July 26, 2016 at 6:00 PM - Board of Education Regular Meeting

Rationale: 

Notice of the time and place of the Lincoln Board of Education meeting was e-mailed to an extensive list of local and regional news media.  A mailing list is maintained at the Lincoln Public Schools District Office.  A public notice was published in the LINCOLN JOURNAL STAR.

The Lincoln Board of Education is empowered to act on any item listed on the Agenda at any time during the meeting, irrespective of the time or order listed. Pages listed, or further detail, are available upon request. The Open Meetings Act requires and the intention of the Board is that agenda items be sufficiently descriptive to give the public reasonable notice of the matters to be considered at the meeting. The Lincoln Board of Education releases its agenda well in advance of most meetings and desires that all interested persons are fully informed. Any interested person who has a question or needs clarification about the sufficiency of a descriptive item should contact the Office of the Superintendent of Schools.

Rationale:  The attached minutes are intended to accurately reflect the action of the Board at its previous meetings.

Explanation
The minutes have been prepared for Board approval.

Rationale: 

  Del Whitman, Lincoln Public Schools music teacher
    
    Student Strings Quartet

    Anna Cooper, violin, Lux Middle School

    Lars Pedersen, violin, Scott Middle School

    Josh Duhs, viola, Lux Middle School

    Lily Rippeteau, cello, Irving Middle School

Rationale: 

Bill McCoy, director of Custodial Services and Transportation for Lincoln Public Schools, has been honored with the Art Keller Lifetime Achievement Award by the Nebraska School Transportation Association.

Explanation

Bill McCoy has worked at LPS since 1977, including the last 15 years as the director of transportation.  During the 2014- 15 school year, he supervised more that 1 million miles of bus routes, the number of miles it would take to travel to the moon and back twice.  As director of transportation, Bill has supervised over 17 million miles of student transportation. His transportation responsibilities have included adding and refining bus routes, creating unique approaches to recruiting and onboarding drivers, and handling changing logistics created by the addition of new schools and a growing community.

McCoy has also worked tirelessly to promote bus safety for drivers and students both locally and nationally. Through all the miles, logistics and advocacy, he has helped make school bus rides one of the safest methods of transportation, which is a point of personal pride for him.

McCoy is quick to give credit to his staff, and slow to boast about his own accomplishments. His professionalism is superior, and his co-workers and employees genuinely enjoy working with him.

The Award nomination letter says:

“In every endeavor that Bill McCoy tackles, he exemplifies integrity, professionalism, and service before self. In time of calm and in time of trial he has, and continues to be, the voice of reason to not only his subordinates but his peers and superiors alike. The impact of his many accomplishments will continue to enhance the lives of those who will follow in his footsteps. More importantly, the safety and well-being of our most precious cargo, the children of Nebraska, will forever be positively impacted.”

Rationale: 

In keeping with Board Policy 8420:

• A time limit of five minutes will be allotted for any speaker.
• Members of the Board of Education will not respond or engage with speakers.
• Persons speaking to the Board during public comment may hand out printed materials to the Board but may not use any other form of media.
• The Board Chair may make adjustments to the public comment guidelines, according to Policy 8420.
• If at any time persons appearing before the Board exceed the time limitations or become abusive in language or behavior, the Chair may declare that person out of order and to refuse permission to continue to address the Board.
• Anyone refusing to be identified will be prohibited from speaking.

Rationale: 

Rationale: 

The Human Resources Division also includes the Office of Risk Management.  As such, in addition to the Lincoln Board of Education approving all contractual agreements with employees, all employee benefit issues, all personnel actions, and all other matters within the scope of the Human Resources Division, as part of the Human Resources Matters agenda; the Lincoln Board of Education also must approve the settlement of Workers’ Compensation claims, take action on tort claims filed against the district, and take action on all other matters within the scope of the Office of Risk Management.

Explanation

This report includes routine Human Resources changes:

   a.  Certificated Employees:

             Elections – 44

             Re-Elections New Assignment – 1

             Re-Elections Same Assignment – 3

             Changes of Status – 5

             Leaves of Absence – 8

            Separations – 7

   b.  Substitute Certificated Employees:

             Elections – 9

            Separations – 8

   c.  Classified Employees:

             Elections – 34

             Changes of Status – 9

             Leaves of Absence – 2

            Separations – 53

   e.  Approval of recommended agreement with Continuum Employee Assistance Program.

 

Proposal

That the Board approve the Human Resources items presented in the attachment(s).*

*The information in the attachment(s) may be protected by privacy legislation until the Board of Education takes action on the staff recommendations.  Therefore, this attachment(s) is not included in agenda materials provided the public and the news media.  Any information in the attachment(s) that is not protected by privacy legislation, however, is available for public inspection from the Associate Superintendent for Human Resources upon request.

That the Board is approving the Human Resources items attached with the information as presented or as on file with official district records and documents relating to each such item, or in such other form as may be approved by the Associate Superintendent for Human Resources, or the Associate Superintendent’s designee, and that the Board hereby authorizes the Associate Superintendent for Human Resources, or the Associate Superintendent’s designee, to transact and complete each such item approved hereby, and to sign, execute, and deliver necessary documents or contracts, and to take or cause to be taken any and all other action as may be necessary to complete each such item of transaction as contemplated, for and on behalf of this school district.

Rationale: 

At each meeting, the Board of Education is asked to approve certain items of routine business of the school district.

Explanation
The items included in routine business for this meeting are:

a.  REGULAR CLAIMS – Claims for the period ending July 26, 2016, were previously provided.                   

Federal Tax ACH Deposit of $85,574.54.                   

State Tax ACH Deposit of $824,088.21.                   

Procurement Card ACH Transfer of $181,090.69.                   

Office Depot ACH Transfer of $95,246.87.                   

Vendor ACH Transfer of $253,475.03.

b.  PAYROLL FOR RATIFICATION – Payroll for the period ending July 15, 2016, in the amount of $199,038.97.

c.  GIFTS – Approval for the gifts listed on the attached gift report.

d.  BIDS/CONTRACTS/OTHER ROUTINE BUSINESS – Bids/contracts/other routine business will be presented for approval for the purchase of chromebooks for sixth graders and high school students attending Northeast, TCA, and the Focus Programs; the purchase of chemistry texts for all high schools; the purchase of iPad Minis for Visual Art classrooms; the purchase of LCD projectors for Lincoln High and Southwest; the purchase of chemistry textbooks for all high schools; provision for a la carte pizza in high schools; an agreement for travel of East band students to San Francisco; an agreement to provide snacks for the Family Service After School Program; an agreement for consultation and implementation of the BIST model; conveyance of a Wysong site parcel to the City of Lincoln; an agreement for non-staff lobbying services; an agreement allowing recreation equipment at the former Arnold site; interlocal cooperation act agreements; authorization of easement and conveyance to the City of Lincoln at Moore; authorization of easement and conveyance to LES at Moore; authorization of road completion certificate at Moore Middle School site; items listed for auction; and any other bids/contracts/routine business as presented.

Proposal
That the Lincoln Board of Education approve the following items of routine business:

a.  The regular claims for period ending July 26, 2016.

b.  Payroll for the period ending July 15, 2016.

c.  Gifts for Clinton, Eastridge, Hartley, Kahoa, Lincoln High, Meadow Lane, and the district.

d.  Bids/contracts/other routine business for the purchase of chromebooks for sixth graders and high school students attending Northeast, TCA, and the Focus Programs; the purchase of chemistry texts for all high schools; the purchase of iPad Minis for Visual Art classrooms; the purchase of LCD projectors for Lincoln High and Southwest; the purchase of chemistry textbooks for all high schools; the provision for a la carte pizza in high schools; an agreement for travel of East band students to San Francisco; an agreement to provide snacks for the Family Service After School Program; an agreement for consultation and implementation of the BIST model; conveyance of a Wysong site parcel to the City of Lincoln; an agreement for non-staff lobbying services; an agreement allowing recreation equipment at the former Arnold site; interlocal cooperation act agreements; authorization of easement and conveyance to the City of Lincoln at Moore; authorization of easement and conveyance to LES at Moore; authorization of road completion certificate at Moore Middle School site; items listed for auction; and any other bids/contracts/routine business as presented.

Rationale: 

On February 23, 2016, the Board adopted a resolution to accept option students for the 2016-17 school year.  Applications have been received from students requesting that they be accepted as option students for the 2016-17 school year.  Staff recommends that the students referred to in this agenda item be accepted for enrollment as they are in compliance with the Board resolution of February 23, 2016.      

Explanation
Staff has examined the applications of the students included in this proposal.  The students meet one of the criteria set forth by the Board in its resolution of February 23, 2016.  Staff recommends approval of these applications.      

Proposal  
That the Board adopt the following resolution:  

WHEREAS, the students who have been assigned student numbers 201116, 281946, 222428 (for purposes of confidentiality, assigned numbers are being used) meet one or more of the criteria of the Board resolution of February 23, 2016, with regard to such option students;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the aforementioned students be accepted as option students on the condition and with the express understanding that all programs, all classes and all buildings of assignment, except as otherwise required by law, shall at all times and from time to time during attendance at Lincoln Public Schools be determined solely by Lincoln Public Schools.

Rationale: 

March 15, 2016, was the deadline for enrollment option applications to be completed for students wishing to attend school in a district other than the one in which they reside for the 2016-17 school year.  The Lincoln Public Schools Board of Education has authority to waive the deadline for late enrollment option requests (NDE Rule 7, Section 004.05).      

Explanation 
Requests from students who reside in the district of Lincoln Public Schools and wish to attend school outside of Lincoln Public Schools have been received after the March 15, 2016, deadline.  The Lincoln Public Schools Board of Education may deny or approve these requests.  If these requests are approved by the Board of Education, they will be forwarded to the option school districts for their approval.    

Student Number            Option District
220283                                 Norris                                   
278199                                 Waverly                                   
298188                                 Waverly                                                                                                  

Proposal 
That the Board approves the requests for option out for the 2016-17 school year.

Rationale:  *The Lincoln Board of Education is empowered to act on any item listed on the Agenda at any time during the meeting, irrespective of the time or order listed. Pages listed, or further detail, are available upon request. The Open Meetings Act requires and the intention of the Board is that agenda items be sufficiently descriptive to give the public reasonable notice of the matters to be considered at the meeting. The Lincoln Board of Education  Board releases its agenda well in advance of most meetings and desires that all interested persons are fully informed. Any interested person who has a question or needs clarification about the sufficiency of a descriptive item should contact the Office of the Superintendent of Schools.

Rationale: 

The reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) through the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) includes language that all school districts must adopt.

Explanation

Policy 4772 is a new policy that contains required language for school districts from the Every Students Succeeds Act.

Proposal

 That the Board discuss Policy 4772.

Rationale: 

Lincoln Public Schools has a very positive working relationship with other government entities, working collaboratively to support students and families.

Explanation

The revision of Policy 5502 states the intent of the District is to continue working collaboratively with other government agencies that support LPS students and their families, while preventing undue interference with District operations and educational programming.

Proposal

That the Board discuss proposed changes to Policy 5502.

Rationale: 

Periodically, new circumstances or changes in legislation or regulation from the state or federal government require the school district to make a number of minor updates to align existing policy language without changing the original leadership or organizational intent of the Board.  When the Board has a number of such policies to revise, it compiles them in a single Board agenda item.

Explanation

 The revisions of the policies will align content with changes in circumstances, legislation or regulation from the state or federal government, without changing the original leadership or organizational intent of the original policies.

Proposal

That the Board discuss proposed changes to Policies 6283, 6421, 6570, 6742, and 8442.

Rationale: 

The function of the regular meetings of the Lincoln Board of Education is to conduct the business of the Lincoln Public Schools, as distinguished from providing an open citizens' forum. The Board believes public attendance and participation is beneficial to the work of the Board and models the importance of civic engagement and civil discourse to the community’s children. The Board encourages and provides an opportunity for public comment, recommendation, and advice from community members through the Public Comment agenda item during regular Board meetings, public hearings, and  community engagement forums.

Explanation

 The revision of Policy 8420 provides clarity for the duties of the Board and the Board Chair during the Public Comment agenda item of Board of Education meetings.

Proposal

That the Board discuss proposed changes to Policy 8420.

Rationale: 

Explanation

 Nebraska law and Lincoln Public Schools policy require that the Board of Education evaluate its Superintendent of Schools each year.  Completed evaluations are confidential reports that are placed in and become a part of the Superintendent's personnel file (Section 79-8,109).

The Board of Education and Superintendent’s 2016-17 Annual Goals and Priorities are presented below for consideration at this meeting. 

1. By 2019, develop, implement, and sustain district initiatives that result in an increased graduation rate, with a goal of 90% of on-time graduates that are career and college ready.
2. By February 1, 2017, develop plans and recommend action steps based on the results of the Special Education review.
3. By March 1, 2017, adopt benchmarks that ensure high-quality, sustainable, full-service community schools and communicate a strong vision for current and future partnerships.
4. By May 1, 2017, complete a community-wide strategic planning process to identify community priorities for the district’s next 5-year strategic plan.

 

Rationale: 

The Lincoln Board of Education has recognized the Lincoln Paraeducator Association as the exclusive bargaining agent to negotiate salary, fringe benefits, and working conditions for members of the employee group.  Mr. Robbie Seybert has negotiated with the employee group and tentative agreement has been reached between Lincoln Public Schools and the employee group for the 2016-17 and 2017-18 school years.

Explanation

The proposed agreement for the Lincoln Paraeducator Association is as follows:

• The salary increase for 2016-2017 is 2.88% with a total package increase of 3.46% (compensated on a flat basis).
• The salary increase for 2017-2018 is 2.89% with a total package increase of 3.47% (compensated on a percentage basis).
• Service year stipend increase by $0.10 in the 2016-17 school year.

Health insurance will increase by 4.9% in 2016-2017 (4.9% projected for the following year) and the employee group will hold its employees harmless (money comes out of the package so the district covers the increases).  Minor editorial changes (years, pay, PPACA, etc.) were made.  This settlement is within the parameters set by the Board of Education.

Included in the total package increase for the employee group are all district costs including the district’s contributions to health insurance, state retirement, and Social Security.

Proposal

That the Board of Education consider and discuss the proposed agreement with the Lincoln Paraeducator Association for the 2016-17 and 2017-18 school years.

Rationale: 

Rationale: 

The Planning Committee routinely receives updates on the 2014 Bond Projects.  The committee reviewed the Tier 2 projects on the LPS 10-Year Facility and Infrastructure Plan approved December 13, 2013.   The committee recommends the projects at Belmont, Lincoln High, Northeast, and the Zoo School for funding.  In addition, the committee recommends that staff pursue site acquisitions to be funded by existing undeveloped land value and/or the building fund.

Explanation
Substantial bidding is complete for all Tier 1 Priority projects and staff has conducted a review of revenue planned for the projects.  LPS estimates that $14,500,000 in funding is available for designation of additional projects from the LPS10-Year Facility and Infrastructure Plan.

