May 10, 2021 at 5:30 PM - Board of Education Regular Meeting

Rationale:  May 5, 2021

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: 

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 2019-2020 (Attachment A)

2. Proposed fees for 2021-2022 (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 2021-2022, we ask that you come to the microphone and state your name.

Comments

The district collected $74,437 in board approved student fees in the areas of instruction and activities during the 2019-2020 school year. These fee dollars can only be expended for the items for which they are collected.  The district had $103,296 in board approved disbursements for 2019-2020 which left the fund with a cash balance of $338,880 as of August 31, 2020.  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:  Deb Kollmar, Norfolk High School Job Coach

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, including your address, the name of the organization you represent 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 2021 by specific fund are listed below:

General Fund = $813,998.66

Nutrition Services Fund =$286,633.16

Cooperative Fund = $16,069.41

Depreciation Fund = $65,029.50

QCPUF = $408,505.83

Employee Benefit = $21,806

Bond Fund = $39,541.25

Student Fee Fund = $2,555

The total amount of claims for the month of April 2021 in the Activities Fund is listed below:
Activity Fund =$64,835.67

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

Rationale:  I’m pleased to report that we have successfully completed the spring state assessments. In typical years, this is an expectation. This year, it is a celebration. Kudos to teachers and principals for seeing this through and having perseverance despite student absences and newly arrived students into the district. In the future you can expect a report from me on the statewide testing changes. This year was a pilot of the new test. As NDE reports back to us, I will report back to you.

I’m also excited to mention that the Teaching and Learning Department will be hosting and leading some curriculum work this summer. It’s starting to turn into a more normal summer where we can channel our energy into forward thinking instead of ‘in the moment’ thinking.

Summer school planning for K-8 has captured the department’s attention during this last month. We are nearly ready. Based upon the recommendations of the Transition Committee, our summer school approach will include a laser light focus on reading, math and writing. Summer school teacher training and planning will occur May 25^th - 27th.  
 

Rationale: 

ELL- The 2021 ELPA21 Summative Scores are anticipated to be available on May 14th. I will share the results in my June report. 

Nurses- Our school nurses will attend the State of Nebraska’s School Health Conference virtually on June 6th and 7th this summer.  

Special Education- I attended the NASES spring conference in Kearney, April 29 and 30. The focus of the conference, Leading for Inclusion, meets our district goals with MTSS and professional development as well.  

Rationale: 

Our MTSS Leadership team met last week to review our progress K-6 and feedback we have received from the April 23rd PD day. We had asked teachers to review our decision rules for interventions, how often we provide those, our progress monitoring, and movement within those interventions. We will be providing responses to those staff questions about decision rules this week. We have also started the scheduling process with ESU8 for continuing our MTSS implementation for next year. 

On April 26th and 27th I participated in the Racial Equity Institute, sponsored by the Sherwood Foundation, along with other leaders and NSAA members across the state. The training was designed to help participants better understand the foundations in historical and institutional racism. This is another piece to the puzzle we are assembling with our District Equity and Diversity Committee to do some self evaluation of our current reality as a district. All of these pieces we have been working on, will come together to help us set our goals for future growth, staff development, and programs to better meet the needs of our students. 

Finally, some upcoming dates to remember...

• May 12th 2:30pm we have the Completion Ceremony @ Johnny Carson Theater
• May 16th 2:00pm we have our High School Graduation Ceremony in the Main Gym
• May 20th is the end of the school year for our students with an 11:30 am dismissal
• May 21st is the last day for all staff

Rationale:  Norfolk Public Schools will be moving into the 2021-2022 school year with an extremely strong incoming group of new hires.  Principals have done an outstanding job of selecting highly qualified candidates.  Only a few positions are left to fill.  The newly hired certified staff will start their year on August 3, 2021.  The back-to-school schedule is now being put together.

