March 14, 2018 at 8:00 PM - Board of Education Regular Meeting

Rationale:  The regular March meeting of the Sumner-Eddyville-Miller School District Board of Education is called to order on March 12, 2018, at 8:00 P.M., in the Board/Conference Room, 205 East 2nd Avenue, Sumner, NE 68878.

Rationale:  Members of the public who wish to be heard are required to sign in.  A list for public comment is placed on the desk by the conference room door.  The board will make available a total of thirty (30) minutes open for public comment, allowing five (5) minutes per individual.  

The board advises the public that all public comment should be general in the scoop and not specific to district staff or board of education.  If the public has concerns or complaints about someone or something, please follow the board's complaint or concerns policy 1005.01.
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PLEASE NOTE: Slander

Oral defamation, in which someone tells one or more persons an untruth about another, which untruth will harm the reputation of the person defamed. Slander is a civil wrong (tort) and can be the basis for a lawsuit. Damages (payoff for worth) for slander may be limited to actual (special) damages unless there is malicious intent, since such damages are usually difficult to specify and harder to prove. Some statements, such as an untrue accusation of having committed a crime, having a loathsome disease or being unable to perform one's occupation, are treated as slander per se since the harm and malice are obvious and therefore usually result in general and even punitive damage recovery by the person harmed. Words spoken over the air on television or radio are treated as libel (written defamation) and not slander on the theory that broadcasting reaches a large audience as much as if not more than printed publications

Rationale:  Executive Summary:

I have completed administrative evaluation of Mr. Schmidt.  The 15 page document includes Nebraska Department of Education standards and best practices.  Mr. Schmidt's on-going three-year evaluation includes standards on; vision, school culture for learning, school learning environment and relationships, academic standards and assessment, working with parents and stakeholders, and being part of an administrative team.

By statute, the evaluation process of all staff is highly confidential.  Records are maintained in a personnel file and available only to the staff member.  However, I can report that I have been working collaboratively with Mr. Schmidt on areas of development, and can say with confidence that I have observe significant professional improvement in all areas of his work, and can report that we have an on-going development plan for continued success.  During the last evaluation process, all areas of focus were address with noted and observed improvement.

I would be my recommendation to offer Mr. Schmidt a contract of 2018-2019 school year, with a percentage of increase to be the same of the staff increase.



 

Rationale:  Executive Summary:

A Temporary Early Retirement Incentive Plan (TERIP) has been used by the S.E.M. District and board of education in the past. In policy 408.06 (attached) the board may offer a TERIP to full-time certificated employees who are eligible for the program.  Eligibility for the program is to be the developed by the superintendent and enforced through administrative regulation (attached).

The one area of interest (and potentially the only area) for qualified teachers is continuation of health insurance.  This insurance coverage would be for three additional years, at there currently level.

In the provided attachment,  an example model of the potential benefits to the district and to the employee are detailed.  There are several variations that must be taken into consideration when considering the financial benefit amounts of a new hire, such as; experience, education, and insurance status.  Although the typical and predictable scenarios are presented in the attachment, other scenarios are possible. 

However, through my findings I would anticipate a financial benefit to the district ranging in the amounts of $15K to $70K over a three year period of time. Beginning in year 4, the potential savings in increase by approximately $20K, for several years. 

My recommendation would be to approve the TERIP for the 2018-2019 school year.  In addition to financial benefits, the potential teaching opening may attract interested individuals with coaching experience.   Business item 8.2 will be Administrative Regulation 408.06AR and I would recommend approval of this items as well.
 

Rationale:  Executive Summary:

With the completion of the project, in my professional opinion it is important for the district to help protect the investment of the made by the board and stakeholders.  A recommendation from the project director and project architects was to enter into a service contract with a professional service.  The  heating and air system has created problems for the district in the past, and I feel that between Paulsen Inc and Snell services we have really reached their limits of expertize on this issue.  

Trane is a highly recommended name in heating and air, and have experience with school projects and the special needs that districts like ours have.  For example, we have multiple units that at best work together in a limited fashion the way they are currently designed.  One of our biggest issues have been with the Mitsubishis system and finding someone qualified to work with and on it.  Trane has those experts.  Additionally, the under ground based heat source, water loop has provided the district with some problematic issues, Trane realizes the investment and has the abilities to help us maximize our efforts.

