November 13, 2017 at 8:00 PM - Board of Education Regular Meeting

1.  Review monthly bills using the EMeetings Software.

2.  Review all credit card transactions for the month.

3.  Finance Committee Members Sign-off on review of monthly bills, credit card transactions, and district fund balances.

4.  Approve superintendent's expenses (credit card transactions, mileage, cell phone reimbursement).

5.  Both the Sherman Country Treasurer & Buffalo County Treasurer were called to verify the correct levy is on file with their offices.  This call was made by Superintendent Schroeder on 11-9-17.

6.  Additional help in the lunch room with no negative fiscal impact

7.  Lunch Program Monthly Review-Financial Data & Program Feedback

8.  Audit Follow Up-Attached is the Audit Draft with notations for discussion with Board's Finance Committee.

9.  $54 credit for battery core from NAPA was credited to the account this month.  This was discussed and questioned last month.

10.  Rebates on Elementary HVAC Equipment-We received the rebate from NPPD in the amount of $350 last month, which I reported.  I followed up and asked where the other $400 was at.  The contractor filled out the paperwork wrong, but I still held him accountable for the $400.  Otherwise, the district would have overpaid by $400.

11.  Surplus textbooks-The sale of surplus textbooks made $459.15, which was returned to the general fund.

12.  SPED Van Purchase-I would like to discuss the possibility of purchasing a sped van sometime during the current budget cycle.  The current sped van has 171,000 miles; defroster doesn't work; struts have never been touched; In short, multiple possible mechanical issues.  May want to consider purchasing SPED van prior to end of budget cycle.  Would like to discuss quality and condition of prospective purchase with finance committee.  

13.  Negotiations with REA

Members of the Public, 

This is the portion of the board meeting when we invite anyone in attendance to address the board of education. If you would like to speak to the board regarding any of the items on tonight's agenda or a public concern, now is your opportunity to do so.  Please review the orange sheet (found on the visitors' chairs) of paper that contains the guidelines for public participation.  If you wish to speak to the board at this time, please let me know.  "Would anyone like to address the board at this time?"

AFTER THE PERSON(S) INDICATE(S) THEY WISH TO SPEAK

1.  Please stand and state your name?

2.  What topic will you be speaking on?

3.  Are there others in the room who wish to speak to the same topic? (If so, ask that they be recognized so that 30 minutes of time for public comment can be apportioned as per the policy-5 minutes per person).

4.  Optional-"Please understand that public comment is your opportunity to speak to the board and present your concerns, thoughts, feelings, ideas, and observations.  Members of the board are happy to hear from members of the public, but the board will not engage in conversation or dialogue with you during public comment."

4.  "You'll have approximately 5 minutes to address the board, as we allow 5 minutes per person and a total of 30 minutes for public comment.  You may begin when you are ready?"

Mrs. Clark will be in to tell the board about how she is going to be working with the administration to celebrate student art.

Congratulations to Mr. Lacey Rager, who was October's ABC Bluejay Staff Member of the Month!

Congratulations to Ken Schroeder, who is November's ABC Bluejay Staff Member of the Month!

Nominees this month include:

Karalee Fiddelke does a such an awesome job at being our school nurse. All throughout the day Karalee is needed and she is willing to assist. Karalee hardly gets a break throughout the day and she continues to help each student in need of her help. Karalee has many students that she gets to check in on all throughout the day and she hasn't ever missed that time.

Erica Chancellor-I would like to nominate Erica Chancellor for ABC bluejay. Erica has joined our staff and hit the ground running. She is not only taking on school improvement, but she is learning and providing us with MAP, NeSA, and AR support. If that was not enough Erica is doing an AMAZING job with the elementary students' library skills class Our students are so engaged and learning great things with technology. She has great classroom management and a positive attitude with all of our students. She is truly a great addition to our staff.

Angie Drahota does a wonderful job and works diligently to bring out the best in RPS students regarding their college choices and future career plans. She also has a soft heart and listening ear for those who need it.

Dr. Schroeder is an excellent communicator, and he has clear expectations for staff, which he shares regularly through emails and meetings. All of Dr. Schroeder's communication with staff uses humor, which is a refreshing element when an email is about policy and procedure. Dr. Schroeder welcomes input from all of the students and staff regarding any issue or task in our school. He is knowledgeable and fair, and Dr. Schroeder shows us through his words and deeds that every staff member and student at Ravenna Public Schools is vital to our success.

Doris Russell is a wonderful lady. She consistently does whatever is asked of her and is always willing to roll up her sleeves and help out in any capacity she is asked to. Her musical talent, great work ethic, and caring demeanor make her a fantastic employee.

Stephanie Rodenborg-I would like to nominate Stephanie Rodenborg for her patience and perseverance in organizing the Junior prom committees. She has pushed them to make important calls and decisions and I feel that prom this year is going to be amazing as a direct result of her efforts!

Terry Hervert for being cool, calm, and collected through out the school day with any task she is asked to do and with any student she is with. Terry is liked by students and staff because she is easy to work with, fun to be around, and knows just how to get the job done! Terry has been at this school longer than some of us have been alive!! That shows her true dedication to not only the school but to the success of all of the students at our school. Terry is a great asset to Ravenna Public Schools and is more than deserving of this honor!

Todd always I mean always goes above and beyond. Todd always makes sure the vans or buses are ready to go so staff and coaches are able to transport children safely to and from. If there is a question or concern Todd always answer his phone and is always so positive and polite. Todd also helps with lots of things in the school building. Todd is willing to take on lots of projects and gets them done in a timely manner and they are always done with great work. Todd definitely shows the students the Ravenna expectations in the hallway and is friendly to everyone.

Mary Pernicek is an awesome person with a hard working nature. She is a fantastic bus driver that takes pride in her work and is always willing to transport students on activities. We appreciate her!

The proofer/heat cabinet in the kitchen no longer works and is not worth repairing.  Bids were solicited by the superintendent for replacement on this item.  The superintendent would recommend replacing the equipment, using one of the vendors who submitted a bid for the equipment.

Each year the Ravenna Public School District is required to have an audit from an independent auditor.  Dana F. Cole has conducted the audit for the board's review and final approval.

Highlights/keypoints of the audit include:

• Page 20-$135,340 of long-term debt paid off.  Bond's remaining balance of $440,000 (principal only) should be paid off by 2021.
• Page 21-Lease on photocopiers will be done in 2019.  $23,386 remains on the lease, which we will need to renew at that time.
• Page 22-Transfers from the GF to the Lunch Fund have gone down considerably.  At one time, we were transferring $40,000.  Last year, the transfers totaled $18,195
• Page 23-Total receipts ($6,721,222) and total disbursements ($5,846,523) are detailed on this page.
• Page 24-Fund balance from the beginning of the year ($2,847,508) and the end of the year ($3,700,672).  The district's "cash on hand" improved greatly.
• Page 26-Actual receipts ($6,728,695) exceeded estimated receipts ($6,626,062).
• Page 26-Special Education programming costs increased by $72,701.  This was due to added staff and additional contracted services for high needs (Level 3) students.
• Page 27-GF Balance increased $853,164 from 2016; $1,582,891 increase from 2015; $2,098,609 increase from 2014
• Page 28-Large transfer ($120,000) was due to a computer refresh of student machines, van purchase, and bus engine replacement.
• Page 30-Great reduction ($21,850) in transfers from GF to Lunch Fund.  Food costs were reduced by $25,000.  This was largely in part to great utilization of commodities.
• Page 31-$7,473 in "back taxes" were transferred from the Bond Fund to the General Fund.  Back taxes continue to slowly trickle into the GF from the Bond Fund.
• Page 32-$225,421 in total expenditures from Special Building Fund.  Fund balance at the end of the year was $314,893.  $431,277 is budgeted for expenditures during 2017-18.
• Page 33-$109,942 was spent from the QCPUF Fund repaying bond principal and interest in 2016-17.  $112,500 will be spent repaying bond interest and principal in 2017-18.  Bond are scheduled to be paid of in 2021.
• Page 35-Disbursements by line item.
• Page 39-Total disbursements ($5,875,531) were $1,095,431 lower than budgeted ($6,9970,276).
• Pages 44-46-Findings were typical for a district of our size, including "segregation of duties" and "internal control" issues.  The bond fund finding on page 46 is from the previous fiscal year (2016).
• Overall, the numbers look very good.  The cash balance in the GF is moving in a positive direction.  Budgeted expenditures are being under spent.  Revenues are exceeding projections.  The QCPUF Fund has adequate cash to meet bond principal and interest payments.  The Special Building Fund has adequate capital to provide for scheduled capital improvement projects.  The tax request of patrons was actually slightly lower, approximately $10,000, for SY 2017 when compared to SY 2016.

The NSAA Football Declaration Form is due November 30th.  The recommendation from the AD & Football Coach is to play 8-man for the next two-year cycle (2018 & 2019).  If the board would like to take any additional action (community meeting, additional discussion, etc.) in respect to making this declaration, the superintendent would like to be advised of such action.  Otherwise, the school will make the declaration to continue to play 8-man football for the next two-year cycle and submit it by November 30th.  (The recommendation/rationale for playing 8-man, as submitted by the AD and Head Football Coach is attached to this agenda item.)

The board has considered making bowling a school sponsored activity.  The board would only be allowed to do this in the event that the NSAA (Nebraska School Activities Association) would make bowling a sanctioned event.  At a recent vote in Ravenna's NSAA Delegate Assembly (Region 4), there was a proposal to make bowling a school sponsored activity.  The delegate assembly voted on this proposal.  The proposal failed with a 16-yes, 20-no, 15 abstain, vote, with Ravenna voting for the proposal. 

There was a proposal from NSAA Region 3 that did pass and will move on for consideration and vote by all 6 regions.

Explanation for notations on the attached "2018-19 Projections" document:

Estimated Budget Authority Increase for 2018-19: $79,344

Estimated Non-certificated Staff Compensation Increase Based on Change Between 2016-17 & 2017-18: $70,000

Negotiable Items Brought Forth by BOE & REA:

-"0 Hour" payment for instructors who teach "0 Hour" (weights, band, etc.)

-Instruction payment for loss of plan time, if staff member is assigned to teach an additional period and agrees to forfeit planning time

-Dock days language for negotiated agreement

-Policy 4019-Membership of the "Workplace Injury Prevention & Safety Committee" as provided by Board Policy #4019-Current membership on the committee includes: Karalee Fiddelke, Todd VanWinkle, Dan Cyboron, Angie Drahota, Paul Anderson, Brad Kjar, Ken Schroeder, Wayne Bock, Erin Jarvi, Terry Hervert, Ravenna PD, Peg Detlefs

-Array schools mutually selected by REA and by Board of Education

Proposed Array Schools by BOE:

Centura

Wood River

St. Paul

Shelton

Amherst

Gibbon

Pleasanton

Loup City

-EHA Insurance Rates

At the October 2017 Meeting, the board discussed getting playground equipment bids to help see how such an expenditure would fit into their capital improvement plan.  Those bids are attached to this agenda item.

Since the last October Board Meeting:

• Two metal building companies contacted to secure an assessment and pricing for working on the roof above the bus barn/classroom
• An assessment was conducted by Rasmussen's Mechanical on the High School AC Units (2-20 ton & 1-80 ton unit) for future planning considerations
• A track resurfacing company was contacted to do an independent assessment of the track this spring
• An electrical company has been contacted to provide budget pricing for pole and possible lighting replacement at the football field
• An estimated was generated by Dan on sprucing up the concession stand.  Last estimate was $3,000.  Updated, itemized estimate is attached for review.  New total is $4643.  $1859 of which is for new stall walls.  (Attached)

Current Members of the Ravenna School Board Foundation Include:

Marilyn Bohn-Board Member (2013)

Misti Fiddelke-Board Member (2011)

Tara Schirmer-Board Member (2009/2015)

Brenda Schroeder-Community Member (2015)-Brenda has inidcated that she will be vacating the seat at the end of her term.