Norfolk Public Schools has the following openings: 

Certified Positions (‘21-’22):

• Early Childhood Classroom Teacher - Little Panthers Preschool
• Music Teacher - Junior High (0.4 FTE)/District Substitute Teacher (0.6 FTE)
• Art Teacher - Senior High(0.5 FTE)/District Substitute Teacher (0.5 FTE) 

Rationale: 

Superintendent Report 5-10-2021

Student Enrollment:

Student enrollment increased by one student this month for a total enrollment of 4464.  This is 27 more students than we had at the beginning of the school year.  However, it is still 70 students less than we had in May 2020. This drop is likely caused by an increase in homeschooling due to the pandemic.  We anticipate many of those students returning next year, but we will monitor this closely, as student enrollment  impacts class sizes, staffing needs, facility needs, and school funding.

 

Open Meetings Act:

Revisions to the Open Meetings Act have been made as a result of Senator Flood’s LB 83. Many public entities can now meet electronically. However, this only applies to public school boards if an emergency meeting is declared.  Changes were also made regarding the publishing of school board agendas and minutes, but we already exceed those requirements.  The one change that you will notice is that individuals who speak during the public forum are now required to identify themselves and share their address and the group or organization that they are representing.  

This bill contained the emergency clause, which means that the changes went into effect immediately.

  Nebraska Health Standards:

The Nebraska Department of Education (NDE) released a draft copy of new Health Standards for Nebraska school districts in March, along with a survey for constituents to provide them feedback on these standards.  NDE has already received 9490 responses to their survey and 2580 additional emails, which they will use to evaluate the draft standards and make revisions. They are hoping to finish the revision and adoption process in the fall of 2021.

Once that happens Nebraska schools will have the option of adopting all or part of those health standards ...but were NOT required to do so. 

As a district, we will follow our normal curriculum revision process, meaning that our NPS curriculum committee will review those state standards, along with the National Health Education Standards, and other resources to determine  if we need to make any revisions to our current standards and curriculum. This is a lengthy process which could take up to a year, as our NPS teachers, administrators and our teaching and learning team work collaboratively to identify necessary revisions.

Our current NPS curriculum does not include the highly debated topics of gender identity, sexual orientation, family structures, and gender stereotypes that are currently contained in the draft state standards.  Our local curriculum focuses on personal safety and healthy relationships, the reproductive system, pregnancy prevention via abstinence, and the risks of sexual activity.  It also includes other important topics such as nutrition, physical activity, systems of the human body, and disease prevention.

Upon completion of this curriculum review process, our proposed locally-developed health standards and curriculum will be presented to the Norfolk Public Schools Board of Education at a public meeting, where parents and community members can offer feedback and suggestions.  Ultimately, the Board will review the proposed local standards and vote to determine if those standards and curriculum are adopted for study within Norfolk Public Schools.

I want to note that we appreciate the feedback that we have received from parents and community members regarding the draft state standards and encourage everyone to provide NDE and the State School Board with feedback by completing their survey. 

I also want to note that Norfolk Public Schools values the important role that parents play in the educational process and we understand that some topics may be best taught within the home. Any parent who would prefer to exclude their child from a specific instructional unit may contact their child’s principal with that request.

Rationale:  The committee met at 12:00 today.  The claims for the month of May and Activity claims for April were reviewed.  The committee heard updates from Otte and Hespe concerning the Grant and Lincoln projects.  The committee was then updated on the following:

• Approved NRD grant for elementary playgrounds
• Purchase of Special Education buses and van
• Purchase of General use van
• Nutrition program information for the summer and possibilities in the fall
• CARES Funding update

The committee then discussed the following items on the agenda tonight as action items:

• Request to take proposals for lunch table replacements at SH, JH, BA, JF and LN
• Recommendation for award for a Food Management Company
• Addition of CDL compensation on the 2021-2022 Classified pay schedule
• Student Fees for 2021-2022

The next meeting will be Monday, June 14th at 12:00 noon.

Rationale: 

Policy Committee Report 5-10-2021

The Policy Committee did not meet this week. However, we did review Policy 5416 related to Student Fees via email.  We recommend that the board reaffirm this policy and approve the appendix, which identifies the student fees for 2021-2022.

Rationale: 

Government Relations Committee Report 5-10-20211

The Government Relations Committee was very busy this month monitoring bills and emailing senators with questions and concerns. We met on April 21st and 28th.  

