October 9, 2023 at 6:00 PM - Board of Education Regular Meeting

1. Call to Order

1.1. Roll Call

1.2. Recognition of Open Meeting Law

1.3. Pledge of Allegiance

1.3.1. Oath of Office - Student Board Member - Jonathan Frank

2. Reports, Communications & Public Participation

2.1. Board accepts public comments

2.2. Student board member report

2.3. Presentation from Members of Bison Bass Fishing Team

3. Approve the consent agenda which includes the minutes and financials

3.1. Approval of Expenditures/Payroll for September 2023

4. Reports from Staff Members and Committees

4.1. Facilities Committee

4.2. Finance Committee

5. Administrator's written reports: Please review prior to the board meeting

6. Superintendent's comments:
Construction Manager At Risk Update

1. We hosted __ construction companies on October 3. These companies came to an introductory meeting where the contractors gave an overview of the project and answered questions.
2. Our first construction manager at risk committee meeting will be on October 30. During this meeting, committee members will review the paper submissions from all of the contracting companies interested in working on the Jr./Sr. high project.
   1. Depending on the number of contractors that submit for the job, the committee will eliminate all but 3 or 4 companies. The remaining companies will be interviewed by the committee in early November. 

Meeting with Jr. High teaching Staff

1. I had a information meeting with the Jr. high teaching staff concerning the Jr./Sr. High building project. The meeting went very well and they are enthusiastic about the project. 
2. I have also collected feedback from them, which I will share with the board once the comments are transferred from handwritten notes to an electronic document.
3. I will be meeting with the Sr. high staff in the near future. 

Rule 10 Review Process

1. McCook Public Schools is currently reviewing Rule 10 accreditation requirements. Following the review of Rule 10, the district will submit a compliance sheet with the Nebraska Department of Education. 

Commissioner's Superintendent Advisory Committee

1. I have been selected to participate on the Commissioners superintendent advisory committee. The committee met for the first time in September and we discussed several pressing issues in the state.
   1. The state wide assessment. There is widespread angst with the current assessment system.
   2. The teacher shortage and staffing issues. Many schools are currently running without a full slate of teachers, which is causing teacher overload due to class sizes being pushed higher and higher. 
   3. The issues related to teacher certification and the amount of time it takes for teachers to be approved to teach by the state.
   4. The school budgeting process and the legislative pressure that is being placed on school districts to help with "political agendas".

School Improvement Update (a copy of the action plan is attached) 

1. Parent surveys are currently being disseminated.
2. The action plan has been reviewed and some minor changes have been made.
3. Discussed developments with the district's communications and how to share our action plan with all stakeholders. 

Safety Upgrade - Protective Window Coverings

1. We have been in contact with a company that specializes in installing protective film on windows that prevents them from breaking apart if purposely vandalized. The film keeps the glass intact and makes it very difficult for someone to smash the glass to enter the building. The windows and doors have been measured, and we are now waiting for an estimate for the product and installation. 
2. It is my intent to apply for grant funds to pay for or help pay for this safety upgrade. 

7. Business Manager's Report/Comments

8. Board member comments

9. New Business

9.1. Accept a donation from McCook National Bank for the Bison Debit cards, in the amount of $2,099.30 with gratitude. 

9.2. Approve a student trip to FFA National Convention. 

9.3. Approve a student trip to the Dominican Republic.

The purpose of this trip is to allow students to engage with a different culture and to utilize their Spanish language skills. 

10. Positive Comments

11. Adjournment

12. Items for Review