April 8, 2019 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:  1. Strategic Planning Update related to our Early Childhood Education Goals -- Melissa Jantz
2. Building Visits -- Board members

https://prezi.com/zbdf_mqdngnf/?utm_campaign=share&utm_medium=copy

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

Rationale: 

At this time I would like to open the hearing to discuss, consider, and receive input on the student fee policy.  Attached for your review are the following:

1. Student fee receipts and expenditures in 2017-2018 (Attachment A)

2. Proposed fees for 2019-2020 (Attachment B)

3. Student Fee Policy #5416 (Attachment C)

At this time, if any member of the public wishes to comment or give opinions on the student fee policy and proposed fees for 2019-2020, we ask that you come up to the microphone and state your name.

Comments

The district collected $159,171 in board approved student fees in the areas of instruction and activities during the 2017-2018 school year. These fee dollars can only be expended for the items for which they are collected.  The district had $74,286 in board approved disbursements for 2017-2018 which left the fund with a cash balance of $324,113 as of August 31, 2018.  The cash balance is primarily composed of those fees which are not necessarily expended on an annual basis such as the technology and summer school. The district reviews all items on the proposed fee list annually and only lists those fees which we believe are necessary to help offset the total cost to the district.

Rationale:  Little Panthers Preschool

Rationale:  March 2019 Success Pin Recipients (122)
The Cash Now winner is Brooke Lodl .  She will receive a $50 gift certificate, compliments of U.S. Bank.

Sandy Gaspers	Tamela Korth	Jen Robinson	Gabrielle Schumacher
Jennifer Bowers	Trisha Andreasen	Lisa Geary	Cara Riese
Brooke Lodl	Bill Robinson	Linda Hunt	Jennifer Bowers
Cyndi Thompson	Ben Ries	Tonya Hoff	Meagan Fehringer
Brighid Turek	Beau Viergutz	Samantha Marten	Brad Lanman
LuAnn Watson	Josh Weber	Theresa Allen	Nancy full
Mary Luhr	Derek Ippensen	Rita Meyer	Carrie Pieper
Deb Cook	Mike Hart	Ryan Ginn	Amy Brown
Roxy Huntley	Melissa Jantz	Stephanie Ahlmann	Katie Wright-Oswald
Kathy Farlee	Angie Baumann	Tyler Beranek	Kelly Konz
Brad Lanman	Troy Berryman	Debi Commerford	Bonnie Johnson
Missy Borgmann	Jason Settles	Fay Langdeaux	Sharie Thelen
Amy Brown	John Erwin	Missy Borgmann	Laura Reeves
Jenna Poulsen	Mary Luhr	Michael Grove	Mary Boyle
Jim Beltz	Chuck Hughes	Brooke Lodl	Jessi Jensen
Carlee Connot	Beate Burkink	Elle Nordhues	Jill Weidner
Ali Johnson	Jennifer Carlisle	Kim Siefker	Julia Mortimer
Alissa Hoffmann	Melora Hirschman	Mark Nathan	Kathryn Budell
Amber Boubin	Kristine Herley	Brad Spreeman	McKenna Gibson
Emily Duerst	Nancy Probasco	Bernie Wyant	Megan Schrant
Jaci Jenkins	Thomas Asmussen	Mike Thomas	Michael Grove
Jennifer Ippensen	Kim Reinke	Mike Hilliges	Rebecca Munson
Josh McKinley	Dan Rumfelt	Tyler Jacot	Allison McDonald
Keira McCord	Kendra Henry	Don Ratliff	Sandy Claussen
Kelsey Gubbels	Terri Kerkman	Bob Baker	Joan Spiering
Kim Waddington	Christine Walker	Lynn Baker	Dann Kudera
Lisa Thiry	Mary Gray	Michael Sunderman	Joann Robinette
Mandy Hoover	Riley Kalin	Riley Kalin	Alysia Hasebrook
Megan Lewis	Katie Steskal	Roberto Mora	Korrie Hall
Melissa Weber	Matt Skiff	Shane Anderson
Brad Lanman	Tami Kaup	Shelley Hastreiter

