December 14, 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:  Please stand and join us in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.

Rationale:  Dr. Patti Gubbels
Arnie Robinson
Bob Waite
 

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 December, 2020 by specific fund are listed below:

General Fund = $851,104.76

Nutrition Services Fund =$227,343.44

Cooperative Fund = $7,520.46

Depreciation Fund = $1,372.94

QCPUF = $112,044.51

Employee Benefit Fund = $133,317

Student Fee Fund = $1,061.18

The total amount of claims for the month of November, 2020 in the Activities Fund is listed below:
Activity Fund =$28,097.86

All of these claims were reviewed earlier today by the Finance and Facility Committee.  As we finish the calendar year, payroll is working on end of the year documents for our employees so they can begin their individual taxes after the first of the year.

Rationale:  Curriculum, Instruction & Assessment
Twig Science: Later in the agenda you will see a request for purchase of the Twig K-2 Science Program. After completing 3 years of research and two pilots, we have found an appropriate program to meet the unique needs of K-2 students. Last year we purchased Elevate Science for 3rd through 8th grade. That program did not prove to be conducive for the younger grades of K-2. Twig offers learning units that align with the same topics found in the Wonders ELA program which allows for cross curricular instruction. The pilot was 6-8 weeks long and included feedback from teachers on weekly surveys of the program. Of the ten teachers that piloted the program, all ten are in favor of the program adoption and positive about the program contents. Teachers are impressed with the hands-on learning labs that support the concepts. In a non-pandemic year, we would have held a presentation on the program during a study session. Unfortunately that is not an opportunity allowed to us at this time. Pending board approval, training will be planned for this spring in a Covid appropriate setting. 

Big Red Keno Grant: We were granted $6714.00. Due to the pandemic, our typical Project Problem-Solve Day will not occur. Instead, teachers arranged for STEM products that can be used in the classroom. I will highlight a few examples. Third grade classrooms will be receiving K’Nex Kits which has parts for students to build and create simple machines where they can learn about gear ratios, gear systems, mechanical advantage, energy transfer, pulley systems, levers, wedges and more. The Middle School will receive skeletal models of human body systems, coding robots, a low powered electrical current unit, and supplies for 3D printing. The JH will receive supplies and additional STEM lessons to expand the Creation Station. The Senior High will be receiving some technical equipment to perform experiments in lessons on homeostasis, cellular respiration and photosynthesis. This grant truly supports STEM activities and allows us to acquire some expensive equipment that otherwise would not be available. Once the grant items are available, we intend to post and share on social media.

Remote Learning:
A comprehensive presentation was shared at the October BOE meeting outlining the steps we took to determine the type of remote learning we were going to offer and guiding principles for establishing a remote learning program. We have since pivoted the decision on the K-5 online curriculum program.  We would have liked to offer Edgenuity at all grade levels however, the K-5 package minimum order far exceeded the number of NPS students being served and required us to use Edgenuity teaching staff, making it unaffordable. 

Pearson K-12 Online Curriculum, K12 Online Public Schools Program, Keystone Academy and Edmentum Calvert were other programs considered, studied and researched as options for K-5 remote learning curriculum.  We faced multiple challenges in our search for K-5 online curriculum programs. It’s uncertain if it is pandemic related or the high demand for online products at this time, but it was difficult to get responses from companies. The Teaching and Learning Team was quite persistent in reaching out via email, phone calls and even through other schools that were using the programs. Once a connection was finally made it took several days to line up demonstrations on the product.  After extensive research, we decided to contract with Edmentum Calvert Learning for K-5. Calvert is a comprehensive online curriculum program that is project-based with supporting video lessons, language translation, read aloud capabilities and designed to occur in an asynchronous structure. It has automated grading responses on most assignments and generates ‘next steps’ to correct learning. However, the program does not completely remove the need for adult support from parents and teachers. The curriculum content in Calvert is curated from textbook publishers that are credible and popularly used by schools- McGraw Hill, Houghton Mifflin, Pearson, and Discovery Education to name a few.  Calvert Learning is contracted statewide in Oklahoma for their online learning program during this pandemic. 
 
Designing a remote learning program is much like designing a school within a school. Student, parent, teacher, and administrative processes must be thought through, discussed, created, and communicated all while still meeting school policy. Coordination between the TnL department, student services, special programs, technology, school information systems and the online curriculum program company is in constant motion.  In many situations, in order for one part to move forward, the other part must be in place first. For example, before the Edmentum Calvert was willing to schedule a training, all pieces of student information were required to be entered into the program which required the school information system department to take action. Accuracy of student enrollments is crucial for many educational entities as it affects school data in various state reports.  Systems within systems like IC must be accurate for recording, communicating, tracking and aligning pieces of information to the right places like attendance and grading and then, into end of the year state reports. 

Just like regular school, remote learning school processes must be in place. Remote learning presents unique situations because students are not in the same room, at the same time as the teacher. We have been forced to think outside of the traditional school box to problem-solve. Such things as attendance, participation, teacher/student interactions, timelines, deadlines, feedback, grading and student support are still a part of education even if it is remote. We are currently arranging all of those pieces. Remote learning teachers have been working with the TnL team for several days. They are working to become familiar with the curriculum programs, lessons, assignments, software operations as well as learning who their students are and what, if any special learning needs are present. Together we are establishing the processes for taking attendance, tracking learning and knowing where to go when problems arise. The TnL department is assisting them in designing orientations for parents and students. The orientations will include training and guidance for students and parents on all of the remote learning school systems of operation. This includes learning the software components, hardware operations, technology troubleshooting, understanding attendance rules, communicating and tracking deadlines, grading and scheduling synchronous meeting times. Infinite Campus navigation for parents will be slightly different and requires communication and understanding. The orientation will also provide guidance to parents about the importance of an intentional learning environment and consistency in daily schedules. Both remote learning companies have videos available to families for learning about the online curriculum software but NPS orientation and training will still occur and be made available to families Jan. 5-7th at various time frames during the school day. Resources will made be available on the NPS website. 

Educational processes are important and so is curriculum. Designing remote learning units for all grade levels in four core and various elective courses comes as no easy task especially in midyear. Each subject and grade level must be reviewed so assigned instruction second semester does not overlap already learned concepts or leave any gaps in the curriculum. The Teaching and Learning team has spent intense hours aligning remote learning courses to NPS priority standards by reviewing curriculum documents and pacing guides as well as collaborating with teachers on specifics covered or not covered so far this school year.

Because senior high student schedules are unique and graduation credits are a priority, an additional layer of work was required by the senior high guidance office. They have been meeting with students and updating schedules in Infinite Campus so students are ready to be enrolled into the Edgenuity program. 

Spring testing is another unique element to remote learning. We are currently gathering information from the state on what options are allowed and how we will respond as a district to meet requirements. Mary Luhr will speak to this in her report as well. 

The technology devices and hotspots to support remote learning students is still another layer to the remote learning school. Mr. Wilson will speak to this in his report. 

Collectively we are working very diligently to meet deadlines to provide remote learning to students in the second semester.  Planning and organization are key to a strong start but solid systems are necessary for a successful implementation to sustain the full semester.  

Although an extraordinary amount of work has been put into this process, we recognize that there will be some glitches and the transition will likely not be seamless.  We also want to reiterate that face to face in-person learning is the best learning option for students.  We are working very hard to make remote learning a successful option for students, but technology simply cannot replace the daily interaction that occurs in a classroom between students and teachers. We hope that parents recognize that and will be patient throughout this transition process.

 

Rationale: 

ELL-  ELL students that have chosen to move to remote learning second semester will still need to take the ELPA in person. The window for the ELPA test is February 8, 2021 - March 19, 2021.

Special Education-  Special education staff shortage continues to be a priority in the state. In a recent meeting our region revisited our plan to attract, prepare and retain special education positions. I am participating in virtual job fairs at the colleges that continue to offer the opportunity. 

Nurses- Our nurses will wrap up their annual health screenings this month.  Students in grades Pre-K-4, 7th, and 10th grade are screened annually. This is a mandated regulation that allows for little flexibility even with the restrictions of COVID and DHM. We had some UNMC students through NECC assist us as usual. 

 

Rationale: 

Student Services and Technology

We have received 203 contracts for remote learning for the 2nd semester. We are no longer accepting contracts as we have filled our staffing and program needs based on the contracts we received by the deadline. We are currently getting Chromebooks and Hotspots ready for check out to those families that have requested them. Those devices will be checked out to students before they leave for the holiday break. Thankfully we had secured grant funding earlier in the year to support families with internet access needs. 

Safety 

Results from our external safety audit by Lang Safety Consulting are in and I have met with individual building principals to discuss their specific building. Highlights of the district audit include...

• Recommendations to practice reverse evacuation drills and relocation drills when it is Covid appropriate.
• Have staff practice using the phone system to activate emergency drills
• Provide substitute teachers with emergency training and sub folders that contain emergency procedures information.
• Entry control concerns at Lincoln, Grant, and Middle School
• Excellent phone and speaker upgrades have been completed
• Recommend that Director of Safety complete Incident Command Training
• Overall Mr. Lang was very impressed with the condition of our district in regards to the safety measures and improvements we have implemented. 

Rationale: 

HR Update:

All certified positions have been filled for 2nd semester, except for one Special Education position at Bel Air Elementary. 

I am beginning to prepare for job fairs and interview days to begin recruiting for the 2021-2022 school year.  So far, all scheduled events are virtual.

Substitute Update:

The district has continued to have a high need for substitute teachers and paras.  A few updates since the last board meeting:

• 10 additional substitute teachers have been hired20 additional substitute paras have been hired.  The majority of these substitutes are college students that have an unusually long winter break, due to the pandemic.
• Three additional full time substitute teachers have been hired.  One is starting this week and the other two will begin second semester.
• January 4 was originally scheduled as a Professional Development Day, but will be utilized as teacher work time instead.  This time will allow our staff to collaborate and finalize plans for the second semester.  

Job Postings Update:

Certified Positions: 

• Full-Time Substitute Teacher
• Elementary Special Education Teacher-Bel Air-Begins 1/4/2021
• Substitute Teacher
• Speech Language Pathologist (2021-2022)
• Psychologist (2021-2022)

Classified Openings: 

• High Needs Para/Driver (Full-Time) - Senior High
• Full-Time Substitute Paraprofessional
• Classroom Paras - Bel Air, Jefferson
• Substitutes - Deaf Education/Sign Language Interpreter 
• Aftershock - Club Facilitators (Part-time)
• Aftershock - Partnership Specialist (Contracted/Part-time)
• General Maintenance Worker-Full-time (Anticipated)
• School Bus Activity Drivers 
• Evening Custodians (Part-time)
• Substitute:  Paraprofessional, Health Tech, Secretary & Nurse
• Substitute Custodians
• Electrician (Part-time) - Maintenance

Coaching Opportunities (‘21-’22):

• Head Volleyball Coach
• JH Boys Intramural Basketball Coach
• JH Boys Track Assistant Coach

Rationale:  See attached file.

Rationale:  The committee met at 12:00 today.  The claims for the month of December and Activity claims for November were reviewed.  Beth Nelson shared some details on the TWIG Science purchase and Erik Wilson also discussed the requested RFP for chromebooks.  Other items that were discussed:

• Facility project updates included specific with our air filtration and air exchanges
• Compensation packages for all of our other employee groups for 21-22
• RFP permission for Food Management Services as required by rule with NDE

The next meeting will be January 11th. 

Rationale:  The Government Relations Committee met with Senator Elect Mike Flood via Zoom on November 17, 2020. The purpose of the meeting was to get to know one another and share our legislative concerns and priorities.  We look forward to working with Senator Elect Flood. 

Rationale:  The Activities Committee met at noon on November 23, 2020. The focus of our conversation was our Winter Activities Protocols.  Mr. Ries and Mr. Viergutz provided an in-depth look at the COVID-19 safety procedures that will be utilized. We will proceed cautiously, keeping student and staff safety our number one concern.

Rationale: 

The Norfolk Public Schools Board Curriculum Committee met on Wednesday, November 18th to review new course proposals for the 2021-2022 school year. Principal, Derek Ippensen, Automotive Teacher, Blake Otte, and Drafting Teacher, Rebecca Munson presented the proposals to the committee.

Mr. Otte presented the proposed standards and learning targets for the Consumer Auto course. The Consumer Auto course would be a semester course offered to sophomore through senior students and be a prerequisite to autotech.  This course is designed to teach basic preven­tive maintenance for an automobile and to also familiarize the stu­dents with terminology and procedures related to the automobile (emer­gency procedures, insurance, etc.) There would not be a prerequisite to this course. No additional costs would be incurred to implement this course. 

Mrs. Munson presented a proposed Drone Operations course. Drone technology is being used for commercial purposes in multiple career areas. There is a demand for increased certified drone operators. This course would prepare students for the FAA Part 107 exam to become certified in drone operations and feed into multiple college programs including, but not limited to, construction, real estate, mining, public safety, insurance, agriculture and more. The course, if approved, will be offered as a NECC dual-credit course.  The cost of materials for the course will be paid for through Perkins Grant funds. 

The committee recommended the two new course proposals be considered for board approval at the December board meeting.

Rationale:  Minutes of the December 1, 2020 Nurses Meeting are attached.

Rationale:  Minutes of the November 9, 2020 and December 4, 2020 meetings are attached.