Several of the bills that we were monitoring did not pass first round debate. They include:

• LB 133/LRCA 11 -- otherwise known as the consumption tax bill

• LB 408 -- which would have placed a 3% cap on property tax growth

• LB 454 -- which would have provided state aid for non-equalized schools

• LB 364 -- which would provide tax credits for donations to non-public schools

Bills that we are still monitoring include:

• LB2 -- which would reduce the value of agriculture land for school bond purposes

• LB 529 -- otherwise known as the Lottery Bill.  This bill is important because it provides dual credit and GAP scholarships for students.

• LB 644 -- which would require a joint property tax hearing for schools, cities and county entities, as well as property tax postcards to all land owners

• LB 132 -- which would create a School Finance Review Commission to study and make recommendations regarding school funding

• LB 152 -- which would add requirements to schools regarding financial literacy curriculum.

• LB 523 -- which would eliminate our ability to levy for the Building Fund without a vote of our constituents

Senator Flood has been instrumental in securing amendments to help public schools. He is working very closely with us on several bills, and we appreciate his assistance.

Rationale: 

Activities Committee Report 5-10-2021

The Activities Committee met on April 26th.

Jeff Hoffman led the meeting and shared that Beau Viergutz has been promoted to JH Assistant Principal next year and Tyler Beranek will take his place as JH Activities Director/Dean of Students.

Dr. Hoffman and Mr. Viergutz shared updates on Spring Activities and hiring for 2021-2022.

Dr. Hoffman shared an NSAA update.  He indicated that the NSAA may sanction Girls Wrestling next year and that they have already sanctioned Bowling. Proposals regarding the addition of these activities at NHS may be presented to the Activities Committee and School Board at a later date.

Dr. Hoffman shared an update regarding summer camps and the summer weight room.  We will be offering both at NHS this summer, with safety protocols in place. This may mean that we need to limit the number of students that participate or offer multiple sections. Those plans have not been finalized yet.

Our weight lifting program is being updated to better meet the needs of our student-athletes.  The changes will begin this summer and continue into 2021-2022.  They include a new Teambuildr app that will help individualize student programs and track their progress. 

Activities Committee Meetings for 2021-2022 have been scheduled for:

Monday, October 4, 2021, Noon, Central Office

Monday, December 20, 2021, Noon, Central Office

Monday, February 21, 2022, Noon, Central Office

Monday, April 25, 2022, Noon, Central Office

Rationale:  On April 26th a brief curriculum meeting was held to discuss Middle School Music resources. The Middle School Music teacher, with the help of the teaching and learning team, completed the Decision-Making Matrix to review appropriate resources for 5th and 6th grade. After the review was completed, it was decided to purchase Quaver Music for 5th and 6th grade due to the age appropriateness, digital friendly features, and alignment to standards.

A curriculum committee meeting will be held next fall to review completed summer work.

 

Rationale:  On April 26th at 4:30 p.m. the American Civics Committee met at Central Office as posted in the Norfolk Daily News. Members present were Jenna Hatfield, Jake Claussen, Beth Nelson and myself. Other attendees were Dr. Thompson, Sharie Thelen, Jared Oswald, Chris Swenson and Stephanie Chandler.

The meeting was called to order. Beth Nelson welcomed everyone and gave a brief overview of the committee responsibilities for the new members. No public guests were in attendance.

Jared Oswald gave an update on the Senior High Civics Graduation Requirement Project by sharing a couple of examples. The project is currently completed in the required government class however, teachers have been discussing if the project might better align with American History II. Teachers will be making a decision on this by the end of the school year.

Sharie Thelen and Chris Swenson gave an update on the 8th grade American History textbook selection. New teacher materials were necessary to meet state standards. They shared the decision-making matrix used for rating and comparing resources. After piloting two different resources, they chose the McGraw Hill, Discovering Our Past History of US resource, based upon ease of use, the online features and assessment test bank. Special consideration for cultural sensitivity was given during the review process.

Sharie Thelen and Beth Nelson reported on the 4th Grade Nebraska Studies pilot. Gibbs Smith Education is the only company that currently publishes an exclusive Nebraska resource. Two teachers are participating in a pilot of The Nebraska Adventure. It appears to be a good fit and similar to current materials. This resource has been chosen and 4th grade teachers are excited for an update and the incorporation of online resources.