 

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 April, 2019 by specific fund are as follows:

General Fund = $558,827

Nutrition Services Fund =$232,910

Cooperative Fund = $3,027.53

Depreciation Fund = $266,940

Special Building Fund = $4,398

Student Fee Fund = $4,368.17

The total amount of claims for the month of March, 2019 in the Activities Fund are as follows:
Activity Fund =$96,711.71

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

Rationale:  Curriculum, Instruction & Assessment

• Statewide NSCAS testing is under way. So far we have experienced very few problems. The new test engine is not perfect without error but yet better than where we’ve been. As of the middle of last week, approximately 20% of the tests were completed. The window closes the last week of April.
• ACT & ASPIRE was held Tuesday, April 2nd. The testing went very smoothly. Attendance was fantastic which means make up testing will be simple. Results should be coming soon.  
• The Teaching and Learning Team will be evolving.  When I reorganized a year ago, I specifically built the team to be a leading team.  So for each of them to secure administrative positions just means we’re building leaders.
• One of the parent feedback meetings on Standards Based Reporting and Target Based Grading was held April 1^st. I felt like I received excellent feedback and advice to assist with moving the district forward. The TnL team and Sarah Dittmer were there to listen, share and take notes. I feel like they brought up some ideas that can help with our next steps and better communication.
• Mr. Hart and the Teaching and Learning Team have been working with Dr. Thompson on summer admin retreats. We have 4 days scheduled.   
•  End of the year is coming very fast. We are balancing our assessment management, orders and closing out of the year.  

Rationale: 

• On Wednesday, April 17th, Kindergarten Round-Up will be held at all our elementary buildings.  There will be activities for students and information for parents/guardians.
• District Music Contest is scheduled for Friday, April 12th.  If you can‘t attend on the 12th, the band, orchestra and choir are having a Pre-contest concert on Tuesday, April 9th at 7:00 pm in the Carson Theater.
• Saturday, April 27th is Prom, which will be held at Divots. Coronation will begin at 7:45 pm. The dance will be held from 8:00 to 11:00 pm. Doors open at 7:00 pm. 
•  I will be attending the Nebraska Association of Special Education Supervisors (NASES) Spring Conference in Omaha on April 25th-26th.
• Some important dates to remember:
  • May 19th - Graduation
  • May 23rd - Last day of school for students
  • May 24th - Teacher work day and staff check-out

 

Rationale:  School Safety Information:

• We are planning a reunification drill with students and parents in early May at one of our elementary buildings. This drill is an excellent opportunity for our safety teams to practice their skills and this event will help us continue to move forward in ensuring we are being proactive about utilizing "best practices" in regards to parent/ student reunification.
• The feedback and experience we gain from the reunification drill will greatly enhance our ability to purposefully and effectively respond to a multitude of possible crisis situations.

Staff Kudos:

• Special thanks to all of our staff and administrators who "stepped up" to assist those in need impacted by the recent flooding in this area. It is a privilege to work with such caring and committed individuals willing to serve the needs of all of our citizens. Good work!!!

Hiring Season:

• Hiring season is beginning to wind down a bit, but we still have several positions that we need to fill. Our administrators (and their interview teams) have done an excellent job of selecting high quality candidates who will be a "great fit" for our district. I am confident our "New to the District" staff will do great things when school returns in the fall.

Personnel Update:

• Current Openings:
  • Aftershock Club Facilitators
  • General Maintenance /Transportation (2)
  • Junior High: Night Custodian
  • "Multi-Building" Custodian
  • School Bus Activity Drivers
  • Senior High: Health Tech
  • Substitute Custodians
  • Substitute Deaf Ed. Interpreters
  • Substitute Paraprofessionals
  • Substitute Special Education Teachers
  • Westside Elementary - ED Paraprofessional/Driver (F/T)
     
