education Regular Meeting

Rationale: 

Mission Statement:

Gothenburg Public Schools is the cornerstone of a proud, passionate, and progressive community where students and staff thrive in a positive and innovative environment.  We ensure the growth of all individuals by inspiring them to own and maximize their potential.

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

Rationale: 

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

Rationale: 

Board Policy 2009 - Opportunity for Public Expression.  
(A copy of the policy is linked here.)

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

INSTRUCTIONS FOR MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHO WISH TO SPEAK: This is the portion of the meeting when members of the public may speak to the board about matters of public concern.  

• Getting Started:  When you have been recognized, please stand and state your name.   

• Time Limit:  The board will generally allow a total of 30 minutes for the presentation of all public comments.  Individuals may speak only one time, and must limit comments to around 5 minutes.  If there are more than 6 individuals who wish to address the board, the 30 minutes will be divided equally between the number of speakers.   These time limits may be changed by a majority vote of the board members in attendance to extend the time for a specific item or speaker. 

• Personnel or Student Topic:  If you are planning to speak about a personnel or a student matter involving an individual, please understand that the district has a complaint policy and/or procedures to resolve such complaints and concerns.  The Board requests that you follow the policy and procedures before addressing these matters with the Board.  Board members will generally not respond to any questions you ask or comments about individual staff members or students.  

• General Rules: This is a public meeting for the conduct of business.  Comments from the audience while others are speaking will not be tolerated.  Lewd, obscene, profane, slanderous, threatening and hostile conduct or statements and fighting words (words whose mere utterance entails a call to violence) will not be tolerated. 

• No Action by the Board:  The board will not act on any matter unless it is on the published 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
Option Out:
Axyl Moog 1st grade to Maxwell

 

Rationale:  Mrs. Kristin Hastings is a long-time substitute teacher in our district who also happens to have her school librarian endorsement.  With Mrs. Long stepping to the English role for this semester, we are fortunate to have someone who can assist us in the Media Center.  Keeping the media center open is a Rule 10 requirement and we are incredibly fortunate to have not only someone but a high quality person who will do a fantastic job with the ability and willingness to take on this role.

Rationale:  Policy 3003 outlines our process for commencing the bidding process for projects that are expected to exceed $100,000.  Our 4th and 5th grade classrooms need to have the HVAC updated to optimize our educational environment.  Recently, three of six classrooms were around 50 degrees for a few weeks while we waited on parts to temporarily repair the rooftop unit - this was with multiple plug-in heaters running throughout the day and early morning hours.

Ensuring the safety, functionality, and improved learning experiences for our students and faculty is a top priority and this is the next area in our facilities plan that will ensure we can accomplish this.

In accordance with policy, the proposed motion involves initiating the bidding process to select a qualified contractor or firm to execute the necessary updates. This process will adhere strictly to our established procurement policies, ensuring transparency, fairness, and efficiency in the selection of the contractor.

Hewgley and Associates was contracted as the district's architect in December 2021 as part of a five-year agreement.  As such, they will coordinate the bidding process. 

The outlined steps in the motion for the bidding process will include specifics outlined in Policy 3003. These steps will enable us to identify a contractor capable of meeting our specific needs and delivering high-quality results.

I propose that the board approves this motion to proceed with the bidding process, as it will facilitate the selection of a contractor who demonstrates proficiency, reliability, and a commitment to fulfilling our school's requirements.

Rationale:  Dr. Jonas' contract and board policy requires evaluation at least once annually.  The Gothenburg Board of Education has completed Dr. Jonas' 2023-2024 evaluation and performance goals.  

Rationale:  Dr. Jonas will provide an annual report for District 20.  This is an informational item only and does not require board action.

Rationale: 

Committee Reports (Chair in bold)

1.  Personnel Committee (Mr. Fornoff, Mrs. Terrell, Mrs. Jobman)
2. Transportation and Facilities (Mr. Wyatt, Mr. Dalrymple, Mrs. Brass)
3. Finance (Mrs. Jobman, Mr. Wyatt, Mrs. Brass)
4. Committee on American Civics (Mrs. Terrell, Mr. Fornoff, Mr. Dalrymple)
5. Policy Review (Mrs. Terrell, Mr. Fornoff, Mrs. Brass)

 

Rationale: 

Rationale:  Monday, January 8th

Swede Activities:
B/G BB Reserve @ Ogallala