May 13, 2019 at 7:00 PM - Board of Education Regular Meeting

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.  General Fund Comparison of May 2018 to May 2019
2018

• Total Budget-$7,258,510
• Expended as of May 2018-$4,444,327
• % of Budget Authority Used-61.23%   (75% or less target)

2019

• Total Budget-$7,254,808
• Expended as of May 2019-$4,575,086
• % of Budget Authority Used-63.06%   (75% of less target)

$130,759 more expended to date than May of 2018

6.  Photocopier Bids-Our lease is expiring with Eake's.  It is a five-year lease.  Current annual costs are $29,124.  Proposed pricing from Eake's is $20,268 if we keep the printers we currently have on lease from Eake's and $22,512 if we lease new printers.  We are exploring bids from other vendors and will need to make a decision in June, as we'll need time to allow for removal, installation, and configuration of equipment, if we go with another bidder.

7.  Insurance Bids

8.  Lunch Program Monthly Review

9.  Lunch Program 2019-20 Financial Projections
 

Rationale:  In conjunction with the NDEQ VW Bus Replacement Grant that Ravenna Public Schools received, we are required to put "Bus #4" out of service and provide documentation to NDEQ that we have done so, in order to submit our $42,000 grant request.

Rationale:  Mrs. Yendra is adopting a new Spanish curriculum.  The attached list of surplus items, books, and materials from her current curriculum, which need to be declared as surplus and disposed of.

Rationale:  The original calendar had parent/teacher conferences scheduled for September 19, 2019.  We realized that we have a home cross country meet and a home volleyball game scheduled for September 19.  Due to the scheduling conflict, we moved parent/teacher conferences to Tuesday, September 17, from 4-8 pm with a 2:00  pm dismissal. A copy of the original calendar and the revised calendar is attached.
 

Rationale:  Mr. Schirmer is asking that the following materials be declared as surplus, as he acquired new math books.

8th Grade Text Books-ISBN. 0-07-829635-8-44 Copies

 

Rationale:  New science and math textbooks are going to be purchased for the elementary.  As a result, the old math and science textbooks are to be declared as surplus for disposal.

Rationale:  Mrs. Myers has asked the following items to be declared as surplus for immediate disposal.

Rationale:  Pursuant to Nebraska Revised Statute 18-2117.02 the City of Ravenna is required to submit a report annually to the school district for review regarding TIF.  A copy of the report is attached to this agenda item, as evidence of the fact it was provided by the City of Ravenna and reviewed by the Ravenna Board of Education.

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. Amy Styren, who is this month's ABC Bluejay Staff Member of the Month!

Nominees This Month Included:

Korina Wick-Korina wears many hats throughout the school day. She in so knowledgeable and has many strategies to provide for both students and teachers. I have received assistance from Korina is all areas of the school day and she is able to provide me with help every time. She really wants her students to do their best and perform at a high and measurable level. Korina is a leader in our school and we are better because of her.

Jean Luth-I want to nominate Jean Luth. Mrs. Luth works tirelessly each day with any high school student, who needs her help. Mrs. Luth is patient, kind, knowledgeable, but she is also firm and has high expectations for the students. Mrs. Luth knows the routine of my classroom, and she helps make our classroom run smoothly each day.

Amy Styren-Amy comes to work everyday with a smile on her face.  She is willing to do anything she can to help both students and staff.  She does an excellent job building a rapport with the students she works with on a daily basis.

Tiffany Jacobsen-I would like to nominate Mrs. Tiffany Jacobsen for Bluejay staff member of the month. Mrs. Jacobsen goes above and beyond to help her students in any way she can. She took on the junior class just last year as class sponsor, worked hard and helped them raise enough money, in one year, to put on a wonderful prom. She came in early for prom server practice and stayed late to decorate on top of her normal daily duties.  She’s always willing to help out her colleagues and her students at anytime. She truly loves her job and cares deeply about all of her students.

Kelley Jarzynka-I would like to nominate Kelley Jarzynka.  Mrs. J. is a beloved member of our staff.  She is a tireless worker who is often the last person in the building.  Her commitment to all the roles she fills for RPS is second to none.  There is no question that the success of our One-Act play and Robotics groups are direct reflection of her work ethic and high expectations for student behavioral and academic expectations.  In short, she is simply a master educator.

Brad Kjar-I nominate Mr. Brad Kjar for ABC Bluejay Staff Member of the Month. Mr. Kjar goes above and beyond the title of Secondary Principal. He is very involved and supportive with his staff, students and the community. He genuinely cares about each and everyone and wants the staff and students here to fell welcomed and safe day in and day out.  "Where do you hang your hat?"  Brad wears many hats in this building, Principal, Mentor, Coach, Dad, Bus Driver, #1 Bluejay Fan, and the list goes on and on. Who wouldn't wanted to come to work, school, practice and not be greeted with a big smile, high five, fist bump (Friday), and a big "Dominate the Day" wish from Mr. Kjar!

Traci Woodson-I would like to nominate Traci Woodson. Traci has been an amazing attribute to our staff the last few years. She has done a great job building support lines and educating others in regards to student behavior. I admire how well she deals with students that cannot function well in the classroom. Despite frequent disruptions and outbreaks, her calm and friendly demeanor quickly deescalate the problem. The students and staff at RPS will miss her dearly, but wish nothing but the best in her future endeavors.

Holly Myers-I would like to nominate Holly Myers.  Holly has done an outstanding job filling the role of librarian, test coordinator and CIP coordinator.  She got thrown into the mix of many things this year and has managed to do a great job.  She has worked hard on the ECHO Awards Night and has done a nice job coordinating with all the staff members to pull it all together.  She keeps busy teaching classes in the elementary and covers many study halls on a day to day basis.

Rationale:  As we discussed during the budgeting planning for the 2018-19 school year, Mr. Huryta is planning on a staff computer "re-fresh" purchase for the summer of 2019.  Mr. Huryta will be in to show up the different models he is considering and to make his final recommendation to the board for the purchase.  This purchase will be taken from the Depreciation Fund.

Rationale:  Each year we enter into an interlocal agreement with Palmer Public Schools for the purposes of receiving distance learning Spanish classes for our students.  This interlocal needs to be approved by the board to offer this opportunity to Ravenna students.

Rationale:  The original version of the job description was presented when the transportation coordinator was eligible for a bus license.  This has changed.  The job description needs to be changed to reflect his actual duties and capacities.

Rationale:  The superintendent would like input from the board on the school's nutrition program for the purpose of considering renewing the agreement with the contracted food service management company for the 2019-20 school year.

Rationale:  Mrs. Woodson will be in to discuss the behavioral interventionist program at Ravenna Public Schools.

Rationale:  Each year, usually around graduation, there are questions and discussions around class rank.  The board recently reviewed this when they went through a policy review in 2017.  Attached are the two current board policies, 6007 & 6008, regarding class rank.  Also attached is information gathered by Mrs. Drahota on other possible options to the traditional class rank system currently employed by Ravenna Public Schools.

Rationale: 

• Once again Mrs. Rasmussen organized Friday bake sales during the month of April and raised a little over $700.00 to be donated to The Nebraska Autism Network and Operation Shine (a summer camp for students on the spectrum).
• Mattie Lyons, a 6^th grader, was recently honored by the folks from 811.  Mattie won a poster contest sponsored by 811.  There was a presentation at school in which we were presented a plaque.  In addition, the school was provided a new tree and bench which we planted on the elementary playground.  Mattie’s poster will also be used as a billboard and in media campaigns throughout the year.
• Field Day is tomorrow beginning at 1:00 pm.  A big THANK YOU to Mr. Thober for setting it all up for us.
• Kindergarten Graduation will be Wednesday, May 15 at 9:30 am in the theater.  You are all invited to attend. 
• Last day May 16, 2019

 

Rationale:  1.  Student Artist of the Month-Taylor Larsen (Art Attached)

2.  VW Bus Rebate-This program is going to be available again next year.  Do we wish to apply for it?  Doing so will require budgeting approximately $55,000 in the Depreciation Fund during the 2019-20 budget cycle for such a purchase.  This would be good to know as I work on the budget over the summer.  Also, the grant application will likely be due in August.

3.  New Bus Arrived & Is In Use-Will dispose of old bus this month or in June and acquire grant money.

4.  Spring Tea-Scheduled for Friday, May 17th, at 6:00 PM at Zoerb's Barn.  Anyone wishing to help out set up for the event should report at 5:00. 

5.  Staff Evaluation Instrument & NEE Institute

6.  AdvancED School Engagement Review-Attached

7.  Building Projects/Updates

• Asphalt Bids from Last Summer
• Concrete Bids
• Trim on Elementary Building

8.  Heat Press, Vinyl Cutter, & Laser Cutter Donated Usage

9.  LB's 289 & 670-Correspondences with Senator Matt Williams.

10.  Window Update (Possible Executive Session)

Rationale:  Congratulations to the students who participated in Skills USA in Grand Island.  What an awesome opportunity for our students to showcase their talents and learn more about CTE career options.  A special thanks to Mr. Reicks for all of his work with this program!  -Superintendent Schroeder

Congratulations to Aaron Strode who shot a perfect 50/50 at a recent trap meet!  Also, a special thanks to all of activities, clubs, and organizations (baseball, trap, bowling, scouting, youth groups, etc.) who enrich and cultivate our students' talents outside of the school's extra curricular and instructional program.  We appreciate your efforts on behalf of our students! 
-Superintendent Schroeder

Thanks to Ravenna Economic Development for loaning a vinyl cutter and heat press to Mrs. Clark and the art department.  The art students will have a lot of fun and learning with this piece of equipment.  -Superintendent Schroeder

A special thanks to Mrs. Libby Clark and the Ravenna High School Art Club for the mural they painted in the elementary.  It looks awesome!  -Mr. Anderson, Elementary Principal

Thanks to the seniors for taking a "senior walk" through the elementary.  What a great tradition these seniors have decide to start to help promote academic success with our elementary students and show the elementary teachers the appreciation they deserve for their contribution to the academic success of the graduating seniors.  It was awesome!  -Mr. Kjar, Secondary Principal

The Spring Play was a great event for the students, staff, and the community.  Great job, Mrs. Lewandowski, actors, actresses, and stage crew!  -Ryan Osten

The band sounded great at graduation.  Great Job, Mrs. Ellis and band students!   -Tara Schirmer

Congratulations to all the participants in the Ravenna Robotics Program and to the teams of 5W & 5S who represented the Community of Ravenna so well at the World Robotics Competition!  -Dawn Standage

Congratulations to all our state qualifiers for the State Track Meet!  We know that you will make Ravenna proud!  -Misti Fiddelke

Thanks to all who helped to make the graduation ceremony run so smoothly.  It was a great day for our graduates and for our community.  -Mr. Brad Kjar, Secondary Principal

Thanks to the teachers, support staff, and administration at Ravenna Public Schools for a very successful school year.  Your efforts are recognized and appreciated.  -Ryan Osten