Beth Nelson indicated that there will be a lot of social studies curriculum work completed during the 2021-22 school year to catch up from a lack of that ability this year.

The Civics Committee Meeting was adjourned at 5:11 p.m.
 

Rationale: 

The Norfolk Public Schools Foundation Board of Directors met on April 19, 2021 at 4:30 p.m. via Zoom.  Fourteen board members were present.  

The board reviewed the meeting minutes from March and the financial reports and the quarterly investment report.  

President Bobbi Theisen shared with the board an update regarding the hiring of a new Executive Director for the foundation.  Several applications were received and four candidates were interviewed.  An offer was extended to Callan Collins.  Callan has accepted the position and will start in May and train with current Executive Director Sarah Dittmer prior to her departure.

Executive Director Sarah Dittmer shared an update with the Foundation Board regarding the Norfolk Area Big Give scheduled for 5/25/2021.  She said the NPS Foundation will again participate in this event and will showcase a couple classroom options for community members to support.  She also shared that the Philanthropy Council has decided to extend the days for giving from 5/17 to 5/25, with the active promotion and celebration of the community giving day occurring on 5/25.  

Committees have been busy this spring season.  Reports included a mention that the NPSF Traditions Breakfast is scheduled for 10/28/2021 at 7:00 a.m. and the venue has been reserved.  Also mentioned was the upcoming scholarship selection process and the foundation’s participation in Honors Night on 5/13.  In addition, grant applications are currently being accepted for the 2021-22 school year.

Rationale:  Minutes of the May 4, 2021 Nurses and Student Health meetings are attached.

Rationale:  Minutes of the April 12 and April 22, 2021 school board meetings are attached.

Rationale: 

Rylee Bessmer

• 2021-2022, 3rd-4th Grade Teacher, Lincoln Montessori
• 12/2020 - Bachelor of Science, Elementary Education, Wayne State College, Wayne, NE
• 1/2021-Present, Remote Learning Teacher, Norfolk Public Schools

Amy Brown

• 2021-2022, Assistant Principal, Norfolk Middle School
• Transferred from 5th Grade Teacher at Norfolk Middle School

Brian Cleary

• 2021-2022, Special Education Teacher, Norfolk Junior High
• Master of Arts, Special Education-Assistive Technology Specialist, University of Nebraska, Kearney
• 2013-Present, Alternate Curriculum Program Teacher, Omaha, NE

Molly Haselhorst

• 2021-2022, Elementary Reading Teacher (.5 FTE), Bel Air Elementary
• Bachelor of Science, University of South Dakota, Vermillion, SD
• 2016-Present, 4th Grade Teacher, Hartington-Newcastle Public School, Hartington, NE

Alexandra Knapp

• 2021-2022, School Psychologist, NPS District
• Education Specialist, School Psychology, University of Nebraska, Kearney, NE
• 8/2020-Present, School Psychologist, Elkhorn Public Schools, Omaha, NE

Rationale:  None at this time.

Rationale:  Attached are the claims for the month of May 2021.  These claims were reviewed earlier today by our Finance and Facility Committee.  There is one conflict statement for this month that needs to be read before voting.

Rationale:  After going through a detailed process overseen by NDE, Lunchtime Solutions scored the highest in its RFP review.  So they have been recommended to continue to provide food management services to the district.  This new agreement is a five-year agreement through the 2025-2026 school year.  Our relationship with Lunchtime Solutions has been strong and we are excited to continue to work with them over the next contract period.

Rationale:  In order to help promote employees to obtain and maintain a CDL operator license, it is recommended that the district add a 20 cent per hour incentive to our current employees who have CDL's and future employee's who have a CDL or are willing to obtain one.  This pay structure would start in the 2021-2022 school year.

Rationale:  The SH, JH, BA, JF and LN have a large number of lunch tables that are at or near the end of their life.  Many are beyond repair or we can no longer get repair parts for them.  So I am recommending the district seek proposals for new tables which will be funded by the district nutrition fund.  We will be specifying Sico tables which have a strong warranty, safety features and a track record for many years of use.

Rationale: 

Rationale:  The next regular meeting of the Board of Education will be held on Monday, June 14, 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.