Trane has been to SEM on two different occasions to inspect the system and recommend services for the district.  Through there inspection they have identified some of the problems we knew we had, and their recommendations for future actions.  In both cases, the inspections and recommendations were complimentary and required nothing from us.

I have talked with other superintendents about their experiences with Trane, and they come highly recommended. They are quick to respond and have the personnel to manage problems that arise.  

Attached to the agenda is the service contract agreement from Trane.  The Annual contract would be $20,815.  The scope of their service is listed on the attachment.  As you look at the services, I believe currently Mr. Sleicher expertize is limited to the replacement of filters, which although Mark is capable to do this, it is a long process, where is time and efforts could be focused in other areas of school maintenance.

I recommend that with Trane's outstanding track record the district should move into a service contract with Trane.

Rationale:  Executive Summary:

Over the past few meetings, the board has asked for update and advice on a new school bus.  I have worked with several different bus companies and feel that this is the best bus for our needs, that can be ready by the start of school in August of 2018.  The cost of $61,995 would cover the bus cost delivered to SEM. and the lettering on the bus.  

The bus is a NEW 24+1 Type A.  This bus IS NOT modified to be handicap accessible, it was built to be handicap accessible.  There is also the capabilities of removing 2 sets and adding space for another handicap chair.  This bus has the size that it can be used for class field trips etc., and can also be used as a route bus to facilitate the needs of a student restricted by wheel chair.  

 

Rationale:  Executive Summary:

The upper level elementary teachers (4-6 grades) have made a technology request for 20 iPads and an iPad charging/storage cart.  In addition I believe it would be in our best interest to invest in iPad covers to prevent damage from accidental drops.

Advantages to iPads (Staff Comments):

• Use of SeeSaw application that allows sharing of posts - Useful for Science and iMovie
• Useful for digital books.  Easier and more user friendly than Chromebooks
• iPads are easier to transport, far more mobile than chrome books, easier to use in lab situations or on field trips.
• Every useful for virtual experiences, such as digital field trips.
• Applications are available to help students meet science standards.
• Applications are available for math standards
  • Math Flash cards
  • IXL Math
• Can be utilized for MAP testing
• Beneficial for AR use.  The chrome books have been causing problems with students testing after their reading.
• White board Applications are very useful during language.

From my stand point I have observed these teachers doing an amazing job of utilizing technology.  I am impressed with their ideas, and feel that having having access to iPads would make the educational experience more rewarding and effective for students.  The iPad cart would not only allow for charged iPads when needed, but would also provide safety and security for the iPads themselves.



 

Rationale:  Executive Summary

I have review the 2018-2019 School Calendar and find that is meets the school boards standards on 184 teacher days in service with the district, and 178 student days.  

The calendar provides for regular professional development time, and thoughtful breaks for students and their families.  I have observed Mr. Schmidt's attempts for teacher and student input, and I feel this calendar represents the calendar that best meets everyone interests. 

I would recommend that the board approve the 2018-2019 calender.
 

Rationale:  Executive Summary

As part of legislative requirements, board policy is required to be reviewed on an annual/bi-annual basis. Continuing review will be with BOE policy 200 -- School Board.  Additionally, NASB suggest review of Attendance policies during the March meeting.

The policies that SEM has in place meet the requirements and I would recommend that after review of the policies the board move to approve these policies as written.

Rationale:  Executive Summary:

Policy 202 deals with school board member conduct.  Policy 202.01 is entitled "Board Member Code of Ethics." After our (Mr. Williams and myself) attendance with NASB during the president's retreat, which had a significant focus on board meeting process and procedures, it was recommended to review our 200 series policies.


 

Rationale:  Executive Summary:

Policy 202.02 is a continuation of Policy 202 review. 

Executive Summary
Attachment -- Board Self Assessments tool

According to policy 202.03, the board shall conduct an annual assessment 

Rationale:  Executive Summary:

Continuation of Policy Review of Section 202

Rationale:  Executive Summary:
     Continuation of Policy section 200 review
 

Rationale:  Executive Summary:

One of the guiding factors for Agenda development is the NASB Annual Calendar.  One consideration for the March meeting is the review of Attendance.  

SEM policy 503.01 is a standard policy that meets state statute, my recommendation would be to review the policy and approve.
 

Rationale:  Executive Summary:

Policy 503.02 is a standard policy meeting state statute.  

Rationale:  Executive Summary: