May 14, 2018 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:  Summer Professional Development-Admin Team
Building Visits-Board Members

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

Rationale: 

According to State Statute, schools must conduct an annual public hearing regarding their Parental Involvement Policy. Norfolk Public Schools has a district-wide Parental Involvement Policy (6400) and a Title I Parental Involvement Policy (6410).  The district-wide Parental Involvement Policy outlines several ways that parents can be involved in their child's education, such as reviewing their child's educational record, filing a complaint about instructional materials, and having advance notice of standardized testing and school sponsored surveys. The Title I Parental Involvement takes this a step further.  Title I defines the term parental involvement as the participation of parents in regular, two-way, meaningful communication regarding students' academic learning and other school activities.  Some specific examples of this include, providing parents with regular opportunities to learn about their child's academic progress, providing them with the opportunity to review this policy, and eliciting their help in developing the district's Title I plan.   The Policy Committee recommended two small non-substantive changes  to Policy 6400, which will eliminate redundancy and improve readability.  No changes were recommended to Policy 6410. At this time, we will open the hearing to the public in order to give them the opportunity to present information and opinions on these policies. If there are no questions or concerns, we will reaffirm these policies later tonight.

Rationale:   "Wild About Reading"  the promotion of literacy at Grant Elementary School

Rationale:  Theresa Becker-Administrative Assistant for Maintenance

Rationale:  April 2018 Success Pin Recipients
Winner of the $50 Chamber's Cash Now is Beth Nelson.

Erika Beltz	Mrs. Brenda Oswald
Lisa Stowe x 2	Tori Obermiller
Amy Haisch	Keri Messersmith
Jill Holcomb	Mike Hart
Lorena Pantoja x 2	Xanat Naranjo
Mr. Chuck Hughes	Beth Nelson
Joan Olenich	Ashley Brookhouser x 2
Nancy Probasco x 2	Allison Suckstorf
Shelly Schnoor	Jan Asmus
Lori Voss	Kelli Thelen x 2
Melissa Hansen	Bruce Strong
Heather Werner	Pat Norman
Julie Shoemaker	Gretchen Vanness
Emily Jensen	Joyce Kirschner
Nancy Polodna

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 May, 2018 by specific fund are as follows:

General Fund = $484,597.06

Nutrition Services Fund =$276,878.66

Cooperative Fund = $7,167.41

Special Building Fund = $21,459.20

QCPUF = $65,177.94

Employee Benefit Fund = $302.65

Bond Fund = $96,565

Student Fee Fund = $1,189.43

The total amount of claims for the month of April, 2018 in the Activities Fund was:
Activity Fund =$150,942.26

All of these claims were reviewed earlier today by the Finance and Facility Committee.

Rationale:  Curriculum, Instruction & Assessment

• NSCAS (Nebraska State Comprehensive Assessment System) is done! At the last meeting, I had indicated that there were few problems involving state testing. Some technical issues began to show up. Our well prepared staff and knowledgeable technology staff were able to fix or find answers to our problems. Again, we won’t receive official scores until later in the fall due to a new test, new cut score determination and thorough review of accuracy. Next year we should have fast results.
• I am a member of the State Accountability and Assessment Advisory Committee.  We met on May 1 to discuss issues surrounding state testing. Some of the topics of discussion that we provided feedback on were; time limits on state tests, the special education accommodations manuals, communication and support from NWEA (testing company), technology support, and interactive technology functions within the test. 
• Two Science companies presented programs to a group of approximately 15 teacher’s K-12. We are still investigating our approach to Science. You will likely hear more on this at a later date.
• Surveys to parents were sent out via Infinite Campus on April 30^th regarding the no homework practice that was piloted this year. We will review those results at our summer board admin retreat.
• Renee Rucker and Heather Thompson have been offered and they accepted the position of Instructional Leaders. We are looking forward to supporting teaching and learning across the district.
• Wrap up the end of the year....and plan for next, that’s what we do in May.

Technology:

• End of the year check in, maintenance, and updating of technology is in place. We continue to fine tune our processes to be more efficient and economical in our work. Later in the agenda, I will be seeking permission to have an annual technology sale.

Rationale: 

• Our results from ELPA  21 have been shared.  The ELL teachers are looking through the results and determining focus areas of instruction needed for continual growth.

 

• Our Johnson O’Malley (JOM) Native American Awards Banquet will be held on Wednesday, May 23rd at Ponca Tribe of Nebraska beginning at 5:30 p.m.

 

• Some important dates to remember:

1. May 20th - Graduation
2. May 24th - Last day of school for students
3. May 25th- Teacher Work Day and staff check-out

 

Rationale:  Staff Kudos!

• As the school year winds down, I just want to take a minute to sincerely thank our entire NPS staff for the excellent work they do for our students, families, and community. Norfolk is truly blessed to have such outstanding teachers and support staff in our district. The overall commitment and dedication to students that our staff embodies insures that "Nothing Prevents Success."

Hiring Season:

• We are getting closer to the end of an extremely busy spring hiring season in our district.
• Next year, another very talented new group of educators arrives in our district and we are excited to see how they will maximize the unique gifts and talents they bring to our "Panther" team.
• The first day of training for "New to the District" staff will be Tuesday, August 7th. 

Personnel Update:

• Current Openings:
  • Activity Bus Drivers
  • Bel Air- Autism Paraprofessional
  • General Maintenance /Transportation
  • General Maintenance/ Electrician
  • High Ability Learner Facilitator (2)
  • Jefferson Elementary- 1st Grade Teacher
  • Junior High-Science Teacher
  • Junior High-Vocal Music Teacher  P/T
  • Maintenance-Summer Mowing Crew
  • Middle School Teacher
  • Middle School Title 1 Teacher
  • School Psychologist
  • Speech/Language Pathologist (1.5)
  • Teacher for the Deaf/Hard of Hearing  

• Current Coaching Openings:
  • Senior High Weight Room Supervisor (2018-2019)
  • IM Football (2018-2019) (2)
  • Assistant Baseball (2018-2019)
  • IM JH Boys Basketball (2018-2019)
  • Head 7th Boys Track (2018-2019)

 

Rationale:  Strategic Action Planning:
All members of our three Strategic Action Planning Committees were invited to attend a training led by Dr. Larry Dlugosh on April 26th.  Each team started outlining goal objectives, steps, and timelines that evening. Most of those teams have already had follow-up meetings to continue their work.  Our hope is that these action plans will be ready to share with the Board at our Board Retreat on June 28th.  We will also go over building data and goals that day, and we will share information with you regarding target based grading and the related curriculum and assessment work that we are doing.

Rationale: 

The committee met today at 12:00 p.m.  We reviewed all claims for May, 2018, Activity claims for April, 2018 and current fund balances.  We also discussed the following items:

• Updates on the 25th street property
• Request to seek bid on Sr. High heating system
• Updates on the city paving Georgia Ave. south of the Middle School
• Some possible custodial options in the evenings at our K-4 facilities
• Updates on Title, and Tech bond funding
• Review of recommendations to accept bids for sanitation service, Chromebooks, and Spanish curriculum
• Review of recommendation to continue the contract with Lunch Time Solutions for Nutrition management in 2018-2019.  Also recommendation to keep breakfast and lunch prices the same for 2018-2019

Our next meeting will be at 10:00 a.m. on June 4th to start the discussion on strategic planning for facilities and our regular meeting at 12:00 noon on June 11, 2018.

Rationale:  The policy committee reviewed our Parental Involvement (6400 and 6410), attendance (5008), and Anti-bullying (5415) policies electronically as part of their required annual review. Minor changes were made to policy 6400 (parental involvement) to eliminate redundancy and add clarity. No substantive changes were made.

Rationale:  The Government Relations Committee has not met since our last report.  However, we continue to monitor the property tax issue, and we are pleased that the ballot initiative has been dropped. The Greater Nebraska Schools Association, United Nebraska, the Nebraska Council of School Administrators and others continue to work on a possible solution to the property tax/school funding issue, in hopes that a compromise may be reached during the next legislative session. Our position is that any reduction in property tax must be accompanied by a new revenue stream in order to avoid detrimental cuts to state services, such as public education.

We have also had discussions regarding the Governor's veto of LB 998. We were disappointed that this bill, which would have provided social workers for ESU's was vetoed, but we understand that some form of this may still come to fruition via private donations to the ESU Coordinating Council.

Rationale:  Beau Viergutz, our new Junior High Activities Director/Dean of Students, was introduced to the committee, and Jake Luhr and TJ Shiers were thanked for their service.

Mr. Ries and Mr. Shiers reviewed participation numbers and upcoming events.  

Scheduling has been difficult this Spring due to the numerous weather issues, but Mr. Ries and Mr. Shiers have done a nice job with this.

We still have multiple coaching positions available next year, but the Head Softball position has been filled.  Mr. Siedschlag is excited to take on this challenge.

Mr. Ries updated the committee regarding NSAA proposals. The bowling proposal failed, but the proposal to classify most sports on gender--passed, as did the State Play Production proposal. It will divide Class A into 3 districts, with the top 2 teams in each district advancing to state.  

Dr. Thompson discussed the continued need for additional assistance in our activities and curriculum departments.  Mrs. Nelson is reorganizing her curriculum department, and Dr. Thompson is working with Mr. Ries and Mr. Luhr regarding possible ways to address the needs with the activities department.
 

Rationale:  Minutes of the May 1, 2018 Nurses and Student Health Fund Meetings are attached.

Rationale:  School Board Meeting Minutes from April 9, 2018 and April 26, 2018 are attached for review.

Rationale: 

Shane Anderson

• 2018-2019 - Norfolk Senior High, Social Studies Teacher
•  Bachelor of Science in Education Grades 7-12, concentration in Social Science. From the University of Nebraska at Omaha. Also a Master of Arts in Education Grades 7-12, concentration in School Principalship from the University of Nebraska at Kearney.
• Currently a Dean of Students, Activities Director and Senior Government/Economics Teacher at Norfolk Catholic School here in Norfolk, Nebraska.

  Michael Grove

•  2018-2019 - Norfolk Senior High- Alternatives for Success Teacher
•  Master of Science in Education concentration in Instructional Leadership and English Education from Wayne State College in Wayne, Nebraska.
•  Currently an English Teacher for the Omaha Public Schools in Omaha, Nebraska.

  Josh McKinley

• 2018-2019 - Norfolk Senior High, Science Teacher
•  Bachelor of Science in Natural Science Education from Wayne State College in Wayne, Nebraska.
• Currently an IT Technician for Connecting Point here in Norfolk, Nebraska.

Rationale:  Amy Barnhill-Part-time Junior High Show Choir and Vocal Music Teacher

Rationale:  Attached are the claims for the month of May, 2018.  These claims have been reviewed by the Finance and Facilities Committee.

Rationale:  Two non-substantive changes were made to Policy 6400 to eliminate redundancy and improve the wording of the policy.  
 

Rationale:  No changes are recommended to Board Policy 6410.

Rationale:  State law requires that we review our Attendance Policy 5008 annually.  It outlines the types of absences that can be excused, the age for mandatory attendance (6-18), the procedures for early withdrawal, and our requirements for reporting excessive absenteeism to the county attorney.
 

Rationale:  State law requires that we review our Anti-Bullying Policy (5415) annually. It indicates that we will implement practices that reinforce and encourage positive behaviors, as well as practices to identify and prevent inappropriate behaviors such as bullying.

The Policy Committee is not recommending any revisions at this time. Therefore, I am recommending that the policy be reaffirmed as written.
 

Rationale:  No changes have been made to these policies since their first reading last month.

Rationale:  We have been pleased with how Lunch Time Solutions has managed our Nutrition Program the past two years and would like to continue the contract.  According to NDE rules, the district can renew the original contract for up to four years after the initial year before going to bid.  2018-2019 would be year three with Lunch Time Solutions.  Changes for 2018-2019 will include a new Panther Pit at the Sr. High and some additional equipment upgrades throughout the district.  Breakfast and lunch prices for 2018-2019 will also remain the same with no increase.

Rationale:  The current heating system on the original part of the Sr. High is slowly failing room by room.  These units are all original to the building and have provided over 50 years of service.  So it is time to replace these units which is primarily the rooms along the 400 and 500 corridor.  Specs will need to be written so bids can be accepted and reviewed for approval.

Rationale:  Cannon Moss Bryger and Kucirek Engineering have finalized drawings and mechanical specifications in order for general contractors to bid on the project.  The proposed timeline is attached for review.

Rationale:  The district received the following qualifying sanitation service bids for 2018-2019.
Jesse's Sanitation - $42,996
Prime Sanitation - $43,500
Waste Connections - $48,120
 

Rationale:  The Senior High Spanish Department, under the supervision of the Senior High Principal and the Director of Teaching and Learning, completed comprehensive research and review of Spanish materials. After narrowing down from several to two specific programs, the companies provided presentations and allowed piloting of the programs. VISTA Senderos was determined to best meet the needs of our students and senior high program. One qualifying bid was submitted from VISTA Higher Learning for $81,632.70. This includes Classroom sets of textbooks, online supersite access, training, licensing for Spanish 1-4 for 6 years.  The funds for this purchase will come from the general fund curriculum budget.
 

Rationale:  The district received the following bids that met specifications for the purchase of 540 ChromeBooks for 2018-2019.
Tierney - $129,870
CDI - $118,800
OM office supply - $116,100
Dell - $103,993.20

The funds for this purchase will come from our Tech Bond and General Fund.
 

Rationale:  This is our annual garage sale of obsolete technology items as well as other building items that no longer have use in our district.  Proceeds from the sale will go back to the programs from where the items originated.

Rationale:  According to Administrative Rule, "30 students in grades 1-4 shall be considered maximum numbers of students allowed per classroom." Second grade at Woodland Park will exceed this number next year. We have been monitoring the size of this class all year, as it has been hovering around 60 (30 per section).  We have offered optional transfers to new students, but have still exceeded our cap ot 30.  Therefore, I am requesting approval to hire an additional teacher next year, to serve as an overflow 2nd grade teacher at Woodland Park Elementary.

Rationale:  The 2nd monthly meeting of the Board of Education has been tentatively scheduled for noon on Thursday, May 24, 2018.

The next regular meeting of the Board of Education will be held on Monday, June 11, 2018. 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.