Rationale: 

Crystal Bradley

• 2020-2021 - K-4 PE teacher, Lincoln/Montessori & Bel Air (begins 1/4/2021)
• Master of Science, Education, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE
• K-4 Physical Education & K-4 Vocal Music Teacher, Retired from Elkhorn Valley Public Schools, Tilden, NE, May 2020

Aaron Wilken

• 2020-2021 - Senior High Math Teacher  (begins 1/4/2021)
• Dec. 2020 - Bachelor of Arts, 9-12 Mathematics, Northwestern College, Orange City, IA
• Aug. 2020-current - Student Teacher, Norfolk Senior High,  Algebra 1/Geometry

 

Rationale:  None at this time.

Rationale:  Attached are the claims for the month of December, 2020.  These claims were reviewed earlier today by our Finance and Facility Committee.  There are no conflict statements for this month.

Rationale:  The same 3.4% compensation increase that was approved for non-supervisory certificated staff last month, has been applied to all other employee groups, including the following:
* classified hourly employees
* classified salaried employees

See attached for details.

Rationale:  The same 3.4% compensation increase that was approved for non-supervisory certificated staff last month, has been applied to the proposed nurses compensation package and agreement for 21-22. 

Rationale:  The same 3.4% compensation increase that was approved for non-supervisory certificated staff last month, has been applied to the PK-12 administration compensation package for 21-22. 

Rationale:  The same 3.4% compensation increase that was approved for non-supervisory certificated staff last month, has been applied to the proposed superintendent compensation package for 21-22.  Details of this proposal have been posted on our District website since December 7th, 2020 in accordance with the Superintendent Transparency Act.

Rationale:  The same 3.4% compensation increase that was approved for non-supervisory certificated staff last month has been applied to substitute compensation package for 21-22. 

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

6283  -- Concussions

6284 -- Initiations, Hazing, Secret Clubs and Outside Organizations

6286 -- Return to Learn from Cancer

6290-- Dedications and Commencement

6300 -- Selection and Review of Instructional and Media Materials

6310-- Textbook Loans

6320 -- Parent Requests for Exclusion

6360 -- Recognition of Religious Beliefs and Customs

6361 -- Acknowledgement of Religious Holidays

6362 -- Religion in the Curriculum

6363 -- Purpose of Religion in the Curriculum

6370 -- Multicultural Education

6380 -- Equal Opportunity: Instruction Program

6390 -- Controversial Issues

6391 -- Controversial Issues in the Classroom

6400 -- Parental/Community Involvement in Schools

6410 -- Combined District and School  Title I Parent and Family Engagement Policy

6500 -- Free and Reduced Price Meals

6600 --Special Education Policies and Regulations

6700 -- Firearm Policy

6800- Computer -- Internet Safety and Acceptable Use Policy

6900 -- Chronic Infectious Disease Practice and Procedure

6910 -- Dispensing Medications

6920 -- Student Self-Management of Asthma, Anaphylaxis, and/or Diabetes

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

Rationale:  NDE requires districts that use Food Management Services to request proposals on those services every five years.  Our current agreement with LSI has met that timeline so we will need to put out an RFP for Food Management Services.  This process is regulated by NDE nutrition services and follows a strict process.  The tentative timeline is to post an approved RFP in January, review submissions and bring a recommendation to the board by March or April.

Rationale:  After extensive review and piloting of an appropriate science program for K-2, it is my recommendation to purchase Twig Science.  The only qualifying bid for Twig Science was submitted for a total of $207,379.13. This includes a 6 year instructional package and includes teacher training. Funds for this will come from our general curriculum budget. 
 

Rationale: 

This item, if approved, will allow our Tech team to begin the Request for Proposal process for our yearly Chromebook purchase. We anticipate purchasing approximately 1050 Chromebooks this year to meet our needs at the 5th, 7th, and 9th grade levels. This is a budgeted annual cost that is part of the technology budget. This may be a bit earlier in the year than what has been done in the past but we are wanting to get this process started in case there is a disruption in the supply chain this spring. 

Rationale:  The Senior High is seeking approval to offer Consumer Auto as a semester course offered to 10th-12th grade students and be a prerequisite to autotech.  This course is designed to teach basic preven­tive maintenance for an automobile and to also familiarize the stu­dents with terminology and procedures related to the automobile (emer­gency procedures, insurance, etc.) The Curriculum Committee met to review this proposal on November 18th. It is my recommendation to approve the Consumer Auto as a course offering at the Senior High.

Rationale:  The Senior High is seeking approval to offer a dual credit course with NECC, Drone Operations. Colleges and universities are launching drone pilot programs.  This course would help prepare students to take the FAA Part 107 exam to become certified in drone operations. The Curriculum Committee met to review this proposal on November 18th. It is my recommendation that we approve the Dual Credit Drone Operations course offering.

Rationale:  The next regular meeting of the Board of Education will be held on Monday, January 11, 2021. The Business Meeting will begin at 5:30 PM. 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.