Proposal
That the Board of Education approve the use of the estimated funding available through the 2014 Bond Program to complete projects at Belmont, Lincoln High, Northeast, and the Zoo School, subject to further Board of Education approval of acceptable project bids and other necessary contractual arrangements.  In addition, the committee recommends that staff pursue site acquisitions to be funded by existing undeveloped land value and/or the building fund.

Rationale: 

The Board of Education must approve all salary schedules/pay rates for the employees of Lincoln Public Schools.

Explanation

Attached are the 2015-16 pay rates for substitute and miscellaneous employees and the proposed 2016-17 pay rates for such employees.

The recommended salary increases range from no increase to a 7.7 percent increase, depending on the employee group.  The determination of what salary to recommend is made in conjunction with the supervisor of that employee group and an assessment of the availability of candidates for the positions.

Proposal

That the Board of Education ratify the proposed pay rates for substitute and miscellaneous employees for the 2016-17 school year.

Rationale: 

The Lincoln Board of Education has recognized the Nutrition Services Workers Association as the exclusive bargaining agent to negotiate salary, fringe benefits, and working conditions for members of the employee group.  Mr. Robbie Seybert has negotiated with the employee group and tentative agreement has been reached between Lincoln Public Schools and the employee group for the 2016-17 and 2017-18 school years.

Explanation

The proposed agreement for the Nutrition Services Workers Association is as follows:

• The salary increase for 2016-2017 is 2.88% with a total package increase of 3.62% (compensated on a percentage basis).
• The salary increase for 2017-2018 is 2.89% with a total package increase of 3.63% (compensated on a flat basis).
• Declined dual option, open enrollment plan for health insurance.
• Eliminated Emergency Leave (3 days) and replaced it with additional Special Leave (2 days) for each employee.

Health insurance will increase by 4.9% in 2016-2017 (4.9% projected for the following year) and the employee group will hold its employees harmless (money comes out of the package so the district covers the increases).  Minor editorial changes (years, pay, dues deduction, PPACA, etc.) were made.  This settlement is within the parameters set by the Board of Education.

Included in the total package increase for the employee group are all district costs including the district’s contributions to health insurance, state retirement, and Social Security.

Proposal

That the Board of Education ratify the proposed agreement with the Nutrition Services Workers Association for the 2016-17 and 2017-18 school years.

Rationale: 

Rationale: 

August 3:
7:30 am - New Teacher Breakfast, Cornhusker Hotel
8:00 am - Chamber Coffee, Chamber Office

August 4: 8:00 am - Federal Legislative Summit, Strategic Air & Space Museum

August 9: 6:00 pm - Board Meeting, LPSDO

 

 

Rationale: 

In keeping with Board Policy 8420:

• A time limit of five minutes will be allotted for any speaker.
• Members of the Board of Education will not respond or engage with speakers.
• Persons speaking to the Board during public comment may hand out printed materials to the Board but may not use any other form of media.
• The Board Chair may make adjustments to the public comment guidelines, according to Policy 8420.
• If at any time persons appearing before the Board exceed the time limitations or become abusive in language or behavior, the Chair may declare that person out of order and to refuse permission to continue to address the Board.
• Anyone refusing to be identified will be prohibited from speaking.

Rationale: 

Explanation
At this point, it is appropriate for the Board to meet in closed session for one of the stated matters and/or any other permissible closed session matters in compliance with the law.

Rationale:  The Lincoln Board of Education is authorized by state statute to hold closed sessions.  Closed sessions may be held when clearly necessary for the protection of the public interest or for the prevention of needless injury to the reputation of an individual.  Reasons that meet this standard include but are not limited to:  (a) strategy sessions with respect to collective bargaining, real estate matters, pending litigation, or litigation which is imminent as evidenced by communication of a claim or threat of litigation to or by the public body; (b) discussion regarding deployment of security personnel or devices; (c) investigative proceedings regarding allegations of criminal misconduct; (d) evaluation of the job performance of a person when necessary to prevent needless injury to the reputation of a person and if such person has not requested a public meeting; and (e) legal advice.