December 10, 2018 at 7:00 PM - Board of Education Regular Meeting

Rationale:  Mrs. Havranek will be in attendance to take the school board photo for the yearbook.  Please be sure to wear your favorite shirt and your best smile.  ;-)

Rationale: 

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.  Lunch Fund Financial Review 

6.  General Fund Annual Balance Comparison for November 30:

• 2015: $1,028,708
• 2016: $1,954,929
• 2017: $2,816,033
• 2018: $3,657,199

7.  Qualified Capital Purpose Undertaking Fund-Bond payment was made in the amount of $112,631.25.  No more payments are due this budget cycle.  Current balance is $85,462.  A $115,375 property tax request was made in this fund for the 2018-19 budget cycle.  The bond payment for budget year 2019-20 will be $113,008.  This bond will retire in 2020-21 with a final bond payment of $116,064.

8.  Special Building Fund-Currently has a balance of $183,076.  The projects currently being strongly considered for the 2018-19 school year by the board in the form of roof section replacement above kitchen and pre-school, Phase 3 of Elementary HVAC Project, concrete/asphalt replacement, elementary gym water heater replacement, 20-ton condenser & coil replacement, floor tile replacement in elementary, and lighting replacement projects throughout the school, total approximately $189,339 based on budget pricing.  $500,000 of property tax request was made for the 2018-19 school year.

9.  Depreciation Fund-Currently has a balance of $154,221.  The high jump pit was purchased through this fund in the amount of $6,919.  The next big purchase from this fund is the bus, at a cost of $96,815 ($54,815 district cost & $42,000 reimbursement from NDEQ), which will substantially draw down this fund.  The computer refresh and possible textbook updates are also planned from this fund.  We also need to maintain a balance of $120,000 set aside and carry forward as a balance for the beginning of the 2019-20 budget cycle for the computer refresh during the 2019-20 budget cycle.  As the amount estimated for that computer refresh will be $180,000.  We had agreed to attempt to put $60,000 aside for a three year period.  We have budgeted for $110,000 to be transferred from the General Fund to the Depreciation Fund during the 2018-19 budget cycle.  A reminder, the Depreciation Fund is energized from transfer from the General Fund, as it is a "non taxing" fund.
 

Rationale: 

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?"

 

 

 

Rationale: 

Congratulations to Mrs. Haley Gadeken, who was the November ABC Bluejay Staff Members of the Month!

Congratulations to Caley Greer, who is the December ABC Bluejay Staff Member of the Month!

Nominees this month included:

Amy Styren-Amy has become a superb asset to our behavioral management team. Amy brings a nurturing background to the team by observing and guiding our students in a manner that is thoughtful and individualized to the students she works with. Her positive demeanor and patience is a welcome addition to our staff.

Marcie Gross-Marcie has really stepped up in her new position. She is doing a great job running the POS in the cafeteria as well as keeping the Elementary building looking great. She is very friendly and always in a cheerful mood and willing to help out a co worker or student in anyway she can. Marcie is very deserving of this and should be recognized for her hard work and dedication to Ravenna Public Schools.

Barb Ellis-Mrs. Ellis has done a fantastic job with the high school vocal and instrumental music programs this year.  As evidenced by the band receiving a "1" rating at UNK this Fall and the outstanding job that she and her students did with our Veterans Day performance.  She has also gone out of her way to provide extra opportunities to our students that are musically inclined by starting jazz band and the aria, vocal group.  We are fortunate to have a vocal and instrumental director that is fully committed to our students and to the programs that she leads.

Caley Greer-Caley  is constantly active and constantly engaging her Kindergarten students to a better learning. She is always on top of her game. Caley is so knowledgeable about developmental skills and social skills in which her students need to be achieving and understanding. Caley has high (and realistic) expectations for her Kindergarten students. We are truly lucky to have Caley on staff at RPS.

