February 10, 2020 at 5:30 PM - Board of Education Regular Meeting

Rationale:  The Norfolk Public School District's board of education meeting is called to order.  

Rationale:  If any board member is absent, there will need to be a  motion to excuse the absence.

Rationale:  This is a legal meeting of the board of education, as advertised by the means specified in board policy. A complete copy of the Open Meetings Act is posted in the board room for your review. A copy of the agenda is available at the desk of the recording secretary.
 

Rationale:  College Access Day-HS Counselors
Youth Leadership Summit- Mike Hart
Building Visits-Board Members

Rationale:  Please stand and join us in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.

Rationale:  Norfolk Middle School--Rhythm Buckets with Mr. Ginn

Rationale: 

This is the time during the meeting when the public may request to address the Board. If you wish to comment, we ask that you identify yourself and the topic that you wish to address. Each individual's comments will be limited to five minutes.

 Please note that  the Board cannot discuss or act upon matters that are not listed on the agenda. Therefore, Board  members will not respond to your comments or questions.  If you wish to request that an item be placed on a future Board agenda, you may contact the Superintendent or her assistant during normal business hours.

Also note that concerns related to school personnel need to be addressed to the Superintendent using the approved district protocol.

Rationale: 

Total amount of claims to be approved in the consent agenda for the month of February, 2020 by specific fund is listed below:

General Fund = $449,618.10

Nutrition Services Fund =$6,906.95

Cooperative Fund = $119,930.02

Depreciation Fund = $75,648.02

Special Building Fund = $94,961.03

QCPUF = $105.53

Student Fee Fund = $1,095.83

Employee Benefit Fund = $6,944.00

The total amount of claims for the month of January, 2020 in the Activities Fund were:
Activity Fund =$131,081.51

All of these claims were reviewed earlier today by the Finance and Facility Committee.  The business office has prepared and delivered the 2019 W-2's and 1095 C's for all district employees, everyone can now do their taxes.

Rationale:  Curriculum Instruction and Assessment:

• On Tuesday, January 21^st, Karen Haase presented to Middle School, Junior High and Senior High on Digital Citizenship and Safety. A parent session was held in the evening at Johnny Carson Theatre.  Unfortunately due to pending weather and a rescheduled basketball game, the parent turnout was less than hoped for. Karen Haase presents a candid and honest message to students. She is an expert on this topic as well as an engaging presenter for all audiences. She complimented our student’s engagement with her throughout the day.
• Curriculum work continues to move forward in multiple grade levels and content areas. However, with the NSCAS testing season approaching, much of our time and attention will be dedicated to the successful set up, training and operation of the spring test.
• There was a Curriculum Committee meeting held on February 4^th. Summary notes are attached on the agenda.
• Sub-committee work is being completed in response to our large Target-Based Grading Committee. The subcommittees are working on the topics of formative work calculations into a final course grade and conversion charts that clearly articulate grades to a 4.0 GPA and proficiency scales. Once there is completed work from the subcommittees, they will bring it back to the large committee. Finally, it will be brought back to the board for review.
• The TnL completed the search for Science materials for 3^rd through 8^th grade. I will be seeking approval later in the evening to send a request for proposal on the purchase of Pearson Elevate Science. K-2 grade levels are piloting a different program that lends itself to be more age appropriate. I will keep you posted on the progress.

Rationale: 

• Parent/Teacher Conferences were held last week.  I will share an attendance summary of conferences at all Norfolk Public Schools, at next month’s board meeting.   

• ELPA 21 started for our district ELL students on Monday, February 3rd and will continue through March 13th. 

• Kindergarten enrollment has started for the 2020-2021 school term. Registration is being held at neighborhood schools. Parents must have a birth certificate and a copy of immunizations to begin the enrollment process. 

• Kindergarten Round Up will be held Wednesday, April 22nd at your neighborhood elementary school.

Rationale: 

Staff  and Student Development:

• On Monday, January 20th, our certified staff (and several surrounding school districts) participated in the annual ESU#8 Winter Workshop.  The keynote presentation this year was the story of Rachel's Challenge. Rachel Scott was the first student to perish in the Columbine shooting back in 1999. Her message of kindness and intent of making a positive impact in the world is carried on through her father (Darrell Scott) and others within the organization. Darrell’s challenge to deliver a 'chain reaction' of hope was very inspiring and the feedback from staff was very positive. Students and parents had the opportunity to hear the same message later that night.    
• Friday, February 7th was also the second annual Norfolk Area Youth Leadership "Start"  Summit. This event (held at Norfolk Middle School) brought together youth from a variety of area schools to develop leadership and positive connections for adolescents in our community. The keynote speaker for the event was Dr. Julia Garcia (drjuliagarcia.com) who delivered a heartfelt message about the power of understanding others and the importance of sharing our stories. This "youth led" event (planned in conjunction with several community agencies) highlighted the amazing talents of our young people here in the Norfolk Area.  Great job to all of our youth who helped plan the event!  

School Safety Information:

•  ???????We will be sharing school safety information with parents and community members on Thursday, February 13th from 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. at Norfolk Senior High School in the Johnny Carson Theatre.   
• All parents and community members are encouraged to attend the event as our School Resource Officers and district safety team leaders will talk about our Standard Response Protocol (SRP), our Safe Schools reporting tool, and the variety of safety enhancements our district has implemented the past few years.  

  Hiring Season: 

• The hiring season is already in full swing and we continue to thoroughly review applications to interview and select the highest quality candidates to fill our most recent and anticipated openings. We will continue to advertise and recruit as needed until all of our spots have been filled! 
• Special thanks to our administrators as they continue to work hard to strengthen our Panther team!! 

  Personnel Update:

 ???????Current Openings:

• Westside Elementary, LIFE paraprofessional
• Deaf Education/Sign Language Interpreter (Full-Time)
• Aftershock Club Facilitators
• School Bus Activity Drivers
• Substitute Custodians
• Substitute Paraprofessionals
• Substitute Teachers

2020-2021 School Year Openings: 

• Senior High: Social Studies Teacher 
• Junior  High: English Teacher
• Speech Language Pathologist
• Title I Teacher

2020-2021 Coaching Openings:

• HS Assistant Football (2)
• HS Assistant Boys Basketball
• HS Assistant Baseball
• HS Assistant Girls Soccer
• 8th Grade Assistant Boys Basketball
• JH IM Football

Rationale:  School Board Appreciation Week (Feb 9-15, 2020)

LR 10 was introduced by Senator Jim Scheer, along with 9 other Nebraska State Senators to recognize School Board members across the state for their hard work and dedication.  All School Board members deserve this recognition, but none so much, as our local School Board members, who work tirelessly to ensure that the students within Norfolk Public Schools are provided with outstanding educational opportunities so that they are prepared to pursue their goals for the future.

On behalf of the staff and students of Norfolk Public Schools, I would like to thank our six Board members for their tireless support and dedication and present them with the gifts in front of them various student and staff groups across the district.

Please take a moment to watch this short NASB video, called "That's Why I Serve" 

https://vimeo.com/300383420

Rationale:  The committee met at 4:00 today.  The claims for the month of February and Activity claims for January were reviewed.  The committee discussed the recommendation of CMBA for district architectural services for the potential bond projects.  The committee was able to review in detail with Cody Wickham from D.A. Davidson about QCPUF bonds and the resolution on the agenda tonight.  JEO engineering also went through the parking lot paving projects at the Sr. High, Jefferson and Washington.  The following facility and business items were discussed as well:

• Discussed going out for proposals on our copy contract
• Discussed possibly increasing our Cyber coverage on our current insurance policy
• Some updates from our 403 B plan provider

The next regular meeting will be on Monday, March 9th at 12:00 noon. 

Rationale: 

The Policy Committee met at 1:00 on January 23, 2020 to review Board Policies 4013- 4029 related to Personnel. Minor wording changes are recommended for Policies 4017, 4023 and 4025. No other changes were deemed necessary.

The Policy Committee recommends approval on First Reading of Board Policies 4013-4029 and Second/Final Reading of Board Policies 4001-4012. 

The next Policy Committee meeting is scheduled for 1:00 on February 27, 2020.
 

Rationale: 

The Government Relations Committee met at 1:00 PM on January 28, 2020. 

We are closely monitoring two property tax reduction and school finance bills:

• LB 974  is Senator Linehan’s bill, which we currently oppose, due to the detrimental effect it would have on our funding.  This bill is still "in committee" as they are working on possible amendments.

• LB 1073 is less damaging to equalized schools, such as Norfolk. However, it does include foundation aid for non-equalized schools. At this point, we are taking a neutral stance on this bill. 

We are also monitoring LB 920, which would change the way that lottery funds are distributed.   It would include new funding for behavior training and dual credit training and scholarships, but would eliminate lottery funding for the ACT.  It has been expressed (but has not been insured) that that funding for the ACT would be placed in the General Fund. Our stance cannot be determined until amendments are complete.

The next NPS Government Relations Committee meeting is scheduled for 1:00 on February 13, 2020, and the next GNSA meeting is scheduled for 9:30 on February 19, 2020.

Rationale: 

2.4.20 BOE Curriculum & Civics Committee Minutes

• Science Program Pilot - Pearson Elevate

  • Historical Review-- Beth Nelson reviewed the process that TnL has taken over the last couple of years to seek out Science materials and how they came to the conclusion to pilot Pearson Science in 19-20. 

  • Pilot Process--Sharolyn Thelen presented the processes that were put into place for the pilots, the surveys, follow up and training that occurred throughout the process.   

  • THe Teaching and Learning Department recommends purchasing 3rd-8th grade Pearson Elevate and continued exploration and piloting in K-2 grade with a program called TWIG.

  • TnL is requesting to gather a proposal for the purchase of Pearson Elevate.  

• Social Studies

  • Beth Nelson reported the meetings and plans that have been developed for updating social studies curriculums to meet the newly adopted State Standards. 

  • Full implementation will be completed by Fall 2022.

• New Course Approval Form 

  • A new course approval form has been developed to streamline current and future courses that need BOE Curriculum Committee review.

Rationale:  Verbal report by Dr. Gubbels.

Rationale:  Minutes of the January 13, 2020 and January 23, 2020 meetings are attached.

Rationale: 

Melissa Olson

• 2020-2021 - Science Teacher at Norfolk Junior High School
• Bachelor of Science degree, 7-12 Science Education (Biology), from University of Nebraska-Lincoln
• Two years teaching experience, grades 8-12 Science at Neligh-Oakdale Schools, Neligh, NE

Michelle Munderloh

• 2020-2021 - Special Education Teacher at Norfolk Middle School
• Will graduate in May 2020 with Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education K-8 & Special Education K-6, Wayne State College, Wayne, NE
• Currently Student Teaching at Norfolk Middle School, grades 5 and 6 Special Education, and grade 6 Social Studies and Math

Megan Pallas

• 2020-2021 - Special Education & Reading Teacher at  Lincoln/Montessori School
• Dual Bachelor Degree in Elementary Education/Special Education K-6 from University of Nebraska-Lincoln
• Currently teaching 1-4 special education at Milford Public Schools, Milford, NE

Paige Hastings

• 2020-2021 - SPED Behaviorist for the District
• Masters Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Wayne State College in Wayne, NE
• Currently the District Behavior and MTSS Consultant at Fremont Public Schools.

Austin Bruning

• 2020-2021 - Social Studies Teacher at Norfolk Junior High School
• Will graduate May 2020 with Bachelor of Arts, History, from Doane University, Crete, NE
• Completed four different practicum placements throughout his college career at Scott Middle School and Lincoln Northeast High School in Lincoln and Crete High School in Crete.
• Currently working Crete Cardinal Union After School Program.

Erik Wilson

• 2020-2021 Director of Student Services and Safety
• Currently Assistant Principal at NHS

Angela Baumann

• 2020-2021 Director of Human Resources and Accreditation
• Currently Principal at Westside Elementary School

Rationale:  Dianne Heppner--Title I teacher at Jefferson and Woodland Park
Barbara Rookaird--Grade 1 teacher at Washington

Rationale:  Attached are the claims for the month of February, 2020.  These claims were reviewed earlier today by our Finance and Facility Committee.  Also attached are the conflict statements on specific claims that need to be read before voting.

Rationale:  It is recommended to provide the district hourly staff a 3.32% increase to their hourly rate for 2020-2021 and district salaried staff a 3.32% package increase for 2020-2021. This is the same percentage approved for certified staff.  

Rationale:  It is recommended to approve a 3.32% package increase for our nurses in 2020-2021, this is the same percentage increase that was approved for the certified staff.

Rationale:  These funds will be used for removal of actual or potential environmental hazards and accessibility barriers, and correction of life safety code violations and life safety hazards at Grant, Jefferson, Jr. High, Sr. High, Washington and Lincoln schools.  This total transaction will have a savings of approximately $145,000 and will allow the tax levy for this fund to be lowered in 20-21 from .038930 to .030000

Rationale:  A district committee interviewed four firms that each presented concepts, cost and marketing approaches for our potential bond projects.  CMBA was determined after the interviews as the best fit for the district moving forward.  We have worked with CMBA in the past and have been pleased with their service and design work.

Rationale:  The district had several contractors review the project and also attend the pre-bid meeting.   We did receive one qualifying bid at the bid opening. After reviewing all components and pricing submitted, it was determined to recommend moving forward with the bid from Rasmussen.  Attached for board members is verification of opinion from KPE Engineering. 

Rationale:  I am recommending to the Board of Education to approve the seeking of RFP's for paving projects at Sr. High, Jefferson and Washington.  This will eliminate the gravel lots that exist in these locations while also adding additional parking at the Sr. High on the property that was purchased a few months ago.  JEO engineering will be overseeing the projects.

Rationale:  The 2nd monthly meeting of the Board of Education has been tentatively scheduled for noon on Thursday, February 27, 2020.

The next regular meeting of the Board of Education will be held on Monday, March 9, 2020. The Study Session will begin at 5:30 and will be followed by the Business Meeting at 6:30. All components of these meetings will be held at the NPS Central Administration Offices and will be open to the public unless an Executive Session is needed in order to protect the interest of the district or the reputation of an individual.