February 8, 2016 at 6:00 PM - Board of Education Regular Meeting

Rationale: 

1. The Board of Education reserves the right to enter into Closed/Executive Session for 1) the protection of the public interest or 2) the prevention of needless injury to the reputation of an individual, and the individual has not requested a public meeting. When making a motion to enter into Closed/Executive Session, the member making such a request should be as specific as possible keeping the previously listed stipulation in consideration.
2. If the Board is in agreement, a motion may be to enter into Closed/Executive Session to 1) discuss a personnel matter or 2) for the prevention of needless injury to the reputation of the individual, or 3) to discuss litigation and for the protection of the public interest.
3. Action Concerning Matters Discussed in Executive Session will be acted upon in open session

Rationale: 

To verify that notice of the meeting was given by publication in the Benkelman Post, a legal newspaper for Dundy County Stratton and by written notice to each member of the board, the designated method of giving notice.

Rationale:  Approve the agenda of this meeting. The Board reserves the right to change the order of items within the agenda.

Rationale:  Approve minutes of previous meeting on Jan. 11, 2016.

Rationale:  Mike B. and Sandy will be absent

Rationale:  Fisher Track has guaranteed us last years price for the structural spray through the summer installation of 2019 which is 4 years. We would still have the option to wait if we want to but as of today that price would not be guaranteed. It may also be cheaper. you never know with an petroleum based product. At this point I would recommend approving the final payment to Fisher. We received the fix the cracks/structure for free promise and the locked in pricing (for 4 years) on the structural spray as we requested. 

Rationale:  Discuss, consider and take all necessary action regarding:

Rationale: 

Presentation of the financial status of the district, balances in the various funds, recent/impending activity therein, anticipated expenses and planning for future considerations.

Rationale: 

With the number of days we have missed already and anticipating that we will miss a few more I would recommend that the board amend the calendar to reflect that we will go to school until 3:30 on all Fridays and other last days of the week. That should gain us back the time we lost this week. We would still be tight on hours but it is better than cancelling vacation days, not dismissing for state activities or coming back more days in May. 

Our seniors will still be required to stay in classes longer than in the past so that they meet 1080 hours and we will have to watch the junior high hours. 

Rationale:  A copy of the proposed calendar is attached. The ESU has not scheduled their training day for staff yet but it is allowed for in the calendar. Should the program they arrange not be able to take place in the contract school year we will stipend the staff that attends based on the curriculum and standards work clause in the negotiated agreement. The ESU program will focus on grading techiques, practices and policies. 

Rationale: 

We should look to purchase a new suburban type vehicle. All of ours are getting up in mileage and our roads are not that great on them. Mileage on the vehicles is 165209, 130721, 162781, 65932 and 182301. They are requiring more maintenance and I am afraid to have to replace them all at once. 

I would recommend that the board authorize the superintendent and transportation committee to purchase a used suburban type vehicle 2015 or newer with less than 20,000 miles. 

I don't believe it is in our best interest to put a price in the minutes. 

Rationale: 

The main mower is a 1994 John Deere F935. It has covered a lot of acres. We looked at options a couple years ago but put the purchase off.

I would like to buy a used/reconditioned Toro like the golf course uses. We could cover a lot of ground quickly. Toro controls that market pretty well and they have not been able to find one suitable for us.

If we can get another 20 years from a John Deere I would recommend that we purchase another like the existing mower. It might cost more up front but 20 years with our volume is pretty good.