 

Rationale:  The superintendent has been exploring the possibility of after school programming with the Community Betterment Group and discussing the use of a portion of the school's property for a Maker's Space.  Community representatives will be in from these groups to listen to Mrs. Walrath's presentation and to learn about possibilities for after school programming.  The superintendent would also like to engage the board and the RAV in a conversation about use of a portion of the Youth Center as a Maker's Space for the community and for the school.

The parents and teachers were surveyed in order to conduct a needs assessment for after school programming in the school district.  The results of that survey are attached.  Below are some observations regarding the survey data.

Observations regarding the parent survey:
*We had a parent response rate of 17.2%.

*Parents indicated they would regularly send 62 students to an after school program.

*92.5% of parents responding to the survey indicated they already have a safe place to send their child after school.

*97.6% of parents responding to the survey indicated they feel the school would benefit from an after school program.

*30 (73.2%) of parents responding to the survey indicated they would utilize an after school program for their child(ren).

*87.2% of parents responding to the survey indicated they would support an after school program financially or by other donations.

*13 (30.3%) of parents responding to the survey indicated that they currently send their 5th-12th grade students to the current after school program those students are eligible to attend 1 or more day a week.

Observations regarding the teacher survey:
*We had a teacher response rate of 86%

*16 teachers indicated they had school aged children in the building.

*9 of the 16 staff indicating they have school aged children in the building indicated they would like to have their children participate in an after school program.

*4 of the 37 staff indicated interest in working in an after school program.

*70.3% of staff indicated that if they chose to work in an after school program, the salary range for doing so would need to be between $2000-$4000 per semester.

*31 (86.1%) of the 37 teacher respondents indicated that they felt Pre-K through 6th students would benefit from after school programming more than 7th-12th grade students.

Rationale:  The superintendent has been exploring the possibility of after school programming with the Community Betterment Group and discussing the use of a portion of the school's property for a Maker's Space.  Community representatives will be in from these groups to listen to Mrs. Walrath's presentation and to learn about possibilities for after school programming.  The superintendent would also like to engage the board and the RAV in a conversation about use of a portion of the Youth Center as a Maker's Space for the community and for the school.

Possible Questions/Topics of Discussion:

1.  How many pieces of equipment does RAV intend to donate for the Maker's Space?  Laser Cutter with enclosed ventilation system; Vinyl Cutter and thermal press; & 3-D Printer.  A computer and software would also be donated to be used with the donated equipment (laser & vinyl).  Also a rock cutter and "geos" could be donated to a classroom.  They also have access to a potter's wheel and a kiln.  Classes could also be offered through the RAV to conduct cooking and sewing classes (quilter's guild) in the Youth Center.

2.  Has the RAV given any consideration to an annual contribution to cover the cost of consumable materials for the equipment? 
Community members and students using the consumable materials using the equipment for projects would be paid for by the students or community members using the supplies.  The charge to community for a membership fee would likely cover the cost of consumable materials.  Also, as RAV buys the equipment, they are stocking up on consumable materials for the pieces of equipment.  Management of these consumable materials within the maker’s space for community volunteers continues to be a concern of the school’s administration.

3.  Has the RAV given any consideration to an annual contribution to cover the cost of repair costs?
Dana Dennison indicated that the RAV intends to keep the maker’s space as a line item in their agenda and provide financial support for the space in future years, as funds allow.  

4.  Has RAV given any consideration to who will certify community users on each piece of equipment community users want to use?
There was some discussion about how this could be coordinated.  School staff could certainly learn how to operate the equipment and show students how to do it in an afterschool program, but the question still remains on how community users will be trained to use the equipment.

5.  Is the RAV looking to make the use of equipment in the maker’s space a "shared time" between students and community members or would they like to see a clear break in the time when students use the equipment and when community members use the equipment? 
Such as a 5:30 or 6:00 closing of the Youth Center after school program for 5th-12th graders followed by a 5:30 or 6:00 accessibility period beginning for community users?  The discussion was that Shane Ferritor could provide more insight on whether this "intergenerational" collaboration in the maker’s space would be absolutely necessary and therefore students and community members would need to be using the equipment at the same time or not.  Linda Zinnel indicated that she could reach out to Shane to get an answer to this questions and help clarify what the best way to structure the timeframes for the use of the space by the community and the students would be.