• 2019-2020 School Year Openings:
  • Elementary Media Specialist 
  • Deaf Education/Sign Language Interpreter (Classified)
  • Guidance Counselor: Washington Elementary. (.8 FTE.)
  • Junior High: Math Teacher
  • Junior High: Business Teacher
  • Junior High: Guidance Secretary (Classified)
  • Little Panthers Preschool: Building Secretary (Classified)
  • Middle School: Special Education Teacher
  • Montessori: 4th Grade Teacher
  • Senior High: Special Education LIFE Teacher
  • Senior High: Special Education Teacher
  • Speech Language Pathologist (2.5)
  • Washington Elementary: Special Education Teacher
  • Westside Elementary: Building Secretary (Classified)

2019-2020 Coaching Openings:

• • 1/2 Assistant Theater (2nd Semester)
  • Assistant 8th Girls Basketball
  • Assistant HS Volleyball
  • Freshman Football
  • Freshman Girls Basketball
  • Head Girls Soccer
  • HS Assistant Football(2)
  • HS Diving
  • JH Assistant Track
  • JH Assistant Wrestling(2)
  • Mock Trial

Rationale:  New Administrator Mentor Program
I am in the process of developing a new Administrator Mentor Program with Ms. Roberts, who is currently serving as Interim Principal at Washington Elementary School.  This program will include table talks on a variety of topics, such as developing culture, budgeting, communication, staff evaluations, instructional leadership, working with specialists, behavior management, and developing a support system.

In addition, Ms. Roberts will conduct instructional rounds with our new administrators in order to ensure that they have a keen sense of quality instruction, a full understanding of our instructional model, and the ability to provide meaningful feedback to staff regarding their instruction.

Not only will Ms. Roberts work with our two newest principals, other principals may be asked to participate when topics are relevant and appropriate.

I am excited about this new program, as I believe it is a missing link in our leadership/professional development program.

RSP Enrollment Projections Services:
We have also entered into a contract with RSP & Associates to provide us with 5 year enrollment projections, including an overview of current and future housing developments, population trends, economic trends, and migration patterns- by neighborhood.  Although I calculate enrollment projections annually, RSP uses a more sophisticated Student Forecast Model that looks at a wider variety of factors, therefore providing more accurate information specific to geographical areas/neighborhoods.  This information will be extremely important as we look at growth options at the elementary level and determine how to best address these needs. 

Rationale:  The committee met at 12:00 today, all claims for the month of April and Activity claims for March were reviewed.  The committee then discussed the following facility and business items:

• Update on the 25th Street renovation
• Update on the progress of our district strategic facility planning
• Review of Student Fee items
• Review on recommendation to renew Coke contract
• Review on recommendation for upgrades on Intercom / phone system
• Review on recommendation for Kitchen equipment for Little Panthers Pre-School
• Review recommendation to seek proposals for lawn and snow equipment
• Review recommendation on Breakfast and Lunch Prices for 2019-2020
• Discussion on renewing contract with Lunch Time Solutions for 2019-2020
• Review on recommendation to seek proposals for Sanitation Services for 2019-2020
• Review of our property coverage with EMC

Rationale: 

The Policy Committee met on March 27, 2019 to review Board Policy 6240 (Homework) and the related Administrative Rule.

Both the policy and administrative rule were drafted by an ad hoc committee, which was comprised of a cross-section of teachers and administrators from grade levels and buildings across the district. This committee examined current research to identify best practices and evaluated our current practices based upon these research findings, before drafting these documents for the Board’s consideration.  

The Policy Committee is very appreciative of the work completed by the ad hoc homework committee and would like to express gratitude for their hard work putting together policy and rule that reflect research and best practice, and that recognize homework as an integral part of the learning process.  We did make some revisions to the documents submitted by the ad hoc committee.

Our new policy states:

Norfolk Public Schools believes that homework contributes to the development of our students by building responsibility, self-discipline, academic achievement, and lifelong learning habits, when it has a clear academic purpose that is focused on learning targets.  Norfolk Public Schools also values our partnership with parents and believes that strong family involvement is critical to student success.