Brenda Beranek-Community Member (2016)

Karrie Hurtya-Community Member (2015)-Karrie has inidcated that she will be vacating the seat at the end of her term.

Paige Havranek-Teacher (2013)

Cindy Wilke-Teacher (2011)

Alison Yendra-Teacher (2016)

Ken Schroeder-Superintendent

Mr. Schroeder sent an email out to all staff asking for volunteers.  To date no staff has expressed interest.

The"By-Laws of Ravenna Public School Foundation" (see attached) call for the Ravenna Board of Education to appoint the board members.  The purpose of this agenda item is to review the current board appointments, begin to track the length of the board members' appointments on an annual basis, and to establish a plan to revisit these appointments for review by the board on an annual basis. 

Two of the teachers who have been on for more than three years asked to be replaced in February.  The term replacements are to be staggered so that we are not losing more than 3 board of director members in any one year.  

Board Members may serve no more than four consecutive terms:

Board members=2 year term x 4 terms max=8 years

Other appointed members=3 year term x 4 terms max=12 years

With two teachers wishing to be replaced, that means we need to have a discussion about who is willing to stay on and who is not in advance of our February Meeting.

As per the superintendent's contract, the superintendent is required to remind the board at its annual November meeting that they have the right to non-renew his contract by informing the superintendent of their intent to non-renew within 7 days after the regular December Board Meeting.  This renewal reminder is found in "Section 2" of the attached superintendent's contract.

Renewal of the superintendent's contract is an annual agenda item for the December Board Meeting, as per the language of the superintendent contract.

The superintendent is also required to be evaluated twice during the first year of employment and then annually thereafter.  The superintendent's evaluation is an annual agenda item for the December Board Meeting.

This agenda item serves as the written notice the superintendent is required to provide regarding his contract and performance evaluation, as per the superintendent's contract.

• Congratulations to Mrs. Sara Bock - NTV Outstanding Teacher of the Month.
• TAK At Night - Saturday, Nov 18. Games, Movie, Pizza
• Professional Development (November 6)
  • Continued our work with Robert Marzano's The Art and Science of Teaching.  This month's focus was on helping students work with new knowledge.
  • ELA curriculum review and alignment to Nebraska Standards
• 2016-17 NeSA Results
  • Attached are the summary reports for each grade level.  The test had a different format and we are not to compare scores from the previous years. The test was more rigorous and proficiency standards were raised.
  • This year the State will use NWEA MAP test to administer testing, which will again be a different format so we will not be able to compare scores from last year to this year. However, I do believe we are getting close to having a system that works and will make sense. 

1.  State Education Conference-November 15th-17th in Omaha. 

2.  Window Warranty Work

3.  Track Warranty Work

4.  Staffing Consideration for Certificated Staff in 2018-19 School Year

5.  NRCSA Area Meeting

• Urdeman Proposal for Property Tax Relief (article attached)
  • Takes about $700,000 to correctly and adequately circulate a petition in the Nebraska
  • State would "foot the bill" for the 50% "property tax credit"
  • Modernizing the Tax Code to include additional taxable revenue is a more viable option
• School Choice Tax Credits for Private Schools
• Retirement System-$46 Million is state's contribution to retirement system-Some legislatures think the state should not pay this.  This cost would fall back on to local districts if legislation was introduced to revoke this contribution.
• State revenue forecast is indicating a $100 million dollar shortfall for next year and a $130 million dollar shortfall for the year thereafter.

6.  Statewide Mental Health Survey Results (Attached)

7.  Board Strategic Planning and/or Retreat for 2017/18

Thanks to all who attended the Ravenna Public Schools Foundation's "BLUE & WHITE NIGHT".  Thanks to all who attended this event.  -Ryan Osten

Congratulations to the One-Act Cast and Crew for a very successful first performance at the Kearney Play Festival and receiving a perfect score from all three judges.  We wish you a successful season.  -Marc Vacek

Great job, students and staff, with the Veteran's Day Program!  The music and program were an awesome tribute to our veterans! -Dawn Standage