6.  What are the expectations for use of the area and equipment during the school day, when school is in session?

7.  What are the expectations for use of the area when it is being used by outside groups for family gatherings (estimating this happens 10-15 times per year)? 
The position of the school is that we would not want to take use of the space away from community members for family events and rental of the space.

8.  Will there need to be any physical augmentations (electrical, venting) to the Youth Center Building regarding the equipment they intend to purchase and donate for the Maker's Space? 
None are anticipated, and equipment will be selected with the intent of being "benign" and appropriate for the space.  The RAV indicated that they are willing to pay for needed augmentations to the building to accommodate the equipment, but didn’t foresee the need for any.  The RAV would also consult with the school before purchasing any equipment to make sure it was appropriate for the space being used.

9.  Is the RAV planning on providing staffing to supervise the area while it is in use, or would that responsibility fall on the school?  If it were to fall on the school, what is the expectation for the amount of time school staff would need to be made available to use the space?

10.  Does the school assume all responsibility for the community members who use the space?  In other words, if there is a problem or issue with a Maker's Space user, whose responsibility is it to address the issue with the user?

11.  What is the estimated "footprint" physical space, measured in square footage, that will be required for the equipment? 
This is not known at this time.

12.  If equipment is damaged beyond repair, lost, or stolen, whose responsibility is it to pursue any action against the person who lost, stole, or damaged the equipment?

13.  What is the expectation of the RAV for future equipment purchases for the Maker's Space as equipment becomes obsolete? 
The RAV is committed to raising funds for the maker’s space and supporting the space at the school.  They will continue to fundraise for the maker's space and continue to provide financial support, as their budget allows.

14.  Where do users of the maker's space put their projects when they are not working on them? 
Users would be required to take their projects home with them and not be allowed to leave them in the space.

15.  Do we fear that we will lose some community involvement if we move it to the school rather than having it some other place in the community? 
Dana indicated she doesn't really think it will affect the use of the area by the community.

16.  What is the square footage of the south side of the Youth Center, as it could possibly be used as the proposed space?
The square footage of the maker’s space is 528 square foot.  It is a 22’ x 24’ room.

16.  Would the Ravenna Board and the RAV like to have Shane Ferritor conduct a conference call via the school’s DL system?
Gena indicated that she would arrange for a video conference call with Shane Ferritor during the February 11th Board Meeting.

Rationale: 

The Ravenna Board of Education is suppose to appoint members to the Board of Directors for the Ravenna Public School's Foundation at its February Board Meeting.  Therefore, last year, we began to collectively review this information together annually, so that the board would be in a good position in February to make any needed appointments.

The superintendent would like to review the information with the Board of Education to ensure its accuracy and to plan for any new appointments that need to be made at the February 11, 2019 Board Meeting

Current Members of the Ravenna School Board Foundation Include:

Misti Fiddelke-Board Member (2011/2013/2015/2017)-If Misti is re-elected as board president, she will continue to serve.

Tara Schirmer-Board Member (2009/2015/2017)-Tara has two more 2-year terms that she can serve, as the bylaws indicate board members can serve 4 consecutive terms. So, she is eligible through 2023.

Marc Vacek-Board Member (2018)-Needs to be either reappointed or replaced in 2020.

Brenda Beranek-Community Member (2013/2016)-Brenda has expressed a desire to be replaced on the board.

Nikki Bock-Community Member (2018)-Nikki would either need to be reappointed or replaced in 2021.

Dan Schmidt-Community Member (2018)-Dan would either need to be reappointed or replaced in 2021.

Heidi Kjar-Teacher (2018)-Heidi would either need to be reappointed or replaced in 2021.

Sonya Rasmussen-Teacher (2018)-Sonya would either need to be reappointed or replaced in 2021.

