July 19, 2010 at 6:30 PM - Board of Education Regular Meeting

Discussion:  President Wennekamp declared this hearing open at 6:35 PM. This hearing is required by law. Present were board members Mejstrik, Wennekamp, Misek, Semerad, Parr, and Brabec. Also present was assistant principal David Cunningham and community members Lumir Jedlicka and Kem Cavanah. The purpose of this hearing was to examine and explain the changes in student funds for the 2010-2011 school year. The major change in student funds took place in the amount charged for students’ breakfast and lunch. A motion was made to close the hearing by Misek and seconded by Semerad. The hearing closed at 6:39 PM.

Discussion:  The meeting was called to order by President Wennekamp at 6:40 PM. Members present were Mejstrik, Misek, Brabec, Wennekamp, Semerad, and Parr. Others present were Superintendent Stevens and rural Principal Dave Gibbons. Community members present were Kem Cavanah and Lumir Jedlicka.

Discussion:  All present participated in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Discussion:  President Wennekamp stated the meeting was preceded by advance public notice and declared to be an open session.

Discussion:  A motion was made by Parr and seconded by Mejstrik to approve the agenda, minutes, acceptance of claims, financial, and other listed reports.

Discussion:  Kem Cavanah, representing Schuyler Economic Development, was present. He thanked the board of education for their continuing time and service to Schuyler Community Schools and commended those employed by the City of Schuyler for their efforts during the recent flooding and windstorms. The partnership between SCS and NeighborWorks will begin its third year with the SCHS construction class who will be constructing a residence at 19th and B Streets. The SCHSpace website currently registers 611 members. Eighteen SCHS yearbooks are online with plans to add ten more each year.

Discussion:  Principal Gibbons presented information on the Math Envision pilot results. The program was piloted in the first and fifth grade with half of the students participating in the program and half in the control group. Progress was measured by a pre-test and post-test. Results showed more improvement in the first grade than in fifth grade but, showed marked improvement in LEP students. Teachers will be trained to administer this program on July 22.

Discussion:  A request has been made to extend the warranties on the rooftop-heating units at SES; the extended warranty expires September 2010. The supplier has denied the request so purchasing an extended warranty will be investigated along with seeking legal counsel on any other options.

Discussion:  The site to conduct the new automotive technology class was discussed. Questions arose about student transportation to a site and classroom space at the site. McCook High School has offered equipment they used for an automotive class to SCHS at no charge. The board’s consensus was that the class should be conducted at SCHS in the ag shop area.

Discussion:  A meeting is set on August 3, 2010 for negotiations with the certified staff to begin. A suggestion was made that an attempt be made for future negotiations to be held earlier in the year.

Discussion:  The NDOR (Nebraska Dept. of Roads) has been contacted for support of a plan to safely keep cars off of the shoulders on highway 15 near SES. Suggestions include warning lights before and after the overpass on the bypass, reduced speed limit signs, and the addition of a rock road south of the newly planted trees.

Discussion:  Board member Misek updated those present on the status of Cargill Meat Solution’s property valuation protest to Colfax County regarding 2008 and 2009 tax valuations. He added that a ruling on these appeals could take up to six months or longer.

Discussion:  The installation of the new underground sprinkler system at SES is in progress with the trenching work completed.

Discussion:  Discussion on the overcrowding at SCS will be addressed at three public meetings to be held in the SCHS library annex on August 5th and 12 at 7:00 PM and August 16th at 5:30 PM. These meetings will outline the situation, present and seek possible solutions and address questions from the public.

Discussion:  The policy committee met to review the changes in the 2010-2011 certified and classified handbooks.

Discussion:  Superintendent Stevens asked the board to set a date to review changes made by the legislature and to update SCS policies accordingly.

Discussion:  Superintendent Stevens asked the board's permission to renew membership in the NRCSA.

Discussion:  The 2010 school census has been completed. According to the reports, the number of school age students should increase by fifty students comparing 2009 to 2010 data. Enrollment projections for 2010-2011 are: grades K-3, 630, grades 4-8, 647, and grades 9-12, 466. Students who option into or out of the district will also affect these numbers.

Discussion:  The Back-to-School get-together for all SCS personnel will be held on August 15 at the Oak Ballroom.

Discussion:  Evaluations for all administrators and coordinators have been completed.

Discussion:  The NASB annual membership meeting will be held on September 29 and all board members are encouraged to attend.

Discussion:  SCS has received notice that the NDE has approved their accreditation for the 2010-2011 school year.

Discussion:  The next regularly scheduled meeting will be held on August 16 at 6:30 PM to be preceded by a hearing and public meeting on the overcrowding issue at 5:30 PM.

Discussion:  Correspondence was received from Lisa Clausen upon condolences from SCS received by her family.

Discussion:  A motion was made at 8:42 PM by Parr and seconded by Mejstrik to adjourn. Motion carried.