Teachers’ professional judgment should be utilized when determining the amount and type of homework assigned, based on grade level, developmental appropriateness, course, and purpose. The amount of homework will increase gradually from elementary to senior high school. The intent is for students to engage in meaningful homework assignments that strengthen skills, apply concepts, review knowledge, and/or practice procedures based upon the learning targets introduced during the school day.

The related AR is more specific and detailed.   It provides a definition for homework as well as teacher guidelines, including the type and amount of homework that is appropriate.

Although the Board does not officially approve administrative rules, this was reviewed in order to ensure that it was congruent with the Board Policy.  

The Policy Committee recommends the approval of the first reading of Policy 6240 tonight, for implementation in August of 2019.

Our next meeting is scheduled for 1:00 on April 25, 2019.

Rationale: 

The Government Relations Committee met on March 27, 2019.

We discussed upcoming legislation, determined our position related to various bills, and developed strategy accordingly. At this point, all hearings are complete and all priority bills have been designated.  

Priority bills that we are monitoring closely include, LB 147, LB 670, and a plethora of school finance/property tax relief bills.

LB 147 is Groene’s discipline bill. We are concerned about several aspects in this bill, including the use of physical force and the ability of a teacher to remove a student from his/her classroom without the approval of the building administrator.

LB 670 is Linehan’s voucher bill. It would provide tax credits for donations to non-public schools. We oppose the use of public tax dollars for non-public schools which are not held to the same standards as public schools and are not governed by elected officials. Dr. Patti Gubbels is monitoring this bill and will send information to senators before it is debated on the floor.

Dr. Thompson prepared information for the committee to use regarding components of the school funding and property tax relief bills that we support and oppose. In general:

• We support the continued use of an equalization formula and full funding of TEEOSA.  This is essential for districts like Norfolk who cannot meet students’ basic needs via local resources (property taxes).

• We also support a higher reimbursement rate for special education.  This would be beneficial for all school districts in Nebraska: small, large, equalized and non-equalized.

• We are opposed to additional spending caps, as we already have several caps or budget limitations placed on us by state statute, including our levy limit, our basic allowable growth rate, and our cash reserve limit. Additional caps simply are not needed and would be detrimental to growing districts that need flexibility to hire additional staff, create new classrooms, and purchase materials and equipment for additional students.

Dr. Thompson has sent letters to the members of the Revenue Committee about this, and Sandy Wolfe, Tammy Day, and Dr. Patti Gubbels are all prepared to send letters addressing this from different perspectives.

Our next GNSA meeting is scheduled for April 17th at 9:30 in Lincoln, and our next Government Relations Committee meeting is scheduled for April 25th at 1:30 in Dr. Thompson’s office.

Rationale:  The Activities Committee has not met since our March report.  Our next committee meeting is scheduled for Monday, April 29, 2019.

Rationale:  Minutes of the April 2, 2019 Nurses' meeting are attached.

Rationale:  Minutes of the March 11, 2019 and March 28, 2019 meetings are attached.

Rationale:  Kelsey Kardell-2019-2020  5th grade Math and Language Arts Teacher

• Student Teacher at Wayne Elementary School, Wayne, NE
• Bachelor of Science Degree-Elementary Education, Wayne State College, Wayne, NE
• Currently a Sales Associate at pharmacy, Laurel, NE

Paige Andreijeski--2019-2020 Middle School Special Education Teacher

• Bachelor of Science-K-12 Special Education--plans to graduate May 2019 from University of Nebraska-Kearney, NE
• Currently a Student Teacher at Norfolk Junior High, Norfolk, NE

Cameryn Jones--  2019-2020 6th grade Math and Language Arts Teacher

• Bachelor of Science-Elementary Education--plans to graduate May 2019 from University of Nebraska-Lincoln,NE
• Currently a Student Teacher at Cummings Elementary School, Houston, TX

Amy Specht--2019-2020 - Norfolk Middle School- 6th Grade Teacher (Math & English Language Arts)

•   Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Wayne State College in Wayne, Nebraska
•   Currently a 7th Grade Language Arts Teacher at Grand Island Public Schools in Grand Island, Nebraska.

 

Rationale:  Lori Voss--Junior High Special Education and Pink Panthers
Heather Thompson--District Instructional Coach
Mandy Hoover--Junior High Vocal Music
Lori Frohberg--6th Middle School Teacher
Lisa Goodman--Teacher of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
 

Rationale:  Attached are the claims for the month of April, 2019.  These claims were reviewed earlier today by our Finance and Facility Committee.

Rationale:  Attached is Appendix "1" which are the proposed fees for 2019-2020 under Policy 5416.  These proposed fees have been reviewed by all K-12 administrators and the Finance and Facilities Committee prior to the public hearing held earlier this evening. 

Rationale:  I am recommending to the Board of Education to approve the 2019-2020 Breakfast, Lunch and Milk prices as presented.  These prices reflect a 5 cent increase for Breakfast and Lunch to cover increase cost in equipment and supplies.  The current rates have been in place the past two years.

Rationale:  Please note that approval of handbooks only requires one reading, unless changes or editing is needed that required additional review.

Rationale:  Please note that approval of handbooks only requires one reading, unless changes or editing is needed that required additional review.

Rationale:  Lincoln Montessori currently has 44 students on the list for the lottery drawing, which is enough for a second kindergarten class.  9 of the students on the list are from Bel Air, which already has 70 kindergarten students enrolled, and 7 students are from Woodland Park, which already has 50 kindergarten students enrolled.  I believe that hiring a teacher for Montessori is a better solution than hiring an overflow teacher from WLP (when they hit 51 students) and forcing transfers from BA to other schools (when they hit 76 students).  Not only would this option assist both of these schools, it would allow us to expand a high quality instructional program with a strong track record of academic success.

If the hiring of a second kindergarten teacher at Montessori is approved, this would be the first step toward a second track at Lincoln.  I would anticipate the hiring of a first grade teacher in 2020-2021, a second grade teacher in 2021-2022, etc.

Please note that we may also need to increase specials time to meet the needs of this additional track of students.  I have a committee of administrators working on that schedule and will bring that to you for approval at a later date, if needed.

Rationale:  It is recommended to approve a 3.30% package increase for the Superintendent, Dr. Jami Jo Thompson, for the 2019-2020 contract year. Schedule D and the 2019-2020 proposed contract are also attached as required by state law.  The proposed contract and Schedule D have been posted on the district website since April 1st for public review.

Rationale:  The district received two qualifying bids for handling the district beverage needs.  After reviewing both proposals I am recommending that the district renew its contract with Coke through the 2025-2026 school year.  

Rationale:  The district received one qualifying proposal that met specifications.  This proposal was in line with our budget so I am recommending to the Board of Education to accept the proposals from Prime Communications to upgrade our phone and intercom systems in the following buildings to better meet the safety needs of our staff and students.  The funds for these projects will come from our depreciation fund.

High School - $62,215
Junior High - $46,886
Middle School - $37,201
Lincoln School - $13,768
Grant School - $14,495
Westside School - $21,220.34
Washington School - $18,269
Bel-Air School - $21,920.34

Total of all projects - $235,974.68


 

Rationale:  The district received the following proposals for kitchen equipment at Little Panthers Pre-School to upgrade this kitchen into a production kitchen.  I am recommending to the Board of Education to accept the proposal from Douglas Equipment.

ACE Equipment - $161,216.20

Cash WA - $134,100.16

Douglas Equipment - $124,635.98

Funds for these items will come from our Depreciation and Nutrition Fund.

Rationale:  I am recommending that the Board of Education grant permission to receive proposals for district lawn and snow removal equipment.  A number of these items are in need of replacement due to the number of hours and repairs needed to keep them running.  Funds for these replacements would come from our maintenance budget and depreciation fund.

Rationale:  I am recommending to the Board of Education to grant permission for the district to receive proposals for district sanitation service for the 2019-2020 school year.

Rationale:  The 2nd monthly meeting of the Board of Education has been scheduled for noon on Thursday, April 25, 2019.

The next regular meeting of the Board of Education will be held on Monday, May 13, 2019. 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.