July 12, 2012 at 6:30 PM - Regular Meeting July 12, 2012

Rationale:  It is 6:45 PM and I now call to order the Grand Island Public Schools Board of Education Meeting.  This is the July 12, 2012 regular meeting.  Notice of this meeting has been advertised in the Grand Island Independent, which is the District's designated method of giving notice of these meetings.

We want those in attendance to know that copies of the Open Meetings Act are available at the entrance to the Board Room.  If anyone in attendance is interested in addressing our Board, you are welcome to do so.  We simply request that you complete the appropriate form and turn it in to us now so that you may be recognized during the Public Forum part of our meeting.  These forms are also located by the entry doors of this room.

Mrs. Wagner, will you please call the roll?

Rationale:  Roll Call.

Rationale: 

The Mission  

Every Student, Every Day, a Success
Within the Grand Island Public Schools,
- every student will be taught to read, write, and communicate effectively; solve problems; acquire and apply knowledge; and demonstrate mastery through performance to the best of the student's abilities;  
- every student will be treated with fairness and dignity;
- every student will experience a sense of belonging, contribution, and success; and
- every student will develop responsibility and show respect for others as well as oneself.  
In educating students, we teach hearts as well as minds.

Rationale:  The first item on the agenda tonight is the Consent Agenda.  The Consent Agenda to be approved is as follows:

(items read.)

This is the Consent Agenda as published.  Would anyone like to remove any items or add any items to the Consent Agenda? 

Rationale:  Due to residency requirements for employment, Mr. Brian Exstrum will be resigning from the Board of Education.  Mr. Exstrum will make comments to the Board regarding his status.

Rationale:  Grand Island Public Schools in cooperation with Saint Francis Medical Center (The Physician Network) operates a Student Wellness Center on the campus of Grand Island Senior High School.  As part of the cooperating activities both parties enter into a formal lease agreement for the space used by the Student Wellness Center.  The lease needs renewed and a proposed amendment to the current lease agreement is attached for the Board of Education's consideration.  The amendment extends the current agreement for a three year period from July 1, 2012 through June 30, 2015.  All other terms and conditions of the current lease remain in effect and unchanged.

Rationale:  As the administration and Board of Education plan and evaluate both the physical plant needs and the financial resources to carry out the long term necessary upkeep and maintenance of over 1.8 million square feet of floor space from time to time it becomes in the district’s best interest to issue Qualified Purpose Undertaking Fund (QCPUF) bonds.  Besides the need we currently have the capacity and ability to finance the issuance of about $1,000,000 of QCPUF bonds over a short two-year period within the Legislatively limited 04.2¢ levy authority.  Moreover, we have the ability to live within the current total levy amount of roughly $1.20 per $100 of assessed valuation.  The administration is asking for Board consensus to move forward with the proposed bond issue and bring forth the necessary motions and paperwork at a later date either in the current or next fiscal year.

Rationale:  After more than two years of planning, design, and development we are finally ready to accept proposals for the Career Pathways Institute (CPI) building renovations.  Mr. Petsch will review with the Board the recommendation of the Facility and Finance Committee.

Rationale:  Due to residency requirements for employment, Mr. Brian Exstrum will be resigning from the Board of Education.  The Board is asked to accept his resignation at this time.

Rationale:  Per current state statute every Nebraska school district must hold a hearing on student fees, including a review of the sources and uses of fees from the most recent school year.  Additionally, Districts must officially accept the report and adopt the planned fees for the upcoming school year.  Therefore, the Facilities and Finance committee recommends the Board approve the school year 2011-2012 report on student fees and adopt the school year 2012-2013 student fees policy and administrative procedures as presented.

Rationale:  Due to the refinancing of the entire series 2005 and part of the series 2008 general obligation bonds during the 2011 - 2012 school year it's necessary to modify the FY11-12 budget for the Bond Fund.  The Executive Director of Business reviewed the changes necessary for the BOE to consider earlier in the evening at the legally required public hearing.  The Board is now asked to approve those modifications as presented.

Rationale:  GIPS has contracted for four years (two contract renewal cycles) with Directions, EAP as the provider of the Employee Assistance Program. While pleased with the services provided by Directions EAP, the Personnel Committee is recommending the district advertise for Requests for Proposals to evaluate services, programs and costs that may now be available, from both local and regional providers. To provide an adequate time frame to complete a thorough analysis of proposals, we are recommending renewal of the Directions EAP contract for one year (versus the customary two years). RFP's would then be solicited in the Fall of 2012, with a recommendation to the BOE in the spring or early summer of 2013. The cost per employee in the proposed contract is still at the same level as the original prices contracted in 2008.

Rationale:  An overview of the Extra Standard Committee Meeting and recommendations for the 2012-13 positions.

Rationale:  After more than two years of planning, design, and development we are finally ready to accept proposals for the Career Pathways Institute (CPI) building renovations.  Mr. Petsch will review with the Board the recommendation of the Facility and Finance Committee.

Rationale:  A monthly report to the Board and community on the major items discussed and under consideration in the Facility and Finance Committee.  From this committee, there is also a possibility of a presentation and recommendation for action on any item which might have recently arisen requiring a short turn around time frame.

Rationale:  A monthly report to the Board and community on the major items discussed and under consideration in the Teaching and Learning Committee.

Rationale:  A monthly report to the Board and community on the major items discussed and under consideration in the Personnel Committee.

Rationale:  A monthly report to the Board and community on the major items discussed and under consideration in the Policy Committee.

Rationale:  A monthly report to the Board and community on the major items discussed and under consideration by the Grand Island Education Foundation.

Rationale:  A quarterly report to the Board and community on the major items discussed and under consideration by the NASB Board of Directors.

Rationale:  A monthly report to the Board and community on the major items discussed and under consideration in the Public Relations Committee.