Alison Yendra-Teacher (2016)-Alison has expressed a desire to be replaced on the board.

Superintendent  (Lifetime Ex-Officio Non-Voting Member)

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. 

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

 

 

 

 

Rationale: 

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 the contract 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.

Rationale: 

Secondary Principal’s Report December 2018   

One-Act

Congratulations to the One-Act Play Production group for having a successful season.  They were Conference and District Champions, finishing the season as State ! They have a lot to be proud of and represented the school in a first class way all year long.   

Winter Activities

The Winter Sports season is now underway.  Good luck to all our Winter Activities athletes and coaches throughout the season!  

End of 1st Semester/Winter MAPS Testing

The end of the first semester is approaching quickly.  We will have our Secondary MAPS testing on Monday and Tuesday, December 10th & 11th.    

Social Studies and Math Curriculum Update and Alignment

This year we will be completing an update to the K-12 Social Studies and Math curriculums.  Much the same as we did over the past year with our E.L.A. and Science curriculums. As a part of this process if new/updated instructional support materials(textbooks) are necessary those will be purchased as well and put in front of the board for review prior to purchase.

"Jay Time" Update

At the start of the second semester we started an extended learning opportunity for students that we are calling "Jay Time".  Any student that is ineligible, failing two or more classes, or has failed the same class for two consecutive weeks qualifies for "Jay Time" and is required to report to the High School library from after school until 4:00 were they are provided support by two certified staff members.  The goals of implementing "Jay Time" were to reduce the number of students that were earning a grade of "F" and to provide students with extra intensive support that they might need in order to be more successful. In comparing total "F’s" from the same week in 2017 we had 23 students with an "F" and 48 total "F’s" this week we had 15 students with an "F" and 22 total "F’s".  Last week we had 18 students qualify for "Jay Time" and this week that number dropped to 11. All the data would indicate that the implementation of "Jay Time" is having the desired impact.

MAP/NSCAS Data Analysis

On November 30th the staff was provided with a data packet containing Fall MAP testing scores and Spring of 2018 NSCAS test scores.  Staff were required to analyze three sets of data and provide feedback to the administration as to what they learned both positive and growth areas from each set of data.  In the past staff have analyzed these data sets on a less formal basis. We will continue to formally analyze our testing data in order to help guide future instructional decision making.   

Rationale: 

1.  Student Artist of the Month-Kati Caddy (Photo Attached)

2.  Board Member Reminder-Board Members who were re-elected to the board (Bohn, Fiddelke, Osten) will take their "Oath of Office" at the regular January Board Meeting.

3.  Fire Alarm/Bell System/PA Update-Protex still has some items to finish up on their punch list such as patching holes in the north building and making sure the PA system is functional.

4.  Bowling Update-Currently, the bowling proposal before the NSAA Representative Body passed in districts 1, 3, & 4 during the first round of district meetings.The second set of NSAA District Meetings will be held on January 9th.  At that meeting, the proposal needs to be passed by 3 of the 6 Districts or received 6 out of 14 votes by the NSAA Legislative Commission to advance to the next stage of consideration.  We will have the information on how the proposal does by our next January 14th Board Meeting. 

5.  Lunch/Breakfast Program Update-Opaa! is working with the district in a more positive manner to make needed changes.  The superintendent's view is that things are headed in the right direction.  Students will be surveyed after the first of the year to solicit additional feedback.  

6.  Safety & Security Audits-Carl Dietz, Superintendent of Wilcox Hildreth & ALICAP Loss Control Agent, came out and performed the annual ALICAP Safety Audit and the required Rule 10 Safety Audit.  The report from the ALICAP Audit is attached.  There were only minor findings and many commendations.

7.  NDE Safety & Security Audit-This audit will be conducted on December 11th.  We will be provided with feedback/suggestions following the completion of the audit.

8.  Assessment Update-AQuESST Classification Business Rules & Graduation Rates (Presentation Attached)

9.  Window Update (Possible Executive Session)

Rationale: